ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5914-3300
Current Organisation
Flinders University
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In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Simulation And Modelling | Public Health and Health Services | Health Information Systems (Incl. Surveillance) | Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety | Information Systems | Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified | Decision Support And Group Support Systems |
Information services not elsewhere classified | Computer software and services not elsewhere classified | Health and support services not elsewhere classified | Injury Control | Environmental Health | Health Protection and/or Disaster Response
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-2019
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X19001018
Abstract: Roof-harvested rainwater held in domestic tanks is used for a variety of purposes in Australia, including drinking and irrigation. There is limited evidence about the quality of rainwater after bushfires. Current health guidelines can be interpreted that landholders need to drain their rainwater tanks to avoid the risk of contamination. Anecdotal reports indicate that following such advice caused additional distress to landowners affected by bushfires in South Australia. Sustainable water management is important for future resilience and more evidence on water quality following bushfires is needed. This project investigated whether there is contamination of roof-harvested rainwater after bushfires, and if so, whether such water was safe for various purposes. In 2017 we tested artificially contaminated water spiked with chemicals associated with bushfires (chromated copper arsenate-treated ash and firefighting foam) and conducted a pilot field study using two purposely built roofs during a pre-fire season burn off. A field validation is planned for the summer of 2018/19 (December 2018 - March 2019), i.e., we plan to obtain 200 s les from 50 households affected by bushfire – two s les immediately after the fire event and another two after the first rain. The artificially created contaminated water fell within guidelines for non-potable uses such as irrigation and stock watering, but was found unsuitable for drinking even after being filtered through two commercially available water filtration systems. We also plan to present results from our field study of 50 households. Contaminant concentrations, even in artificially spiked water s les, are low and acceptable for non-potable uses. Bottled water should be used for drinking. Landholders should be encouraged to use their water for recovery purposes. Such advice may assist with decreasing the stress experienced by affected landholders and help with recovery efforts through the availability of a greater body of water.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 06-2004
DOI: 10.1017/S1460396904000032
Abstract: Research in radiation therapy is developing as radiation therapists recognise the need for improved evidence-based practice and patient care. However, many radiation therapists have a limited background in the area of research practices and the methodology that may be utilised to answer specific research questions. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a research question and the steps involved in determining an appropriate methodology that can be used to answer that research question. To demonstrate application of the approaches and methodologies that are described, an ex le research question that focuses on the experience of treatment decision-making for early stage breast cancer is considered and referred to throughout the paper. Initially, quantitative and qualitative research paradigms are considered and described to demonstrate the approaches that can be used, the type of data that can be collected and the results that can be analysed and utilised to answer the research question. As a phenomenological approach was found to be appropriate to investigate the question, this approach is explored in greater detail.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1071/PY09009
Abstract: Aged care is a growing issue in Australia and other countries. There are significant barriers to meeting the health needs of this population. Current services have gaps between care and lack communication and integration between care providers. Research was conducted in the Australian Capital Territory to investigate the potential role of the aged care nurse practitioner in health service delivery in aged care settings. A multimethod case study design was utilised, with three student nurse practitioners (SNP) providing care to aged care clients across three sectors of health service delivery (residential aged care facilities, general medical practices and acute care). Data collection consisted of in-depth interviews and journal entries of the SNP, as well as focus groups and surveys of multidisciplinary staff and patients over the age of 65 years in the settings frequented by the SNP. The aged care SNP were found to cross professional and organisational boundaries, cross intra- as well as interorganisational boundaries and to contribute to more seamless patient care as members of a multidisciplinary aged care team. The aged care nurse practitioner role consequently has the potential to function in a networked rather than a hierarchical manner, and this could be a key element in addressing gaps in care across care locales and between disciplines.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-08-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10935-022-00694-Z
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to investigate the different roles of nurses as members of healthcare teams at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of colorectal cancer prevention. The research team conducted a narrative review of studies involving the role of nurses at different levels of colorectal cancer prevention, which included a variety of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Reviews, Magiran, the Scientific Information Database (SID), Noormags, and the Islamic Science Citation (ISC) databases from ab initio until 2021. A total of 117 studies were reviewed. Nurses' roles were classified into three levels of prevention. At the primary level, the most important role related to educating people to prevent cancer and reduce risk factors. At the secondary level, the roles consisted of genetic counseling, stool testing, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, biopsy and screening test follow-ups, and chemotherapy intervention, while at the tertiary level, their roles were made up of pre-and post-operative care to prevent further complications, rehabilitation, and palliative care. Nurses at various levels of prevention care also act as educators, coordinators, performers of screening tests, follow-up, and provision of palliative and end-of-life care. If these roles are not fulfilled at some levels of colorectal cancer, it is generally due to the lack of knowledge and competence of nurses or the lack of instruction and legal support for them. Nurses need sufficient clinical knowledge and experience to perform these roles at all levels.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-2012
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X12000520
Abstract: Japan has a long history of disaster due to its location on the “Pacific Ring of Fire.” The frequency of earthquakes experienced in recent years has had significant influence on disaster health research in Japan. This paper describes disaster health research trends in Japan, with an emphasis on disaster nursing research. A systematic literature review of disaster health research in Japan from 2001 through 2007 was conducted for this study. The most commonly used database in Japan, Ichushi (version 4.0), was used for this literature review. The keywords and sub-keywords used were: disaster , disaster nursing , practice , education , ability , response , emergency , licensure , capability, function, prevention , planning and research . These keywords were sometimes used in combination to identify relevant literature. A total of 222 articles were reviewed. The number of research papers available increased gradually from 2001 through 2007. The most common articles used were found using the search category of “ disaster nursing and research .” Among the search categories, “ disaster nursing and education ” also had a high number of publications. This category also peaked in 2007. The recent experiences of natural disaster in Japan accelerated the impetus to explore and implement a disaster nursing concept into practice and nursing curricula. Further evidence-based studies to develop methodology and other areas of studies in disaster nursing, including other language databases are to be expected in the future. Kako M, Mitani S, Arbon P. Literature review of disaster health research in Japan: focusing on disaster nursing education. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012 (2):1-6.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.AUCC.2007.12.001
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to explore, describe and interpret the lived experience of graduate [junior] Registered Nurses who have participated in an in-hospital resuscitation event within the non-critical care environment. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological design, a convenience s le was recruited from a population of graduate Registered Nurses with less than 12 months experience. Focus groups were employed as a means of data collection. Thematic analysis of the focus group narrative was undertaken using a well-established human science approach. Responses from participants were analysed and grouped into four main themes: needing to decide, having to act, feeling connected and being supported. The findings illustrate a decision-making process resulting in participants seeking assistance from a medical emergency team based on previous experience, education and the perceived needs of the patient. Following this decision, participants are indecisive, questioning their decision. Participants view themselves as learners of the resuscitation process being educationally prepared to undertake basic life support, but not prepared for roles in a resuscitation event expected of the Registered Nurse, such as scribe. With minimal direction participants identified, implemented and evaluated their own coping strategies. Participants desire an environment that promotes a team approach, fostering involvement in the ongoing management of the patient within a 'safe zone'. Similarities are identifiable between the graduate nurses' experience and the experience of bystanders and other healthcare professional cohorts, such as the chaotic resuscitation environment, having too many or not enough participants involved in a resuscitation event, being publicly tested, having a decreased physical and emotional reaction with increased resuscitation exposure and having a lack of an opportunity to participate in debriefing sessions. Strategies should be implemented to provide non-critical care nurses with the confidence and competence to remain involved in the resuscitation process, firstly to provide support for less experienced staff and secondly to participate in the ongoing management of the patient. Additionally, the need for education to be contextualized and mimic the realities of a resuscitation event was emphasised.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 02-2008
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X00005628
Abstract: Public safety at mass gatherings is the responsibility of multi-ple agencies. Injury surveillance and inter-agency communication are pivotal to ensure continued public safety. The principal objective of this pilot study was to improve the identification of trends and patterns of injury presentations at mass gather-ings. This was achieved through an electronic process for data gathering to support timely reporting of injury data. In addition, what evolved was the devel-opment of an inter-agency communication model to support information transfer. An Electronic Injury Surveillance System was created and piloted at two mass gatherings in South Australia. Live, real-time data were collect-ed via customized software supported by electronic report generation. The Injury Surveillance System captured data on 181 injured patients and assisted in the identification of trends and patterns of presenta-tions. The relevant injuries and patterns of injuries were reported to the appropriate organizations based on pre-defined communication models. The pilot study demonstrated that it was possible to perform “live”, portable injury surveillance during patient presentations at two mass gatherings. The Injury Surveillance System ensured immediate data capture. Well-defined communication systems established for this pilot also enabled early action to rectify hazards. Further development of electronic injury sur-veillance should be considered as an essential tool for managing public safety at mass gatherings.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 07-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2354.2005.00565.X
Abstract: Women who are making decisions about treatment for early stage breast cancer interact with a number of people when they are considering their treatment options and the impact breast cancer will have on their lives. Previous research has considered patient preferences for involvement in treatment decision-making and proposed factors that may influence breast cancer treatment decisions. However, to date, there has been a paucity of research focusing on the experience of making treatment decisions from the women's perspective. The aim of this paper is to describe the relationships between the women, the medical practitioners and other people, and to consider features that may be influential in the experience of making treatment decisions. Two models are proposed to represent concepts that are linked to the experience of making treatment decisions. The first model proposed has been formulated to represent factors that may influence the treatment decision. The second model highlights aspects of the women's lives that may be affected. This paper discusses concepts that are presented in the conceptual models and makes suggestions for future studies relating to the experience of making treatment decisions for women with breast cancer.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 22-01-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X14000028
Abstract: The March 11, 2011 disaster was unparalleled in the disaster history of Japan. There is still enormous effort required in order for Japan to recover from the damage, not only financially, but psychosocially. This paper is a review of the studies that have been undertaken since this disaster, from after the March 11 th disaster in 2011 to the end of 2012, and will provide an overview of the disaster-health research literature published during this period. The Japanese database Ichushi Ver. 5 was used to review the literature. This database is the most frequently used database in Japanese health-sciences research. The keywords used in the search were “ Higashi Nihon Dai-shinsai” (The Great East Japan Earthquake). A total of 5,889 articles were found. Within this selection, 163 articles were categorized as original research ( gencho ronbun ). The articles were then sorted and the top four key categories were as follows: medicine (n = 98), mental health (n = 18), nursing (n = 13), and disaster management (n = 10). Additional categories were: nutrition (n = 4), public health (n = 3), radiology, preparedness, and pharmacology (n = 2 for each category). Nine articles appeared with only one category label and were grouped as “others.” This review provides the current status of disaster-health research following the Great East Japan Earthquake. The research focus over the selected period was greatly directed towards medical considerations, especially vascular conditions and renal dialysis. Considering the compounding factors of the cold temperatures at the time of the disaster, the geography, the extensive dislocation of the population, and the demographics of an aging community, it is noteworthy that the immediate and acute impact of the March 11 th disaster was substantial compared with other events and their studies on the impact of disaster on chronic and long-term illness. The complexity of damage caused by the earthquake event and the associated nuclear power plant event, which possibly affected people more psychologically than physically, might also need to be investigated with respect to long term objectives for improving disaster preparedness and management. Kako M , Arbon P , Mitani S . Literature review on disaster health after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2014 29 ( 1 ): 1 - 6 .
