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Aim To describe an example of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) in a study about the role of clinical placement, nursing education and patient outcomes. Background Clinical placement is often considered an essential aspect of nursing education and an invaluable way to prepare students for the reality of nursing. However, many questions about the role of clinical placement remain unanswered, such as duration, style and learning outcomes. QCA is a novel approach to data analysis, which has been used for some time in social science research, and may be useful in tackling such questions. Data sources Participants (n=16) involved in a case study using questionnaire, in-depth interview and document analysis. Review methods Few examples of QCA exist in nursing-related research. Examination of approaches to social sciences and educational research, and the conditions that influence nursing education and clinical placement were conducted via a number of online database searches. Discussion The paper presents an example of how QCA was used to consider whether there is any causal relationship between certain features of clinical placement, such as duration, level of preparation, level of benefit, and the capacity of recently graduated registered nurses to provide a range of nursing interventions for pneumonia, falls and pressure-area care. Effective and contemporary curriculum design requires examination of the components of clinical placement that influence graduates and their learning, particularly important at a time when access to the clinical placement setting Is becoming increasingly difficult. This paper should stimulate nurse researchers to consider the potential for QCA and case study in addressing many of the complex questions that lend themselves to research designs with small numbers of participants. Conclusion This paper will be of interest to nurse researchers looking for innovative approaches to data analysis and educators responsible for curriculum design and the delivery of clinical placement experience. Implications for practice A greater understanding of the role of clinical placement experiences in the education of nurses has direct implications for the provision of better health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite decades of concern about reducing health inequity, the Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) painted a picture of persistent and, in some cases, increasing health inequity. It also made a call for increased evaluation of interventions that might reduce inequities. This paper describes such an intervention—the Social Inclusion Initiative (SII) of the South Australian Government—that was documented for the Social Exclusion Knowledge Network of the CSDH. This initiative is designed to increase social inclusion by addressing key determinants of health inequity—in the study period these were education, homelessness and drug use. Our paper examines evidence from a rapid appraisal to determine whether a social inclusion initiative is a useful aspect of government action to reduce health inequity. It describes achievements in each specific area and the ways they can be expected to affect health equity. Our study highlighted four factors central to the successes achieved by the SII. These were the independent authority and influence of the leadership of the SII, the whole of government approach supported by an overarching strategic plan which sets clear goals for government and the clear and unambiguous support from the highest level of government. We conclude that a social inclusion approach can be valuable in the quest to reduce inequities and that further research on innovative social policy approaches is required to examine their likely impact on health equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To (a) seek examples of nursing caring success stories and (b) identify the common contributors to these successes. By focusing on the successes of nursing care rather than critically examining failures, this research seeks to provide examples of proven and feasible approaches and processes for improving care. Design: This study used a narrative inquiry design. Methods: Data were collected through group interviews. Four interviews were conducted with a total of 20 nurse participants working in inpatient settings in South Australian hospitals. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. Results: Two dominant themes concerning the contributors to caring success were identified. These contributors were (1) the provision of holistic care and (2) the influence of the caring community, which includes family members and other patients. The findings also indicated that the definition of caring success according to nurses is not aligned with organisational performance indicators but is more closely represented by caring values. Conclusion: Success, according to nurses, is not exclusively defined by patient outcomes but includes the approach to, and process of, care delivery. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Nurses value the caring process while working in an environment that primarily values clinical and systems‐level outcomes. Nurses want patients and their families, allied health professionals and hospital executives to be involved and invested in the process of care. Impact: This study addressed a gap in the current literature to identify commonalities in nursing success stories, the contributors informing these successes and how these contributors can facilitate improved patient care. Understanding nursing definitions of caring success provides an opportunity to expand upon current accepted industry definitions and perspectives such as key performance indicators. Reporting Method: Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. Patient or Public Contribution: No direct patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report on the safety and efficacy of transvenous cardiac pacing wire insertion outside a tertiary hospital by a medical retrieval service. Methods: SAAS MedSTAR Emergency Medical Retrieval Service transports symptomatic bradycardic patients in rural South Australia to Adelaide on transvenous pacing for ongoing management. This is a retrospective case review of all transvenous cardiac pacing wires inserted by SAAS MedSTAR between January 2015 and October 2017. Results: This study demonstrated successful