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1
Shah, Smita, Brett G. Toelle, Susan M. Sawyer, Jessica K. Roydhouse, Peter Edwards, Tim Usherwood, and Christine R. Jenkins. "Feasibility study of a communication and education asthma intervention for general practitioners in Australia." Australian Journal of Primary Health 16, no. 1 (2010): 75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py09056.
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The Physician Asthma Care Education (PACE) program significantly improved asthma prescribing and communication behaviours of primary care paediatricians in the USA. We tested the feasibility and acceptability of a modified PACE program with Australian general practitioners (GP) and measured its impact on self-reported consulting behaviours in a pilot study. Recruitment took place through a local GP division. Twenty-five GP completed two PACE Australia workshops, which incorporated paediatric asthma management consistent with Australian asthma guidelines and focussed on effective communication strategies. Program feasibility, usefulness and perceived benefit were measured by questionnaires before the workshop and 1 month later, and an evaluation questionnaire after each workshop. GP were universally enthusiastic and supportive of the workshops. The most useful elements they reported were communication skills, case studies, device demonstrations and the toolkit provided. GP self reports of the perceived helpfulness of the key communication strategies and their confidence in their application and reported frequency of use increased significantly after the workshops. The PACE program shows promise in improving the way in which Australian GP manage asthma consultations, particularly with regard to doctor–patient communication. The impact of the modified PACE Australia program on the processes and outcomes of GP care of children with asthma is now being measured in a randomised controlled trial.
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Zhang, Zhiming, Yongtao Tan, Long Shi, Lei Hou, and Guomin Zhang. "Current State of Using Prefabricated Construction in Australia." Buildings 12, no. 9 (September 1, 2022): 1355. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091355.
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The Australian prefabricated construction market has been developing rapidly in recent years. New prefabrication-related technologies, materials, systems and services are also emerging in the current Australian market. Although some studies have been undertaken to explore the benefits and challenges of implementing prefabrication in Australia over the past 15 years, they do not reflect the recent changes in the industry. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap and identify the major changes in the current Australian prefabricated construction industry from industrial perceptions. Through literature reviews and industry interviews, factors reflecting major changes in the current Australian prefabricated construction, including prefabrication industry development, emerging benefits and challenges, were identified and discussed in this study. The challenges identified from interviews were classified into eight aspects related to feasibility, design, manufacturing, transportation, on-site construction, standardisation, skills and knowledge, finance and market. Furthermore, 21 recommendations and related key responsible parties were identified to tackle these challenges. The findings will provide useful references for various stakeholders to have a better understanding of the current prefabrication industry development in the Australian context and re-think how to adapt to future changes for the uptake of prefabricated construction in Australia.
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Scott, John K., Kathryn L. Batchelor, and Bruce L. Webber. "Long term monitoring of recruitment dynamics determines eradication feasibility for an introduced coastal weed." NeoBiota 50 (September 2, 2019): 31–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.50.35070.
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Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata) is a Weed of National Significance in Australia and has impacted a significant portion of the eastern coastline. Its discovery in Western Australia was, therefore, a cause for concern. Assessment and control of the isolated and well-defined population began in 2012. To assess the feasibility of eradication in Western Australia as a management outcome for bitou bush, we applied a rigorous data-driven quantification and prediction process to the control program. Between 2012 and 2018 we surveyed over 253 ha of land and removed 1766 bitou bush plants. Approximately 97 person-days were spent over the six years of survey. We measured the seed bank viability for five years starting in 2013, with the 2017 survey results indicating a decline of mean viable seeds/m2 from 39.3 ± 11.4 to 5.7 ± 2.2. In 2018 we found only ten plants and no newly recruited seedlings in the population. No spread to other areas has been recorded. Soil core studies indicate that the soil seed bank is unlikely to persist beyond eight years. Eradication of the population in Western Australia, defined as five years without plants being detected, therefore remains a realistic management goal. The information generated from the documentation of this eradication program provides invaluable insight for weed eradication attempts more generally: novel detection methods can be effective in making surveys more efficient, all survey methods are not entirely accurate and large plants can escape detection, bitou bush seeds persist in the soil but become effectively undetectable at low densities, and migration of seed was unquantifiable, possibly compromising delimitation. Continued monitoring of the Western Australian population will determine how much of a risk these factors represent to eradication as the outcome of this management program.
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Lisson, S. N., and N. J. Mendham. "Agronomic studies of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) in south-eastern Australia." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 40, no. 8 (2000): 1101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea00059.
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This paper reports on field agronomy studies into flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) conducted in Tasmania, Australia from 1994 to 1997. These studies investigated the performance of selected cultivars, and responses to sowing date, plant density and irrigation. The work formed part of a feasibility study assessing the potential of fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and flax as sources of fibre for the Australian newsprint industry. Two cultivar evaluation trials were conducted at the University of Tasmania Farm, Cambridge, in Tasmania’s south-east. One of these included 7 European and Australian flax cultivars, and the other, 4 mucilage linseed cultivars. The European flax cultivars yielded significantly more stem and bark fibre than the Australian flax cultivars. Of the former group, Ariane (841 g/m 2 ) and Marina (883 g/m 2 ) performed the best in terms of stem yield production, while Viking had comparable bark yields to these 2 cultivars. With the exception of cv. Kreola (543 g/m 2 ), which produced comparable stem yields to the Australian flax cultivars, the linseed cultivars were short and produced relatively low stem yields. Interestingly, seed yields (149–194 g/m 2 ) were not superior to those for the flax cultivars (156–218 g/m 2 ). While offering little dual-purpose seed/fibre potential, they may supply a future niche market for seed production. Three other trials were conducted to investigate the response of flax to seeding rate and sowing date, and the interactions between seeding rate, sowing date and irrigation availability. Autumn sowings of flax gave higher yields of both stem and seed compared with winter and spring sowings. Reasonable stem and seed yields were achieved from dryland cropping of flax. However, good results from such rainfed crops in Tasmania will depend on autumn sowing and good rainfall during winter and spring seasons. There were clear yield benefits from irrigation between early November and January, when the amount and distribution of rainfall was poor. The selection of an optimum seeding rate will depend on the sowing date and involve a compromise between maximising yield and minimising potential losses from lodging. The decreased occurrence of lodging with winter and spring sowings in this study, suggests that later sowings can accommodate higher seeding rates.
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Howat, Gary, Gary Crilley, and Duncan Murray. "Using Performance Measures to Assess Performance of Indoor and Outdoor Aquatic Centres." Journal of Management & Organization 11, no. 1 (January 2005): 6–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1833367200004375.
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ABSTRACTA recent trend throughout Australia has been to develop multi-purpose indoor public aquatic centres in favour of outdoor pools. Such major policy and planning decisions often rely on consultants' feasibility studies, yet there is limited comprehensive industry-wide data available on which to base such decisions. The industry-wide performance measures discussed in this paper help fill this void by providing objective data to support the contention that multi-purpose indoor aquatic centres tend to outperform centres with solely outdoor pools. The key indicators of performance are based on financial viability and community participation data for a sample of Australian public aquatic centres.
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Howat, Gary, Gary Crilley, and Duncan Murray. "Using Performance Measures to Assess Performance of Indoor and Outdoor Aquatic Centres." Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 11, no. 1 (January 2005): 6–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.5172/jmo.2005.11.1.6.
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ABSTRACTA recent trend throughout Australia has been to develop multi-purpose indoor public aquatic centres in favour of outdoor pools. Such major policy and planning decisions often rely on consultants' feasibility studies, yet there is limited comprehensive industry-wide data available on which to base such decisions. The industry-wide performance measures discussed in this paper help fill this void by providing objective data to support the contention that multi-purpose indoor aquatic centres tend to outperform centres with solely outdoor pools. The key indicators of performance are based on financial viability and community participation data for a sample of Australian public aquatic centres.
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Wilson, H. H. K., M. Schulz, L. Mills, and N. Lintzeris. "Feasibility and outcomes of a general practice and specialist alcohol and other drug collaborative care program in Sydney, Australia." Australian Journal of Primary Health 28, no. 2 (February 2, 2022): 158–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py20197.
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Alcohol and other drug (AoD) use is an important health and community issue and may be positively affected by collaborative care programs between specialist AoD services and general practice. This paper describes the feasibility, model of care and patient outcomes of a pilot general practice and specialist AoD (GP-AoD) collaborative care program, in Sydney, Australia, based on usual care data, the minimum data set, service utilisation information and the Australian Treatment Outcome Profile (ATOP), a patient-reported outcome measure. There were 367 referrals to the collaborative care program. GPs referred 210 patients, whereas the AoD service referred 157 patients. Most GP referrals (91.9%) were for AoD problems, whereas nearly half the AoD service referrals were for other issues. The primary drugs of concern in the GP group were either opioids or non-opioids (mostly alcohol). The AoD service-referred patients were primarily using opioids. An ATOP was completed for 152 patients. At the time of referral, those in the GP-referred non-opioid group were significantly less likely to be abstinent, used their primary drug of concern more days and were more likely to be employed (all P < 0.001). A second ATOP was completed for 93 patients. These data showed a significant improvement in the number of days the primary drug of concern was used (P = 0.026) and trends towards abstinence, improved quality of life and physical and psychological well-being for patients in the program. There are few studies of GP-AoD collaborative care programs and nothing in the Australian context. This study suggests that GP-AoD collaborative care programs in Australia are feasible and improve drug use.