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 07-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2354.2007.00778.X
Abstract: Breast cancer patients are faced with many decisions about their treatment, relationships and lives. The aims of this study were: to provide an understanding of the phenomenon of making decisions during the experience of early breast cancer, and to describe the types of decisions these patients are typically faced with. Previous research has focused largely on describing the different ways patients behave when making choices about treatment. However, few studies provide an understanding of the range of decisions women are likely to face, or describe what the experience of making these decisions is like. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to inform the research. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 breast cancer patients who had completed treatment. This study provides an understanding of the broad range of decisions with which women may be faced, and presents a new interpretation of what the experience of making decisions is like for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Five existential themes were found to be representative of the experience of making decisions: being challenged, getting ready, surviving, sharing the challenge and interrogating the future. Health professionals can use the understandings presented to improve their therapeutic relationships with patients and further assist women as they work through their experience of breast cancer.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 26-06-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X1800050X
Abstract: Mass gatherings are complex events that present a unique set of challenges to attendees’ health and well-being. There are numerous factors that influence the number and type of injuries and illnesses that occur at these events, including weather, event and venue type, and crowd demographics and behavior. While the impact of some factors, such as weather conditions and the availability of alcohol, on patient presentations at mass gatherings have been described previously, the influence of many other variables, including crowd demographics, crowd behavior, and event type, is poorly understood. Furthermore, a large number of studies reporting on the influence of these variables on patient presentations are based on anecdotal evidence at a single mass-gathering event. Data were collected by trained fieldworkers at 15 mass gatherings in South Australia and included event characteristics, crowd demographics, and weather. De-identified patient records were obtained from on-site health care providers. Data analysis included the calculation of patient proportions in each variable category, as well as the total number of patient presentations per event and the patient presentation rate (PPR). The total number of expected attendees at the 15 mass gatherings was 303,500, of which 146 presented to on-site health care services. The majority of patient presentations occurred at events with a mean temperature between 20°C and 25°C. The PPR was more than double at events with a predominantly male crowd compared to events with a more equal sex distribution. Almost 90.0% of patient presentations occurred at events where alcohol was available. The results of the study suggest that several weather, crowd, and event variables influence the type and number of patient presentations observed at mass-gathering events. Given that the study s le size did not allow for these interactions to be quantified, further research is warranted to investigate the relationships between alcohol availability, crowd demographics, crowd mobility, venue design, and injuries and illnesses. Anikeeva O, Arbon P, Zeitz K, Bottema M, Lund A, Turris S, Steenk M. Patient presentation trends at 15 mass-gathering events in South Australia. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018 (4):368–374.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-02-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2005
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 08-2011
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X11006522
Abstract: Introduction : This project examined the use of first aid by bystanders at road traffic crashes (RTC) and was undertaken in the context of increasing average ambulance response times to RTC throughout Australia and the potential impact of early first aid intervention on the mortality and morbidity associated with RTC. The aim of this project was to acquire knowledge about the prevalence of first aid training the incidence of being a bystander and of providing first aid the range of first aid skills being utilized the motivation to intervene and, the perceived impact of first aid training. Methods : An Internet-based survey was distributed to a potential population of 12,500 road users and a total of 773 responded. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative data were completed. Results: Seventy-seven percent (77%) of participants had first aid training at some stage in their lives 28% held a current first aid certificate 11% had provided first aid at RTC 75.3% who had provided first aid were travelling in a vehicle. Having first aid training increased the likelihood of intervention and of owning a first aid kit or pocket mask. Conclusions : First aid training, even if it is not current, is an enabler for providing first aid at RTCs. The first aid skills most commonly used were changing posture, opening an airway, and providing comfort and reassurance. Key concerns for first aiders included a feeling of a lack of follow-up, and lack of an opportunity to debrief. Strategies to increase first aid training, to improve information and support, and to increase the knowledge of first aider’s are discussed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-05-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1584.2006.00781.X
Abstract: In 2003 the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency in South Australia (SA) facilitated the 'SA Rural Hospital After Hours Triage Education and Training Program'. It was designed to improve communication between rural general practitioners (GPs) and nurses undertaking after-hours triage, provide training in triage for rural nurses and develop local collaborative after-hours primary medical care models that can be applied in other settings. The program consisted of a series of three workshops. The first workshop provided an opportunity for GPs and nurses to discuss local issues relating to after-hours primary medical care service delivery. This was followed by a one-day workshop on triage for nurses. A follow-up refresher workshop was conducted approximately six months later. Twenty-three rural communities in SA. Rural GPs and nurses working in rural communities. This paper reports on the issues highlighted by clinicians in providing after-hours primary medical care in rural and remote communities. These included community expectations, systems of care, scope of practice, private practice ublic hospital interface, and medico legal issues. The issues facing after-hours health services in rural communities are not new. There are many opportunities for improvement of systems. A formal program including workshops and training has provided a useful forum to commence service improvements.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJON.2011.05.003
Abstract: How Quality of Life (QoL) assessment is conducted across different oncology wards and palliative settings is a challenging issue and needs to be searched further. There is a lack of interpretive research study in Australian populations in which QoL assessment for cancer patients in oncology and palliative areas has deeply been explored. Therefore, an interpretive research study was conducted to explore in-depth nurses' QoL assessment conducted in oncology wards and palliative settings. The study was completed in 2007 in two major public hospitals in Adelaide, South Australia. Ten nurses were selected from different inpatient and outpatient oncology services and a palliative setting to take part in semi-structured interviews. The study was a 'grounded theory approach' in which some aspects of the grounded theory were used to gain a fundamental understanding and broad description of the experience of QoL assessment as conducted by nurses. After the data collection and analysis six main themes were identified. Four of the themes are presented as: a) Cues-based QoL assessment, and b) Purpose-based QoL assessment, c) Facilitators of QoL assessment, and d) Barriers of QoL assessment. Findings of the research study generally supported the notion that nurses mainly pick up on patients' cues as a way for QoL assessment when they communicate with patients in the clinical area rather than using QoL tools. Also, nurses are, at times, uncertain if they are doing a QoL assessment and if their assessment of patients' QoL is correct or not. Therefore, this supports a need for nurses to develop a more holistic relationship and stronger rapport with patients which underpins the assessment of cancer patients' QoL through various cues.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 02-2012
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X11006765
Abstract: Introduction: Celebrating the end of secondary schooling (“Schoolies Festival”) is an established part of the school culture in Australia, with thousands of young students converging at beachside locations to celebrate this rite of passage. The aim of this study was to identify what young people believe is important to remain safe and healthy at this mass-gathering event. Methods: This study was conducted using postcard surveys requesting demographic data and responses to the questions: (1) What do you think is important to stay safe and healthy at this event? (2) What do you think is risky attending this event? (3) Which of these is most likely to affect you at this event? and (4) Where would you seek medical support? The surveys were distributed to attendees of a “Schoolies Festival” in Adelaide, Australia in 2008. Results: One hundred sixty-five of the 300 postcards were returned completed. The average age of the respondents was 17.7 years. “Not using drugs” was considered important to staying safe and healthy by 120 (73%) of respondents “drinking alcohol responsibly” was considered important by 89 (54%) and “violent behavior” and “exposure to illicit drugs” were identified as important risks by 135 (82%) and 98 (59%) of participants, respectively. Only 35 (21%) of respondents indicated that they would seek on-site health care if needed. Conclusion: Young people attending mass-gathering celebrations have valid concerns about drinking responsibly, exposure to illicit drugs, and sexual harassment. Health messages or health promotion strategies aimed at their specific concerns would be helpful in the mitigation of illness or injury at such events.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.5172/CONU.2006.23.1.46
Abstract: Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer require the support of a range of people during their treatment. Although the role of the breast care nurse in providing support has recently been investigated in several Australian studies the patients' perspective on the role of the breast care nurse in Australian hospitals has not previously been described in detail. The aim of this paper is to explore patients' perspectives on the role of the breast care nurse. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 women who had completed treatment for early breast cancer. The women were asked to describe their experiences from the time of diagnosis through to treatment completion. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Breast cancer patients repeatedly emphasised the importance of the role of their breast care nurses throughout their experience of breast cancer. The support that breast care nurses provided incorporated the following components: communication, rapport and an awareness of the women's needs, availability, reassurance and practical information. This study provides an understanding of women's perspectives on the role of breast care nurses and confirms that breast care nurses play an important support role during the experience of early breast cancer. Oncology clinics should focus on ensuring that all women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have adequate access to the support that breast care nurses are able to provide.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 28-02-2020
Abstract: In this paper, the authors describe a way of doing phenomenology using exemplars drawn from a doctoral study of Australian nurses’ lived experiences following a disaster. Phenomenology is concerned with the essence of things as they are appearing in the conscious awareness of the first person. This paper emphasises a way of doing phenomenology based on maintaining orientation to the uniqueness of the ‘thingness’ of the phenomena being uncovered. While there is no one way to do phenomenology, this paper shows a way of doing phenomenology from obtaining in idual narrative and moving to an intersubjective lived-experience description.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 11-04-2016
DOI: 10.1108/IJDRBE-03-2015-0008
Abstract: This paper aims to discuss the development of two toolkits that were designed to help communities and households measure their level of disaster resilience and provide practical tools to help them increase and maintain these levels. The toolkits were developed across two studies, with the community toolkit development being undertaken first. A literature review was conducted to develop a definition and model of community disaster resilience and a Scorecard was designed to assess levels of existing community disaster resilience. The definition and Scorecard were reviewed and refined with the help of two communities before a final version was trialled in four communities across Australia. The household toolkit project followed a similar approach, with trialling being undertaken in conjunction with two non-government organisations that carry out outreach work in the community. The development and trial of the Scorecards was extremely valuable. The conclusion voiced by communities and reached by the study project teams was that the user-friendly Scorecard is a workable tool for people to assess their household and community disaster resilience and to come together to plan what might further strengthen resilience. Critical to the Scorecards’ success was an understanding of the purpose of the assessment tool and the meaning of resilience. The toolkits take an all-hazards approach and help community members, in iduals and local policymakers to set priorities, allocate funds and develop emergency and disaster management programmes that build local community resilience.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-2011
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X11001117
Abstract: Following the devastating March 2009 Victorian bushfire disaster in rural areas of Australia, authorities reviewed strategies designed to protect communities during periods of extreme fire risk. New policy and regulation were introduced and designed to ensure that small rural communities were protected and prepared to confront a wildfire emergency during days of extreme heat or bushfire risk weather. As a result on days of declared ‘catastrophic’ bushfire weather conditions government agencies in South Australia have implemented a policy for schools (including pre-schools) to be temporarily closed. On these days community members are advised to evacuate early to safe regional centres, and to limit travel on country roads. The WADEM Guidelines for Disaster Evaluation and Research demonstrate that Basic Societal Functions (BSFs), such as education, health, transport and others, are interconnected and interdependent. For ex le in small rural communities in South Australia people may have a number of important roles including being parents, volunteers of emergency services while also being employed as staff of local hospitals. This project reviewed the impact of school closures and other protective measures on the availability of the rural nursing workforce and on rural hospitals. Rural hospitals in Australia are staffed, on average, by 2–8 nurses, service very small communities and are separated by great distances. As a result, small changes in the absentee rate for nurses can have a significant impact on the operation of these hospitals. This paper will argue that policy changes in other sectors, such as education, can impact on societal activities such as childcare, volunteer emergency service work, and hospital staffing, in ways that may not be anticipated unless the impact on all Basic Societal Functions are considered by policymakers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-1994