insertion of cardiac transvenous pacing wires and cardiac capture in 10 of 11 cases (91%) by pre‐hospital and retrieval doctors. There were no immediate or long‐term complications from insertion. All of the patients were successfully transferred by helicopter or fixed wing to their receiving facility, with nine of the 11 patients (82%) surviving to hospital discharge. Conclusion: This paper demonstrates that transvenous cardiac pacing can be safely and successfully implemented for symptomatic patients by pre‐hospital and retrieval physicians in the aeromedical retrieval setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flinders Medical Centre was experiencing issues with timely discharge and knowing the potential discharges and in-patient bed capacity for the next day. This case study describes the application of 'visual management' theory to discharge processes. The solutions developed were 'patient journey boards' and 'discharge traffic lights'. The implementation of these visual management systems has enabled the hospital to improve its discharge processes. What is known about the topic? Communication is critical to the delivery of safe patient care. There is little in the literature on the use of visual management principles and techniques in healthcare. What does the paper add? This paper provides a brief overview of visual management principles and gives two case study examples showing the development and implementation of visual management systems in an acute hospital setting to promote safe and efficient patient care. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners can learn visual management principles and how these have been applied to an acute healthcare context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the health promotion and disease prevention conducted at Australian multi-disciplinary primary health care (PHC) services and considers the ways in which the organizational environment affects the extent and type of health promotion and disease prevention activity. The study involves five PHC services in Adelaide and one in Alice Springs. Four are managed by a state health department and two by boards of governance. The study is based on an audit of activities and on 68 interviews conducted with staff. All the sites undertake health promotion and recognize its importance but all report that this activity is under constant pressure resulting from the need to provide services to people who have health problems. We also found an increased focus on chronic disease management and prevention which prioritized individuals and behavioural change strategies rather than addressing social determinants affecting whole communities. There was little health promotion work that reflected a salutogenic approach to the creation of health. Most activity falls under three types: parenting and child development, chronic disease prevention and mental health. Only the non-government organizations reported advocacy on broader policy issues. Health reform and consequent reorganizations were seen to reduce the ability of some services to undertake health promotion. The paper concludes that PHC in Australia plays an important role in disease prevention, but that there is considerable scope to increase the amount of community-based health promotion which focuses on a salutogenic view of health and which engages in community partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore the factors described by nurses and consumer representatives influencing the delivery of the fundamentals of care. Background: An ongoing challenge facing nursing is ensuring the “basics” or fundamentals of care are delivered optimally. The way nurses and patients perceive the delivery of the fundamentals of care had not been explored. Once identified, the factors that promote the delivery of the fundamentals of care may be facilitated. Design: Inductive content analysis of scenario based focus groups. Methods: A qualitative approach was taken using three stages, including direct observation, focus groups and interviews. This paper reports the second stage. Focus groups discussed four patient care scenarios derived from the observational data. Focus groups were conducted separately for registered nurses, nurses in leadership roles and consumer representatives. Content analysis was used. Results: The analysis of the focus group data resulted in three themes: Organisational factors; Individual nurse or patient factors; and Interpersonal factors. Organisational factors include nursing leadership, the context of care delivery and the availability of time. Individual nurse and patient factors include the specific care needs of the patient and the individual nurse and patient characteristics. Interpersonal factors include the nurse–patient relationship; involving the patient in their care, ensuring understanding and respecting choices; communication; and setting care priorities. Conclusions: Seeking the perspective of the people involved in delivering and receiving the fundamentals of care showed a shared understanding of the factors influencing the delivery of the fundamentals of care. The influence of nursing leadership and the quality of the nurse–patient relationship were perceived as important factors. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses and consumers share a common perspective of the factors influencing the delivery of the fundamentals of care and both value a therapeutic nurse–patient relationship. Clinical nursing leaders must understand the impact of their role in shaping the delivery of the fundamentals of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the interplay between the work of nurse managers and the support they receive and provide. Background: Support is the cornerstone of management practices and is pivotal in employees feeling committed to an organisation. Support for nurse managers is integral to effective health sector management; its characteristics merit more attention. Methods: The experiences of 15 nurse managers in rural health institutions in South Australia were explored using structured interviews, observation and document review. Results: Effective decision making requires adequate support, which influences the perceptions and performance of nurse managers, creating an environment in which they feel appreciated and valued. An ideal support system is proposed, the “sandwich support model,” to promote effective functioning and desirable