ORCID Profile
0000-0003-2972-8823
Current Organisation
University of Tasmania
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Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group
Date: 07-2011
DOI: 10.4066/AMJ.2011.73
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-01-2018
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 14-03-2017
Abstract: This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. BackgroundStress and psychological distress are common in doctors and have adverse effects for both doctors and patients.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the long-term (5-year) effects of mindfulness practice on medical practitioners' stress.MethodsA 5-year follow-up study using quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Outcome measures of the original trial, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS), were repeated and a questionnaire/interview on doctors' health and well-being was undertaken.Results Most participants (88%) continue to use mindfulness or relaxation exercises. Mean outcome scores (and standard deviations) at 5 year follow up revealed PSS 13.8 (5.2) (maximal score of 40), anxiety subscale of DASS 4.4 (4.9) (maximal score of 42 and stress subscale of DASS 10.9 (7.3) (maximal score of 42). The 5 year follow up group mean PSS and DASS outcomes scores were all lower than post intervention scores from the original RCT, however differences were not statistically significant. Participants expressed concerns with the overall state of doctors' health/wellbeing.ConclusionMindfulness for stress management is sustainable and may be beneficial for long term use in doctors.
Publisher: Scitechnol Biosoft Pvt. Ltd.
Date: 2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-02-2018
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.5694/MJA17.00400
Abstract: To estimate the efficacy of selection tools employed by medical schools for predicting the binary outcomes of completing or not completing medical training and passing or failing a key examination to investigate the potential usefulness of selection algorithms that do not allow low scores on one tool to be compensated by higher scores on other tools. Data from four consecutive cohorts of students (3378 students, enrolled 2007-2010) in five undergraduate medical schools in Australia and New Zealand were analysed. Predictor variables were student scores on selection tools: prior academic achievement, Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT), and selection interview. Outcome variables were graduation from the program in a timely fashion, or passing the final clinical skills assessment at the first attempt. Optimal selection cut-scores determined by discriminant function analysis for each selection tool at each school efficacy of different selection algorithms for predicting student outcomes. For both outcomes, the cut-scores for prior academic achievement had the greatest predictive value, with medium to very large effect sizes (0.44-1.22) at all five schools. UMAT scores and selection interviews had smaller effect sizes (0.00-0.60). Meeting one or more cut-scores was associated with a significantly greater likelihood of timely graduation in some schools but not in others. An optimal cut-score can be estimated for a selection tool used for predicting an important program outcome. A "sufficient evidence" selection algorithm, founded on a non-compensatory model, is feasible, and may be useful for some schools.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-02-2013
DOI: 10.1038/JHH.2013.9
Abstract: Hypertension is a leading cause of mortality and disease burden worldwide, yet its management remains suboptimal. Identification and management of lifestyle risk factors should be a clinical priority in all patients because of the beneficial effects of lifestyle intervention on blood pressure. The objective of this qualitative focus group study was to identify barriers to lifestyle management in hypertension in Australian general practice. Purposeful s ling was used to select large group practices. Six focus groups (n=30) were audio recorded and transcribed. An iterative thematic analysis was conducted. Overall participants felt they had the required knowledge to provide broad lifestyle advice. However, cynicism dominated due to an overwhelming lack of success in practice. Patient reluctance and ambivalence were identified as major barriers but participants were willing to share the responsibility. Other barriers included time, reduced access to allied health and broader determinants of health. General practitioners need to be empowered to allow continuation of valuable lifestyle advice and counselling. The results emphasise the importance of ongoing lifestyle assessment and tailoring of management to the complex interplay of factors that impact on a patient's ability to adopt and maintain lifestyle change. System issues need to be addressed to provide better streamlined care.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-11-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-03-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2923.2010.03877.X
Abstract: This study aimed to determine whether the practice of mindfulness reduces the level of stress experienced by senior medical students. We carried out a multicentre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis in three clinical schools attached to the University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania. Participants included 66 medical students in their final 2 years of study in 2009. Participants were block-randomised to either an intervention or a usual care control group. The intervention used an audio CD of guided mindfulness practice designed and produced for this trial. Participants were advised to use the intervention daily over the 8 weeks of the trial. All participants completed two self-report questionnaires, at baseline and at 8 weeks, respectively. The intervention group also completed a questionnaire at 16 weeks to provide follow-up data. The primary outcome measure was the difference over time in scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The secondary outcome measure referred to differences over time in scores on the subscales of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Mean baseline scores on the PSS and the stress component of the DASS were 15.7 (maximal score of 40) and 13.2 (maximal score of 42), respectively, both of which exceed scores in age-matched normative control data. Using multivariable analysis, participants in the intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in scores on the PSS (- 3.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 6.20 to - 0.68 p < 0.05) and the anxiety component of the DASS (- 2.82, 95% CI - 4.99 to - 0.64 p < 0.05). A borderline significant effect was demonstrated on the stress component of the DASS (- 3.69, 95% CI - 7.38 to 0.01 p = 0.05). Follow-up at 8 weeks post-trial revealed that the effect was maintained. Mindfulness practice reduced stress and anxiety in senior medical students. Stress is prevalent in medical students and can have adverse effects on both student health and patients. A simple, self-administered, evidence-based intervention now exists to manage stress in this at-risk population and should be widely utilised.
Publisher: Rural and Remote Health
Date: 29-01-2017
DOI: 10.22605/RRH4026
Publisher: Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.
Date: 2012
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2017
Location: No location found
Location: Australia
Start Date: 2015
End Date: 2015
Funder: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
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