DOI: 10.1016/0260-6917(94)90034-5
Abstract: The introduction of national competencies for registration as a nurse in Australia has been met with great enthusiasm. While this development clearly brings some positive benefits the authors believe that competencies and competency development must be carefully monitored if Australian nurses are to avoid some of the pitfalls associated with this approach.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2012.10.005
Abstract: The aim of this review was to explore the current literature about working as a nurse in the emergency department (ED) during a disaster. Nurses play an important role in caring for patients that present to the ED following a disaster. While there is a great deal of literature written about disasters and disaster response, little has been written from the emergency nursing perspective. Literature was identified through electronic databases from 2000 to 2011. Articles were reviewed if they provided discussion relevant to nursing in the ED during a disaster. 18 articles met the criteria. Five themes emerged from the review. There were two key findings: changes from a 'normal' working day to a disaster and the preparedness of nurses working in the ED during a disaster. The literature highlights concern about the preparedness of ED nurses for disaster response and the capacity of nurses to transition to working in a disaster situation.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 17-08-2021
DOI: 10.1017/DMP.2021.197
Abstract: Nurses play an important role during disaster response and recovery. Few tools are available to assess the relative competence of nurses in disaster. This study aimed to develop, test, and evaluate a disaster nursing competency scale. This was an exploratory mixed methods study. In the qualitative phase, 35 Iranian nurses and managers with experience in disaster relief were asked about the skills they need to respond effectively to a disaster event. From the qualitative data, a 50-item questionnaire was developed. In the quantitative phase, exploratory factor analysis was conducted with 400 s les followed by a test-retest reliability assessment with 30 nurses. The developed and validated instrument was applied to 200 nurses in Iran to assess their competency. From content analysis of the qualitative data, 5 main themes emerged. In the quantitative phase, exploratory factor analysis loaded 50 items into 4 domains named management, legal and ethical, specific personal, and technical competence. Use of the tool showed that nurses estimated their competence overall at 70.28%. Findings demonstrate the necessity for new domains in disaster nursing competencies which may be applicable as a useful tool and guideline to improve nursing education and practice.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 31-12-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0261758
Abstract: Non-adherence to Tuberculosis (TB) medication is a serious threat to TB prevention and control programs, especially in resource-limited settings. The growth of the popularity of mobile phones provides opportunities to address non-adherence, by facilitating direct communication more frequently between healthcare providers and patients through SMS texts and voice phone calls. However, the existing evidence is inconsistent about the effect of SMS interventions on TB treatment adherence. Such interventions are also seldom developed based on appropriate theoretical foundations. Therefore, there is a reason to approach this problem more rigorously, by developing the intervention systematically with evidence-based theory and conducting the trial with strong measurement methods. This study is a single-blind parallel-group design in idual randomized control trial. A total of 186 participants (93 per group) will be in idually randomized into one of the two groups with a 1:1 allocation ratio by a computer-generated algorithm. Group one (intervention) participants will receive daily SMS texts and weekly phone calls concerning their daily medication intake and medication refill clinic visit reminder and group two (control) participants will receive the same routine standard treatment care as the intervention group, but no SMS text and phone calls. All participants will be followed for two months of home-based self-administered medication during the continuation phases of the standard treatment period. Urine test for the presence of isoniazid (INH) drug metabolites in urine will be undertaken at the random point at the fourth and eighth weeks of intervention to measure medication adherence. Medication adherence will also be assessed by self-report measurements using the AIDS Clinical Trial Group adherence (ACTG) and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) questionnaires, and clinic appointment attendance registration. Multivariable regression model analysis will be employed to assess the effect of the Ma-MAS intervention at a significance level of P-value 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. For this trial, a mobile-assisted medication adherence intervention will first be developed systematically based on the Medical Research Council framework using appropriate behavioural theory and evidence. The trial will then evaluate the effect of SMS texts and phone calls on TB medication adherence. Evidence generated from this trial will be highly valuable for policymakers, program managers, and healthcare providers working in Ethiopia and beyond. The trial is registered in the Pan-Africa Clinical Trials Registry with trial number PACTR202002831201865 .
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 09-2001
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X00025905
Abstract: This paper reports on research into the influence of environmental factors (including crowd size, temperature, humidity, and venue type) on the number of patients and the patient problems presenting to firstaid services at large, public events in Australia. Regression models were developed to predict rates of patient presentation and of transportation-to-a-hospital for future mass gatherings. To develop a data set and predictive model that can be applied across venues and types of mass gathering events that is not venue or event specific. Data collected will allow informed event planning for future mass gatherings for which health care services are required. Mass gatherings were defined as public events attended by in excess of 25,000 people. Over a period of 12 months, 201 mass gatherings attended by a combined audience in excess of 12 million people were surveyed through-out Australia. The survey was undertaken by St. John Ambulance Australia personnel. The researchers collected data on the incidence and type of patients presenting for treatment and on the environmental factors that may influence these presentations. A standard reporting format and definition of event geography was employed to overcome the event-specific nature of many previous surveys. There are 11,956 patients in the s le. The patient presentation rate across all event types was 0.992/1,000 attendees, and the transportation-to-hospital rate was 0.027/1,000 persons in attendance. The rates of patient presentations declined slightly as crowd sizes increased. The weather (particularly the relative humidity) was related positively to an increase in the rates of presentations. Other factors that influenced the number and type of patients presenting were the mobility of the crowd, the availability of alcohol, the event being enclosed by a boundary, and the number of patient-care personnel on duty. Three regression models were developed to predict presentation rates at future events. Several features of the event environment influence patient presentation rates, and that the prediction of patient load at these events is complex and multifactorial. The use of regression modeling and close attention to existing historical data for an event can improve planning and the provision of health care services at mass gatherings.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 09-2004
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X00001795
Abstract: Mass gatherings are an increasingly common feature of modern society. However, descriptive papers that focus on a single event or event type, dominate the literature, and, while these contribute to our understanding of the patient care required at such events, they do not provide an adequate analysis of the health effects of the mass-gathering phenomenon itself. This paper argues for the development of conceptual models and a research template for mass-gathering research. The development of theory and conceptual models would promote a better understanding of the health effects of mass gatherings. Two preliminary conceptual models are presented as a means to encourage further debate about the dominant influences on the health of people where crowds gather and to promote less superficial forms of analysis of the research data. These conceptual models are based on the idea that mass-gathering health can be understood as an inter-relationship between three domains: (1) the biomedical (2) the environmental and (3) the psychosocial. Key features influence the rate of injury and illness and characterize each domain. These key features are more or less well-understood and combine to produce an effect—the patient presentation rate, and a response—the health plan. A new element, the latent potential for injury and illness, is introduced as a mechanism for describing a biomedical precursor state important in assessing health risk during mass gatherings.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2005
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 21-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.12674
Abstract: A cross-sectional study design was created, using the Index of Perceived Community Resilience (IPCR) and Buckner's Index of Cohesion (BIC) to survey 386 flood evacuees from six communities in Kelantan, Malaysia, in 2015. The respondents were mostly female (54.7%) lived in basic housing (95.6%) average income (55.9%) secondary level schooling (81.1%) not involved with community organisations (95.1%), volunteering activities (91.2%), or emergency teams (96.9%) inexperience with injury during flooding (94%) experienced the emergency disaster (61.6%) and their mean age was 49 years old. Overall, respondents scored a high level of community disaster resilience (CDR) (mean 3.9) and social cohesion (mean 3.79). Also, respondents' housing type, event of injury during disaster, volunteering in post-disaster activities, and emergency team participation were significantly associated with CDR (p = 0.001-0.002), organisational involvement (p = 0.016), and emergency disaster experience (p = 0.028) were significantly associated with social cohesion. The Pearson correlation coefficient results mostly showing a moderate, weak, and one with a strong relationship. There is a strong relationship between community participation (CDR) in events and BIC variables (r = 0.529, p = 0.001). Other analysis shows a moderate but significant relationship with BIC is open to ideas (r = 0.332, p = 0.001) community has similar values/ideas (r = 0.421, p = 0.001) sense of pride (r = 0.389, p = 0.001) strong leadership (r = 0.339, p = 0.001) positive change (r = 0.484, p = 0.001) and able to handle problems (r = 0.454, p = 0.001). Overall, the results show that respondents had high levels of CDR and social cohesion, while the demographic characteristics show the impact of CDR and social cohesion. In conclusion, the data gives original insight into the level of association between social cohesion and disaster resilience, which could be used as a building block in sustainable disaster recovery. There is a need to explore this further on programmes designed to improve social cohesion across communities.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-10-2009
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 02-07-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X18000493
Abstract: Mass gatherings are common in Australia. The interplay of variables, including crowd density and behavior, weather, and the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, can pose a unique set of challenges to attendees’ well-being. On-site health services are available at most mass gatherings and reduce the strain on community health facilities. In order to efficiently plan and manage these services, it is important to be able to predict the number and type of presenting problems at mass gatherings. There is a lack of reliable tools to predict patient presentations at mass gatherings. While a number of factors have been identified as having an influence on attendees’ health, the exact contribution of these variables to patient load is poorly understood. Furthermore, predicting patient load at mass gatherings is an inherently nonlinear problem, due to the nonlinear relationships previously observed between patient presentations and many event characteristics. Data were collected at 216 Australian mass gatherings and included event type, crowd demographics, and weather. Nonlinear models were constructed using regression trees. The full data set was used to construct each model and the model was then used to predict the response variable for each event. Nine-fold cross validation was used to estimate the error that may be expected when applying the model in practice. The mean training errors for total patient presentations were very high however, the distribution of errors per event was highly skewed, with small errors for the majority of events and a few large errors for a small number of events with a high number of presentations. The error was five or less for 40% of events and 15 or less for 85% of events. The median error was 6.9 presentations per event. This study built on previous research by undertaking nonlinear modeling, which provides a more realistic representation of the interactions between event variables. The developed models were less useful for predicting patient presentation numbers for very large events however, they were generally useful for more typical, smaller scale community events. Further research is required to confirm this conclusion and develop models suitable for very large international events. Arbon P, Bottema M, Zeitz K, Lund A, Turris S, Anikeeva O, Steenk M. Nonlinear modelling for predicting patient presentation rates for mass gatherings. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018 (4):362–367
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-01-2004
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-2702.2003.00861.X
Abstract: This paper reviews research that considered the life stories of experienced nurses and the relationships between life experience, the way in which people find meaning in their experience(s), the development of nursing knowledge, and the influence of these events and understandings on the characteristics and clinical practice of experienced nurses. The dominant perspectives in nursing about the place of experience in the development of nurses' practice are considered and the paper argues for a broader understanding of experience placing experience within the context of nurses' lives, connection with others and their in idual understandings about nursing care. The place of experience in the development of nurses has not been well understood although the nursing discourse continues to value clinical experience highly. Becoming experienced as a nurse is described as a progressive and continuous interaction between experience, meaning and the lived world resulting in a personal and unique understanding of practice. The culture and discourse of nursing have tended to exclude or d en in idual difference and the paper considers a more expansive understanding of the place of experience and in idual difference in nursing and the relevance of this perspective for the education of nurses.