patient outcomes via support “from above” and “from below.” Implications for Nursing Management: The need to support nurse managers effectively is crucial to how they function. The sandwich support model can improve management practices, more effectively assisting nurse managers. Organisations should revisit and strengthen support processes for nurse managers to maximize efficiencies. Conclusion: This paper contributes to understanding the importance of supporting nurse managers, identifying the processes used and the type of support offered. It highlights challenges and issues affecting support practices within the health sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper traces the background to the 1979 and 1984 equal opportunity policy statements in the South Australian Department of TAFE. It documents the process of policy development and planning for implementation and, through an examination of the content of each statement, evaluates the intentions of the authors. It concludes that there is little evidence of commitment at political and bureaucratic levels to deal with the issues the policies sought to address. By use of documents produced within the department at the time, the paper traces resistance to external pressures for change and failure to establish a firm and realistic program for policy implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health systems have long been criticised for focussing on curing rather than preventing disease. This paper examines to what extent the Adelaide Thinkers in Residence (ATiR) scheme contributed to the change in norms whereby promoting well-being and a strategy to achieve this - Health in All Policies (HiAP) - was adopted by the South Australian (SA) State Government from 2007. The data presented in this paper are drawn from a five year (2012–2016) detailed mixed methods case study of the SA HiAP initiative which involved document analysis, interviews and workshops with public servants and political actors. We adapt the framework used by Finnemore and Sikkink (1998) which explains how norm changes can lead to political changes in international affairs. We also use Kingdon's concept of policy entrepreneurs to determine whether these ideas moved to an implementable initiative with the help of both a specific ATiR program on HiAP and the broader TiR scheme which promoted a series of innovations relevant to health. The process involved the ATiR reinforcing the work of local norm entrepreneurs with that of powerful external policy entrepreneurs, adapting the discourse about the value of prevention and promoting well-being so that it fitted with the dominant economic one. The powerful organisational platform of the ATiR, which was under the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and linked to the South Australian Strategic Plan (SASP) was used to advance these ideas. The case study offers important lessons for other jurisdictions on how to shift policy to encourage intersectoral approaches to health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a case study which examined mental health service users and carers, public housing tenants and non-government organisations' (NGO) participation and representation within policy processes. A particular focus was influence upon policies aimed at achieving housing outcomes for people with a psychiatric disability. The research was a case study of a period of mental health system reform in South Australia (2000–2005) and involved primarily qualitative research; interviews, focus groups and participant observation, as well as document analysis. Participants (n = 92) included service user and carer representatives, public servants from across the health, housing and disability sectors, and NGO professionals from across sectors. The study found that the community participation that existed during the reform period was largely an end in itself rather than a means for groups to shape policy processes, including housing policy. A number of barriers to service users and NGOs influencing policy agenda setting and implementation were determined and described. A range of strategies and processes to enhance community participation, representation and accountability in policy processes are recommended. These include cross-sectoral policy development and accountability mechanisms, advocacy coalitions across sectors for policy agenda setting, public forums involving both service users and professionals, and challenging ‘consumerist’ discourses on participation. Such strategies could facilitate policy debates on housing for people with a psychiatric disability, counter dominant professional interests within policy networks, and help to address community stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarises the results of a case study undertaken at a polymetallic deposit in South Australia. Multivariate geostatistical techniques were used to predict better the block sulphur grades. The necessity to utilise a multivariate geostatistical approach was dictated by the presence of two different generations of sulphur assays. The integration of these data sets was undertaken using the kriging with external drift and collocated co-kriging methods. Efficiencies of the multivariate methods have been tested using various combinations between data generations. Results of these tests have been compared with the conventional ordinary kriging estimates and reconciled against the drill hole data. This study shows that both tested multivariate methods – kriging with external drift and collocated cokriging – significantly improved the accuracy of grade estimation when compared with conventional ordinary kriging. In particular, a global average grade of the study area estimated by the multivariate methods was similar to expected true values even when the amount of new data available is less than 10% of all samples. The ordinary kriging technique when applied to such datasets containing less than 10% of the new samples and more than 90% of the old (biased) samples yields biased results which are largely affected by the more abundant old (biased) assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current healthcare systems often fail to recognise and address the healthcare needs of First Nations People, resulting in unacceptable gaps in health outcomes. Biomedical frameworks used to examine chronic conditions, like chronic kidney disease (CKD), focus on ill health rather than on the