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Bolton, Keith G. E., and Margaret Greenway. "A feasibility study of Melaleuca trees for use in constructed wetlands in subtropical Australia." Water Science and Technology 35, no. 5 (March 1, 1997): 247–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.1997.0209.
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Three tree species from the genus Melaleuca are being examined for use in constructed wetlands in subtropical SE Queensland, Australia. Growth responses of Melaleuca to secondary treated effluent (100% - approximately 5mgPL−1 and 8mgNL−1), half strength (50%), P enriched (+P) and N enriched (+N) secondary treated effluents were monitored in a 2 year pot trial. A growth index was derived from measurements of height, girth diameter, branch number and new leaf number. Highest rates of growth were achieved in the +N and 100% treatments, and lowest rates in the +P and 50% treatments. Seasonal growth trends were evident. Continuously waterlogged trees had slightly higher growth rates than those subjected to aeration cycles, demonstrating their suitability to wetland environments. An aerated network through the bark extending to the roots may provide a mechanism of root aeration. Biomass and nutrient partitioning were measured in an experimental constructed Melaleuca wetlands receiving pure effluent. Biomass nutrient accumulation rates were comparable to studies of other macrophytes. M. alternifolia stored approximately three times more N and P than M. quinquenervia. However, M. quinquenervia had higher rates of litter fall induced by severe insect damage, increasing the rate of transfer of nutrients to the long term sediment sink. P concentrations in the senescent leaves were highly responsive to external concentrations, and may be used as an indicator of P loading rates in constructed wetlands. Since senescent leaves provide a major pathway of biomass nutrients into the sediment sink, this provides a self regulating P storage mechanism.
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Anderson, Rob, Phil Haywood, Tim Usherwood, Marion Haas, and Jane Hall. "Alternatives to for-profit corporatisation: The view from general practice." Australian Journal of Primary Health 11, no. 2 (2005): 78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py05025.
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The aim of this study was to assess the expressed preferences of general practitioners (GPs) for alternative organisational models to for-profit GP corporatisation. A review of the findings of six feasibility studies that examined alternative organisational models for general practice in Australia was undertaken. Five feasibility studies were conducted within nine Divisions of General Practice, and a feasibility study was conducted by a state-based organisation among all 15 of its member Divisions. Overall, the six projects demonstrated a strong resistance among most GPs to any alternative model that involved giving up autonomy over practice matters. Consequently, the most favoured alternative organisational model was the "service company" - the establishment of a third party to provide a range of practice support services. In general, there was implicit acceptance that the service company could recover the cost of support service provision by charging GPs on a fee-for-service basis, and also that the Division itself would be the most acceptable organisation to take on this role. However, in four Divisional areas GPs revealed very low motivation towards either working together or with the local Division as a service company. Although these feasibility studies were carried out using different methods, and in a small sample of mostly urban Divisions, they suggest that many GPs would support their Divisions - or some other Division-related third party - to become more active providers of a range of practice support services.
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Hurlimann, A., D. Hes, M. Othman, and T. Grant. "Charting a new course for water—is black water reuse sustainable?" Water Supply 7, no. 5-6 (December 1, 2007): 109–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/ws.2007.107.
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The world is facing a water crisis, and Australia is no exception. New regimes for the supply, use, and delivery of water are needed to ensure a sustainable water future. Black water reuse through ‘sewer mining’ or onsite treatment, proposes to be one initiative that may possibly offer a viable and sustainable alternative approach to water provision in many contexts. However, despite the potential benefits of black water reuse, its feasibility is not yet fully understood. In particular, there is much uncertainty surrounding the following issues: (1) community acceptance, (2) policy complexities, (3) performance impacts of these localised systems, and (4) environmental balance over the full life cycle. This paper outlines research needs surrounding black water reuse with a focus on these four major issues. The paper presents a research agenda to address these important issues. This research agenda involves two Australian commercial case studies: the Council House 2 building in Melbourne, and the Bendigo Bank building in Bendigo.
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Harris, Jessica, Julia Carins, Joy Parkinson, and Kerry Bodle. "A Socio-Cognitive Review of Healthy Eating Programs in Australian Indigenous Communities." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 15 (July 29, 2022): 9314. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159314.
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Purpose: This paper aims to understand the challenges to healthy eating for Indigenous Australians using a Social Cognitive Theory lens. Understanding the environmental, cognitive, and behavioural barriers to healthy eating for Indigenous populations in Australia will help identify current gaps and highlight future actions needed in this area to close the gap for Indigenous Australians. Study design: Narrative review of interventions of healthy eating programs in Australian Indigenous communities sourced using a systematic search protocol to understand the environmental, cognitive, and behavioural barriers to healthy eating among Indigenous Australians and to identify gaps and future actions needed to address this from 2010–2020. Results: The search produced 486 records, after duplicates were removed and the inclusion and exclusion process were utilised, seven interventions were retained in nine studies. The seven interventions had multiple study designs, from randomised control trials to case studies. Conclusions: Further work needs to explore the long-term feasibility of providing fruit and vegetable discounts and the impact of remoteness for the delivery of healthy food. Dietary interventions need to be clearly described, and fidelity and process of the design and implementation process to help with replication of work.
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Sangha, Kamaljit K., Ronju Ahammad, Muhammed Sohail Mazahar, Matt Hall, Greg Owens, Leanne Kruss, Gordon Verrall, Jo Moro, and Geoff Dickinson. "An Integrated Assessment of the Horticulture Sector in Northern Australia to Inform Future Development." Sustainability 14, no. 18 (September 16, 2022): 11647. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su141811647.
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The horticulture sector in northern Australia, covering north of Western Australia (WA), Northern Territory (NT), and north Queensland (QLD), contributes $1.6 billion/year to the Australian economy by supplying diverse food commodities to meet domestic and international demand. To date, the Australian Government has funded several studies on developing the north’s agriculture sector, but these primarily focused on land and water resources and omitted an integrated, on-ground feasibility analysis for including farmers’/growers’ perspectives. This study is the first of its kind in the north for offering a detailed integrated assessment, highlighting farmers’ perspectives on the current state of the north’s horticulture sector, and related challenges and opportunities. For this, we applied a bottom-up approach to inform future agriculture development in the region, involving a detailed literature review and conducting several focus group workshops with growers and experts from government organisations, growers’ associations, and regional development agencies. We identified several key local issues pertaining to crop production, availability of, and secure access to, land and water resources, and workforce and marketing arrangements (i.e., transport or processing facilities, export opportunities, biosecurity protocols, and the role of the retailers/supermarkets) that affect the economic viability and future expansion of the sector across the region. For example, the availability of the workforce (skilled and general) has been a challenge across the north since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Similarly, long-distance travel for farm produce due to a lack of processing and export facilities in the north restricts future farm developments. Any major investment should be aligned with growers’ interests. This research highlights the importance of understanding and incorporating local growers’ and researchers’ perspectives, applying a bottom-up approach, when planning policies and programs for future development, especially for the horticulture sector in northern Australia and other similar regions across the globe where policy makers’ perspectives may differ from farmers.
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Quinn, Matthew. "Carbon capture and storage: a review of Australian projects." APPEA Journal 62, no. 1 (May 13, 2022): 334–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aj21161.
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Within Australia, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture, utilisation and storage will play a significant role as part of an ‘all of the above’ approach to managing greenhouse gas emissions. Two CCS projects are currently operating: Gorgon and the Otway CCS project. The Gorgon and Jansz-Io fields contain approximately 14% carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 is brought to shore at Barrow Island and injected into the Dupuy Formation saline aquifer at a depth of 2500 m. While the project has experienced delays with start-up and operational issues, to July 2021 nearly 5 MMt of CO2 had been injected. The Otway CCS Project is a research facility used to study subsurface CO2 storage and behaviour within saline aquifers and depleted reservoirs. Since the start of the project in 2007 a total of 95 000 t of CO2 has been stored. Final Investment Decision was taken for the Moomba CCS project on 1 November 2021 and for the Leigh Creek Urea project in March 2021. In addition, feasibility studies are being carried out across multiple projects within Australia including the South West and Mid-West Projects in the Perth Basin, CarbonNet in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Basin and the Moonie oil field EOR, Integrated Surat Basin Project and the ATP 2062-P Buckland Basalt projects in the Bowen-Surat Basin. A CCS hub at Bayu-Undan is being assessed as a possible option to reduce the carbon footprint of the Barossa, Caldita and Evans Shoals projects, and feasibility studies are underway into large-scale multi-user CCS hubs near both Darwin and Karratha.
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Connor, M. A., and D. Reeve. "The Clean Technology Incentive Scheme of the State of Victoria, Australia." Water Science and Technology 29, no. 8 (April 1, 1994): 37–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.1994.0377.
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Over the past decade environment protection policies have placed increasing emphasis on waste minimisation and cleaner production techniques. The Environment Protection Authority in Victoria, Australia, has sought to encourage waste minimisation by establishing a Clean Technology Incentive Scheme. This Scheme makes available secured interest-free loans of up to $100,000 to selected small and medium-sized companies proposing to install proven yet innovative waste reducing technology. Applications are evaluated by a Review Committee drawn from a diversity of backgrounds. The technical feasibility, innovativeness, environmental benefits and financial soundness of proposals are assessed and a short-list of potential loan recipients prepared. The managerial competence and financial status of short-listed applicants is checked before loans are made. The Scheme was established in 1988 and since then 35 offers of loans have been made. Whilst the newness of the Scheme makes evaluation of its long-term effectiveness premature, results to date are encouraging. Case studies of three especially successful projects are presented.