Publisher: Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.47389/37.1.72
Abstract: Globally, disasters disrupt human lives and women tend to be more vulnerable during such events. This narrative review explores women’s experiences during disasters and identifies common factors increasing their vulnerability. After critical reading, 39 articles were included in this review. This paper underlines the themes in that literature to show that women across the world experience domestic violence, sexual assault, psychological and health problems as well as social and financial deprivation in disasters. The paper discusses the vulnerability of women particularly in Australia and New Zealand, through the lens of the global experience of women in disaster. This review highlights that, while there is consensus on the challenges faced by women in Australia, more research regarding interventions is required to reduce the negative effects of disasters on women. This review aims to inform emergency management practice in Australia and to direct further research to improve the outcomes for women and their safety.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 22-11-2021
DOI: 10.1017/DMP.2021.263
Abstract: The disaster preparedness of nurses is important as nurses are members of a health care team that needs to work systematically and collaboratively in all conditions. Although education and training naturally underpin effective practice, disaster nursing education is rarely provided to nurses in Iran. Because disaster situations, by definition, overwhelm health services, it is likely that nursing students will be required to join their colleagues in the response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the competency of nursing students to attend disaster situations. This descriptive, analytical study was conducted in western Iran in 2020. A total of 70 nursing students in the fourth (final) year of their undergraduate nursing education entered the study by a census s ling method. Data collection was undertaken using a validated disaster competency assessment questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) with descriptive and analytic tests. The mean age of participants was 21.4 ± 2.14 and 57.1% of them were women 45 participants (64.3%) had received no disaster-related training, and 88.6% had no history of participating in disaster exercises. The total score for nursing students’ competence was 125.58 ± 14.19. There was a significant relationship between the mean score of nursing competence in response to disasters and student history of participating in an exercise and training course ( P 0.001). Students’ competence in disaster situations is poor. Awareness of the competence condition of nurses is the first step to improve their preparedness as the most key members of the disaster health team. Conducting disaster-related training may be appropriate. The results of this study can provide evidence for the development of educational policies in disaster nursing education.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 23-05-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X1600042X
Abstract: The science underpinning mass-gathering health (MGH) is developing rapidly. However, MGH terminology and concepts are not yet well defined or used consistently. These variations can complicate comparisons across settings. There is, therefore, a need to develop consensus and standardize concepts and data points to support the development of a robust MGH evidence-base for governments, event planners, responders, and researchers. This project explored the views and sought consensus of international MGH experts on previously published concepts around MGH to inform the development of a transnational minimum data set (MDS) with an accompanying data dictionary (DD). A two-round Delphi process was undertaken involving volunteers from the World Health Organization (WHO) Virtual Interdisciplinary Advisory Group (VIAG) on Mass Gatherings (MGs) and the MG section of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM). The first online survey tested agreement on six key concepts: (1) using the term “MG HEALTH ” (2) purposes of the proposed MDS and DD (3) event phases (4) two MG population models (5) a MGH conceptual diagram and (6) a data matrix for organizing MGH data elements. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement. Round 2 presented five refined MGH principles based on Round 1 input that was analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Thirty-eight participants started Round 1 with 36 completing the survey and 24 (65% of 36) completing Round 2. Agreement was reached on: the term “MGH” (n=35/38 92%) the stated purposes for the MDS (n=38/38 100%) the two MG population models (n=31/36 86% and n=30/36 83%, respectively) and the event phases (n=34/36 94%). Consensus was not achieved on the overall conceptual MGH diagram (n=25/37 67%) and the proposed matrix to organize data elements (n=28/37 77%). In Round 2, agreement was reached on all the proposed principles and revisions, except on the MGH diagram (n=18/24 75%). Event health stakeholders require sound data upon which to build a robust MGH evidence-base. The move towards standardization of data points and/or reporting items of interest will strengthen the development of such an evidence-base from which governments, researchers, clinicians, and event planners could benefit. There is substantial agreement on some broad concepts underlying MGH amongst an international group of MG experts. Refinement is needed regarding an overall conceptual diagram and proposed matrix for organizing data elements. Steenk M , Hutton AE , Ranse JC , Lund A , Turris SA , Bowles R , Arbuthnott K , Arbon PA . Exploring international views on key concepts for mass-gathering health through a Delphi process . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2016 31 ( 4 ): 443 – 453 .
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2013.05.003
Abstract: The type of disaster, in idual demographic factors, family factors and workplace factors, have been identified in the international, multidisciplinary literature as factors that influence a person's willingness to attend and assist in their workplace during a disaster. However, it is unknown if these factors are applicable to Australasian emergency nurses. The research aims to determine the extent to which Australasian emergency nurses are willing to attend their workplace in a disaster. This research was exploratory and descriptive study design, using online and paper based surveys as a means of data collection. Australasian emergency nurses from two Australasian emergency nursing colleges and four Australian hospitals were recruited to participate. Data analysis was conducted using both descriptive and inferential statistics. In total, 451 Australasian emergency nurses participated in this research. Participants were more willing to attend their workplace during a conventional disaster (p ≤ 0.001), if they worked full-time (p = 0.01), had received formal education pertaining to disasters (p ≤ 0.001), had a family disaster plan (p = 0.008), did not have children (p = 0.001) and worked in an environment in which they perceived their colleagues, managers and organisation to be prepared. The factors that influenced Australasian emergency nurses to attend their workplace in a disaster were similar to that described in the international multidisciplinary literature. Of particular note, improving disaster knowledge and skills, having a family disaster plan and improving the perceptions of the nurses' workplace preparedness can enhance the nurses' willingness to assist in a disaster.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2013.05.004
Abstract: Much of the literature about emergency nurses willingness to work during disasters has been from a non-Australian perspective. Despite the many recent disasters, little is known of Australian nurse's willingness to participate in disaster response. This paper presents findings from a study that explored nurses willingness to attend work during a disaster and the factors that influenced this decision. Data were collected consecutively using a combination of focus group and interview methods. Participants in this study, registered nurses from emergency departments, were recruited through convenience s ling from four hospitals in Australia. Participant narrative was electronically recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. The participants for both the focus groups and interviews compromised a mix of ages, genders and years of experience as emergency nurses from across four jurisdictions within Australia. Three major themes that influenced willingness emerged with a number of subthemes. Theme one reflected the uncertainty of the situation such as the type of disaster. The second theme surrounded the preparedness of the workplace, emergency nurse and colleagues, and the third theme considered personal and professional choice based on home and work circumstances and responsibilities. The decision to attend work or not during a disaster, includes a number of complex personal, work-related and professional factors that can change, depending on the type of disaster, preparedness of the work environment and the emergency nurses' personal responsibilities at that time.