strengths First Nations People use to be resilient and sovereign. Healthcare systems, staff and researchers need to collaborate with First Nations People to understand and value lived experiences to best address health and wellbeing needs. This research was carried out within Aboriginal Kidney care together: improving outcomes now (AKction). Using decolonised methods and a participatory action approach, research yarning and thematic analysis were collaboratively conducted to map the health journey of an Aboriginal woman with lived experience of kidney disease. The woman utilised a range of strengthening factors to maintain resilience during her kidney health journey, including Ngolun/connections (to land, language, culture, spirit and ancestors; family; people who understood experiences; strong women; supportive health staff; community), Kunulun/actions (engaging with culture, taking control, advocacy and support, sharing knowledge) and Peranbun/positive mindset (identity, choosing to be strong, outlook on situation, focus). Lacking these strengths and life stressors contrastingly acted as a barrier to her resilience. The woman's journey acts as a case study providing recommendations for improving First Nations People's kidney care by applying a person-centred approach. Recommendations include the need for relevant community kidney health education and awareness, early testing, treatment options on country, peer support, First Nations People healthcare staff, post-transplantation support, and holistic healthcare addressing the patients' social and emotional wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a spatial framework which can be used to perform multi-criteria assessments for different purposes. We tested the framework on a case study of evaluating potential expansion for irrigated pasture in the Limestone Coast of South Australia. The core of the framework is the fuzzy linguistic ordered weighted averaging (FLOWA) model which integrates and implements fuzzy quantifiers, Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in the ArcGIS environment. Fifteen criteria were chosen, including groundwater, topography, landscape and soil attributes which significantly affect irrigated landuse. Criterion weights were determined at both objective and attribute levels using the AHP, and several scenarios were derived using the OWA operator for selected values of fuzzy quantifiers. The resultant evaluation map from the weighted linear combination (WLC) approach was then compared with regional present landuse map. Most currently irrigated areas are contained within the area predicted to be suitable for irrigated agriculture. Relatively large additional areas are also predicted to be suitable, suggesting potential expansion, or that factors including total regional water availability and enterprise-specific economics are at play. The framework provides a useful tool with flexibility and efficiency. It enhances the existing AHP and OWA methods in the spatial context, and incorporates the uncertainty mechanism for guiding the multi-criteria decision making. It is particularly valuable given its capability to generate and visualise a wide range of multi-criteria decision scenarios, which can facilitate a better understanding of the spatial patterns of alternative landuse suitability potentials for future regional-scale landuse planning and water resource management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

From 14 case studies of the practices and needs of home library services provided by Adelaide's public libraries, there will be a continuing and increased need for home library services. However services will need to evolve technologically and in their marketing to meet the needs of baby boomers as clients. The paper derives from the author's masters thesis 'Services to the housebound in Adelaide's metropolitan and regional public libraries: current practices and future needs: 14 case studies' University of South Australia 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The merits of technology-based mental health service reform have been widely debated among academics, practitioners, and policy makers. The design of new technologies must first be predicated on a detailed appreciation of how the mental health system works before it can be improved or changed through the introduction of new products and services. Further work is required to better understand the nature of face-to-face mental health work and to translate this knowledge to computer scientists and system designers responsible for creating technology-based solutions. Intensive observation of day-to-day work within two rural youth mental health services in South Australia, Australia, was undertaken to understand how technology could be designed and implemented to enhance young people's engagement with services and improve their experience of help seeking. Data were analysed through a lens of complexity theory. Results highlight the variety of professional roles and services that can comprise the mental health system. The level of interconnectedness evident in the system contrasted with high levels of service self-organization and disjointed information flow. A mental health professional's work was guided by two main constructs: risk and engagement. Most clients presented with a profile of disability, disadvantage, and isolation, so complex client presentations and decision-making were core practices. Clients (and frequently, their families) engaged with services in a crisis-dependent manner, characterized by multiple disengagements and re-engagements over time. While significant opportunities exist to integrate technology into existing youth mental health services, technologies for this space must be usable for a broad range of medical, psychological and cognitive disability, social disadvantage, and accommodate repeat cycles of engagement/disengagement over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives A physician-led clinic for the preoperative optimization and management of high-risk surgical patients was implemented in a South Australian public hospital in 2008. This study aimed to estimate the costs and effects of the clinic using a mixed retrospective and prospective observational study design. Method Alternative propensity score estimation methods were applied to retrospective routinely collected administrative and clinical data, using weighted and matched cohorts. Supplementary