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Higginbottom, K., CL Northrope, DB Croft, B. Hill, and E. Fredline. "The role of kangaroos in Australian tourism." Australian Mammalogy 26, no. 1 (2004): 23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am04023.
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Generally absent from the debate on the management of kangaroos (Macropodoidea) is discussion of their role in tourism. This paper examines the role that kangaroos play in Australian tourism, synthesising the findings of four related projects undertaken recently by the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism. It investigates the role of kangaroos in tourism marketing imagery, international tourist demand and existing tourism enterprises, and examines opportunities for future development of tourism involving kangaroos. In order to assess these aspects, experimental studies, interviews, visitor surveys, content analysis of advertising material, postal surveys of wildlife professionals and site visits were conducted. The kangaroo was found to be one of the world?s best-recognised tourism icons and to generate positive responses among Americans; yet it is apparently under-utilised in overseas travel brochures designed to attract international tourists to Australia. The use of kangaroos in tourism is already widespread, with over 190 tourism enterprises including kangaroo viewing, and with the kangaroo featuring in organised wildlife tourism more frequently than any other type of animal. However kangaroos are generally just one component of a broader tourism experience. While 18.4% of international visitors are motivated to visit Australia partly because of its native animals, there are very few who would not come otherwise. Kangaroos and koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are by far the most popular animals with international visitors. Most visitors who wished to do so, succeeded in seeing kangaroos during their visit, and most expressed high levels of satisfaction with their wildlife experiences. The most satisfying kangaroo viewing experiences are likely to involve the relatively large, social species of open habitats. However areas where these species are most likely to be abundant mostly score poorly in terms of feasibility of tourism. Tourism is one significant management option for Australia?s kangaroos, and its potential deserves further investigation.
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Wright, Simon, Mark Frost, Alfred Wong, and Kevin A. Parton. "Australian Renewable-Energy Microgrids: A Humble Past, a Turbulent Present, a Propitious Future." Sustainability 14, no. 5 (February 23, 2022): 2585. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14052585.
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As the global energy market undergoes a wholesale transformation accelerated by the need to decarbonise, a rapid transition to renewable energy and the mass deployment of distributed energy resources, autonomous energy networks or microgrids are emerging as an attractive mechanism for the delivery of electricity to end users. Yet in Australia, at least, relatively little is known about key aspects of microgrids that are fundamental to their successful deployment, not least the more commercial and economic elements rather than the purely technical. Drawing on the extant global literature on microgrids, in this paper, we explore the most important of these aspects including business models, ownership and investment. Identifying the ambiguity, inconsistency and uncertainty evident in many of the feasibility studies currently in train across Australia, in this paper, we highlight specific areas for future research. These research areas must be addressed if the full potential of microgrids is to be realised in the context of a global energy transition both domestically and internationally.
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Donato, Ronald, and Jeffrey Richardson. "Diagnosis-based risk adjustment and Australian health system policy." Australian Health Review 30, no. 1 (2006): 83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah060083.
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Diagnosis-based risk adjustment is increasingly seen as an important tool for establishing capitation payments and evaluating appropriateness and efficiency of services provided and has become an important area of research for many countries contemplating health system reform. This paper examines the application of a risk-adjustment method, extensively validated in the United States, known as diagnostic cost groups (DCG), to a large Australian hospital inpatient data set. The data set encompassed hospital inpatient diagnoses and inpatient expenditure for the entire metropolitan population residing in the state of New South Wales. The DCG model was able to explain 34% of individual-level variation in concurrent expenditure and 5.2% in subsequent year expenditure, which is comparable to US studies using inpatient-only data. The degree of stability and internal consistency of the parameter estimates for both the concurrent and prospective models indicate the DCG methodology has face validity in its application to NSW health data sets. Modelling and simulations were conducted which demonstrate the policy applications and significance of risk adjustment model(s) in the Australian context. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using large individual-level data sets for diagnosis-based risk adjustment research in Australia. The results suggest that a research agenda should be established to broaden the options for health system reform.
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Yates, Max, Claire E. Owen, Sara Muller, Karly Graham, Lorna Neill, Helen Twohig, Maarten Boers, et al. "Feasibility and Face Validity of Outcome Measures for Use in Future Studies of Polymyalgia Rheumatica: An OMERACT Study." Journal of Rheumatology 47, no. 9 (February 1, 2020): 1379–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.190575.
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Objective.To survey participants with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) to evaluate the face validity, acceptability, and domain match of proposed candidate outcome measures.Methods.A structured, online, anonymous survey was disseminated by patient support groups through their networks and online forums. The candidate outcome measures comprised (1) visual analog scale (VAS) and numerical rating score (NRS) to assess pain; (2) VAS, NRS, and duration to assess stiffness; (3) the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index to assess physical function; and (4) C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate to assess inflammation. Free-text answers were analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis to determine respondents’ views of the candidate instruments.Results.Seventy-eight people with PMR from 6 countries (UK, France, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) participated in the survey. Most respondents agreed candidate instruments were acceptable or “good to go.” Free-text analysis identified 5 themes that participants considered inadequately covered by the proposed instruments. These related to (1) the variability, context, and location of pain; (2) the variability of stiffness; (3) fatigue; (4) disability; and (5) the correlation of inflammatory marker levels and severity of symptoms, sometimes reflecting disease activity and other times not.Conclusion.Participants reported additional aspects of their experience that are not covered by the proposed instruments, particularly for the experience of stiffness and effect of fatigue. New patient-reported outcome measures are required to increase the relevance of results from clinical trials to patients with PMR.
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Millard, Tanya, Karalyn McDonald, Sonya Girdler, Sean Slavin, and Julian Elliot. "Online self-management for gay men living with HIV: a pilot study." Sexual Health 12, no. 4 (2015): 308. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sh15064.
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Background The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of Positive Outlook, an online self-management program for gay men living with HIV in Australia. Methods: Two pilot studies were conducted, a small feasibility study (Pilot 1) followed by a pilot randomised controlled study (Pilot 2). Pilot 1 employed a pre and post-test design and included 10 men. Within- and between-group differences were evaluated in Pilot 2, which involved 37 participants randomly assigned to receive the Positive Outlook Program or usual care. We report on feasibility, acceptability and a range of preliminary efficacy outcomes, including health education impact, HIV-related quality of life and HIV-related self-efficacy. Results: The program was well accepted by participants with some decline in engagement with the discussion boards witnessed over the duration of the program. Overall, intervention group participants demonstrated improvements in the majority of efficacy outcome measures, including HIV-related quality of life, self-efficacy, self-management skills, social support and adjustment to HIV. Conclusion: These pilot studies demonstrated that an online program to facilitate self-management among gay men living with HIV is both feasible and well accepted by participants who persisted with the program per protocol. Preliminary data suggest that the Positive Outlook program has the potential to enhance participants’ quality of life, self-efficacy and health related outcomes, and demonstrates the need for further study with a larger sample.
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Hurayra, M. A., and A. Rahman. "Rainwater harvesting at place of worship: a case study in Australia." IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1022, no. 1 (May 1, 2022): 012063. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1022/1/012063.
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Abstract There are several ways of preserving water covering technical, legal and cultural aspects. More recently, Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) has become one of the popular means of water-saving. A few studies on RWH system at place of worship have been undertaken; however, there has not been any detailed study in Australia. This research aims to explore how Islamic scripture can be used to promote water conservation among the Muslim community, specifically, this examines the feasibility of a RWH system at St Marys Islamic Centre, New South Wales, Australia where a RWH system is proposed to supplement mains water for regular uses such as washing, gardening, and socio-religious functions. Based on local daily rainfall data, a water balance model has been developed to estimate reliability of a RWH system at the proposed location. The preliminary result shows that for a 10 kL tank size, the average reliability of the proposed RWH system is 69% for 400 people. However, if the tank size increases, reliability also increases and therefore, higher tank size is needed at the proposed site. Finally, this result will be useful to understand the effects of Islamic motivation and RWH on water preservation. It is also expected that the outcomes of this research will promote water conservation in places of worship and community centres across Australia and other countries.
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Pasricha, Sant-Rayn, Denese C. Marks, Hannah Salvin, Tania Brama, Anthony J. Keller, Joanne Pink, and Joanna Speedy. "Postdonation iron replacement for maintaining iron stores in female whole blood donors in routine donor practice: results of two feasibility studies in Australia." Transfusion 57, no. 8 (May 18, 2017): 1922–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/trf.14173.
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Liang, Yaqun, George Binh Lenon, Mingdi Li, and Angela Wei Hong Yang. "Feasibility of self-administered acupressure for allergic rhinitis: a pilot randomized controlled trial and lessons learnt for future studies." Acupuncture in Medicine 40, no. 2 (November 12, 2021): 142–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/09645284211055757.