Publisher: EpiSmart Science Vector Ltd
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 04-02-2013
DOI: 10.33151/AJP.10.1.48
Abstract: Introduction The science of mass gatherings is a relatively new and developing field. It is currently at a stage where summarising the rigour of knowledge gained about the complex interrelationships between key characteristics of an event, spectator profiles and health implications are critical. This study seeks to summarise the levels of evidence in peer-reviewed journal articles concerning mass gathering public health and emergency medicine published 2001 to 2011. Until now, the evidence behind the science of mass gathering public health and emergency medicine has not been critically analysed. Methods Publications were reviewed by searching the following online databases: GALE, NLM, Web of Science, Elsevier, Wiley, BMJ Journals, OUP, IngentaConnect, RMIT, DOAJ and JSTOR. Published news articles and grey literature were omitted. The peer-reviewed articles were organised into pre-determined World Health Organisation categories and the levels of evidence were assessed using the effectiveness classifications developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Descriptive statistical analysis was then undertaken using Microsoft Excel®. Results Of all publications examined, 38·86% (n = 89) of the articles found in this review were categorised as observational studies, 36·68% (n = 84) were expert opinion or consensus, 20·09% (n = 46) were cohort studies, 2·18% (n = 5) were case-controlled studies and 2·18% (n = 5) were quasi-experimental studies. Conclusion High-level evidence studies may not be possible in the mass gathering context, but research in the middle-level should be encouraged to ensure that literature is less reliant on experience and expert opinion when applied to event management strategies which impact on public health and emergency medicine.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-12-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2008.02452.X
Abstract: This paper reports a project investigating the potential role of the nurse practitioner in aged care across residential, community and acute care venues in the Australian Capital Territory. Australia, like many other countries, faces unprecedented challenges in the provision of health care. Escalating health care costs, an ageing population, increasing prevalence of comorbidities and chronic illnesses, inefficient health care delivery, changing models of health care and shifting professional role boundaries are factors that have contributed to the development of advanced practice roles for nursing. This was a mixed methods study using multiple data sources. Student aged care nurse practitioners were examined across the continuum of care in the acute, community and residential aged care settings. The potential role of the nurse practitioner in these areas was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively to identify a model of care to enhance the delivery of efficient and effective health care. The project findings have demonstrated that there is potential for significant improvement in client outcomes arising from a transboundary aged care nurse practitioner model. The improved outcomes are associated with a decrease in acute hospital admissions for residential care clients, timely intervention for a range of common conditions and strengthened multidisciplinary approaches to care provision for older people. Overall the project findings strongly support the potential of a transboundary aged care nurse practitioner role. This role would focus on skilled assessment, timely assessment and intervention, brokering around access to care and clinical leadership and education for nurses. This paper offers further evidence of support for the role of nurse practitioners in complementing existing health services and improving delivery of care.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date: 03-05-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 1993
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-2648.1993.18010144.X
Abstract: The paper focuses on a significant nursing initiative for staff development undertaken in South Australia. The initiative arose out of Health Commission funded consultancy which sought to develop a staff development model for registered nurses. The outcome of this consultancy was the development of a multi-generational staff development model, known as the DPS Staff Development Model. This model provides a framework through which staff development activities can be analysed, consolidated and extended. The paper outlines the DPS Staff Development Model, the context in which it was developed and its implications for nursing staff development programmes. The development of the model was premised on a number of assumptions. These included the need to ensure flexibility, longevity, offer a perspective of staff development that is realistic and practical, and facilitate in registered nurses a sense of ownership and personal responsibility with respect to their development. The model comprises six broad areas of focus: the Career Development Model for registered nurses in South Australia, the structure of the model, locations in which staff development occurs, elements which assist in maintaining skills and knowledge, elements which enhance growth and development and the processes and relationships necessary for the successful implementation of staff development programmes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTCP.2010.05.008
Abstract: To determine nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and professional use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) at five metropolitan hospitals in Adelaide, while also investigating the relationships between socio-demographic factors and use of CAM domains. Information on nurses' demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and professional use of CAM was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics. Almost 50% of nurses were using CAM for patients, with mind-body interventions being the most common form of CAM domain used in practice (31.4%). While 59% of nurses were positive about CAM, more than 60% of them had very little or no knowledge of CAM. Nurses' professional use of CAM was also associated with erse socio-demographic factors, and a positive association was found between the nurses' knowledge and their attitudes towards CAM. Nurses have limited knowledge of CAM but remain open towards CAM use. Nurses' positive attitudes towards CAM use could be an indication that they are poised for further integration of clinically approved CAM into nursing care of patients.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-1996
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-2011
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X11002135
Abstract: This paper considers the impact that a number of Australian emergency management policy and operational decisions are having on residential aged care facilities located in the community. For ex le, all residential aged care facilities applying for new federal government funded aged care places are required to demonstrate a plan for environmental disaster threats such as bushfires and floods. Another ex le is the adoption of new fire danger rating scale, with the inclusion of an extreme level called “catastrophic”-code red. This inclusion requires all services and community members, living in bushfire-prone areas to decide whether or not to evacuate the day before or morning of a Bureau of Meteorology fire danger index indicating a code red. There is evidence that these policy and operational decisions have been made without fully examining the practical implications, particularly for aged care facilities. While many of the facilities on which these decisions impact see the rational for such decisions, they argue that these decisions have serious implications for their services and patients. Many residential aged care facilities, which are privately operated, historically have not been involved in any state or local government emergency management planning. Therefore, the whole concept of risk assessment, preparation, and planning to increase the absorbing, buffering, and response capacity of their facilities against extreme weather events has become quite overwhelming for some. This paper presents a case study that demonstrates the tension between emergency management policy decisions on an aged care facility, and outlines their issues and response.
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1891/1061-3749.25.2.292
Abstract: Background: Patients are showing an increasing interest in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Most nurses are open to the adoption of CAM into clinical nursing practice, but they may experience a lack of knowledge about the safe and effective use of these therapies. Several studies concerning nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward CAM have been published, but only in one, the authors (Shorofi and Arbon) used a validated questionnaire. In Italy, there are no validated questionnaires to investigate this aspect of nursing practice. Purpose: To test the psychometric properties of the Italian Shorofi and Arbon questionnaire for use with Italian nurses. Methods: A forward–backward translation method was used to translate the questionnaire from English to Italian. Content validity, face validity and reliability were established. Results and Conclusions: This study examined the potential usefulness of the Shorofi and Arbon questionnaire for the evaluation of CAM knowledge of Italian speaking nurses, which showed good content validity and good reliability.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTCP.2017.03.001
Abstract: This study was intended to examine CAM among Australian hospital-based nurses, identifying their knowledge, attitude, personal and professional use, reasons for use, CAM referrals, and socio-demographic predictors of CAM users. Nurses holding a qualification in nursing and working in surgical wards were included using a convenience s ling technique. A self-complete questionnaire was developed to achieve the aims of the study. Descriptive and non-parametric statistics were calculated to describe and analyse data. Overall, 95.7% and 49.7% of nurses reported personal and professional use of CAM, respectively. The most popular CAM/CAM domain personally and professionally used by nurses was massage therapy and mind-body therapies. The primary reason for personal use of CAM was "[it] fits into my way of life hilosophy". Furthermore, massage therapists were the most commonly recommended CAM practitioners to patients. Only 15.8% of nurses would always ask patients about use of herbal medicines as part of nursing history taking. Over one-fifth (22.4%) of nurses rated their attitude as having a very positive, and 60.3% rated themselves as having very little or no knowledge of CAM. A positive correlation was also found between knowledge and attitude about CAM. Positive attitude and higher knowledge about CAM were positively correlated to CAM referrals. Several socio-demographic factors predicted personal and professional use of CAM. This study revealed that nurses generally believe not to have sufficient knowledge of CAM but are open to use CAM with patients. Nurses' positive attitude toward and personal use of CAM could be an indication that they are poised for further integration of evidence-based CAM into nursing practice to treat whole person.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X23003126
Abstract: Women in coastal Bangladesh face greater challenges while staying at evacuation centers during cyclone emergencies. This study explores the lived experience of women and their well-being as evacuees. The research undertook a phenomenological approach to conduct in-depth interviews of nineteen women from three extremely vulnerable districts of coastal Bangladesh. The interviews revealed that women experienced obstacles to maintaining hygiene, using the toilets and accessing privacy, and suffered distress as pregnant women, lactating mothers, and through menstruation, which affected them physically and h ered their mental health. Coming from a male-dominated socio-cultural background, female evacuees unaccompanied by male guardians experienced fear and uncertainty. Some participants recollected facing social pressure and overwhelming emotions as carers of children and elderlies, whereas some reconciled traumatizing incidents such as witnessing death. Such experiences led to anxiety, stress, and depression with either temporary or permanent trauma. Participants frequently mentioned panic attacks and stress-related physical issues such as heart palpitations, dizziness and light-headedness. However, spiritual beliefs and social bonds within the community enabled peace and optimism among the women. Findings highlight that certain factors determined women evacuees' experience of wellbeing. Social context of the women imposed burdens of responsibility and caused inaccessibility of resources to restore physical-mental wellbeing. The settings, infrastructures and environment of the evacuation centers were not women-friendly, which resulted in many negative experiences among the evacuees, greatly affecting their sense of wellness. However, participants could channel positive mindsets through prayers and spiritual faith. Women were able to access some resources and use these for their well-being through social bonding and connecting with the women within the shelters. Unconditional trust in a deity and sisterhood within communities have been two quintessential features of women, which played major roles in women’s experiences and molded their understandings of well-being in the cyclone shelters.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-02-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1742-6723.2011.01519.X
Abstract: To describe the reported impact of Pandemic (H(1)N(1) ) 2009 on EDs, so as to inform future pandemic policy, planning and response management. This study comprised an issue and theme analysis of publicly accessible literature, data from jurisdictional health departments, and data obtained from two electronic surveys of ED directors and ED staff. The issues identified formed the basis of policy analysis and evaluation. Pandemic (H(1)N(1) ) 2009 had a significant impact on EDs with presentation for patients with 'influenza-like illness' up to three times that of the same time in previous years. Staff reported a range of issues, including poor awareness of pandemic plans, patient and family aggression, chaotic information flow to themselves and the public, heightened stress related to increased workloads and lower levels of staffing due to illness, family care duties and redeployment of staff to flu clinics. Staff identified considerable discomfort associated with prolonged times wearing personal protective equipment. Staff believed that the care of non-flu patients was compromised during the pandemic as a result of overwork, distraction from core business and the difficulties associated with accommodating infectious patients in an environment that was not conducive. This paper describes the breadth of the impact of pandemics on ED operations. It identifies a need to address a range of industrial, management and procedural issues. In particular, there is a need for a single authoritative source of information, the re-engineering of EDs to accommodate infectious patients and organizational changes to enable rapid deployment of alternative sources of care.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2004
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 06-2005
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X00002399
Abstract: Mass-gathering events are dynamic and challenge traditional medical management systems. To improve the system for the provision of first aid at mass-gathering events, an evaluation of two models that assist in forecasting the number of patients presenting for first-aid services was conducted. A prospective evaluation of a recurrent, mass-gathering event was undertaken comparing predicted patient presentations and ambulance transfers generated by a predictive model developed by Arbon et al and a retrospective review of seven years of historical, event data as described by Zeitz et al . Patient presentation rate (per 1,000 patrons) for this event was 1.6 and the transport to hospital rate (per 1,000 patrons) was 0.07. The retrospective review closely predicted the actual overall attendance.Both methods forecast the number of patients presenting on a daily basis. The prediction proved to be more accurate, on a day-by-day basis, using the Zeitz method. The Arbon method is particularly useful for events where there is no or limited information about previous medical work. Retrospective review of data generated from specific events (Zeitz method) considers the unique and in idual variability that can occur from event to event and is more accurate at predicting patient presentations when the data are available. Both methods have the potential to be used more frequently to adequately and efficiently plan for the resources required for specific events.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2006
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 02-2010
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X00007585
Abstract: Recent events have heightened awareness of disaster health issues and the need to prepare the health workforce to plan for and respond to major incidents. This has been reinforced at an international level by the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine, which has proposed an international educational framework. The aim of this paper is to outline the development of a national educational framework for disaster health in Australia. The framework was developed on the basis of the literature and the previous experience of members of a National Collaborative for Disaster Health Education and Research. The Collaborative was brought together in a series of workshops and teleconferences, utilizing a modified Delphi technique to finalize the content at each level of the framework and to assign a value to the inclusion of that content at the various levels. The framework identifies seven educational levels along with educational outcomes for each level. The framework also identifies the recommended contents at each level and assigns a rating of depth for each component. The framework is not intended as a detailed curriculum, but rather as a guide for educationalists to develop specific programs at each level. This educational framework will provide an infrastructure around which future educational programs in Disaster Health in Australia may be designed and delivered. It will permit improved articulation for students between the various levels and greater consistency between programs so that operational responders may have a consistent language and operational approach to the management of major events.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2008
