Search

Objectives: Internationally, hip or knee arthroplasty (TJA) with a 1-day hospital length of stay (LOS) is common and demonstrates improved patient and health service outcomes. This study aimed to develop and pilot an enhanced recovery program (ERP) for patients undergoing TJA to achieve a next-day discharge in an Australian public hospital setting. Methods: A project lead and six perioperative clinical craft group leads developed an ERP protocol based on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) principles. Strict patient eligibility criteria were developed. Quality improvement methodology was used to implement the ERP. A patient navigator was put in place as a single contact point for patients. Results: A total of 825 patients were screened for the ERP and 47 patients completed the protocol. The mean ± standard deviation (s.d.) of the LOS was 34.7 (± 7.2) h with 41 patients (87%) achieving next-day discharge, the remaining six (13%) discharged on Day 2. Compliance with ERAS was high (96%) with mobilisation within 12 h occurring on 87% of occasions. There were no adverse events. Patient experience was positive. Conclusion: Next-day discharge was achieved with a selected cohort of patients with no adverse events and positive patient experience, using a multidisciplinary approach and an improvement framework. Broadening inclusion criteria will make ERP available to more patients. What is known about the topic? Next-day discharge following hip or knee arthroplasty in Australian public hospital settings is uncommon and little has been published reflecting enhanced recovery principles in this local context. What does this paper add? This paper describes the development and piloting of an enhanced recovery program using a novel approach to achieve next-day discharge following hip and knee replacement. What are the implications for practitioners? Other health services may leverage this approach to design and implement an enhanced recovery program to reduce hospital length of stay and improve patient and health service outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) was introduced in mid-2000 to increase participation in private health insurance that includes hospital cover (PHI-HC) and improve the risk profile of PHI-HC participants. It initially achieved both objectives, but since 2001 the PHI-HC population has aged faster than the general population. The aim of this study was to determine if the excess ageing of the PHI-HC risk pool has been due to passive age-based adverse selection, an inherent risk of LHC. This study has potential implications for the retention of LHC. Methods: A descriptive population-level analysis of publicly available administrative datasets was performed. Data relating to PHI-HC were obtained from the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority. National population data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Trends in demography, PHI-HC participation rates and LHC loading payments were analysed. Results: By 2021, age-based adverse selection had returned to the pre-LHC level. Based on the available data, this was due to passive age-based adverse selection not active age-based adverse selection. Specifically, it reflected the combination of an avoidable unintended consequence of the introduction of LHC (the over-representation, in 2001, of individuals aged 45–59) and one of LHC's intended effects (incentivisation of insured individuals to retain PHI-HC). Conclusions: This study supports the retention of LHC. Nonetheless, it highlights the risk of passive age-based adverse selection created by incentivising insured individuals to retain PHI-HC in the presence of distortions in the age distribution of the PHI-HC risk pool. Early targeted interventions are required when such distortions arise. What is known about the topic? Since the introduction of Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) in mid-2000, the participation rate for private health insurance that includes hospital cover (PHI-HC) has remained relatively stable, but the PHI-HC population has aged faster than the general population. What does this paper add? This paper makes a novel distinction between 'active' and 'passive' age-based adverse selection to explain LHC's role in the excess ageing of the PHI-HC risk pool. What are the implications for practitioners? Governments need to be vigilant for the emergence of distortions in the age distribution of the PHI-HC risk pool and respond with targeted interventions to normalise the age distribution, or risk problematic passive age-based adverse selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Unwarranted clinical variations in radical prostatectomy (RP) procedures are frequently reported, yet less attention is given to the variations in associated costs. This issue can further widen disparities in access to care and provoke questions about the overall value of the procedure. The present paper aimed to delve into the disparities in hospital, medical provider and out-of-pocket costs for RP procedures in Australia, discussing plausible causes and potential policy opportunities. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using Medibank Private claims data for RP procedures conducted in Australian hospitals between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 was undertaken. Results: Considerable variations in both medical provider and out-of-pocket costs were observed across the country, with variations evident between different states or territories. Particularly striking were the discrepancies in the costs charged by medical providers, with a notable contrast between the 10th and 90th percentiles revealing a substantial difference of A$9925. Hospitals in Australia exhibited relatively comparable charges for RP procedures. Conclusions: Initiatives such as enhancing transparency regarding individual medical provider costs and implementing fee regulations with healthcare providers may be useful in curbing the variations in RP procedure costs. What is known about the topic? Unwarranted clinical variations in radical prostatectomy procedures are well documented in the literature; however, variations in cost are less widely reported. What does this paper add? This paper aims to highlight the cost variations in radical prostatectomy procedures in Australia, discussing their plausible causes, implications and proposing potential policy opportunities. What are the implications for practitioners? Excessive fees imposed by medical providers may contribute to inequalities in healthcare access. Enhancing transparency of individual medical provider costs and implementing fee regulations may be useful in controlling unwarranted variations in procedure costs. This article belongs to the Special Issue: Value-based Healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of Australians use the private health system every year. They should receive safe, high-quality, value-based care. However, poor policy and inadequate regulation of medical technology is driving low-value care at great expense to consumers and the broader health system. Key drivers include the Prescribed List of Medical Devices and Human Tissue, gaps in quality and safety controls for devices being used, and marketing and conflicts of interest. All of these should be addressed to reduce low-value care in Australia's private health system, so consumers are protected from harm and limited health budgets are used effectively. What is known about the topic? With health expenditure rising unsustainably, there is a growing focus on ways to reduce low-value care to improve health outcomes and eliminate unnecessary costs. What does this paper add? This paper details drivers of low-value care in Australia's private health system and recommendations to overcome them. Drivers include the Prescribed List of Medical Devices, gaps in safety and quality controls, and conflicts of interest and marketing. What are the implications for practitioners? These insights are relevant to clinicians, researchers, policymakers, consumers and health business leaders with an interest in low-value care. This article belongs to the Special Issue: Value-based Healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value based healthcare beyond the clinical domain is the focus of this case study. We share NSW Health's experiences in achieving value through a focus on outcomes in non-clinical and clinical support services using examples that demonstrate key aspects across the commissioning cycle. These include: the importance of stakeholder engagement in the planning phase to later success; the critical role of non-clinical services in patient experience; the opportunity to facilitate value by introducing new approaches in business areas such as procurement; and the role of clinical supports such as digital enablement to facilitate outcome-focussed clinical models. Applying a value lens to non-clinical services can increase the potential benefits to patients, clinicians and the system. What is known about the topic? Value based healthcare is a way of making transparent and equitable decisions about resource allocation to deliver better outcomes for individuals, health services and the system. What does this paper add? This paper reflects on the opportunity to deliver value based healthcare beyond clinical models of care, including in non-clinical and clinical support services, using a commissioning approach. What are the implications for practitioners? The learnings shared through the case studies presented can be applied by practitioners to their own projects to support value based approaches across all aspects of health care. This article belongs to the Special Issue: Value-based Healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known about the topic ? Governments acknowledge that current health arrangements are unsustainable, and a better resourced, integrated, and connected primary care system is central to the future. What does this paper add ? This paper calls out the most significant barriers to implementing the required national reform and poses potential solutions in addressing them. What are the implications for practitioners ? Without action, we will see increased system cost, and decreased service access and quality for Australian communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate discrepancies between general practitioners' paper medication orders and pharmacy-prepared electronic medication administration charts, back-up paper charts and dose-administration aids, as well as delays between prescribing, charting and administration, at a 90-bed residential aged care facility that used a hybrid paper-electronic medication management system. Methods: A cross-sectional audit of medication orders, medication charts and dose-administration aids was performed to identify discrepancies. In addition, a retrospective audit was performed of delays between prescribing and availability of an updated electronic medication administration chart. Medication administration records were reviewed retrospectively to determine whether discrepancies and delays led to medication administration errors. Results: Medication records for 88 residents (mean age 86 years) were audited. Residents were prescribed a median of eight regular medicines (interquartile range 5-12). One hundred and twenty-five discrepancies were identified. Fortyseven discrepancies, affecting 21 (24%) residents, led to a medication administration error. The most common discrepancies were medicine omission (44.0%) and extra medicine (19.2%). Delays from when medicines were prescribed to when they appeared on the electronic medication administration chart ranged from 18 min to 98 h. On nine occasions (for 10% of residents) the delay contributed to missed doses, usually antibiotics. Conclusion: Medication discrepancies and delays were common. Improved systems for managing medication orders and charts are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legislation has now been passed in all Australian states. Although VAD has been operating in many settings worldwide for a considerable time, the specific costs associated with VAD seem unclear. The aim of this study was therefore to outline the common resource implications associated with VAD. Methods: A rapid literature review and grey literature search were undertaken. Results: We found a paucity of empirically informed detail regarding the actual costs required to implement VAD. Hence, we tabulated a list of potential costs that could be used for subsequent evaluation and a future research agenda. Conclusions: There is a lack of publicly available information related to the costs associated with implementing VAD. Given that this is a significant change in policy and many multidisciplinary practitioners may be directly or indirectly involved in VAD it is important that associated costs are clearly outlined so that appropriate resources can be allocated. What is known about the topic? Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legislation has now been passed in all Australian states. Although VAD has been operating internationally for a considerable time, there have been calls for more data to understand the resources required to implement VAD. What does this paper add? We found a paucity of empirically informed detail regarding the actual costs required to implement VAD. Hence, we tabulated a list of potential costs that could be used for subsequent evaluation and outline a research agenda. What are the implications for practitioners? Given that a significant number of practitioners may be directly or indirectly involved in VAD it is important that associated costs are clearly outlined so that appropriate resource allocation can be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Perspective begins with a case study that raises two important questions: who is responsible for the existence of non-compliant Medicare billing, and who is responsible for eliminating it? In the discussion that follows, I argue, first, that the problem has been created by individual clinicians and by Medicare itself (i.e. the organisational structure that administers Medicare). Second, and more importantly, I argue that the ethical obligation to eliminate the problem extends more broadly to include both the government and the medical profession. What is known about the topic? The scale of non-compliant Medicare billing is contested. What does this paper add? This Perspective frames non-compliant Medicare billing (and denial of its existence) as a ubiquitous cultural problem. What are the implications for practitioners? Strategies aimed at reducing non-compliant Medicare billing need to target the normative behaviour of societal actors as well as individual practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Accreditation to standards developed by the Royal Australian College of General Practice provides assurance to the community of the quality and safety of general practices in Australia. The objective of this study was to conduct an empirical evaluation of the 5th edition standards. Minimal empirically driven evaluation of the standards has been conducted since their publication in 2020. Methods: Data encompass consecutive Australian general practice accreditation assessments between December 2020 and July 2022 recorded from a single accrediting agency. Met and not met compliance (binary) scores for 124 indicators evaluated at the site visit were recorded. A subset of indicators derived from a selection of existing and consistently non-conformant indicators within each criterion was generated. Concordance between the indicator subset and the criterion was assessed to determine the predictive ability of the indicator subset in distinguishing practices who are conformant to the entire criterion. Results: A total of 757 general practices were included in the analysis. On average, 113.69 (s.d. = 8.16) of 124 indicators were evaluated as conformant at the site visit. In total, 52 (42%) indicators were required to obtain a true positive conformity rate above 95% for all criterions of the standards. For criterion 1 (General Practice 1) conformity to the entire criterion (nine indicators; >95% true positive rate) could be obtained by including 2/9 indicators (C1-1a and C1-2a). Conclusion: Our results identified that indicator non-conformity was driven by a small proportion of indicators and identifying a subset of these consistently non-conformant indicators predicted a true positive rate above 95% at the criterion level. What is known about the topic? Minimal empirical evaluation of the 5th edition standards for accreditation have occurred since their implementation. What does this paper add? Our findings suggest that more than half of the indicators currently do not adequately distinguish practices at the site assessment. What are the implications for practitioners? These findings may suggest that a review of individual indicators and the standards structure is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study explored the familiarity, perceptions and confidence of Australian radiology clinicians involved in reading screening mammograms, regarding artificial intelligence (AI) applications in breast cancer detection. Methods: Sixty-five radiologists, breast physicians and radiology trainees participated in an online survey that consisted of 23 multiple choice questions asking about their experience and familiarity with AI products. Furthermore, the survey asked about their confidence in using AI outputs and their preference for AI modes applied in a breast screening context. Participants' responses to questions were compared using Pearson's χ 2 test. Bonferroni-adjusted significance tests were used for pairwise comparisons. Results: Fifty-five percent of respondents had experience with AI in their workplaces, with automatic density measurement powered by machine learning being the most familiar AI product (69.4%). The top AI outputs with the highest ranks of perceived confidence were 'Displaying suspicious areas on mammograms with the percentage of cancer possibility' (67.8%) and 'Automatic mammogram classification (normal, benign, cancer, uncertain)' (64.6%). Radiology and breast physicians preferred using AI as second-reader mode (75.4% saying 'somewhat happy' to 'extremely happy') over triage (47.7%), pre-screening and first-reader modes (both with 26.2%) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The majority of screen readers expressed increased confidence in utilising AI for highlighting suspicious areas on mammograms and for automatically classifying mammograms. They considered AI as an optimal second-reader mode being the most ideal use in a screening program. The findings provide valuable insights into the familiarities and expectations of radiologists and breast clinicians for the AI products that can enhance the effectiveness of the breast cancer screening programs, benefitting both healthcare professionals and patients alike. What is known about the topic? Artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise in providing computer-aided detection in health care, however, current research suggests that standalone AI applications in clinical practice fall short of matching the accuracy of a single radiologist. What does this paper add? The study showed a significant preference among clinicians for using AI as a supplementary tool, serving as a second-reader. Such an integrated approach, where AI aids in flagging suspicious areas on mammograms or offers automatic classification, reflects the ideal cooperation between breast screening readers and AI systems. What are the implications for practitioners? These insights shed light on clinicians' familiarity with and expectations of AI tools that can boost the effectiveness of breast screening programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: An innovative approach by two Queensland health services was taken to establish a shared maternity services' research agenda by partnering with consumers and clinicians. The objective was to set the top five research priorities to ensure that the future direction of maternity research was relevant to end-user and organisational needs. Methods: A modified James Lind Alliance (JLA) methodology was applied between August 2022 and February 2023 across two south-east Queensland Health Services which included five participating maternity units and involved partnership with consumers, healthcare professionals and clinician researchers. The reporting guideline for priority setting of health research (REPRISE) was followed. Results: There were 192 respondents to the initial harvesting survey, generating 461 research suggestions. These were aggregated into 122 unique questions and further summarised into a list of 44 research questions. The 157 eligible interim prioritisation survey respondents short-listed 27 questions ready for ranking at a final consensus workshop. The top five question themes were: (1) maternity care experience, engagement and outcomes of priority populations; (2) increasing spontaneous vaginal birth; (3) experiences and perceptions of woman/person-centred care; (4) best practice care during the 'fourth' trimester; and (5) antibiotic use during labour and birth. Conclusion: Applying an adapted JLA framework can successfully shape and establish a research agenda within Australian health services, through partnership with consumers and practicing clinicians. This is a transparent process that strengthens the legitimacy and credibility of research agendas, and it can form a replicable framework for other settings. What is known about the topic? Establishment of research agendas often neglects the participation of research end-users, consumers and practising clinicians, consequently limiting relevance and translation. What does this paper add? Prioritised specific maternity research questions were jointly generated by consumers and front-line clinicians to highlight areas of focus for research funding and support. What are the implications for practitioners? By partnering with consumers and practising clinicians health service research priorities can be established to optimise patient outcomes and ensure future research is both translational and relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Transformational leadership benefits both patients and staff. The objective of this scoping review was to explore personal and organisational attributes that support transformational leadership in acute health care. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken using Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete, Medline Complete, PsycInfo and Emerald Insight databases. Search terms were related to transformational leadership and acute care hospitals. Results: A total of 18 studies were included: 14 reported personal attributes and 8 reported organisational attributes supporting transformational leadership. The most common personal attributes were manager educational preparation (n = 5), years of management experience (n = 4), age (n = 3) and emotional intelligence (n = 3). The most common organisational attributes reported were larger organisational size (n = 2) and culture (n = 2). Personal (manager) attributes were synthesised into the following categories: demographics, role characteristics, leadership preparation and traits. Organisational attributes were categorised as manager support, organisational characteristics and organisational processes. Conclusions: Despite the beneficial outcomes of transformational leadership for patients, staff and organisations, the personal and organisational attributes supporting transformation leadership are not well understood. What is known about the topic? Transformational leadership has clear benefits for patients, staff and organisations. What does this paper add? The personal and organisational attributes supporting transformation leadership are not well understood. What are the implications for practitioners? Transformational leadership was unrelated to gender or years of experience but was strongly associated with manager educational preparation and emotional intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study examined emergency department (ED) presentations, unplanned hospitalisations and potentially preventable hospitalisations in older people receiving long-term care by type of care received (i.e. permanent residential aged care or home care packages in the community), in Australia in 2019. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Registry of Senior Australians National Historical Cohort. Individuals were included if they resided in South Australia, Queensland, Victoria or New South Wales, received a home care package or permanent residential aged care in 2019 and were aged ≥65 years. The cumulative incidence of ED presentations, unplanned hospitalisations and potentially preventable hospitalisations in each of the long-term care service types were estimated during the year. Days in hospital per 1000 individuals were also calculated. Results: The study included 203,278 individuals accessing permanent residential aged care (209,639 episodes) and 118,999 accessing home care packages in the community (127,893 episodes). A higher proportion of people accessing home care packages had an ED presentation (43.1% [95% confidence interval, 42.8–43.3], vs 37.8% [37.6–38.0]), unplanned hospitalisation (39.8% [39.6–40.1] vs 33.4% [33.2–33.6]) and potentially preventable hospitalisation (11.8% [11.6–12.0] vs 8.2% [8.1–8.4]) than people accessing permanent residential aged care. Individuals with home care packages had more days in hospital due to unplanned hospitalisations than those in residential care (7745 vs 3049 days/1000 individuals). Conclusions: While a high proportion of older people in long-term care have ED presentations, unplanned hospitalisations and potentially preventable hospitalisations, people in the community with home care packages experience these events at a higher frequency. What is known about the topic? Unplanned hospitalisations and emergency department presentations are frequent and burdensome for older people receiving long-term aged care. What does this paper add? While unplanned hospitalisations and emergency department presentations were high in all people receiving long-term care, these events were higher in people receiving home care packages than those in residential aged care. What are the implications for practitioners? Further efforts to address the high unplanned hospitalisations and emergency department presentations experienced by the increasing number of older adults accessing home care packages are required to allow this population to remain at home successfully. This article belongs to the Special Issue: Value-based Healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case study on the design and implementation of a value-based bundled package of care for patients with early-stage breast cancer treated in the private health sector in Australia. Value-based healthcare is an essential change to how we deliver healthcare, shifting the focus from paying for individual services provided to a focus on the health outcomes gained over a full cycle of care. The Australian health system has unintentionally created barriers to value-based cancer care through fragmented care pathways and complex funding arrangements where patients can unexpectedly encounter high out-of-pocket costs. A team of clinicians, service providers, health systems and funding experts, private health insurers and consumers have collaborated to design and pilot a complete bundled package of care for breast cancer patients which aims to address these challenges. With 40 patients recruited to date, early evaluation results show positive patient experience of 'joined-up' care and financial transparency. This case study provides a high-level overview of the approach taken to design and implement the Breast Cancer Bundle and the lessons learned for its expansion in both public and private settings. What is known about this topic? Enabling value-based healthcare is essential to improve healthcare, focusing on outcomes gained over a full cycle of care. Patients diagnosed with cancer frequently report care to be disjointed and the cause of financial stress, thus can particularly benefit from value-based care models. What does this paper add? This case study describes the design and implementation of a bundled package of care for patients with early-stage breast cancer treated in the private health sector in Australia. What are the implications for practitioners? Lessons learned through this process provide considerations for expansion of this model of care. This article belongs to the Special Issue: Value-based Healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to quantify the out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and perceived financial burden among Australian men with localised prostate cancer in the first 6 months after diagnosis, by primary management option. Methods: This cost-analysis quantified OOP costs using administrative claims data and self-reported survey data. Financial burden was assessed using the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity–Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT) tool. Participants were recruited into a randomised control trial from public or private treatment centres in Victoria and Queensland. Generalised linear models were used to predict OOP costs and COST-FACIT scores. Results: Median total OOP costs within 6 months of diagnosis for 256 Australian patients with localised prostate cancer was A$1172 (A$343–2548). Up to 50% of the sample reported A$0 costs for most medical services. Compared with those managed with active surveillance, men having active treatment had 6.4 (95% CI: 3.2–12.7) times greater total OOP costs. Management option, higher Gleason score at diagnosis and having multiple comorbidities were significant predictors of higher OOP costs. Overall high scores on the COST-FACIT indicated low levels of financial burden for the entire sample. Conclusion: Largely attributable to being managed with active surveillance, Australian men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer reported relatively low OOP costs and financial burden in the first 6 months post-diagnosis. Together with clinical outcomes, clinicians can use this up to date evidence on costs and perceived financial burdens to assist localised prostate cancer patients and their families make informed decisions about their preferred management option. What is known about the topic? International evidence suggests that men with low-risk prostate cancer managed with active surveillance initially incur lower out-of-pocket costs than those managed with active treatment. What does this paper add? Australian men with low-risk prostate cancer report low out-of-pocket costs and financial burden in the first 6 months post-diagnosis. Compared with those managed with active surveillance, men having active treatment had 6–7 times greater out-of-pocket expenses. What are the implications for practitioners? Being managed by active surveillance as the primary management option for low-risk prostate cancer reduces the financial burdens associated with a cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Consumer-centred care is fundamental to high-quality health care, with allied health professionals playing a pivotal role in hospital settings. Allied health typically operates within standard weekday working-hours. Consumer preferences for receiving allied health services are largely unexplored but could inform whether weekend and/or out-of-hours services are required. This study aims to understand consumer preferences for hospital-based inpatient and outpatient allied health services. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey and convenience sampling approach, consumers of a public health service in Melbourne, Australia were surveyed about preferences for allied health service delivery. Electronic health record reviews compared the accuracy of self-reported service delivery times. Descriptive statistics, concordance and predictive values were calculated. Responses to free-text survey items were analysed using content analysis. Results: Of 120 participants (79% response rate), most (69%) received allied health services, however, almost half of inpatient responders (44%) were unsure of the specific allied health professional involved. Audit results found moderate–high concordance overall (range, 77–96%) between self-reported and audit-identified allied health services by profession. Most inpatient responders had no strong day of week preference, equally selecting weekdays and weekend days, with most preferring services between 8 am and 4 pm. Outpatient responders (81%) preferred a weekday appointment between 8 am and 12 pm or before 8 am (29%) to complete scheduled activities early in the day. Conclusion: While provision of allied health services during standard working-hours was preferred by most consumers, some inpatient and outpatient consumers are receptive to receiving weekend and out-of-hours services, respectively. Decisions about offering these services should consider operational capacity and research evidence. What is known about the topic? Research on consumer acceptance of out-of-hours or weekend allied health services is lacking, with an assumption of consumer willingness and demand for these service models. What does this paper add? Hospital inpatients are generally indifferent to the day of allied health services, preferring weekday or weekend day equally, typically between 8 am and 4 pm, while outpatients favour weekday mornings. Although consumers reported that their needs were met by allied health services, there was a lack of awareness about the specific services they received. What are the implications for practitioners? Results highlight the importance of not only aligning service delivery with consumer preferences for timing, but also enhancing awareness and understanding of the available allied health services for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Data linkage is a very powerful research tool in epidemiology, however, establishing this can be a lengthy and intensive process. This paper reports on the complex landscape of conducting data linkage projects in Australia. Methods. We reviewed the processes, required documentation, and applications required to conduct multi-jurisdictional data linkage across Australia, in 2023. Results. Obtaining the necessary approvals to conduct linkage will likely take nearly 2 years (estimated 730 days, including 605 days from initial submission to obtaining all ethical approvals and an estimated further 125 days for the issuance of unexpected additionally required approvals). Ethical review for linkage projects ranged from 51 to 128 days from submission to ethical approval, and applications consisted of 9-25 documents. Conclusions. Major obstacles to conducting multi-jurisdictional data linkage included the complexity of the process, and substantial time and financial costs. The process was characterised by inefficiencies at several levels, reduplication, and a lack of any key accountabilities for timely performance of processes. Data linkage is an invaluable resource for epidemiological research. Further streamlining, establishing accountability, and greater collaboration between jurisdictions is needed to ensure data linkage is both accessible and feasible to researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This case study describes the development and outcomes of a new integrated and multidisciplinary care pathway. Spearheaded by allied health, the 'COVID community navigator team', applied established principles of reverse triage to create additional surge capacity. Methods: A retrospective cohort study examined workflow patterns using electronic medical records of patients who received navigator input at the Royal Melbourne Hospital between 20 September 2021 and 20 December 2021. Results: There were 437 eligible patient encounters identified. On average patients stayed 4.15 h in the emergency departments (ED) (s.d. = 4.31) and 9.5 h (s.d. = 10.9) in the short stay unit. Most patients were discharged into a 'low risk pathway' with community general practitioner follow up. Of discharged patients, only 38 re-presented to the ED with symptoms related to their initial COVID-19 diagnosis (34.9% of total re-admissions). Of these re-admissions, more than half did not require admission to a ward. Conclusion: The findings presented here provide support for the clinical utility of a multidisciplinary reverse triage approach in surge planning for anticipated presentation peaks. What is known about the topic? Reverse triage offers the potential to rapidly assess, treat and discharge patients from the emergency department. No known studies have explored this in response to the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. What does this paper add? This paper supports a reverse triage approach to surge planning during the COVID-19 pandemic. We outline a multidisciplinary initiative to support discharge pathways. What are the implications for practitioners? Spearheaded by allied health, the reverse triage model described could provide a solution for surge planning during health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Medicines Repurposing Program was launched on 1 March 2024. It provides a pathway for registering and subsidising off-label medicines of significant public health benefit but which sponsors have no financial incentive to pursue. This article provides a short overview and critical analysis of the program. One concern that emerges is that commercial sponsors still retain de facto veto power over which off-label uses are prioritised and so have the capacity to sway the process. Simple suggestions are proposed to help mitigate this risk. What is known about the topic? The Medicines Purposing Program (MRP) provides a pathway for non-industry actors to have off-label uses of medicines approved and funded if deemed to be of public benefit. What does this paper add? Commercial sponsors can easily sway the prioritisation and selection of candidates under the MRP in their favour, so strategies are recommended to counter this risk. What are the implications for practitioners? The MRP provides an opportunity for the medical community to directly nominate off-label medicines uses for approval and funding improving access to medicines, but only if commercial interests do not intervene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'modern' value-based healthcare (VBHC) movement provides an opportunity to not only reform health care towards a more equitable, community-centred system, but to also acknowledge, honour and learn from global Indigenous knowledge, systems, and ways of valuing knowing, being and doing. For Australia as a settler-colonial state, efforts to implement VBHC here are doomed to fail until the continued legacy of settler-colonial violence and systemic racism pervading Australia's healthcare system is acknowledged, addressed and ameliorated. What is known about the topic? To succeed in efforts to implement equitable, sustained value-based healthcare (VBHC), the foundations and ongoing impacts of settler-colonialism and neoliberalism on which the Australian healthcare system is built must be acknowledged and addressed. What does this paper add? The 'modern' VBHC movement provides an opportunity to not only reform health care towards a more equitable, community-centred system, but to also acknowledge, honour and learn from global Indigenous knowledge, systems, and ways of valuing knowing, being and doing. What are the implications for practitioners? This article is an invitation to sit, listen and learn. This article belongs to the Special Issue: Value-based Healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landmark 2021 Resolution on Oral Health by the 74th World Health Assembly has elevated the importance of oral health into the global health policy agenda. This has led to the development and adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategy on Oral Health in 2022. It acknowledged the need to integrate oral health as part of universal health coverage (UHC), which is supported by national clinical leadership for oral health. Although Australia is a signatory WHO member state, it is yet to appoint a Commonwealth Chief Dental Officer to provide national clinical leadership. This commentary provides a background on the current issues on population oral health in Australia, an insight into the Australian oral healthcare system, and explores some of the challenges and learnings related to previous Commonwealth dental programs. This paper highlights why expertise in dental public health is required to steer national oral health policy that is focused on prevention and early intervention. A population oral health approach for UHC should be informed by evidence, prioritise and address oral health inequities, and be co-ordinated by national clinical leadership for oral health. What is known about the topic? Many countries, including Australia, currently do not provide universal access to affordable oral healthcare. There are significant oral health inequities that exist in Australia, particularly for priority populations who are at higher risk for oral diseases. What does this paper add? National clinical leadership on oral health is needed to implement evidence-based oral health policy. This commentary provides justification for the Australian Government to appoint a Commonwealth Chief Dental Officer. What are the implications for practitioners? Strengthening advocacy efforts by the public health practitioners and other stakeholders is important to promote oral health as a critical health issue for urgent action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The personal importation scheme is a legislative mechanism that allows health consumers to import unapproved medicines under certain conditions. This article analyses the legal and policy basis for the scheme and considers how reforms to advertising laws for therapeutic goods may restrict communications about it. The article represents the first published analysis of the personal importation scheme's interaction with the communications of health professionals and buyer's clubs. It considers how these communications may be affected by legal amendments, particularly where unapproved medicines may be accessed through the scheme. Methods: An examination of Australian therapeutic goods law concerning the personal importation scheme was conducted, including both the historical law and recent regulatory reforms. Illustrative tables were prepared to identify scheme-related advertising that may contravene therapeutic goods law. Risk estimates were allocated to several new legal rules to indicate whether health professionals or buyer's clubs would contravene these laws when promoting the scheme to health consumers for unapproved medicines. Results: Representations made directly to the public by health practitioners or on buyer's clubs websites about accessing unapproved therapeutic goods through the personal importation scheme are likely to contravene one or more advertising laws. Conclusions: The Therapeutic Goods Administration has very strong powers to initiate compliance or enforcement action for advertising breaches in Australia for many promotional practices. Arguably, in the age of the internet and in the context of emerging expensive medicines, these powers should not be used to restrict health practitioners or buyer's clubs from sharing information about the lawful personal importation scheme to health consumers in need. Nevertheless, the study finds that health practitioners who promote or refer to the availability of unapproved medicines through the personal importation scheme outside of a consultation are likely to contravene the law and may be subject to disciplinary or enforcement action. What is known about the topic?. The personal importation scheme has not been studied extensively. This paper investigates whether recent updates to the advertising laws will affect the operation of the personal importation scheme and health practitioners' ability to refer to it in public. What does this paper add? This paper represents the first ever analysis of the way in which the personal importation scheme interacts with health practitioners' statements, buyer's clubs, and the internet. What are the implications for practitioners ? The study finds that health practitioners who promote the availability of unapproved medicines through the personal importation scheme outside professional consultations are likely to be liable to enforcement action from the Therapeutic Goods Administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) reduces cardiovascular risk factors, morbidity and mortality after a cardiac event. Traditional Australian CR programs are located in metropolitan areas and delivered by an expert, multidisciplinary team. Referral and uptake barriers for people living in rural and remote locations are significantly affected by geographical isolation. This scoping review aimed to explore how phase II CR services in rural and remote Australia are being delivered. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to obtain all published literature relating to CR service delivery for people living in rural and remote Australia. A literature search of the following databases was performed in December 2021: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and PubMed. Results: Six articles met the inclusion criteria. Study designs varied and included mixed methods, cross-sectional design and narrative review. Overall, literature relating to CR programs in rural and remote Australia was limited. Three themes were apparent: (1) barriers to the delivery of phase II CR in rural and remote Australia remain; (2) community centre‐based programs do not reach all people in rural and remote Australia; and (3) alternative models of CR are underutilised. Conclusions: Phase II CR programs in rural and remote Australia do not align with current recommendations for service delivery. The use of technology as a primary or adjunct model of delivery to support people living in rural and remote Australia needs to be further developed and implemented. Further research exploring barriers to the uptake of alternative models of CR delivery is recommended. What is known about the topic? After a cardiac event, people living in rural and remote Australia face many barriers to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) attendance. What does this paper add? This paper demonstrates the need to improve CR service access provision in rural and remote Australia via alternate models of delivery. What are the implications for practitioners? Exploring barriers to and facilitators of the uptake of hybrid models of delivery is recommended to ensure that CR services reach and support all people living in rural and remote Australia after a cardiac event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the total annual screening and further-investigation costs of investigating false-positive and true-positive mammograms in the Australian population breast-screening program. Methods: This economic analysis used aggregate-level retrospective cohort data of women screened at a breast-screening clinic. Counts and frequencies of each diagnostic workup-sequence recorded were scaled up to national figures and costed by estimating per-patient costs of procedures using screening clinic cost data. Main outcomes and measures estimated were percentage share of total annual screening and further-investigation costs for the Australian population breast-screening program of investigating false-positive and true-positive mammograms. Secondary outcomes determined were average costs of investigating each false-positive and true-positive mammogram. Sensitivity analyses involved recalculating results excluding subgroups of patients below and above the screening age range of 50–74 years. Results: Of 8235 patients, the median age was 60.35 years with interquartile range of 54.17–67.17 years. A total of 15.4% (ranging from 13.4 to 15.4% under different scenarios) of total annual screening and further-investigation costs were from investigating false-positive mammograms. This exceeded the share of costs from investigating true-positives (13%). Conclusions: We have developed a transparent and non-onerous approach for estimating the costs of false-positive and true-positive mammograms associated with the national breast-screening program. While determining an optimal balance between false-positives and true-positive rates must rely primarily on health outcomes, costs are an important consideration. We recommend that future research adopts and refines similar approaches to facilitate better monitoring of these costs, benchmark against estimates from other screening programs, and support optimal policy development. What is known about the topic? Screening mammogram results suggesting cancer later found to be wrong by follow-up testing (false-positive mammograms) consume healthcare resources unnecessarily and increases anxiety among screened women. What does this paper add? This paper estimates the share of total annual costs of Australia's national breast screening program caused by follow up testing of false-positive mammograms at approximately 15%. What are the implications for practitioners? The share of annual breast cancer screening costs from follow-up testing of false-positive mammograms can be monitored over time using the transparent and non-onerous method developed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital health technologies are a proposed solution to improve healthcare delivery and reduce pressures on the healthcare system, but these technologies are new to much of the health workforce. This perspective paper highlights lessons learned from the global experience of rapid digital transformation of health workforces, including fostering a culture of learning, ensuring accreditation and recognition, and adopting a transdisciplinary approach. Evidence-based actions are proposed to address recommendations to (i) ensure foundational workforce digital health capability and (2) build specialist digital health career pathways. Australia must take a national approach and strategically leverage strong collaborations across sectors including healthcare, education and government to ensure a consistent, regulated and sustainable digital workforce capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Falls in hospital are a significant public health issue and patients with communication disability have unique risk factors that have the potential to contribute to falls. The aim of this study is to determine how the content of hospital falls policies relate to patients with communication disability and to identify gaps in policy that need to be addressed. Methods: A scoping review and content analysis of (a) policies and related documents, from a target health service in Victoria, Australia, and all relevant Australian state and territory health departments, and (b) national guidelines was performed. Data were analysed for content relating to inclusion of patients with communication disability. Results: Communication disability is not captured as a risk factor for a fall in assessment tools. When included, aspects of communication disability were often conflated with cognitive impairments. There was little guidance for staff on adapting falls prevention education to suit the needs of patients with communication disability and limited identified role for speech pathologists. Conclusion: This study suggests that a patient's communication disability is not visible in hospital falls policies and guidelines. What is known about the topic? Falls prevention is an important part of the national health policy agenda and there is extensive literature informing hospital policy and guidelines. What does the paper add? This study provides insights into how hospital falls policies and guidelines relate to the assessment of risk, and prevention of falls in people with communication disability. What are the implications for practitioners? The results suggest that a patient's communication disability is not considered in falls risk assessment, or prevention plans. Communication disability should not be a barrier to engaging patients in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To provide insights into the obstacles which pose challenges to the set-up of any National Registry in Australia. Methods: An analysis of our experience in executing a Multi-Institutional Agreement (MIA) and obtaining ethics and governance approvals, post-award of a large Medical Research Futures Fund grant in June 2020. Results: From July 2020, our timeline to an executed MIA was 283 days, despite full-time staff working towards this goal. Subsequently, after lead site ethics approval, time to site governance approvals ranged from 9 to 291 days. A total of 214 emails were sent during the MIA development and signing. There were 11–71 emails sent to individual governance offices and the number of requested points of additional information ranged from 0 to 31 queries. Conclusions: There were considerable time delays in executing the initial (pre-research) stages of a National Federal Government funded Registry project which required substantial time and resources. We report a wide variation in requirements between different states and institutions. We propose several strategies which could be implemented to facilitate a more streamlined approach to research ethics and governance. This centralised approach would allow for better use of funding and facilitate better progress in medical research. What is known about the topic? Research ethics and governance are essential elements in research, but these systems are imperfect, with many groups reporting the need for reform of the systems governing research. What does this paper add? We report on our own experiences in establishing a National Disease registry, and the numerous inconsistencies encountered, prior to being able to conduct any research. What are the implications for practitioners? We propose several strategies which could be implemented to facilitate a more streamlined, centralised approach to research ethics and governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We set out to provide a benchmark assessment of allied health professionals' research capacity and culture in a national private health care organisation, including identifying barriers and facilitators to staff participation in research. Methods: All allied health professionals across 16 sites were invited to participate in an online survey, using the research capacity and culture tool from 9 May to 17 June 2022. Descriptive analysis of each demographic variable was expressed in frequencies and percentages. Differences between organisation, team and individual domains were analysed as ordinal data (scale 1–9), and a mean score and standard deviation were calculated. Results: The survey was completed by 182 allied health professionals across 16 sites, with an estimated response rate of 12%. Overall results identified low levels of research support or skills at organisational and team levels and moderate levels of skills at an individual level. Respondents were motivated to participate in research 'to develop skills', for 'improved job satisfaction' and 'career advancement'. Major barriers to participation in research were 'lack of time', 'lack of resources' and 'other work roles taking priority'. Conclusion: The current study fills a knowledge gap by reporting the research capacity and culture among allied health professionals in a national private healthcare organisation in Australia. This study suggests that allied health professionals in private healthcare organisations perceive less than adequate levels of support at the team and organisational levels compared to their public counterparts. However, the barriers and motivators to participate in research activities were consistent with public hospitals. What is known about the topic? Current knowledge on research capacity and culture in allied health professionals is primarily based on studies conducted in public hospitals. What does this paper add? This is the first study to explore the allied health research capacity and culture within a private healthcare sector, and highlights the training needs of private allied health workforce and their barriers to research provision. What are the implications for practitioners? The results suggest the development of organisational structure and more resource support at team level would have a positive flow-down effect on research culture in a private healthcare sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The importance of engaging junior doctors in quality improvement (QI) initiatives is well recognised. Junior doctors bring fresh perspectives and engage closely with patients, consumers, families and the healthcare team. They are well positioned to recognise inefficiencies in the system that may compromise safe, timely and effective care. To promote QI participation by our junior doctors our organisation created a specific role; the Improvement House Medical Officer (IHMO). The objective of this study is to describe and evaluate the IHMO rotation at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, a large tertiary hospital in Australia. Methods: A mixed-methods study was performed that involved a survey of previous IHMOs since 2011, including a review of the major QI projects undertaken by IHMOs. Results: Twenty-seven out of 40 IHMOs completed the survey. Doctors were attracted to the rotation to make an impact on the working conditions of junior doctors (selected by 20 respondents, 74%) and improve the quality of health care experienced by patients (18, 67%). Most respondents strongly agreed or agreed (22, 82%) that they used the skills gained in the rotation in their ongoing work. More than 40 QI projects have been led or co-led by IHMOs since 2011. Challenges of the role included the short timeframe of the rotation and the perceived slow pace of institutional change. Respondents found engaging other junior doctors with QI and understanding the hospital's organisational structure to be barriers. Conclusions: The full engagement of junior doctors in QI upholds a healthcare culture that celebrates innovation and promotes patient safety. The IHMO rotation offers an immersive, experiential and impactful way to do so. What is known about the topic? The importance of engaging junior doctors in quality improvement initiatives is well recognised. What does this paper add? Introduces and evaluates the Improvement House Medical Officer position at a large tertiary hospital. What are the implications for practitioners? Other health services may be inspired to implement quality improvement programs for the benefit of their health service, patients and junior doctors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of allied health services are delivered by small, private practices in the primary care setting with limited government funding. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns these practices were subject to the same health orders as any other private business with only 'essential services' permitted to remain open. Research aim: We set out to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated public health measures, on the financial viability of private allied health practices. Methods: Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary care allied health practice owners and managers in Sydney. Data were analysed thematically. Findings: All of the interviewees reported experiencing the stress of balancing precarious finances caused by reduced and/or fluctuating patient demand. Patients' reluctance to seek care was compounded by ambiguity around whether allied health services were 'essential'. Manual therapies were particularly vulnerable to financial stress because their capacity to transition to telehealth and access to government funding were limited. Conversely, psychologists reported demand for their services exceeded what they could provide. Study implications: The findings are indicative of primary care allied health's peripheral status in Australia's primary care landscape. Greater priority to the funding and integration of primary care allied health is needed in primary care policy. What is known about the topic? Most allied health services in Australia are delivered by small, private practices in the primary care setting with limited government funding. What does this paper add? The findings indicate that allied health has a peripheral status in Australia's primary care landscape. What are the implications for practitioners? Greater priority to the funding and integration of allied health is needed in primary care policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to conduct a learning and development needs analysis of quality improvement partnership capabilities of staff and consumers on partnership committees at an Australian metropolitan hospital and health service. Objectives were to compare consumer and staff self-rated capability importance, performance, and learning needs; to investigate if years of partnership experience influenced ratings; and to ascertain staff and consumer preferred learning strategies. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was adapted from the Hennessy–Hicks Training Needs Analysis questionnaire. Participants self-rated the importance of, and their performance on, 10 capabilities, across four domains, of an internationally validated co-produced capability development framework. They also rated preferences regarding learning approaches and media. Results: A total of 199 members from 41 committees (174 staff; 25 consumers; response rate 35.38%) participated. There was a statistically significant learning and development need across all capabilities (P < 0.01). The highest learning need was for influencing organisational systems and policy (mean = −0.96; s.d. = 1.23), followed by equalising power and leadership (mean = −0.91; s.d. = 1.22), and then implementing partnership best practices (mean = −0.89; s.d. = 1.22). There were no statistically significant differences between consumers and staff on ratings, or correlations between years of partnership experience and ratings (P < 0.01). A combination of learning approaches was preferred, followed by learning through experience. Self-reflection was least preferred, which is concerning given it may promote equalising power and leadership. Face-to-face then videoconferencing were the preferred learning media. Conclusions: Continuous co-learning for staff and consumers about QI partnerships is essential. Committee members needed more feedback regarding their influence and to be engaged in innovative co-design practices. What is known about the topic? Staff and consumer capabilities are essential for effective collaboration on quality improvement (QI) committees, however, research is lacking. What does this paper add? This learning and development needs analysis provides direction for effective design of education and support programs. What are the implications for practitioners? Staff and consumers should continuously develop QI partnership capabilities together, and through multiple learning approaches. Increased exposure to innovative co-design strategies is needed to enhance capabilities and influence on organisational systems and policies. Sharing power and leadership was also a high learning need with self-reflection being vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out-of-pocket healthcare payments are a concern for all, particularly those least able to afford them, a situation only being exacerbated by the current cost-of-living crisis. This article aims to provide an overview of out-of-pocket payments and their impacts on decision-making: whether, or not to delay care or seek care at all. The impact of average out-of-pocket payments on demand for mental healthcare services is provided as a specific example. The available data indicate a positive linear relationship between the average out-of-pocket payments for Medicare services by type of provider, and the proportion of patients who decide not to obtain care from a given type provider. This article also poses that current safety net processes are not consumer centric, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net particularly so, and that change is required. It is recommended that a consumer-centric approach should be adopted with everyone listed on a Medicare card automatically included in the assessment of the Medicare and PBS Safety Nets and for the PBS Safety Net to be automatically assessed through Services Australia. Links to websites are provided to support individual decision-making and registering for available safety nets. Finally, supply side considerations and their implications for market equilibrium and the economy are briefly overviewed. What is known about the topic? Out-of-pocket payments can have significant impacts on healthcare choices; whether or not to delay or seek care. What does this paper add? This article provides an overview of out-of-pocket payments and their impacts on decision-making with a focus on Medicare-subsidised mental health services. Current government measures to contain out-of-pocket payments are overviewed and their limitations highlighted. What are the implications for practitioners? Current Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) safety nets are not consumer centric, the PBS Safety Net particularly so. Changes should be made to these schemes to further address the burden of out-of-pocket payments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, acceptance, and unmet informational needs in a cancer population during the first phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rollout in Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a large tertiary hospital in Queensland, Australia, between 10 May and 31 July 2021. The survey assessed health beliefs, experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and informational needs. Results: COVID-19 was perceived to be a significant threat to both physical and mental health. While 57.9% (n = 110) of respondents believed the COVID-19 vaccines were safe and 64.2% (n = 122) believed they were effective, more than half (52.6%; n = 100) agreed that they worried about vaccine side effects. Most respondents (84.2%; n = 160) planned to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; however, feelings of hesitancy remained. There was a statistically significant association between those aged under 60 years (P = 0.003), those with previous vaccine hesitancy (P = 0.000), those who felt they had not received adequate information (P = 0.000) and vaccine hesitancy. Requested information pertained to interactions with cancer treatments, those with a history of blood clotting and information for those undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Conclusions: There is a need for tailored COVID-19 vaccine communication that is responsive to the concerns of people with cancer. This will be beneficial during current and future vaccination rollouts. What is known about topic? People with cancer are a COVID-19 vaccine priority group, as they are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from this disease. There is currently a dearth of information regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, acceptance, or informational needs for this population. What does this paper add? This paper has shown that although vaccine refusal rates were low in this population, feelings of hesitancy remained. Women, those in younger age categories, those with previous vaccine hesitancy and those who felt they had not received adequate information had stronger vaccine hesitancy and higher refusal rates. What are the implications for practitioners? There is a need for tailored information and open communication regarding COVID-19 vaccines and people with cancer. There is an opportunity to build upon established relationships of trust between cancer patients and their clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic precipitated a major shift in the use of telehealth in Australia. The changes highlighted gaps in our knowledge regarding the efficacy of, and clinician attitudes to, the use of telehealth. The current study expands and deepens the available evidence as a result of being collected in unique circumstances that removed one of the major barriers (lack of Medicare rebates) and also one major enablers (willingness) of telehealth uptake. Methods: Using a semi-structured interview, we invited clinicians (N = 39) to share their perspectives, attitudes and experiences of using telehealth. Topics covered included perceptions of the strengths and challenges of telehealth, and how experience of using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic had influenced clinicians' views and intentions regarding their future practice. Participants included clinicians from five disciplines across public and private practice: paediatrics, neurology, immunology, rural general practice, and orthopaedics. Results: We found three key dimensions for consideration when assessing the suitability of telehealth for ongoing practice: the attributes of the patient population, the attributes of the clinical context and environment, and the risks and benefits of a telehealth approach. These findings map to the existing literature and allow us to infer that the experiences of clinicians who previously would have chosen telehealth did not differ significantly from those of our 'pandemic-conscripted' clinicians. Conclusions: Our findings map clearly to the existing literature and allow us to infer that the experiences of the clinicians who have chosen telehealth (and are already represented in the literature) did not differ significantly from those trying out telehealth under the unique circumstances of the removal of the Medicare Benefits Scheme barrier and external pressure that over-rides the 'willingness' enabling factor in uptake decisions. What is known about the topic? Clinician and patient experiences of telehealth use have already been documented in contexts where both clinician and patient have opted-in to that process. What does this paper add? The paper adds data on clinician experience across a range of specialities, from a context (pandemic public-heath measures) where the choice element was reduced for both patient and clinician. What are the implications for practitioners? The data speak to the generalisability of existing evidence, but also provide practical considerations in planning for the inclusion of telehealth for specialist health services in the Australian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study set out to present data on out-of-pocket payments for Medicare mental health services provided by general practitioners (GP), psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and other psychologists, to explore how much is spent on out-of-pocket payments for mental health; if any trends could be seen; and what variations exist across regions. Methods: We performed secondary analysis of publicly available data on Medicare-subsidised GP, allied health and specialist health care across Australia. We merged and interrogated data covering the period 2013–19 and 2019–21 to create a data set covering eight full years of Medicare mental health services, arranged by profession and by region. Results: Out-of-pocket payments for mental health care in Australia have been rising consistently over the period 2013–21, at a considerably faster rate than overall expenditure on mental health care. There is wide variation in out-of-pocket payments depending on where you live. Conclusions: The impact of out-of-pocket payments on community access to mental health care is growing. This has implications, especially in poorer communities, for access to care. This should be an important consideration taken as the Australian Government considers next steps in national mental health reform, including the Better Access Program, currently under evaluation. What is known about the topic? A$35 m is spent on Medicare mental health services every week but there has been little research on the out-of-pocket payments charged to Australians. What does this paper add? Looking at Medicare data from 2013 to 2021, this paper answers three main questions: how much are out-of-pocket payments for mental health in Australia; what trends can be seen; and what variations exist? What are the implications for practitioners? Medicare's Better Access Program is under current review and this research can help practitioners, funders and policy-makers understand the significant investment made in mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnostic imaging is increasingly being used in Australia to aid clinician diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making. There is concern that this increased use represents an overconsumption of inappropriate health services, which wastes finite resources and may cause direct or indirect harm to the patient. Australian health policies have primarily focused on increasing patient access to diagnostic imaging. While these policies address inequitable access and may lead to timely diagnosis and improved health outcomes, these benefits have not been weighed against the unintended harms. This perspective article will explore the unintended consequences of increasing access to diagnostic imaging as well as provide potential solutions to improve the effectiveness of policies in this area. What is known about the topic? When warranted, diagnostic imaging aids the diagnostic process by ruling in (or out) conditions that benefit from treatment and lead to improved patient outcomes. What does this paper add? This paper describes recent policies related to diagnostic imaging in Australia, discusses how increasing access may lead to unintended harms and create further inefficiencies in the system, and provides direction for future health policies in this area. What are the implications for practitioners? Addressing the inappropriate use of diagnostic imaging is crucial for the sustainability of the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Healthcare delivery in Australia is managed at state and territory levels. This paper aims to compare the content and structure of publicly accessible Australian maternity service state and territory frameworks which guide the delivery of maternity care. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to identify publicly accessible Australian state and territory maternity service frameworks. A comparative content analysis was undertaken. Results: Six of the potential eight states and territories had locatable frameworks. Differences in both structure and content were found between frameworks. Variation exists between standalone maternity service frameworks and comprehensive clinical frameworks. Several jurisdictions align policy and ministerial directives in their frameworks outlining service delivery and guidance relating to maternal and/or neonatal transfer. Language referring to the assessment of maternity services and service risk varied. Conclusion: Consistency in structure, language, and a clear communication strategy embedded into each maternity service framework may improve the functioning and consistency of Australian maternity services at each level of the healthcare system. What is known about this topic? Limited evidence or analysis exists of the content of different maternity service framework documents in each Australian state and territory, despite a body of discourse and critical review regarding the previous national maternity service framework. What this paper adds? Similarities and differences in Australian maternity service frameworks are examined, providing insights into maternity operations and prioritised policy across differing jurisdictions. What are the implications for practitioners? Analysis of Australian maternity service frameworks highlights opportunities where jurisdictional governance documents can be strengthened or unified in the absence of an agreed national maternity service framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia reaches its peak, medical radiation practitioners (MRPs) are at capacity both physically and emotionally. High workloads and stress impact the mental wellbeing of MRPs, with suppression of feelings and emotions resulting in experiences of compassion fatigue. From a MRP workforce perspective, the long-term cost of the pandemic has yet to be realised. MRPs need to be supported to prevent unintended health consequences. Robust management interventions will be required to support the MRP workforce to manage and hopefully mitigate compassion fatigue transitioning out of the pandemic. What is known about the topic? COVID-19 has highlighted the pressures on the healthcare system and subsequent effects on the healthcare workforce. Relatively little is known about this topic in relationship to the psychological wellbeing of medical radiation practitioners. What does this paper add? This paper recognises some of the effects of the impact of COVID-19 and contributes to literature on wellbeing Human Resource Management in the allied health sector. What are the implications for practitioners? Identification of various management interventions required to actively support medical radiation practitioners to manage and address compassion fatigue transitioning out of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explain how the Primary Health Network commissioning model works, and factors likely to affect its success. Methods: The study focuses on the delivery of primary healthcare services by one Primary Health Network (PHN) in Australia. The qualitative case study is informed by a desk top review, interviews (n = 49) and observations with key stakeholders involved in commissioning and delivering primary healthcare services in the region. Results: The study provides several insights about the PHN model. First, conceptually, the PHN commissioning model is well suited to identifying and meeting local primary healthcare priorities, bringing together a range of stakeholders involved in healthcare provision. Second, although primary healthcare services are difficult to specify and measure, PHN staff use their content knowledge and experience, and relationships with providers and the community, to design services that meet the needs of consumers. Third, the success of this model may be undermined by short funding cycles and short lead-times, a focus on national rather than local priorities, and continual reductions in operational funding. This may result in more procedural forms of contract management, which may mean that changes in service need, provision and quality go unnoticed. Conclusions: This study shows that although clever in design, the PHN model may not meet its full potential. Given continual changes to the model, including funding, further independent research should be undertaken to understand how PHNs adjust and whether services continue to meet the needs of the local community. What is known about the topic? Primary Health Networks commission a range of services. Little is known about how the commissioning model works and what enables its success. What does this paper add? While elements of an effective model exist, this paper finds that the its effectiveness is contingent on stability, funding cycles, and sufficient resources to manage contracts. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper identifies the risks to the effective implementation of commissioning and how they may be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify what legal workplace protections are available for the mental health consumer workforce in Australia. Methods: Review the available common law and legislative protections to identify the general workforce rights and employer responsibilities in Australia. Results: Consumer workforce members enjoy protections under employment law, anti-discrimination law, tort law and work health and safety law. Conclusions: Consumer workforce members would benefit from understanding and exercising their rights, whereas employers should have better regard to their obligations under common law and legislation. However, further empirical research is needed to assess whether these legislative and policy frameworks sufficiently protect the rights of consumer workers. What is known about the topic? Australia's mental health consumer workforce is expanding. Traditional roles such as consumer consultants and peer support workers are multiplying, as are newer roles such as systemic advocacy, supervision and executive roles. However, the consumer workforce continues to face low pay conditions, stigma, discrimination and unsafe work conditions. What does this paper add? This paper clarifies how these unsatisfactory workplace conditions interface with existing employment-, anti-discrimination- and occupational health and safety-law rights and obligations. In doing so, it signals the key protections in place for the consumer workforce. What are the implications for practitioners? Consumer workers can better understand and exercise their rights. Equally, employers can better understand their obligations to mental health consumer workers, and how they may meet them. Policymakers can consider whether these frameworks are sufficiently protecting mental health consumer workforce rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the historical staffing patterns and organisational characteristics of Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs) against the new minimum staffing standards recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCACQS). Method: Retrospective data analysis was used to compare the staffing levels and characteristics of 1705 RACFs (for 4 years, 2016–19) with the three new mandatory staffing requirements. De-identified datasets were provided by the RCACQS, obtained under its legal authority. Results: Only 3.8% of RACFs have staffing levels at or above all three requirements. Although many (79.7%) already meet the requirement to have a registered nurse (RN) on-site for morning and afternoon shifts, few have staffing levels above requirements for total direct care per resident per day (10.4%) or care provided by an RN per resident per day (11.1%). Historical levels of on-site RNs, total direct care, and RN care vary significantly across facilities of different size, location and provider scale. Conclusion: The new staffing standards, to be mandatory by 2023, prescribe minimum requirements significantly higher than existing levels, particularly in care per resident per day. Each of the three requirements will likely have a differential effect for different types of RACFs. What is known about the topic?: International evidence suggests that introducing mandatory minimum staffing standards tends to increase the amount of care provided by staff in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). However, the impact of staffing standards is influenced by the stringency of the minimum threshold relative to existing staffing levels, the capacity of organisations to increase their staffing levels, and the specific way the regulation is formulated. What does this paper add?: This paper explores the potential implications of the three national minimum staffing standards, to be in force by October 2023, specifying total direct care, care received by a registered nurse (RN), and an RN on-site. By examining the existing staffing levels of Australian RACFs, it identifies the extent to which facilities already meet the new standards and the characteristics of facilities with staffing levels above and below the three requirements (individually and in combination). What are the implications for practitioners?: The study informs both policy and practice in relation to the likely effects of implementing the national minimum staffing standards for residential aged care in Australia. It demonstrates that the new minimum thresholds are likely to require substantial increases in staffing across the sector, both in terms of all direct care workers and RNs. It also shows that the three requirements are likely to have a differential effect for RACFs of different size, location and chain affiliation, thereby guiding policy about the future needs for Australia's aged care workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the suitability and acceptability of virtual training post accreditation visits conducted online for medical specialist training in ophthalmology in Australia and New Zealand. Methods: A two-phase study (pilot and implementation) was conducted. In the pilot phase, an open-ended observation proforma was used by the authors to independently record their observations, which were later compared and discussed until consensus was achieved. All participants were asked to complete an online survey. A document analysis of accreditation documents was conducted. Observation data were broken down into themes and triangulated with online survey and document analysis results. In the implementation phase, the inspections were observed by one of the authors (SK) and the observation notes were discussed with other authors to obtain a contextual and consensual view. A document analysis of all accreditation-related documentation was undertaken. The documents included in the document analysis were planning and scheduling records, interview and inspection notes, training post inspection fact and document notices and accreditation reports. Finally, a post-inspection focus group of all inspectors was conducted. Results: The accreditation interviews adequately addressed all relevant issues with high levels of robustness and reliability. Participants found it more difficult to discuss complex issues virtually compared with onsite visits. The virtual accreditation reports were not any different to what would be expected if a face-to-face accreditation visit had been conducted; however, it was not possible using the virtual inspection to determine the appropriateness of facilities and clinic layout to support and facilitate trainee learning and supervision. Conclusions: Virtual accreditation of training posts in medical specialist training is viable in limited circumstances where there are no known complex training post-related issues and the site has not made substantial changes to clinic and theatre layout, equipment and facilities since the previous accreditation. What is known about the topic? All medical specialist colleges in Australia and New Zealand accredit the sites where training is delivered, usually by conducting periodic face‐to‐face visits. What does this paper add? This paper provides evidence that in limited circumstances, it is possible to accredit training posts virtually. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper provides an outline of issues to consider when planning virtual accreditation of training posts in medical specialist education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value-based health care has gained increasing prominence among funders and providers in efforts to improve the outcomes important to patients relative to the resources used to deliver care. In Australia, the value-based healthcare agenda has focused on reducing the use of 'low-value' interventions, redesigning models of care to improve integration between providers and increasing the use of patient-reported measures to drive improvement; all have occurred within existing payment structures. In this paper we describe options for value-based payment reform and highlight two challenges critical for success: attributing financial risk fairly and organisational structures. What is known about the topic?: 'Fee for service' is the dominant payment method in Australia and creates incentives to increase service volume, rewarding inputs rather than improvements in longer-term health outcomes. There is increasing recognition that payment reform is needed to support the shift to value-based health care in Australia. What does this paper add?: This paper describes the three main options for value-based payment reform: episode-based bundled payments chronic condition bundled payments and comprehensive capitation payments. Each involves some degree of funds pooling, and the shifting of risk from the funder to provider to stimulate the more efficient use of resources. What are the implications for practitioners?: We conclude that local hospital authorities in the states, private health insurers and primary health networks could implement reform as payment holders, but that capacity development in coordination and risk adjustment will be required. Successful implementation of payment reform will also require investment in data collection and information technology to track patients' care and measure outcomes and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate how healthcare practitioners use real-time prescription monitoring tools in clinical practice. Methods: An online survey was distributed to Australian prescribers and pharmacists who use a real-time prescription monitoring tool. Data were analysed and descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics and responses. A Chi-squared test was conducted to test the difference between prescribers and pharmacists. Results: The majority of participants agreed that real-time prescription monitoring (RTPM) information is useful (92.2%) and the tool is valuable for informing clinical decisions (90.2%); however, just over half reported that they had changed their prescribing or dispensing practices as a result of RTPM information (51.0%), and they employed evidence-based clinical interventions to varying degrees. No statistically significant differences were detected between pharmacists and prescribers and perceptions on tool use. Conclusions: This is the first known study to investigate practitioner use of RTPM tools in Australia, and is a starting point for further research. What constitutes 'success' in the clinical application of RTPM tools is yet to be realised. What is known about the topic? Real-time prescription monitoring tools have been implemented in most states and territories across Australia to reduce the harms of prescription medication misuse. What does this paper add? This is the first study to explore pharmacists' and prescribers' perspectives on tool use in clinical practice, and the impact of these tools on clinical decision-making and clinical interventions. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners can optimise tool use in clinical practice to provide patients with best quality health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Studies of Australian health workforce demographics tend to be limited to single professions, a set geographic area, or based on incomplete data. This study aims to comprehensively describe changes to the demographic characteristics of Australia's regulated health professions over 6 years. Methods: Data were sourced from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) registration database, and a retrospective analysis of 15 of the 16 regulated health professions between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2021 was conducted. Variables including profession, age, gender and state/territory locations for the practitioners' principal places of practice were analysed descriptively and via appropriate statistical tests. Results: Changes in age, gender representation, and place of practice varied significantly and in different ways across the 15 professions. The total number of registered health practitioners increased by 141 161 (22%) from 2016 to 2021. The number of registered health practitioners per 100 000 population increased by 14% from 2016, with considerable variation across the professions. In 2021, women accounted for 76.3% of health practitioners across the 15 health professions, a significant increase of 0.5% points since 2016. Conclusions: Changes to demographics, especially in ageing workforces and feminising professions, can have implications for workforce planning and sustainability. Future research could build on this demographic trend data by investigating causes or undertaking workforce supply or demand modelling. What is known about the topic? Several studies have demonstrated changes in the demography of the Australian health workforce, they tend to focus on individual professions, prescribed geographic areas, or are based on data that are dated or incomplete. What does this paper add? This study presents a national picture of 15 regulated health professions' demographic changes in Australia across a 6-year period and allows for comparisons between professions. What are the implications for practitioners? Future research could build on this demographic trend data by investigating causes or undertaking workforce supply or demand modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the quantity and cost of in-person and telehealth exercise physiology (EP) reimbursed under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in Australia before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This study uses publicly available MBS data to describe EP services (in-person and telehealth) reimbursed by Medicare between January 2020 and December 2021. Data were extracted at state and national levels. Results: Despite a reduction in quantity and cost in quartile (Q) 2 2020 (41% reduction), MBS-reimbursed EP services have remained relatively constant at a national level through the 2-year observation period. Service claims averaged 88 555 per quarter in 2020 and 95 015 in 2021. The proportion of telehealth consultations relative to total quarterly claims for EP was <1% in Q1 2020, 6.0% in Q2 2020, 2.4% in Q3 2020 and 1.7% in Q4 2020. This dropped to an average of 1.4% across 2021 (Q1–Q4). States undergoing lockdown periods reported decreased service rates relative to February 2020 (i.e. pre-lockdown). EP services were associated with a Medicare expenditure of AUD17.9M in 2020 (telehealth = 2.4% of total) and AUD19.7M (telehealth = 1.5% of total) in 2021. Conclusions: Quantity and cost of MBS-reimbursed EP services remained relatively constant throughout the height of service disruption due to COVID-19 (2020/21). Telehealth uptake during this time has been minimal for EP. What is known about the topic? Telehealth item numbers were introduced to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS – part of Australia's health scheme) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate continued access to health services, including exercise physiology (EP). What does this paper add? The uptake of telehealth service modalities has been minimal for EP through 2020–21. What are the implications for practitioners? The minimal uptake telehealth suggests that further research, advocacy and promotion is needed to ensure that telehealth can be a viable option for patients to consider when accessing EP services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To retrospectively analyse the key factors associated with listing decisions by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) for medicines for diabetes and its complications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Methods: The clinical and economic evidence were retrieved from public summary documents (PSD) of all major submissions between July 2005 and March 2020. A multivariate binary logit regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between the categorical explanatory variables and PBAC recommendations. Results: We identified a total of 211 PSD of which 118 (56%) were recommended for listing. Clinical and economic uncertainty were significantly and inversely associated with the PBAC recommendation. Submissions with high clinical and economic uncertainty were less likely to be recommended. Conclusion: Our findings will enhance the understanding of medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders about the rationale of PBAC reimbursement decisions for these medicines and assist prospective applicant sponsor companies in preparing their submissions. What is known about the topic? Most studies on Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) decisions focused mainly on the cost-effectiveness, while some assessed only the financial impact of medicines. A few PBAC studies analysed the reimbursement decisions for medicines targeting specific disease groups, e.g. oncology, orphan disease, and multiple sclerosis. What does this paper add? This study presents an in-depth retrospective analysis of the PBAC decisions for listing medicines related to diabetes and its complications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and contributes to the existing evidence-based knowledge of health technology assessment. What are the implications for practitioners? Our findings will enhance the understanding of medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders about the rationale of PBAC reimbursement decisions for these medicines and assist prospective applicant sponsor companies in preparing their submissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study explored publicly funded health system and patient expenditure in the post-acute phase following discharge from inpatient acquired brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. The secondary aim was to explore sociodemographic and injury characteristics associated with high costs. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. 153 patients (ABI: n = 85; SCI: n = 68) who consented to the use of their Medicare data were recruited between March 2017 and March 2018, at the point of discharge from ABI or SCI specialist rehabilitation units. The main outcome measure involved linkage of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data for the 12 months following discharge from rehabilitation. Bayesian penalised regression was used to determine characteristics associated with high costs. Results: The median number of MBS items used in the 12 months after discharge was 33 (IQR: 21–52). General practitioners and allied health services were accessed by 100% and 41% of the cohort, respectively. The median MBS system cost (in Australian dollars) was $2006 (IQR: $162–$3090). Almost half (46%) of the participants had no MBS patient expenditure. The median PBS system cost was $541 (IQR: $62–$1574). For people with ABI, having a traumatic injury or one comorbidity was associated with lower PBS system costs by on average $119 and $134, respectively. We also found that hospitalisation in ABI was associated with higher PBS system costs, by on average $669. Conclusion: There was evidence of high and variable MBS and PBS costs, raising concerns about financial hardship. Future research should focus on identifying any unmet service and prescription needs in the post-acute rehabilitation phase for these populations. What is known about the topic? Acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury incur high long-term health costs, yet little is known about Medicare service use and costs in the early post-acute phase. What does this paper add? This study provides insight into service use and the burden of injury on Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme systems in the 12 months after hospital discharge. High and variable system and patient expenditure are most notable. What are the implications? Highly variable patient costs raise concerns about the access and affordability of sufficient healthcare services in the post-acute rehabilitation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Management establish the importance of ensuring the equitable protection of human rights in disaster planning, relief, and recovery. However, internationally and within Australia, the reality is one of indignity, human rights violations, and corruption. Australia is living in a perpetual state of crisis, following 3years of environmental and health disaster events. Vulnerable Australian citizens, especially people with disability, are at a great risk of human rights violations and may have restricted access to resilience-building resources that would enable them to recover. Embedding dignity into disaster management and recovery can safeguard human rights and improve outcomes for people with disability. What is known about this topic? People with disability are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of disaster and are marginalised and excluded in recovery efforts. What does this paper add? The paper focuses on embedding dignity into disaster planning, response and recovery to conserve human rights of people with disability and improve outcomes. What are the implications for practitioners? Health practitioners are important front-line responders to both health and environmental disasters and should consider how dignity can improve service for people with disability and increase positive outcomes to build back better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]