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Objectives: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated inflammatory condition that is highly prevalent worldwide. The aim of this pilot trial was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of self-administered acupressure for AR. Methods: A randomized, single-blind, non-specific controlled clinical trial was conducted at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, Australia. Fifteen AR patients were randomized into two groups: self-administered acupressure at five specific acupressure (SA) points or five non-specific acupressure (NSA) points (1 min/point, twice a day), and treated for 4 weeks with an 8-week follow-up period. The primary outcome was the change in 7-point scale symptom severity. Secondary outcomes included the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire and standardized activities (RQLQs), medication usage, adverse events and participants’ opinions of the blinding method. The Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 26 was used for data analyses. Results: Fourteen participants completed the study and no major adverse events were reported. No statistically significant differences between SA and NSA groups were identified in 7-point scale symptom severity scores, RQLQs or medication usage. However, participants in the SA group believed that SA was useful for AR and recommended it for self-care. The credibility of the blinding method was successful. No adverse effects were considered to be related to the intervention. Conclusion: Acupressure is feasible and appears to be safe for self-administration by AR sufferers. Experience from this pilot study has guided minor amendments to the protocol. A large-scale randomized controlled trial is warranted to further investigate the efficacy and safety of self-administered acupressure for the management of AR.
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Perdacher, Elke, David Kavanagh, Jeanie Sheffield, Karyn Healy, Penny Dale, and Edward Heffernan. "Using the Stay Strong App for the Well-being of Indigenous Australian Prisoners: Feasibility Study." JMIR Formative Research 6, no. 4 (April 8, 2022): e32157. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/32157.
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Background The gap between mental health needs and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Indigenous people of Australia, is most marked in the prison population. Indigenous people are overrepresented in Australian prisons. In prison, this group experiences mental disorders to a greater degree than non-Indigenous prisoners. This group has also been found to experience mental disorder at a higher rate than Indigenous people in the community. In addition to pre-existing determinants of poor mental health, these high prevalence rates may reflect poor engagement in mainstream interventions or the efficacy of available interventions. In community populations, the use of digital mental health resources may help to increase access to well-being support. However, culturally appropriate digital tools have not been available to Indigenous people in prisons. The absence of feasibility and efficacy studies of these tools needs to be addressed. Objective The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of the Stay Strong app as a digital well-being and mental health tool for use by Indigenous people in prison. Methods Dual government agency (health and corrective services) precondition requirements of implementation were identified and resolved. This was essential given that the Stay Strong app was to be delivered by an external health agency to Indigenous prisoners. Then, acceptability at a practice level was tested using postuse qualitative interviews with clients and practitioners of the Indigenous Mental Health Intervention Program. All Indigenous Mental Health Intervention Program practitioners (10/37, 27%) and client participants who had completed their second follow-up (review of the Stay Strong app; 27/37, 73%) during the study period were invited to participate. Results Owing to the innovative nature of this project, identifying and resolving the precondition requirements of implementation was challenging but provided support for the implementation of the app in practice. Acceptability of the app by clients and practitioners at a practice level was demonstrated, with nine themes emerging across the interviews: satisfaction with the current Stay Strong app, supported client goal setting, increased client self-insight, improved client empowerment, cultural appropriateness, enhanced engagement, ease of use, problems with using an Android emulator, and recommendations to improve personalization. Conclusions The Stay Strong Custody Project is a pioneering example of digital mental health tools being implemented within Australian prisons. Using the app within high-security prison settings was found to be feasible at both strategic and practice levels. Feedback from both clients and practitioners supported the use of the app as a culturally safe digital mental health and well-being tool for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison.
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Acker, Thomas L., André Robitaille, Hannele Holttinen, Marian Piekutowski, and John Olav Giæver Tande. "Integration of Wind and Hydropower Systems: Results of IEA Wind Task 24." Wind Engineering 36, no. 1 (February 2012): 1–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1260/0309-524x.36.1.1.
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In May of 2004, the IEA Wind Implementing Agreement (IA) established R&D Task 24, “Integration of Wind and Hydropower Systems.” Australia, Canada, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States joined Task 24 with the goal of collaborating in the study of wind integration in a variety of electrical system configurations (load, generation, and transmission); hydro system configurations and characteristics; and market and operational configurations. Representing these countries were utilities and research organizations with the intent to understand the potential for and limiting factors in integrating wind into systems with hydropower. Case studies that analyze the feasibility, benefits, detriments, and costs of specific wind-hydro integration projects were the mechanism through which the goals of the task were addressed. The purpose of this article is to summarize the framework within which these studies were performed, and to present the key results and the general conclusions of the Task.
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HEIKKILÄ, J. "A review of risk prioritisation schemes of pathogens, pests and weeds: principles and practices." Agricultural and Food Science 20, no. 1 (December 4, 2008): 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.2137/145960611795163088.
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Societys resources are scarce, and biosecurity actions need to be targeted and prioritised. Various models have been developed that prioritise and rank pests and diseases according to the risks they represent. A prioritisation model allows utilisation of scientific, ecological and economic information in decision-making related to biological hazards. This study discusses such models and the properties associated with them based on a review of 78 prioritisation studies. The scope of the models includes all aspects of biosecurity (human, animal and plant diseases, and invasive alien species), but with an emphasis on plant health. The geographical locations of the studies are primarily North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Half of the studies were conducted during the past five years. The review finds that there generally seems to be several prioritisation models, especially in the case of invasive plants, but only a select few models are used extensively. Impacts are often accounted for in the model, but the extent and economic sophistication of their inclusion varies. Treatment of uncertainty and feasibility of control was lacking from many studies.;
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Jeon, Yun-Hee, Mirim Shin, Adam Smith, Elizabeth Beattie, Henry Brodaty, Dennis Frost, Anthony Hobbs, et al. "Early Implementation and Evaluation of StepUp for Dementia Research: An Australia-Wide Dementia Research Participation and Public Engagement Platform." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 21 (October 28, 2021): 11353. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111353.
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Recruiting participants for dementia research takes time. For those who are interested, opportunities to participate can be ad hoc. Delays in finding the right participants can result in studies taking longer to deliver, often requiring funding extensions, and ultimately increasing the cost and limiting the effectiveness of research and evaluation. To address these issues, a digital platform, StepUp for Dementia Research, was developed in 2019 and evaluated through ongoing data analytics, researcher feedback and annual volunteer surveys in 2019 and 2021. Using innovative matching technology, StepUp provides volunteers with an opt-in, secure way of registering interest in dementia studies and allows researchers to access matched volunteers in Australia. As of June 2021, 1070 volunteers registered (78% female), and 25 organizations became ‘champions’ for StepUp promotion. Of 122 registered researchers, 90 completed training. Forty studies from 17 research/health institutions recruited participants using StepUp. The evaluation demonstrated program feasibility and recruitment efficiency with a high level of satisfaction from users. Evaluation outcomes highlighted disparities in public participation in dementia research (e.g., gender, education and race/ethnicity) and provided valuable insights for further enhancements of StepUp. A concerted and strategic effort is needed by leading registries such as StepUp to ensure narrowing volunteer participation gaps in dementia research.
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Meng, Yunfan. "Economic analysis for centralized battery energy storage system with reused battery from EV in Australia." E3S Web of Conferences 300 (2021): 01003. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202130001003.
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With battery energy storage technology development, the centralized battery energy storage system (CBESS) has a broad prospect in developing electricity. In the meantime, the retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles (EV) offer a new option for battery energy storage systems (BESS). This paper studies the centralized reused battery energy storage system (CRBESS) in South Australia by replacing the new lithium-ion batteries with lithium-ion second-life batteries (SLB) and evaluating the economic benefits with economic indicators as net present value (NPV), discounted payback period (DPBP), Internal rate of return (IRR) to depict a comprehensive understanding of the development potential of the CRBESS with the lithium-ion SLB as the energy storage system. This paper proposes a calculation method of frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) revenue referring to market share rate (MSR) when building the economic model. Moreover, the residual value of lithium-ion batteries is considered. This paper uses the economic model to calculate the profitability and development potential of CRBESS. From an economic perspective, the superiority and feasibility of CRBESS compared with CBESS were analyzed.
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Bernecker, T., M. A. Woollands, D. Wong, D. H. Moore, and M. A. Smith. "HYDROCARBON PROSPECTIVITY OF THE DEEPWATER GIPPSLAND BASIN, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA." APPEA Journal 41, no. 1 (2001): 91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aj00005.
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After 35 years of successful exploration and development, the Gippsland Basin is perceived as a mature basin. Several world class fields have produced 3.6 billion (109) BBL (569 GL) oil and 5.2 TCF (148 Gm3) gas. Without additional discoveries, it is predicted that further significant decline in production will occur in the next decade.However, the Gippsland Basin is still relatively underexplored when compared to other prolific hydrocarbon provinces. Large areas are undrilled, particularly in the eastern deepwater part of the basin. Here, an interpretation of new regional aeromagnetic and deep-water seismic data sets, acquired through State and Federal government initiatives, together with stratigraphic, sedimentological and source rock maturation modelling studies have been used to delineate potential petroleum systems.In the currently gazetted deepwater blocks, eight structural trapping trends are present, each with a range of play types and considerable potential for both oil and gas. These include major channel incision plays, uplifted anticlinal and collapsed structures that contain sequences of marine sandstones and shales (deepwater analogues of the Marlin and Turrum fields), as well as large marine shale-draped basement horsts.The study has delineated an extensive near-shore marine, lower coastal plain and deltaic facies association in the Golden Beach Subgroup. These Late Cretaceous strata are comparable to similar facies of the Tertiary Latrobe Siliciclastics and extend potential source rock distribution beyond that of previous assessments. In the western portion of the blocks, overburden is thick enough to drive hydrocarbon generation and expulsion. The strata above large areas of the source kitchen generally dip to the north and west, promoting migration further into the gazetted areas.Much of the basin’s deepwater area, thus, shares the deeper stratigraphy and favourable subsidence history of the shallow water producing areas. Future exploration and production efforts will, however, be challenged by the 200–2500 m water-depths and local steep bathymetric gradients, which affect prospect depth conversion and the feasibility of development projects in the case of successful exploration.