Abstract: The project investigated the experiences of ambulance paramedics in applying the principles and protocols of prehospital multiple casualty triage at the scene of motor vehicle accidents. Key objectives included investigation of the situational cues and other contextual factors influencing triage practice and the development of recommendations for the future education of ambulance paramedics. A triangulated approach was used incorporating demographic data, the use of focus groups and in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis was undertaken following the well established practices of human science research. The research describes an extended and broadened triage process returning to a more authentic definition of triage as the practice of sorting of casualties to determine priority. The findings highlight the need to consider triage as an extended and complex process that incorporates evidence based physiological cues to assist decision making and the management of the process of triage from call out to conclusion including assessment of contextual and situational variables.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2023
Publisher: Briefland
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTCP.2009.09.009
Abstract: To identify patients' report of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, along with their knowledge, their attitudes, and their use/willingness to use CAM. A total of 353 patients were recruited through a 'convenience' s ling method in four metropolitan hospitals in Adelaide. Data were collected by means of questionnaires with open- and close-ended questions. The prevalence of CAM use among patients was 90.4% although a considerable proportion of patients using CAM did not disclose this information to nurses/doctors (39.9%) and 20.7% said they would report it as "only when needed/or if asked to". A high proportion of patients reported using non-herbal supplements (60.3%) and massage therapy (45%) while most forms of therapies were mainly used "only when needed". The CAM domain most frequently used was biologically based therapies (68.8%). Patients rated themselves as having "none" (24.4%) or "very little" (42.5%) knowledge about most CAM, although nearly half (46.4%) of them had a positive attitude towards CAM. Use, knowledge, and attitudes towards CAM were also associated with erse socio-demographic variables. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the use of CAM by patients.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-02-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X1600011X
Abstract: Mass gatherings (MGs) occur worldwide on any given day, yet mass-gathering health (MGH) is a relatively new field of scientific inquiry. As the science underpinning the study of MGH continues to develop, there will be increasing opportunities to improve health and safety of those attending events. The emerging body of MG literature demonstrates considerable variation in the collection and reporting of data. This complicates comparison across settings and limits the value and utility of these reported data. Standardization of data points and/or reporting in relation to events would aid in creating a robust evidence base from which governments, researchers, clinicians, and event planners could benefit. Moving towards international consensus on any topic is a complex undertaking. This report describes a collaborative initiative to develop consensus on key concepts and data definitions for a MGH “Minimum Data Set.” This report makes transparent the process undertaken, demonstrates a pragmatic way of managing international collaboration, and proposes a number of steps for progressing international consensus. The process included correspondence through a journal, face-to-face meetings at a conference, then a four-day working meeting virtual meetings over a two-year period supported by online project management tools consultation with an international group of MGH researchers via an online Delphi process and a workshop delivered at the 19thWorld Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine held in Cape Town, South Africa in April 2015. This resulted in an agreement by workshop participants that there is a need for international consensus on key concepts and data definitions. Turris SA , Steenk M , Lund A , Hutton A , Ranse J , Bowles R , Arbuthnott K , Anikeeva O , Arbon P . International consensus on key concepts and data definitions for mass-gathering health: process and progress . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2016 31 ( 2 ): 220 – 223 .
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-2007
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X00004507
Abstract: A review of mass-gathering medicine literature published by the Journal Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , demonstrates the progressive development of our knowledge and understanding of the health effects of mass gatherings and the strategies that appear to contribute positively to effective health services delivery during these events. In addition, the growing need for research that can underpin a more evidence-based approach to planning for and managing these events is apparent. The call for less descriptive and more critical and conceptual analyses has been increasing in volume and, it is argued, the challenge now is to apply research frameworks that can contribute more effectively to science-based, medical practice.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 28-04-2022
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X2200070X
Abstract: Bangladesh is repeatedly threatened by tropical storms and cyclones, exposing one-third of the total population of the country. As a preparedness measure, several cyclone shelters have been constructed, yet a large proportion of the coastal population, especially women, are unwilling to use them. Existing studies have demonstrated a range of concerns that discourage women from evacuating and have explored the limitations of the shelters, but the experiences of female evacuees have not been apparent in these stories. This study explores the lived-experiences of women in the cyclone shelters of Bangladesh and discusses their health and well-being as evacuees in the shelters. Nineteen women from three extremely vulnerable districts of coastal Bangladesh were interviewed. Seven research themes were identified from the participants’ narratives using van Manen’s thematic analysis process. The most salient theme, being understood (as a woman), portrayed the quintessential image of these women, which subsequently influenced their vulnerability as evacuees. The next themes–being a woman during crisis, being in a hostile situation, being fearful, being uncertain, being faithful, and being against the odds–focused on the incidents they lived through which affected their physical and mental health and the emotions they felt as evacuees. The paper offers a deep inquiry into women’s experiences of well-being in the shelters and recognizes the significance of women’s voices to improve their experiences as evacuees.
Publisher: Weston Medical Publishing
Date: 05-2018
Abstract: Using roof harvested rainwater held in domestic rainwater tanks is a common practice in Australia, particularly in rural areas. This rainwater might become contaminated with ash and other contaminants during or after a bushfire. Current advice from Australian Health Departments can include the recommendation that landholders drain their tanks after a bushfire, which can cause additional distress to landholders who have already been through a traumatic event. This study created artificially contaminated water, spiked with chemicals likely to be associated with bushfires, including chromated copper arsenate-treated timber ash and firefighting foam to determine the possibility of contamination. The authors also tested two readily available filter systems and found that they removed some but not all contaminants. The artificially created contaminated water fell within guidelines for nonpotable uses such as irrigation and stock watering. This suggests that advice to landholders should be that tank water following a bushfire is likely to be safe for use for purposes apart from drinking. Landholders should be encouraged to retain and use their water for recovery purposes, but not for potable use.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2010.09.006
Abstract: During times of disaster, the front-line nursing workforce and the health services in which they work may be overwhelmed by a surge in patient demand. As a result, assistance will be required to bolster the nursing workforce. Commonly, discussions regarding workforce supply and sustainability during disasters are isolated within particular health service institutions. The aims of this discussion paper are to firstly, consider the potential contribution of nursing students and schools of nursing within Australian universities to increase the health workforce during a disaster, and secondly, to present a number of recommendations that universities and schools of nursing could consider in developing their own emergency and disaster plans.
Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore
Date: 2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-10-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2013.04.002
Abstract: Emergency nurses play a pivotal role in disaster relief during the response to, and recovery of both in-hospital and out-of-hospital disasters. Postgraduate education is important in preparing and enhancing emergency nurses' preparation for disaster nursing practice. The disaster nursing content of Australian tertiary postgraduate emergency nursing courses has not been compared across courses and the level of agreement about suitable content is not known. To explore and describe the disaster content in Australian tertiary postgraduate emergency nursing courses. A retrospective, exploratory and descriptive study of the disaster content of Australian tertiary postgraduate emergency nursing courses conducted in 2009. Course convenors from 12 universities were invited to participate in a single structured telephone survey. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Ten of the twelve course convenors from Australian tertiary postgraduate emergency nursing courses participated in this study. The content related to disasters was varied, both in terms of the topics covered and duration of disaster content. Seven of these courses included some content relating to disaster health, including types of disasters, hospital response, nurses' roles in disasters and triage. The management of the dead and dying, and practical application of disaster response skills featured in only one course. Three courses had learning objectives specific to disasters. The majority of courses had some disaster content but there were considerable differences in the content chosen for inclusion across courses. The incorporation of core competencies such as those from the International Council of Nurses and the World Health Organisation, may enhance content consistency in curriculum. Additionally, this content could be embedded within a proposed national education framework for disaster health.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/PY15156
Abstract: Disasters occur frequently in Australia and will become more unpredictable and severe due to climate change. Some members of the Australian population, such as the elderly, the chronically ill and the socially isolated, are less likely to be prepared and more likely to be adversely affected by disasters. Although general practitioners (GPs) view the delivery of preventive health care as a priority, few preventive services focus on patients’ resilience and ability to cope with unexpected stressors. This paper focuses on the in iduals most vulnerable to disasters and the opportunities for GPs to facilitate the enhancement of disaster preparedness among these groups. General practitioners are ideally placed to identify vulnerable patients and refer them to services that may assist them in enhancing their disaster resilience. To reduce the burden on in idual GPs, adjustments can be made to practice software systems that will use patient records to identify vulnerable in iduals.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2017.10.002
Abstract: We experience our lives as a series of memorable moments, some good and some bad. Undoubtedly, the experience of participating in disaster response, is likely to stand out as a memorable moment in a nurses' career. This presentation will describe five distinct moments of nursing in the emergency department (ED) during a disaster response. A Hermeneutic Phenomenological approach informed by van Manen underpins the research process. Thirteen nurses from different countries around the world participated in interviews about their experience of working in the ED during a disaster. Thematic analysis resulted in five moments of disaster response which are common to the collective participant experience. The 5 themes emerge as Notification (as a nurse finds out that the ED will be receiving casualties), Waiting (waiting for the patients to arrive to the ED), Patient Arrival (the arrival of the first patients to the ED), Caring for patients (caring for people affected by the disaster) and Reflection (the moment the disaster response comes to an end). This paper provides an in-depth insight into the experience of nursing in the ED during a disaster response which can help generate awareness and inform future disaster preparedness of emergency nurses.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-09-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2011.03790.X
Abstract: Aims and objectives. To explore: the selection criteria for first responder nurses during disaster scope of practice for disaster relief nurses appropriate nurse – medical practitioner ratio at the disaster site. Background. Nurses are key members of disaster response medical teams. A scarcity of literature exists relating to nurses attending disasters, their qualifications, experience, scope of practice and appropriate staffing ratios. Design. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected via survey using self‐developed questionnaires. Participants were 95 medical workers, who participated in emergency rescue teams following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. A response rate of 93·7% achieved. Method. The questionnaire included questions relating to nurses: previous experience in disaster relief scope of practice at the disaster site optimal ratio of medical practitioners to nurses in disaster relief teams. Results. Following a disaster, first responder nurses considered most suitable were those with at least three years clinical experience, particularly in the emergency department or having emergency rescue skills training. The scope of practice for disaster relief nurses was different to that of nurses working in a hospital. The majority of participants reported insufficient nurses during the relief effort, concluding the optimal ratio of medical practitioner to nurse should range between 1:1–1:2 depending on the task and situation. Conclusion. At the scene of disaster, the preferred first responder nurses were nurses: with emergency rescue training experienced in the emergency department with at least three years clinical experience. The scope of practice for first responder nurses needs to be extended. Appropriate nurse – medical practitioner ratios in responding medical teams is dependant on the specific medical requirements of the disaster. Relevance to clinical practice. The recommendations made by this study provide a guide to ensure that nurses can contribute effectively as essential members of first responder emergency disaster relief teams.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 02-2008
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 12-05-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X14000405
Abstract: An earthquake and tsunami hit the east coast of Japan on March 11, 2011. Nurses were actively involved in the health response to this disaster and, subsequently, many authors have reported on the role nurses played in these efforts in Japanese nursing professional journals. To describe the role of nurses who assisted in the 2011 Great East Earthquake of Japan by reviewing Japanese literature and reporting the findings in English. This research used an integrative literature review methodology. Manuscripts were obtained from the Japanese database Ichushi Ver. 5 (Japan Medical Abstracts Society, Tokyo, Japan). A total of 44 manuscripts were identified and included in a thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified: (1) nursing roles, (2) specialized nursing roles, and (3) preparedness education. Nurses fulfilled different roles in the period after the disaster (ie, as a clinician, a communicator, a leader, and a provider of psychosocial support). Additionally, the specialized nurse role was identified, along with the need for preparedness education to support the nurse's role in a disaster. The understanding of the role of nurses in disasters is expanding. There is a need to further explore the roles of specialized nurses in disasters. Further disaster education opportunities should be available as a part of continuing education for all nurses. Radiation aspects of disaster assistance should be included in disaster education programs where there are radio-nuclear hazards present in the environment. Kako M , Ranse J , Yamamoto A , Arbon P . What was the role of nurses during the 2011 Great East Earthquake of Japan? An integrative review of the Japanese literature . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2014 29 ( 3 ): 1 - 5 .