survey-based prospective data were collected to inform the analysis of the retrospective data and reduce potential unmeasured confounding. Results Using weighted cohorts, clinic patients had a significantly longer mean length of stay and higher mean cost. With the matched cohorts, reducing the calliper width resulted in a shorter mean length of stay in the clinic group, but the costs remained significantly higher. The prospective data indicated potential unmeasured confounding in all analyses other than in the most tightly matched cohorts. Conclusions The application of alternative propensity-based approaches to a large sample of retrospective data, supplemented with a smaller sample of prospective data, informed a pragmatic approach to reducing potential observed and unmeasured confounding in an evaluation of a physician-led preoperative clinic. The need to generate tightly matched cohorts to reduce the potential for unmeasured confounding indicates that significant uncertainty remains around the effects of the clinic. This study illustrates the value of mixed retrospective and prospective observational study designs but also underlines the need to prospectively plan for the evaluation of costs and effects alongside the implementation of significant service innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we argue that contemporary nursing care has been overtaken by new public management strategies aimed at curtailing budgets in the public hospital sector in Australia. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 15 nurses from one public acute hospital with supporting documentary evidence, we demonstrate what happens to nursing work when management imposes rounding as a risk reduction strategy. In the case study outlined rounding was introduced across all wards in response to missed care, which in turn arose as a result of work intensification produced by efficiency, productivity, effectiveness and accountability demands. Rounding is a commercially sponsored practice consistent with new public management. Our study illustrates the impact that new public management strategies such as rounding have on how nurses work, both in terms of work intensity and in who controls their labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The transition from being an ordinary citizen to a hospitalised patient can be a daunting experience particularly for the uninitiated and inexperienced. Patients are likely to have questions such as 'where do I go?', 'what should I do?', 'when?' and 'who should I ask?' The process for making practical moment-to-moment decisions is often complex and fraught with difficulties. Identifying critical points in the hospitalisation experience may provide insights into the quality of hospital management systems and professional practices from a patient perspective. Objective This study aimed to identify institutional practices and structures in the context of acute healthcare settings which impact on patient moment-to-moment decision-making experiences. Method A case study approach was used as the exploratory methodology, and interviews were conducted with three former adult inpatients. In order to gain an understanding of each participant's experiences, data collecting strategies used in this research were a semistructured interview and document analysis of information documents, such as hospital supplied pamphlets, provided to the researcher by the participants. Results The study identified five major themes. Identified as being critical to the participants were information sharing by healthcare professionals, professional advice and professional role identification. Less so were environment and everyday life. Associated with these themes were the participant's common experience of being confined in unfamiliar surroundings, adjusting to institutional routines and of being heavily dependent on others. Conclusion Findings indicate that patient moment-to-moment decision-making may be informed and enhanced in several areas: relevant and timely information sharing, varying the dress code between the different professions, reducing conflicting professional advice, clear signage around the hospital, and flexible visiting hours, telephones and clocks in patient rooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: To investigate how a vestibular deficit following an acquired brain injury (ABI) affects an individuals' quality-of-life. Research design: A qualitative exploratory design. Participants: Nine community dwelling individuals who experienced significant symptoms and limitations as a result of their vestibular deficits. Methods: The individuals participated in face-to-face interviews with open ended questions. Data was analysed initially using a case study research approach, exploring the experience for each individual and then cross-case analysis to determine common themes for the group with the assistance of nVivo 10 qualitative analysis software. Results: Thematic analysis determined four main themes arising from the interviews; (1) validation, (2) definitive diagnosis is more difficult amongst an array of ABI symptoms, (3) vestibular adaptation is more difficult in the presence of an ABI and (4) emotional and social. Conclusion: Individuals who suffer a brain injury and experience vestibular symptoms as part of their overall presentation are not diagnosed in a timely manner, with individuals, their families, associates and even health professionals feeling uncertain of the legitimacy of their reported symptoms. It is important that all patients who experience an acquired brain injury are screened for vestibular impairment and, if necessary, receive vestibular rehabilitation including explanation and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the literature acknowledges that older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities are particularly susceptible to financial abuse by their family members, there is a dearth of research that explores the nature of CaLD older people’s vulnerability to this form of abuse. This case study examines unique dynamics shaping this form of abuse and demonstrates how emotional vulnerability and dependence, exacerbated by cultural and linguistic disconnection, can place older people at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study which involved the application of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) in improving physical therapist management of fall risks in older adults following hospital discharge. Topics discussed include the need to reduce risk factors during the transition from hospital to residential care facility, the effectiveness of TDF in enhancing clinical practice behavior of healthcare professionals, and the TDF domains evaluated including knowledge and optimism.