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Kirkegaard, J. A., S. J. Sprague, H. Dove, W. M. Kelman, S. J. Marcroft, A. Lieschke, G. N. Howe, and J. M. Graham. "Dual-purpose canola—a new opportunity in mixed farming systems." Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 59, no. 4 (2008): 291. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ar07285.
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The term dual-purpose canola describes the use of a canola crop for forage before seed production. It could potentially provide a profitable and flexible break-crop option for mixed farms, but there have been no studies to test the concept in Australia. We investigated the feasibility of using canola in this way in field experiments near Canberra, Australia, from 2004 to 2006, using European winter and mid–late maturing Australian spring canola varieties. Winter varieties sown from early March to mid-April produced 2.5–5.0 t/ha of biomass providing 0.3–3.5 t/ha of high-quality forage grazed by sheep in winter. The spring varieties produced similar amounts of vegetative biomass from April sowing but were unsuited to the earlier March sowing as they flowered in early winter and did not recover from grazing. The canola forage was readily eaten by sheep; alkane-based estimates of diet composition indicated that >85% of the organic matter intake consisted of canola. Canola forage was also highly digestible (86–88%) and Merino hoggets grew at 210 g/day from a dry matter intake of 1530 g DM/day. The canola generally recovered well when grazed in winter before bud elongation. Delays in flowering associated with heavy grazing ranged from 0 to 4 days when grazed before buds were visible, to 28 days if the crop had commenced flowering. Significant delays in flowering (>14 days) associated with winter grazing did not reduce seed yield or oil content when favourable spring conditions allowed compensatory growth. Yield loss was observed when winter and spring conditions were unfavourable for compensatory growth, or if grazing continued too late into spring (late September) irrespective of seasonal conditions. The yield loss was more than offset by the value of the grazed forage and the mean gross margin for dual-purpose canola over the four experiments was $240 to $500 higher than for grain-only canola depending on the value assumed for the forage. The study indicates there is considerable scope to capture value from grazing early-sown canola crops during winter without significant, uneconomic trade-offs with seed yield. Further investigations in other medium to high rainfall environments in southern Australia are warranted.
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Stefanakis, Alexandros. "Constructed Wetlands for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment in Hot and Arid Climates: Opportunities, Challenges and Case Studies in the Middle East." Water 12, no. 6 (June 10, 2020): 1665. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w12061665.
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Many countries and regions around the world are facing a continuously growing pressure on their limited freshwater resources, particularly those under hot and arid climates. Higher water demand than availability led to over-abstraction and deterioration of the available freshwater resources’ quality. In this context, wastewater, if properly treated, can represent a new water source added in the local water balance, particularly in regions of Colorado, California, Australia, China and in the wide region of the Middle East, which is characterized as one of most water-stressed regions in the world. This article summarizes the status of wastewater treatment and management in the Middle East and discusses the challenges, the various barriers and also the opportunities that arise by introducing the sustainable technology of Constructed Wetlands in the region. Furthermore, the aim of the article is to provide a better insight into the possibility and feasibility of a wider implementation of this green technology under the hot and arid climate of Middle East by presenting several successful case studies of operating Constructed Wetlands facilities in the region for the treatment of various wastewater sources.
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O'Callaghan, Christopher J., Kerry S. Courneya, Janette L. Vardy, Christine Friedenreich, Kristin L. Campbell, Harry Prapavessis, Jennifer J. Crawford, et al. "Effects of a structured exercise program on physical activity and health-related fitness in colon cancer survivors: One year feasibility results from the NCIC CTG CO.21 (CHALLENGE) trial." Journal of Clinical Oncology 34, no. 4_suppl (February 1, 2016): 648. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jco.2016.34.4_suppl.648.
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648 Background: There is strong interest in testing lifestyle interventions to improve cancer outcomes, however, the optimal methods for achieving behaviour change in large scale pragmatic trials are unknown. We report the 1 year feasibility results for behaviour change in NCIC CTG CO.21 Colon Health and Life-Long Exercise Change (CHALLENGE) Trial. Methods: Between 2009 and 2014, 273 high risk stage II and III colon cancer survivors who had recently completed chemotherapy at 50 centers in Canada and Australia were randomized to a structured exercise program (SEP n = 136) or health education materials (HEM n = 137). The primary feasibility outcome in an a priordefined interim analysis was a difference between groups of ≥ 5 metabolic equivalent task (MET) hours/week in self-reported physical activity (PA) after at least 250 participants had reached 1 year. Secondary feasibility outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness, body weight and circumferences, and objective physical functioning. Results: The SEP group reported a mean increase from baseline to 1 year PA of 15.6 MET hours/week vs a mean increase of 5.1 in the HEM group (+10.5 hrs/wk [95% CI = +3.1 to +17.9]; p = 0.002). SEP also improved relative to HEM in mean differences for predicted VO2max (+2.2ml/kg/min; p = 0.068), 6 minute walk (+29m; p < 0.001), 30 second chair stand (+1.6reps; p < 0.001), 8 foot up and go (-0.4s; p = 0.004), and the sit and reach (+2.1cm; p = 0.08). Conclusions: The behaviour change intervention in the CO.21 Trial produced an increase in self-reported PA that exceeded the feasibility criterion for trial continuation, resulted in objective fitness improvements, and is consistent with the amount of PA associated with improved colorectal cancer outcomes in observational studies. Recruitment to CO.21 remains ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT00819208.
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Mizrahi, David, Carolyn Broderick, Michael Friedlander, Mary Ryan, Michelle Harrison, Kate Pumpa, and Fiona Naumann. "An Exercise Intervention During Chemotherapy for Women With Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Feasibility Study." International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer 25, no. 6 (July 2015): 985–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/igc.0000000000000460.
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ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a combined supervised and home-based exercise intervention during chemotherapy for women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Secondary aims were to determine the impact of physical activity on physical and psychological outcomes and on chemotherapy completion rates.MethodsWomen with recurrent ovarian cancer were recruited from 3 oncology outpatient clinics in Sydney and Canberra, Australia. All participants received an individualized exercise program that consisted of 90 minutes or more of low to moderate aerobic, resistance, core stability, and balance exercise per week, for 12 weeks. Feasibility was determined by recruitment rate, retention rate, intervention adherence, and adverse events. Aerobic capacity, muscular strength, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life, depression, and chemotherapy completion rates were assessed at weeks 0, 12, and 24.ResultsThirty participants were recruited (recruitment rate, 63%), with a retention rate of 70%. Participants averaged 196 ± 138 min · wk of low to moderate physical activity throughout the intervention, with adherence to the program at 81%. There were no adverse events resulting from the exercise intervention. Participants who completed the study displayed significant improvements in quality of life (P= 0.017), fatigue (P= 0.004), mental health (P= 0.007), muscular strength (P= 0.001), and balance (P= 0.003) after the intervention. Participants completing the intervention had a higher relative dose intensity than noncompleters (P= 0.03).ConclusionsA program consisting of low to moderate exercise of 90 min · wk was achieved by two-thirds of women with recurrent ovarian cancer in this study, with no adverse events reported. Randomized control studies are required to confirm the benefits of exercise reported in this study.
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Henry, Elizabeth, Devika Govind Das, and Martina Cathryn Murphy. "Feasibility of developing a Twitter journal club for hematology/oncology education." Journal of Clinical Oncology 38, no. 15_suppl (May 20, 2020): 11004. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.11004.
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11004 Background: Medical trainees are increasingly utilizing social media platforms for professional development, networking and education. Twitter chats (TC) are a growing tool to engage health professionals in virtual multi-institutional, cross-discipline discussions. A meta-analysis of Twitter as a tool in residency education demonstrated high rates of satisfaction and concept retention. Despite rapid uptake, few studies address needs for social media use and implementation in graduate medical education. Methods: We created a Twitter account (@HOjournalclub) and registered a certified hashtag (#HOJournalClub) with healthcare symplur. For each monthly TC, a specific tumor type and relevant publication was selected. This information was disseminated and amplified to reach trainees on Twitter. A content expert was invited to each TC to provide additional commentary. During TCs, participants answer questions based on domains of critical journal appraisal. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. Basic demographics and tracked hashtag use to measure impressions, participants, and tweets per TC were gathered. Responses were collated and general themes were assessed. Participants were surveyed on ease of participation, article accessibility, and prior use of social media for education. Results: Since inception, @HOJournalClub has grown to >650 followers. Most are US-based (83%) medical trainees or healthcare professionals. Additional followers are in South America, Africa, UK, Europe, Middle East, India, East Asia and Australia. Gender is evenly distributed (51% male, 49% female.) Five #HOJournalClub chats have been held to date. Each attracted a mean of 30 participants, generating a mean of 217 tweets. Chats garnered a mean of 270,000 impressions (221,000-319,000) in the 48h after TC. Most participants accessed the chat in real time, with a small subset responding at alternate times. This asynchronous use has enhanced international participation. In post-TC surveys, majority of respondents report being new (48%) or sporadic (48%) users of TCs. Survey participants reported TC participation increased interaction with others in the field, improved literature appraisal skills and led to changes in clinical practice. Conclusions: Implementation of a Twitter-based journal club is feasible and attracts participation from trainees, promoting engagement and networking. It represents a novel educational tool for engagement in multi-institutional, multi-national and cross-discipline discussion of relevant hematology/oncology literature.
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Clough, Alan R., Kristy Grant, Jan Robertson, Matthew Wrigley, Nina Nichols, and Tracey Fitzgibbon. "Interventions to encourage smoke-free homes in remote indigenous Australian communities: a study protocol to evaluate the effects of a community-inspired awareness-raising and motivational enhancement strategy." BMJ Open 8, no. 3 (March 2018): e018955. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018955.
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IntroductionRates of secondhand smoke exposure are currently significantly higher among remote indigenous communities in the top end of Australia. By implementing a ‘smoke-free home’ rule, secondhand smoke exposure can be reduced. Smoke-free homes encourage quit attempts and improve the health of children. The prevalence of indigenous smoking rates in remote, discrete communities in Australia is elevated compared with their non-indigenous counterparts. The primary aim of this project is to examine the feasibility of conducting a health-driven intervention to encourage community members to make their homes a smoke-free zone.Methods and analysisThis study uses mixed-methods exploratory evaluation design to obtain data from key informants and community householders to assess their willingness to implement a ‘smoke-free’ rule in their homes. Initial focus groups will provide guidance on intervention content and deliver evaluation procedures and community requirements. A rapid survey will be conducted to ascertain interest from community members in having the project team visit to discuss study objectives further and to have a particle meter (with consent) placed in the house. Focus groups recordings will be transcribed and analysed thematically. Rapid surveys will be analysed using frequency distributions and tabulations of responses.Ethics and disseminationThe National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines on ethical research approaches to indigenous studies will be adhered to. The James Cook University Human Research Ethics Committee has provided ethics approval.
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White, Jeffrey D., Hongsheng Lin, Libin Jia, Roy S. Wu, Stephen Lam, Jie Li, Jinhui Dou, Nagi Kumar, Lizhu Lin, and Lixing Lao. "Proceedings of the Strategy Meeting for the Development of an International Consortium for Chinese Medicine and Cancer." Journal of Global Oncology 3, no. 6 (December 2017): 814–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.2016.005710.
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On November 3, 2014, in Bethesda, MD, the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Cancer Institute held a meeting to examine the potential utility and feasibility of establishing an international consortium for Chinese medicine and cancer. There is significant interest in the West in using components of Chinese medicine (CM) —such as botanicals and herbal medicines, acupuncture and acupressure, and qigong—in the field of oncology, as potential anticancer agents, for symptom management, and to improve quality of life. The proposal for a consortium on CM came from the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, with the aims of improving scientific communications and collaborations and modernizing the studies of CM for cancer. The US National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine agreed to work with Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences to explore the feasibility of establishing an international consortium for Chinese medicine and cancer. At the meeting, participants from the United States, China, Canada, Australia, and Korea discussed issues in CM and cancer research, treatment, and management, including potential mechanisms of action, proof of efficacy, adverse effects, regulatory issues, and the need for improving the quality of randomized clinical trials of CM treatments and supportive care interventions. Presented in these proceedings are some of the main issues and opportunities discussed by workshop participants.
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Tan, Winnie S. Y., Adrienne M. Young, Alexandra L. Di Bella, Tracy Comans, and Merrilyn Banks. "Exploring the Impact of Obesity on Health Care Resources and Coding in the Acute Hospital Setting: A Feasibility Study." Healthcare 8, no. 4 (November 4, 2020): 459. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8040459.
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Obesity is costly, yet there have been few attempts to estimate the actual costs of providing hospital care to the obese inpatient. This study aimed to test the feasibility of measuring obesity-related health care costs and accuracy of coding data for acute inpatients. A prospective observational study was conducted over three weeks in June 2018 in a single orthopaedic ward of a metropolitan tertiary hospital in Queensland, Australia. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, clinical characteristics, cost of hospital encounter and coding data were collected. Complete demographic, anthropometric and clinical data were collected for all 18 participants. Hospital costing reports and coding data were not available within the study timeframe. Participant recruitment and data collection were resource-intensive, with mobility assistance required to obtain anthropometric measurements in more than half of the participants. Greater staff time and costs were seen in participants with obesity compared to those without obesity (obesity: body mass index ≥ 30), though large standard deviations indicate wide variance. Data collected suggest that obesity-related cost and resource use amongst acute inpatients require further exploration. This study provides recommendations for protocol refinement to improve the accuracy of data collected for future studies measuring the actual cost of providing hospital care to obese inpatients.
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Souter, David, Steve Rogers, and Jamie Oliver. "An operational and scientific monitoring program (OSMP) for the Prelude and Ichthys fields: a case study from the Browse Basin." APPEA Journal 54, no. 2 (2014): 480. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aj13053.
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An OSMP is the principle tool for determining the extent, severity, and persistence of environmental impacts from an oil spill. The OSMP developed for the Shell Prelude and Inpex Ichthys gas fields has 13 operational monitoring programs (OMPs) and 12 scientific monitoring programs (SMPs) reflecting the complexity of the environment in which the developments are located. A partnership of organisations led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) will provide specialist expertise to help implement the OSMP. This unique multi-disciplinary partnership, comprising AIMS, CSIRO, University of Western Australia, Curtin University, WA ChemCentre, and Monash University, guarantees capability and capacity, reducing the level of risk incurred by individual organisations within the partnership. Fundamental to the success of any OSMP is the existence of adequate, fit-for-purpose baseline data against which post spill observations can be compared to determine the extent and severity of the spill and assess effectiveness of oil spill response. In addition, we believe adequate baselines with sufficient temporal resolution are essential for OSMP credibility and maintenance of the scientific reputations of partners. In committing capability to the OSMP implementation, AIMS and its partners have adopted a risk-based approach to assessing the adequacy of existing baseline data, to identify knowledge gaps, and assess the significance of those gaps and the feasibility of filling them. This extended abstract describes the structured approach taken to analyse the various risks and to develop a balanced suite of environmental baseline studies to address these risks.
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Power, Brian D., Helman Alfonso, Leon Flicker, Graeme J. Hankey, Bu B. Yeap, and Osvaldo P. Almeida. "Changes in body mass in later life and incident dementia." International Psychogeriatrics 25, no. 3 (November 14, 2012): 467–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1041610212001834.
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ABSTRACTBackground: There is ongoing debate about whether a decline in body mass represents a true risk factor for dementia, whether it is a phenotypic marker of incipient dementia, or perhaps a marker of another process that increases dementia risk. This study was designed to determine if changes in body mass index (BMI) in later life are associated with hazard of incident dementia over a follow-up period of up to eight years.Methods: Method followed was a prospective cohort study of 4,181 men aged 65–84 years, resident in Perth, Australia. The exposure of interest was change in BMI measured between 1996–1998 and 2001–2004. The outcome was incident dementia, established using the Western Australia Data Linkage System until 2009. We used Cox regression models to establish crude and adjusted hazard of dementia for change in BMI.Results: Compared with men with a stable BMI, those with a decrease in BMI >1 kg/m2 had a higher adjusted hazard of dementia (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.32–2.70). The cumulative hazard of dementia over follow-up for changes in BMI was greatest for men with a decrease in BMI >1 kg/m2; this trend was apparent for men in all BMI categories (underweight, normal, overweight, obese). A reverse “J-shaped” association between BMI change and incident dementia was observed, with the lowest dementia rate being for men whose BMI remained stable.Conclusions: Men who maintained a stable body mass had the lowest incidence of dementia. Further studies are needed to clarify causality and assess feasibility of interventional studies to preserve body mass in aging men.
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Lisson, S. N., and N. J. Mendham. "Cultivar, sowing date and plant density studies of fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in Tasmania." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 40, no. 7 (2000): 975. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea99130.
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This paper reports on a 3-year agronomic study into fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) conducted in Tasmania, Australia. The performance of selected hemp cultivars, and the responses to sowing date and plant density were investigated as part of a broad feasibility study to assess the potential of fibre hemp and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) as sources of fibre for the Australian newsprint industry. Trials were conducted at separate sites in north-west and south-east Tasmania. Nine cultivars from the Ukraine, Hungary and France were examined in 2 separate trials. The Hungarian cultivars, Kompolti and Unico B, and the French cultivar Futura 77 had the highest single plot dry stem yields (up to 1500 g/m 2 ) and bark proportions (up to 40%). All the cultivars flowered toward the end of January, suggesting that the growing season in Tasmania could accommodate much later flowering and potentially higher yielding genotypes. Levels of the psychoactive agent, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol were consistently below the legal maximum of 0.35% (dry weight basis). Three sowing date trials were conducted across 2 seasons incorporating dates between mid September and mid November and a single autumn planting at the end of May. Interactions with cultivar and planting density were also considered. Stem and bark yield declined with delays in sowing after early–mid October in response to a decline in calendar days and thermal time from sowing to flowering. The response was most pronounced in sowings of Kompolti, which flowered within a short period and differed more substantially in durations to flowering. Earlier sowings were limited by premature flowering in response to shorter daylengths and by poor drainage at one of the 2 trial sites. The success of early sowings in Tasmania would appear to depend on finding cultivars less sensitive tophotoperiod, and cultivation on well drained sites. A further trial was conducted to investigate the influence of plant density on hemp yields. Treatments included densities from 50 to 300 plants/m 2 . Plant density declined with crop growth across all treatments and was most pronounced for populations of 200 and 300 plants/m 2 . Final harvest stem yield responded in a parabolic manner to plant density, with maximum yields at about 110 plants/m 2 . Differences in the percentage of the long, high quality bark fibre at final harvest were generally small and not significant. However, regression analysis of the response of bark percentage suggested a linear decline with increasing initial density.
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Zhang, Shihao, Junhe Tan, Junhang Liu, Jiaqi Wang, and Ata Tara. "Suitability Prediction and Enhancement of Future Water Supply Systems in Barwon Region in Victoria, Australia." Land 11, no. 5 (April 23, 2022): 621. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land11050621.
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Intensive agricultural production accompanied by the climate change impacts in post-Colonial rural landscapes have continuously increased the demand for water resources and coastal areas, showing an unprecedented water supply crisis. By taking extreme weather conditions and rainfall events for future trends, a resilient water storage facility for the landscape requires the collaborative approach of natural systems and simulation modelling techniques to develop sustainable future scenarios. In this study, an ecological suitability model is used to identify potential sites for the construction of multi-purpose dams. As part of the model structure, multi factors are classified using the patterns of changing landscapes, and then weighted overlay analysis is conducted on a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. Compared to previous studies, this paper derives its principal impact parameters and projections based on historical land cover information. The suitability maps that are generated visually guide the geographical location of the multi-purpose dams and indicate the areas from highly suitable to least suitable, clarifying the possibility of building blue infrastructure alongside the waterways in west-central Barwon. The workflow proposes a resilient water system based on existing land characteristics and measures that future water storage capacity will be a valid increase of approximately 1.5 times. This strategy alleviates water scarcity during the dry season to benefit traditional agricultural activities. Digital calculations are utilized to demonstrate the feasibility of the experimental results, providing a methodology for regulating the distribution and supply of river flows throughout the year while retaining runoff in a hierarchical pattern at precipitation periods.
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Jones, Terry A., Timothy S. Olds, David C. Currow, and Marie T. Williams. "Use of time in people with a life-limiting illness: A longitudinal cohort feasibility pilot study." Palliative Medicine 33, no. 10 (August 1, 2019): 1319–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269216319867214.
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Background: To date, time-use studies in palliative care have been limited to exploration of time commitments of caregivers. Understanding time-use in people with a life-limiting illness might provide insight into disease progression, symptom management and quality of life. Aim: To determine the feasibility of a repeated-measures, time-use study in people with a life-limiting illness, and their primary caregivers, and to explore associations between time-use and perceived quality of life. Design: An observational repeated-measures feasibility pilot study. A priori criteria were established for study uptake (70%), retention (80%) and study value/burden (⩾7 Numerical Rating Scale 0–10). Burden and value of the study, use of time (Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults with adjunctive accelerometry) and quality of life data (EuroQol-5 Dimension-5-Level Health Questionnaire and Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status scale) were assessed at time-points across five consecutive months. Setting/participants: People living with a life-limiting illness and caregivers recruited from Southern Adelaide Palliative Services outpatient clinics. Results: A total of 10 participants (2 caregivers and 8 people with a life-limiting illness) enrolled in the study. All but one of the criteria thresholds was met: 66% of participants who consented to be screened were enrolled in the study, 80% of enrolled participants ( n = 8) completed all assessments (two participants died during the study) and mean Numerical Rating Scale scores for acceptable burden and value of the study exceeded the criteria thresholds at every time-point. Conclusion: A repeated-measures time-use study design is feasible and was not unduly burdensome for caregivers and people living with a life-limiting illness.
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Hardy, Christopher M., Mark Adams, Dean R. Jerry, Leon N. Court, Matthew J. Morgan, and Diana M. Hartley. "DNA barcoding to support conservation: species identification, genetic structure and biogeography of fishes in the Murray - Darling River Basin, Australia." Marine and Freshwater Research 62, no. 8 (2011): 887. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf11027.
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Freshwater fish stocks worldwide are under increasing threat of overfishing, disease, pollution and competition from introduced species. In the Murray—Darling Basin (MDB), the largest river system of Australia, more than half the native species are listed as rare or endangered. Active management is required to counteract reduction in population sizes, prevent local extinctions and to maintain genetic diversity. We describe the first comprehensive set of DNA barcodes able to discriminate between all 58 native and introduced species of freshwater fish recorded in the MDB. These barcodes also distinguish populations from those in adjacent basins, with estimated separation times as short as 0.1 million years ago. We demonstrate the feasibility of using DNA fingerprinting of ribosomal RNA (12S and 18S rRNA) genes and mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA CR) sequences to identify species from eggs, larvae, tissues and predator gut contents as well as differentiate populations, morphologically cryptic species and hybrids. The DNA barcode resource will enhance capacity in many areas of fish conservation biology that can benefit from improved knowledge of genetic provenance. These include captive breeding and restocking programs, life history studies and ecological research into the interactions between populations of native and exotic species.
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Knight, Hannah Ellin, Sam J. Oddie, Katie L. Harron, Harriet K. Aughey, Jan H. van der Meulen, Ipek Gurol-Urganci, and David A. Cromwell. "Establishing a composite neonatal adverse outcome indicator using English hospital administrative data." Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition 104, no. 5 (November 28, 2018): F502—F509. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2018-315147.
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ObjectiveWe adapted a composite neonatal adverse outcome indicator (NAOI), originally derived in Australia, and assessed its feasibility and validity as an outcome indicator in English administrative hospital data.DesignWe used Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data containing information infants born in the English National Health Service (NHS) between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015. The Australian NAOI was mapped to diagnoses and procedure codes used within HES and modified to reflect data quality and neonatal health concerns in England. To investigate the concurrent validity of the English NAOI (E-NAOI), rates of NAOI components were compared with population-based studies. To investigate the predictive validity of the E-NAOI, rates of readmission and death in the first year of life were calculated for infants with and without E-NAOI components.ResultsThe analysis included 484 007 (81%) of the 600 963 eligible babies born during the timeframe. 114/148 NHS trusts passed data quality checks and were included in the analysis. The modified E-NAOI included 23 components (16 diagnoses and 7 procedures). Among liveborn infants, 5.4% had at least one E-NAOI component recorded before discharge. Among newborns discharged alive, the E-NAOI was associated with a significantly higher risk of death (0.81% vs 0.05%; p<0.001) and overnight hospital readmission (15.7% vs 7.1%; p<0.001) in the first year of life.ConclusionsA composite NAOI can be derived from English hospital administrative data. This E-NAOI demonstrates good concurrent and predictive validity in the first year of life. It is a cost-effective way to monitor neonatal outcomes.
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Neal, Imojean, Sanetta H. J. du Toit, and Meryl Lovarini. "The use of technology to promote meaningful engagement for adults with dementia in residential aged care: a scoping review." International Psychogeriatrics 32, no. 8 (September 24, 2019): 913–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1041610219001388.
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ABSTRACTIntroduction:A considerable number of adults with dementia live in residential aged care facilities, where loneliness and boredom are common. Computer-based and electronic technologies have advanced significantly and there is potential for such technologies to improve engagement of residents with dementia. However, the nature and extent of the evidence supporting the use of these technologies is unclear.Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the use of computer-based and electronic technologies for enhancing meaningful engagement of adults with dementia living in residential aged care.Methods:A scoping review was conducted. Nine databases were searched from 2008-2018. Included studies were summarized, compared and synthesized according to technology type.Results:Twenty studies were included. Most studies were conducted in Australia (n = 7) and Europe (n = 8). Study designs were quantitative (n = 12), mixed methods (n = 5), descriptive (n = 2) or qualitative (n = 1). Studies aimed to investigate interaction, engagement, behaviors or quality of life (n = 14), to examine the feasibility of technologies (n = 3), or had both aims (n = 3). Technology type fell into two categories: robotics (n = 14) and multi-media computer programs (n = 6). Across both technology types, there were conflicting results in relation to positive impact on meaningful engagement. Studies only investigated the doing, belonging and connecting aspects of meaningful engagement. Additionally, there was a lack of consistency across studies in how activity, interaction and engagement were measured.Conclusion:The role and potential of new technologies to enhance meaningful engagement for those with dementia should focus on creating human-to-human interactions while taking individual preference and person-centered principles into account.
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Gibbs, L., K. Block, C. MacDougall, L. Harms, E. Baker, J. Richardson, G. Ireton, et al. "Ethical Use and Impact of Participatory Approaches to Research in Post-Disaster Environments: An Australian Bushfire Case Study." BioMed Research International 2018 (June 11, 2018): 1–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2018/5621609.
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This paper presents a case study of Beyond Bushfires, a large, multisite, mixed method study of the psychosocial impacts of major bushfires in Victoria, Australia. A participatory approach was employed throughout the study which was led by a team of academic investigators in partnership with service providers and government representatives and used on-site visits and multiple methods of communication with communities across the state to inform decision-making throughout the study. The ethics and impacts of conducting and adapting the approach within a post-disaster context will be discussed in reference to theories and models of participatory health research. The challenges of balancing local interests with state-wide implications will also be explored in the description of the methods of engagement and the study processes and outcomes. Beyond Bushfires demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating participatory methods in large, post-disaster research studies and achieving rigorous findings and multilevel impacts, while recognising the potential for some of the empowering aspects of the participatory experience to be reduced by the scaled-up approach.
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Beć, Krzysztof B., Justyna Grabska, Heinz W. Siesler, and Christian W. Huck. "Handheld near-infrared spectrometers: Where are we heading?" NIR news 31, no. 3-4 (April 13, 2020): 28–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0960336020916815.
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During NIR 2019 conference, Gold Coast, Australia, a presentation upon a critical review of instrumentation and applications of handheld spectrometers was delivered during the plenary session held on Thursday morning, 19 September. Following the conference presentation, a vivid discussion flared up among the audience that equally involved academic scholars, industry representatives, as well as professionals who carry out every day in-the-field applications. Various aspects were raised connected with the emerged new generation of near-infrared instrumentation, with many individuals expressing their point-of-view on the merits and pitfalls of the miniaturized spectrometers. This vigorous dispute and exchange of impressions indicated that the community remains concerned about the applicability of such devices. That concern reflects the still relatively shallowly explored miniaturization versus performance factor, which can only be dismissed by focused feasibility studies with comparative analyses carried out on scientific-grade benchtop spectrometers. It is the aim of the present manuscript to summarize the discussed scientific content and to share the developed point-of-view with addition of our remarks.
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Cornish, G. B., D. J. Skylas, S. Siriamornpun, F. Békés, O. R. Larroque, C. W. Wrigley, and M. Wootton. "Grain proteins as markers of genetic traits in wheat." Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 52, no. 12 (2001): 1161. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ar01054.
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Different protein fractionation techniques were used to define differences between a set of 8 wheat lines used in genetic mapping studies in Australia. A proteomics approach was used to establish the feasibility of identifying new protein polymorphisms for mapping purposes. Detailed analysis confirmed differences in the glutenin subunits, gliadin proteins, and 10–20 other proteins, between the mapping population parents, Cranbrook, Halberd, CD87, and Katepwa. Differences were particularly evident in the low molecular weight classes of protein. Alternative technologies were used to determine the differences in various protein classes in order to screen doubled haploid lines derived from crosses between the wheat lines. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis allowed the mapping of loci encoding high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) glutenin subunit proteins. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography also allowed several loci encoding LMW glutenin subunit proteins to be mapped, as well as a new protein on chromosome 6A. Capillary electrophoresis provided a high-resolution system that was used to map several gliadin-type proteins. The studies showed that proteins provide useful genetic markers and the data are discussed from the point of view of the advantages that protein-based markers offer in providing both genotypic and phenotypic data.
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Zhang, Anthony L., Shefton J. Parker, De Villiers Smit, David McD Taylor, and Charlie C. L. Xue. "Acupuncture and Standard Emergency Department Care for Pain And/Or Nausea and Its Impact on Emergency Care Delivery: A Feasibility Study." Acupuncture in Medicine 32, no. 3 (June 2014): 250–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/acupmed-2013-010501.
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Objective To evaluate the feasibility of delivering acupuncture in an emergency department (ED) to patients presenting with pain and/or nausea. Methods A feasibility study (with historical controls) undertaken at the Northern Hospital ED in Melbourne, Australia, involving people presenting to ED triage with pain (VAS 0–10) and/or nausea (Morrow Index 1–6) between January and August 2010 (n=400). The acupuncture group comprised 200 patients who received usual medical care and acupuncture; the usual care group comprised 200 patients with retrospective data closely matched from ED electronic health records. Results Refusal rate was 31%, with ‘symptoms under control owing to medical treatment before acupuncture’ the most prevalent reason for refusal (n=36); 52.5% of participants responded ‘definitely yes’ for their willingness to repeat acupuncture, and a further 31.8% responded ‘probably yes’. Over half (57%) reported a satisfaction score of 10 for acupuncture treatment. Musculoskeletal conditions were the most common conditions treated n=117 (58.5%), followed by abdominal or flank pain n=49 (24.5%). Adverse events were rare (2%) and mild. Pain and nausea scores reduced from a mean±SD of 7.01±2.02 before acupuncture to 4.72±2.62 after acupuncture and from 2.6±2.19 to 1.42±1.86, respectively. Conclusions Acupuncture in the ED appears safe and acceptable for patients with pain and/or nausea. Results suggest combined care may provide effective pain and nausea relief in ED patients. Further high-quality, sufficiently powered randomised studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of the add-on effect of acupuncture are recommended.
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Ray-Barruel, Gillian, Marie Cooke, Vineet Chopra, Marion Mitchell, and Claire M. Rickard. "The I-DECIDED clinical decision-making tool for peripheral intravenous catheter assessment and safe removal: a clinimetric evaluation." BMJ Open 10, no. 1 (January 2020): e035239. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035239.
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ObjectiveTo describe the clinimetric validation of the I-DECIDED tool for peripheral intravenous catheter assessment and decision-making.Design and settingI-DECIDED is an eight-step tool derived from international vascular access guidelines into a structured mnemonic for device assessment and decision-making. The clinimetric evaluation process was conducted in three distinct phases.MethodsInitial face validity was confirmed with a vascular access working group. Next, content validity testing was conducted via online survey with vascular access experts and clinicians from Australia, the UK, the USA and Canada. Finally, inter-rater reliability was conducted between 34 pairs of assessors for a total of 68 peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) assessments. Assessments were timed to ensure feasibility, and the second rater was blinded to the first’s findings. Content validity index (CVI), mean item-level CVI (I-CVI), internal consistency, mean proportion of agreement, observed and expected inter-rater agreements, and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappas (PABAK) were calculated. Ethics approvals were obtained from university and hospital ethics committees.ResultsThe I-DECIDED tool demonstrated strong content validity among international vascular access experts (n=7; mean I-CVI=0.91; mean proportion of agreement=0.91) and clinicians (n=11; mean I-CVI=0.93; mean proportion of agreement=0.94), and high inter-rater reliability in seven adult medical-surgical wards of three Australian hospitals. Overall, inter-rater reliability was 87.13%, with PABAK for each principle ranging from 0.5882 (‘patient education’) to 1.0000 (‘document the decision’). Time to complete assessments averaged 2 min, and nurse-reported acceptability was high.ConclusionThis is the first comprehensive, evidence-based, valid and reliable PIVC assessment and decision tool. We recommend studies to evaluate the outcome of implementing this tool in clinical practice.Trial registration number12617000067370
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Andrade, Andre Q., Jean-Pierre Calabretto, Nicole L. Pratt, Lisa M. Kalisch-Ellett, Gizat M. Kassie, Vanessa T. LeBlanc, Emmae Ramsay, and Elizabeth E. Roughead. "Implementation and Evaluation of a Digitally Enabled Precision Public Health Intervention to Reduce Inappropriate Gabapentinoid Prescription: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial." Journal of Medical Internet Research 24, no. 1 (January 10, 2022): e33873. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/33873.
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Background Digital technologies can enable rapid targeted delivery of audit and feedback interventions at scale. Few studies have evaluated how mode of delivery affects clinical professional behavior change and none have assessed the feasibility of such an initiative at a national scale. Objective The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effect of audit and feedback by digital versus postal (letter) mode of delivery on primary care physician behavior. Methods This study was developed as part of the Veterans’ Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education Services (MATES) program, an intervention funded by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs that provides targeted education and patient-specific audit with feedback to Australian general practitioners, as well as educational material to veterans and other health professionals. We performed a cluster randomized controlled trial of a multifaceted intervention to reduce inappropriate gabapentinoid prescription, comparing digital and postal mode of delivery. All veteran patients targeted also received an educational intervention (postal delivery). Efficacy was measured using a linear mixed-effects model as the average number of gabapentinoid prescriptions standardized by defined daily dose (individual level), and number of veterans visiting a psychologist in the 6 and 12 months following the intervention. Results The trial involved 2552 general practitioners in Australia and took place in March 2020. Both intervention groups had a significant reduction in total gabapentinoid prescription by the end of the study period (digital: mean reduction of 11.2%, P=.004; postal: mean reduction of 11.2%, P=.001). We found no difference between digital and postal mode of delivery in reduction of gabapentinoid prescriptions at 12 months (digital: –0.058, postal: –0.058, P=.98). Digital delivery increased initiations to psychologists at 12 months (digital: 3.8%, postal: 2.0%, P=.02). Conclusions Our digitally delivered professional behavior change intervention was feasible, had comparable effectiveness to the postal intervention with regard to changes in medicine use, and had increased effectiveness with regard to referrals to a psychologist. Given the logistical benefits of digital delivery in nationwide programs, the results encourage exploration of this mode in future interventions.