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 17-11-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X14001216
Abstract: The science underpinning the study of mass-gathering health (MGH) is developing rapidly. Current knowledge fails to adequately inform the understanding of the science of mass gatherings (MGs) because of the lack of theory development and adequate conceptual analysis. Defining populations of interest in the context of MGs is required to permit meaningful comparison and meta-analysis between events. A critique of existing definitions and descriptions of MGs was undertaken. Analyzing gaps in current knowledge, the authors sought to delineate the populations affected by MGs, employing a consensus approach to formulating a population model. The proposed conceptual model evolved through face-to-face group meetings, structured breakout sessions, asynchronous collaboration, and virtual international meetings. Reporting on the incidence of health conditions at specific MGs, and comparing those rates between and across events, requires a common understanding of the denominators, or the total populations in question. There are many, nested populations to consider within a MG, such as the population of patients, the population of medical services providers, the population of attendees/audience articipants, the crew, contractors, staff, and volunteers, as well as the population of the host community affected by, but not necessarily attending, the event. A pictorial representation of a basic population model was generated, followed by a more complex representation, capturing a global-health perspective, as well as academically- and operationally-relevant isions in MG populations. Consistent definitions of MG populations will support more rigorous data collection. This, in turn, will support meta-analysis and pooling of data sources internationally, creating a foundation for risk assessment as well as illness and injury prediction modeling. Ultimately, more rigorous data collection will support methodology for evaluating health promotion, harm reduction, and clinical-response interventions at MGs. Delineating MG populations progresses the current body of knowledge of MGs and informs the understanding of the full scope of their health effects. Lund A , Turris SA , Bowles R , Steenk M , Hutton A , Ranse J , Arbon P . Mass-gathering health research foundational theory: part 1 - population models for mass gatherings . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2014 29 ( 6 ): 1 - 7 .
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 06-02-2017
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop government and community-level critical thinking, planning, and action for improving community disaster resilience by reporting a study that sought to evaluate the possibility of using the Torrens Resilience Institute Australian Community Disaster Resilience (CDR) Scorecard in the Malaysian context. A participatory action research approach (done in 2015) encouraged key people involved in managing the 2014 Kelantan floods in Malaysia’s north-east to participate in discussions about, and self-testing of, the CDR Scorecard to measure and improve their communities’ disaster resilience. The CDR Scorecard can be useful in the Malaysian community context, with some modifications. Self-testing revealed that participating communities need to strengthen their disaster resilience through better communication, cross-community cooperation, maximizing opportunities to compare their plans, actions and reactions with those reported in research publications, and aligning their community disaster management with reported best practice internationally while acknowledging the need to adapt such practice to local contexts. There is a need for a Malaysia-wide, simple-to-use, standardized disaster resilience scorecard to improve communities’ quality, self-efficacy, and capability to facilitate improved disaster resilience. The adaptation of Australian CDR Scorecard for used in the country. Awareness of CDR level will enhance community and government preparedness, mitigation, and responses to flood disaster. This project is the first of its kind in Malaysia. It provides an ex le of the possibilities of using the CDR Scorecard globally in the form of a context-specific toolkit. The engagement of key people in the community in self-testing the Scorecard provides genuine, on-the-ground, real life data, giving others an understanding of local assessment of each community’s resilience level.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.VACCINE.2015.09.076
Abstract: Large events or mass gatherings (MGs) are known to lify the risk of infectious diseases, many of which can be prevented by vaccination. In this review we have evaluated the burden of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in MGs. Major databases like PubMed and Embase, Google Scholar and pertinent websites were searched by using MeSH terms and text words this was supplemented by hand searching. Following data abstraction, the pooled estimate of the burden of VPDs was calculated when possible otherwise a narrative synthesis was conducted. In the past, at religious MGs like Hajj and Kumbh Mela, cholera caused explosive outbreaks but currently respiratory infections, notably influenza, are the commonest diseases not only at Hajj but also at World Youth Day and Winter Olympiad. The recent cumulative attack rate of influenza at Hajj is 8.7% (range 0.7-15.8%), and the cumulative prevalence is 3.6% (range: 0.3-38%). Small outbreaks of measles (13-42 cases per event) have been reported at sport, entertainment and religious events. A sizeable outbreak (>200 cases) was reported following a special Easter Festival in Austria. An outbreak of hepatitis A occurred following the 'Jam bands' music festival. Other VPDs including pneumococcal disease, pertussis and tuberculosis have been reported in relation to MG attendance. VPDs not only affect the participants of MGs but also their contacts vaccine uptake is variable and vaccine implementation is likely to have beneficial effects. Research to address the knowledge gaps surrounding VPDs at MGs is needed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2015
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 19-02-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X18000043
Abstract: This review was conducted to explore the literature to determine the availability, content, and evaluation of existing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) education programs for health professionals. An integrative review of the international literature describing disaster education for CBRN (2004-2016) was conducted. The following relevant databases were searched: Proquest, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Journals @ OVID, Google Scholar, Medline, and Ichuschi ver. 5 (Japanese database for health professionals). The search terms used were: “disaster,” “chemical,” “biological,” “radiological,” “nuclear,” “CBRN,” “health professional education,” and “method.” The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, “education,” “nursing,” “continuing,” “disasters,” “disaster planning,” and “bioterrorism,” were used wherever possible and appropriate. The retrieved articles were narratively analyzed according to availability, content, and method. The content was thematically analyzed to provide an overview of the core content of the training. The literature search identified 619 potentially relevant articles for this study. Duplicates (n=104) were removed and 87 articles were identified for title review. In total, 67 articles were discarded, yielding 20 articles for all-text review, following 11 studies were retained for analysis, including one Japanese study. All articles published in English were from the USA, apart from the two studies located in Japan and Sweden. The most typical content in the selected literature was CBRN theory (n=11), followed by studies based on incident command (n=8), decontamination (n=7), disaster management (n=7), triage (n=7), personal protective equipment (PPE) use (n = 5), and post-training briefing (n=3). While the CBRN training course requires the participants to gain specific skills and knowledge, proposed training courses should be effectively constructed to include approaches such as scenario-based simulations, depending on the participants’ needs. Kako M , Hammad K , Mitani S , Arbon P . Existing approaches to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) education and training for health professionals: findings from an integrative literature review . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2018 33 ( 2 ): 182 – 190 .