Background There is limited longitudinal data from high-income countries on the sequelae of anaemia during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to examine whether anaemia of pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and with children's developmental vulnerability. Methods We conducted a population-based study to link routinely collected government administrative data that involved all live births in the state of South Australia 1999-2005 ( n = 124 061) and a subset for whom developmental data were collected during a national census of children attending their first year of school in 2009 ( n = 13 654). Perinatal outcomes were recorded by midwives using a validated, standardised form. Development was recorded by schoolteachers using the Australian Early Development Index ( AEDI). Children in the lowest 10% of AEDI scores are indicative of developmental vulnerability. Results There were 8764/124 061 (7.1%) cases of anaemia. After adjustment for a range of potentially confounding factors, anaemia of pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of fetal distress [incident rate ratio ( IRR) 1.20 [95% CI 1.13, 1.27]] and preterm birth <37 weeks gestation ( IRR 1.23 [1.15, 1.31]), slightly higher birthweight [14 g (2, 26)] and newborns were less likely to require resuscitation ( IRR 0.94 [0.91, 0.097]). Anaemia of pregnancy was not associated with children's developmental vulnerability after adjustment for maternal, obstetric and sociodemographic covariables, either in complete case analyses ( n = 11 949) or after imputation for missing data ( n = 13 654). Conclusions Anaemia of pregnancy is associated with perinatal complications but not with children's developmental vulnerability at school entry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. To report a study of patients' views of patient-centred care. The study aimed to explore patients' understanding and conceptualization of patient-centred care and link it to existing literature on the topic. Background. Patient-centred care currently lacks a widely accepted definition, with much of the literature based on definitions formulated by health professionals and researchers. Design. Qualitative research study grounded in phenomenology. Methods. Interpersonal interviews were conducted with ten participants who were patients in a surgical ward in a large metropolitan hospital in South Australia in 2010. Results/findings. Participants were unfamiliar with the concept of patient-centred care, but despite this, were able to describe what the term meant to them and what they wanted from their care. Patients equated the type and quality of care they received with the staff that provided it and themes of connectedness, involvement and attentiveness were prevalent in their descriptions of what they wanted from their care. Conclusion. Ensuring that patients have a voice in the definition and conceptualization of patient-centred care is essential and further and regular consultation with patients about their needs and priorities will ensure an integrated approach to patient-centred care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: To investigate the effectiveness of isokinetic strength training of ankle and knee muscles in adults with chronic acquired brain injury (ABI). Research design: Series of single case studies. Methods: Twelve people with ABI participated in a 2.5-week baseline, 12-week intervention and a 4-week follow-up phase. Intervention: Concentric isokinetic exercise, twice a week, for plantarflexors (PFs), dorsiflexors (DFs), knee flexors (KFs) and knee extensors (KEs). Outcomes: Peak torque and power at 60 and 90° s−1, PFs and KFs tone at 60° s−1, gait speed and timed chair rises. Results: For single case analyses strength improvements were noted in 11/12 participants' PFs, 5/12 participants' DFs and 7/12 participants' KEs and KFs. Gait speed improved in 8/12 participants and chair rise time improved in 7/12 participants. PFs tone increased in three participants, KFs tone increased in six participants and three participants reported knee pain. For group analyses, peak torque of PFs and KEs, fast gait speed and timed chair rises demonstrated improvement ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Isokinetic strength training may be effective to improve lower limb muscle strength; however, care needs to be taken in selecting suitable candidates as some individuals reported knee pain with this intensive programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes some of the crucial theoretical, methodological and practical issues that need to be considered when evaluating Health in All Policies (HiAP) initiatives. The approaches that have been applied to evaluate HiAP in South Australia are drawn upon as case studies, and early findings from this evaluative research are provided. The South Australian evaluation of HiAP is based on a close partnership between researchers and public servants. The article describes the South Australian HiAP research partnership and considers its benefits and drawbacks in terms of the impact on the scope of the research, the types of evidence that can be collected and the implications for knowledge transfer. This partnership evolved from the conduct of process evaluations and is continuing to develop through joint collaboration on an Australian National Health & Medical Research Council grant. The South Australian research is not seeking to establish causality through statistical tests of correlations, but instead by creating a ‘burden of evidence’ which supports logically coherent chains of relations. These chains emerge through contrasting and comparing findings from many relevant and extant forms of evidence. As such, program logic is being used to attribute policy change to eventual health outcomes. The article presents the preliminary program logic model and describes the early work of applying the program logic approach to HiAP. The article concludes with an assessment of factors that have accounted for HiAP being sustained in South Australia from 2008 to 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]