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-05-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1466-7657.2009.00795.X
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study is to provide an understanding of how Chinese nurses acted in response to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The literature has reported that Chinese nurses played a key role in the Wenchuan earthquake. Although these nurses' intentions were well meaning, and they made enormous efforts to save lives, they considered that disaster relief practice was beyond the scope of normal daily nursing practice and found the challenges they confronted overwhelming. China is a country prone to both natural and man-made disasters that demand a good deal of preparedness for those involved in disaster nursing. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the knowledge, skill, experience and attitudes required for nurses responding to disasters. Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics was used as a framework to underpin and interpret the qualitative accounts of the practice of the ten registered nurses in this study. Three themes were identified from semi-structured interviews with the participants. These are described as (1) feeling under-prepared (2) perceived challenges and coping strategies and (3) the rediscovery of the helping and caring role. By analysing these nurses' experiences in the Wenchuan earthquake relief operation, this study has identified the numerous roles and attributes required of nurses in response to disasters. Without education and training in disaster nursing, nurses may not be prepared to function in disaster relief, especially in a manner that is productive, efficient, collaborative and less stressful. Findings suggest that a systematic, educational approach to develop the skills required in disaster nursing is essential.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-05-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2648.2011.05699.X
Abstract: To determine nursing skills most relevant for nurses participating in disaster response medical teams make recommendations to enhance training of nurses who will be first responders to a disaster site to improve the capacity of nurses to prepare and respond to severe natural disasters. Worldwide, nurses play a key role in disaster response teams at disaster sites. They are often not prepared for the challenges of dealing with mass casualties little research exists into what basic nursing skills are required by nurses who are first responders to a disaster situation. This study assessed the most relevant disaster nursing skills of first responder nurses at the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake disaster site. Data were collected in China in 2008 using a self-designed questionnaire, with 24 participants who had been part of the medical teams that were dispatched to the disaster sites. The top three skills essential for nurses were: intravenous insertion observation and monitoring mass casualty triage. The three most frequently used skills were: debridement and dressing observation and monitoring intravenous insertion. The three skills performed most proficiently were: intravenous insertion observation and monitoring urethral catheterization. The top three ranking skills most important for training were: mass casualty transportation emergency management haemostasis, bandaging, fixation, manual handling. The core nursing skills for disaster response training are: mass casualty transportation emergency management haemostasis, bandaging, fixation, manual handling observation and monitoring mass casualty triage controlling specific infection psychological crisis intervention cardiopulmonary resuscitation debridement and dressing central venous catheter insertion patient care recording.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 12-2011
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X12000155
Abstract: Introduction: The environmental aspects of mass gatherings that can affect the health and safety of the crowd have been well described. Although it has been recognized that the nature of the crowd will directly impact the health and safety of the crowd, the majority of research focuses on crowd behavior in a negative context such as violence or conflict. Within the mass gathering literature, there is no agreement on what crowd behavior, crowd mood and crowd type actually mean. At the same time, these elements have a number of applications, including event management and mass gathering medicine. These questions are worthy of exploration. Methods: This paper will report on a pilot project undertaken to evaluate how effective current crowd assessment tools are in understanding the psychosocial domain of a mass gathering event. Results: The pilot project highlighted the need for a more consistent descriptive data set that focuses on crowd behavior. Conclusions: The descriptive data collected in this study provide a beginning insight into the science of understanding crowds at a mass gathering event. This pilot has commenced a process of quantifying the psychosocial nature of an event. To maximize the value of this work, future research is required to understand the interplay among the three domains of mass gatherings (physical, environmental and psychological), along with the effects of each element within the domains on safety and health outcomes for participants at mass gatherings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2017.10.003
Abstract: The emergency department (ED) is a familiar place for the emergency nurse who spends their working days inside it. A disaster threatens that familiarity and creates changes that make working in the ED during a disaster response different from the everyday experience of working in the ED. This research reports on an aspect of the findings from a larger study about the experience of working as a nurse in the ED during a disaster response. Thirteen nurses from 8 different countries were interviewed about their experience. The findings from this research demonstrate that a disaster event leads to a chain reaction of changes in process, space and practice. Nurses' respond to the news of a disaster event with shock and disbelief. The ED may change as a result of the event requiring nurses to work in an altered environment or a completely different setting. These changes provoke nurses to alter their behaviour and practice and reflect on the experience after the response. Emergency nurses have a high likelihood of participating in disaster response and as such should be adequately prepared. This highlights how disaster response is different and leads to recommendations to enhance training for emergency nurses which will better prepare them Disasterresponse is not normal business r ed up. There are a number of challenges and changes that should be considered when preparing emergency nurses for the realities of disaster response.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.IENJ.2017.05.007
Abstract: Triage is implemented to facilitate timely and appropriate treatment of patients, and is typically conducted by senior nurses. Triage accuracy and consistency across emergency departments remain a problem in mainland China. This study aimed to investigate the current status of triage practice and knowledge among emergency nurses in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. A s le of 300 emergency nurses was selected from 13 tertiary hospitals in Changsha and a total of 193 completed surveys were returned (response rate=64.3%). Surveys were circulated to head nurses, who then distributed them to nurses who met the selection criteria. Nurses were asked to complete the surveys and return them via dedicated survey return boxes that were placed in discreet locations to ensure anonymity. Just over half (50.8%) of participants reported receiving dedicated triage training, which was provided by their employer (38.6%), an education organisation (30.7%) or at a conference (26.1%). Approximately half (53.2%) reported using formal triage scales, which were predominantly 4-tier (43%) or 5-tier (34%). The findings highlight variability in triage practices and training of emergency nurses in Changsha. This has implications for the comparability of triage data and transferability of triage skills across hospitals.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-1995
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1071/PY12048
Abstract: To identify the extreme weather-related health needs of homeless people and the response by homeless service providers in Adelaide, South Australia, a five-phased qualitative interpretive study was undertaken. (1) Literature review, followed by semi-structured interviews with 25 homeless people to ascertain health needs during extreme weather events. (2) Identification of homeless services. (3) Semi-structured interviews with 16 homeless service providers regarding their response to the health needs of homeless people at times of extreme weather. (4) Gap analysis. (5) Suggestions for policy and planning. People experiencing homelessness describe adverse health impacts more from extreme cold, than extreme hot weather. They considered their health suffered more, because of wet bedding, clothes and shoes. They felt more depressed and less able to keep themselves well during cold, wet winters. However, homeless service providers were more focussed on planning for extra service responses during times of extreme heat rather than extreme cold. Even though a city may be considered to have a temperate climate with a history of very hot summers, primary homeless populations have health needs during winter months. The experiences and needs of homeless people should be considered in extreme weather policy and when planning responses.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-01-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-016-3561-Z
Abstract: We aimed to assess the viewpoints, experiences, and preferences within the clinical communication triangle (parent, adolescent, health care team) concerning the information-sharing process for adolescents with cancer. This is a qualitative descriptive-exploratory study. Overall, 33 participants were recruited (adolescents diagnosed with cancer aged 15-20 years, their parents, oncologists, and nurses). In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Data analysis yielded three main themes. Disaffiliation of adolescents in information-sharing process with three subthemes: confusion and unanswered questions and, seeking information from inferior sources. Barriers to information-sharing with three subthemes: parents as gatekeepers in the information-sharing process, cultural background creating strong barriers for information-sharing, and the negative attitude of the medical team towards information-sharing. The last theme is cornerstones in information-sharing process with three subthemes: trust and honesty to enhance communication between adolescents and the medical team, the necessity of paving the way for information-sharing, and the value of gradual information-sharing based on the adolescents need and mental readiness. Participants believed that information-sharing was insufficient and provided recommendations for facilitating this process. Information-sharing process needs to be gradual and based on the adolescent's need and mental capacity. Future research needs to focus on devising a protocol for information-sharing with adolescents with cancer that accounts for familial and cultural factors, is carefully timed, and provides clearer and more efficacious communication between parents, adolescents, and the health care team.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 17-11-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X14001228
Abstract: Current knowledge about mass-gathering health (MGH) fails to adequately inform the understanding of mass gatherings (MGs) because of a relative lack of theory development and adequate conceptual analysis. This report describes the development of a series of event lenses that serve as a beginning “MG event model,” complimenting the “MG population model” reported elsewhere. Existing descriptions of “MGs” were considered. Analyzing gaps in current knowledge, the authors sought to delineate the population of events being reported. Employing a consensus approach, the authors strove to capture the ersity, range, and scope of MG events, identifying common variables that might assist researchers in determining when events are similar and might be compared. Through face-to-face group meetings, structured breakout sessions, asynchronous collaboration, and virtual international meetings, a conceptual approach to classifying and describing events evolved in an iterative fashion. Embedded within existing literature are a variety of approaches to event classification and description. Arising from these approaches, the authors discuss the interplay between event demographics, event dynamics, and event design. Specifically, the report details current understandings about event types, geography, scale, temporality, crowd dynamics, medical support, protective factors, and special hazards. A series of tables are presented to model the different analytic lenses that might be employed in understanding the context of MG events. The development of an event model addresses a gap in the current body of knowledge vis a vis understanding and reporting the full scope of the health effects related to MGs. Consistent use of a consensus-based event model will support more rigorous data collection. This in turn will support meta-analysis, create a foundation for risk assessment, allow for the pooling of data for illness and injury prediction, and support methodology for evaluating health promotion, harm reduction, and clinical response interventions at MGs. Turris SA , Lund A , Hutton A , Bowles R , Ellerson E , Steenk M , Ranse J , Arbon P . Mass-gathering health research foundational theory: part 2 - event modeling for mass gatherings . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2014 29 ( 6 ): 1 - 9 .
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2010.09.004
Abstract: While the full impact of climate change is uncertain, it has been widely documented to be responsible for the extreme weather conditions which are experienced in many places around the world. High temperatures during summer are the expected norm for the population living in Adelaide South Australia (SA) and if temperatures reach and remain in the upper thirties centigrade they can be expected to meet the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology definition of a "heatwave". A number of studies have shown that there is a direct link between the increase in mortality and morbidity among emergency department (ED) patient presentations and periods of extreme heat. Heatwave conditions affect in iduals with particular health problems such as cardiovascular, renal or mental health which results in an increase in the patient presentations to the emergency department (ED). This paper describes the findings from the initial phase of a long-term research project investigating the effects of heatwave exposure on particular health conditions with respect to patient presentations (ICD-10 categories) to ED's in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. The initial results from one public hospital during two heatwave periods experienced in 2009 are presented in this paper. The heat wave events were compared to non-heat wave periods before and after each heat wave. Demographic information as well as diagnostic descriptors are also presented.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2010.09.005
Abstract: During the summer months in Australia, school leavers celebrate their end of school life at schoolies festivals around the nation. These events are typically described as a mass gathering as they are an organised event taking place within a defined space, attended by a large number of people. A project was undertaken to analyse the usefulness of Arbon's (2004) conceptual model of mass gatherings in order to develop a process to better understand the Adelaide Schoolies Festival. Arbon's conceptual framework describes the inter-relationship between the psychosocial, environmental and bio-medical domains of a mass gathering. Each domain has set characteristics which help to understand the impact on the mass gathering event. The characteristics within three domains were collected using field work and bio-medical data to examine the relationship between injury and illness rates. Using the conceptual framework to evaluate this schoolies event helped create an understanding of the physiology, environment and behaviour contributing to patient presentations. Results showed that the schoolies crowd was active and energetic, and the main crowd behaviour observed was dancing and socialising with friends. The environmental domain was characterised by a grassy outdoor venue that was bounded and dry. Due to the overall health of the crowd, activities undertaken and the supportive environment, the majority of injuries to schoolies were minor (68%). However, twenty-four percent of schoolies who presented with alcohol related illness were found to have consumed alcohol at risky levels half of this cohort was transported to hospital. The conceptual framework successfully guided a higher level of examination of the mass gathering event. In particular, the framework facilitated a greater understanding of the inter-relationships of the various characteristics of a mass gathering event, in this case the Adelaide Schoolies Festival.
Start Date: 2014
End Date: 06-2017
Amount: $247,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 07-2009
End Date: 10-2013
Amount: $156,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity