ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5694-288X
Current Organisation
Queensland University of Technology
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-04-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S00038-013-0465-2
Abstract: To review the existing research on the effectiveness of heat warning systems (HWSs) in saving lives and reducing harm. A systematic search of major databases was conducted, using "heat, heatwave, high temperature, hot temperature, OR hot climate" AND "warning system". Fifteen articles were retrieved. Six studies asserted that fewer people died of excessive heat after HWS implementation. HWS was associated with reduction in ambulance use. One study estimated the benefits of HWS to be $468 million for saving 117 lives compared to $210,000 costs of running the system. Eight studies showed that mere availability of HWS did not lead to behavioral changes. Perceived threat of heat dangers to self/others was the main factor related to heeding warnings and taking proper actions. However, costs and barriers associated with taking protective actions, such as costs of running air conditioners, were of significant concern particularly to the poor. Research in this area is limited. Prospective designs applying health behavior theories should establish whether HWS can produce the health benefits they are purported to achieve by identifying the target vulnerable groups.
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 02-07-2014
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-11-2022
Abstract: Demand for ED care is increasing at a rate higher than population growth. Strategies to attenuate ED demands include erting low‐acuity general practice‐type ED attendees to alternate primary healthcare settings. The present study assessed the ED attendees' receptiveness to accept triage nurse's face‐to‐face advice to explore alternate options for medical care and what factors influence the level of acceptance. The ED attendees of four major public hospital EDs in Brisbane were surveyed between August and October 2018, using a questionnaire informed by Health Belief Model's cues to action. Of the 514 valid responses, 81% of respondents were very likely/likely to accept the triage nurse's advice to see a general practitioner. Self‐perceived urgency of presenting condition/s (odds ratio [OR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.97), not having confidence in general practitioner (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21–0.66) and having a medical record at the hospital (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.36–0.99) were negatively associated with the likelihood of accepting the advice. For every point increase in perceived seriousness, the odds of accepting the advice decreased by 16% (95% CI 6–25%). Most of the participants believed that EDs were for emergent care and they attended the ED because they perceived their presenting condition/s to be serious and/or urgent. The acceptability of face‐to‐face advice by triage nurse to seek help in general practice was influenced by perceived threats of the illness, and the underlying beliefs about availability, accessibility, suitability and affordability of the service.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-07-2019
Abstract: To evaluate the impact of the Australian National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) policy introduced in 2012 on ED performance. A longitudinal cohort study of NEAT implementation using linked data, for 12 EDs across New South Wales (NSW), Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Queensland (QLD) between 2008 and 2013. Segmented regression in a multi-level model was used to analyse ED performance over time before and after NEAT introduction. The main outcomes measures were ED length of stay ≤4 h, access block, number of ED presentations, short-stay admission (≤24 h), >24 h admissions, unplanned ED re-attendances within 7 days and 'left at own risk' (including 'did not wait for assessment'). Two years after NEAT introduction, ED length of stay ≤4 h increased in NSW and QLD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.48 and 3.24 P < 0.001) and access block decreased (OR = 0.41 and 0.22 P 0.05). ED presentations increased over time before and after NEAT introduction with a significant increase above the projected trend in NSW after NEAT (mean ratio = 1.07). Short-stay admissions increased in QLD (OR = 2.60), ACT (OR = 1.68) and NSW (OR = 1.35). Unplanned ED re-attendances did not change significantly. Those who left at their own risk decreased significantly in NSW and QLD (OR = 0.38 and 0.67). ED presentations continued to increase over time in all jurisdictions. NSW and QLD, but not ACT, showed significant improvements in time-based measures. Significant increases in short-stay admissions suggest a strategic change in ED process associated with NEAT implementation. Rates of unplanned ED re-attendances and those leaving at their own risk showed no evidence for adverse effects from NEAT.
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date: 2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-01-2016
Abstract: The aim of this study was to gather patients' perceptions regarding their choice between public and private hospital EDs for those who hold private health insurance. The findings of this study will contribute to knowledge regarding patients' decision-making processes and therefore may contribute to the development of evidence based public policies. An in-depth semi-structured guide was used to interview participants at public and private hospital EDs. Questions sought to identify the issues that were considered by the participants to decide to attend that hospital ED, previous ED experience, expectations of ED services and perceived benefits and barriers to accessing services. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content and thematic approaches. Four core themes emerged: prior good experience with the hospital, perceived quality of care, perceived waiting times and perceived costs that may explain patients' choice. Patients' choice between public and private EDs can be explained by the interaction of these core themes. The principal issues appear to be concern for gap payments at private hospital ED and waiting times at public hospital ED. Patients who choose to attend public EDs appear to value financial concern over waiting time those who choose to attend private EDs appear to value waiting time ahead of financial concerns.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 15-07-2020
DOI: 10.1136/EMERMED-2019-208958
Abstract: Delayed handover of emergency medical services (EMS) patients to EDs is a major issue with hospital crowding considered a primary cause. We explore the impact of the 4-hour rule (the Policy) in Australia, focusing on ambulance and ED delays. EMS (ambulance), ED and hospital data of adult patients presenting to 14 EDs from 2002 to 2013 in three jurisdictions were linked. Interrupted time series ‘Before-and-After’ trend analysis was used for assessing the Policy’s impact. Random effects meta-regression analysis was examined for associations between ambulance delays and Policy-associated ED intake, throughput and output changes. Before the Policy, the proportion of ED ambulances delayed increased between 1.1% and 1.7% per quarter across jurisdictions. After Policy introduction, Western Australia’s increasing trend continued but Queensland decreased by 5.1% per quarter. In New South Wales, ambulance delay decreased 7.1% in the first quarter after Policy introduction. ED intake (triage delay) improved only in New South Wales and Queensland. Each 1% ambulance delay reduction was significantly associated with a 0.91% reduction in triage delay (p=0.014) but not ED length of stay ≤4 hours (p=0.307) or access-block/boarding (p=0.605) suggesting only partial improvement in ambulance delay overall. The Policy was associated with reduced ambulance delays over time in Queensland and only the immediate period in New South Wales. Associations may be due to local jurisdictional initiatives to improve ambulance performance. Strategies to alleviate ambulance delay may need to focus on the ED intake component. These should be re-examined with longer periods of post-Policy data.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-01-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
Abstract: Examining the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and heat-related emergency department (ED) visits during heatwave periods in Brisbane, 2000-2008. Data from 10 public EDs were analysed using a generalised additive model for disease categories, age groups and gender. Cumulative relative risks (RR) for non-external causes other than cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were 1.11 and 1.05 in most and least disadvantaged areas, respectively. The pattern persisted on lags 0-2. Elevated risks were observed for all age groups above 15 years in all areas. However, with RRs of 1.19-1.28, the 65-74 years age group in more disadvantaged areas stood out, compared with RR=1.08 in less disadvantaged areas. This pattern was observed on lag 0 but did not persist. The RRs for male presentations were 1.10 and 1.04 in most and less disadvantaged areas for females, RR was 1.04 in less disadvantaged areas. This pattern persisted across lags 0-2. Heat-related ED visits increased during heatwaves. However, due to overlapping confidence intervals, variations across socioeconomic areas should be interpreted cautiously. ED data may be utilised for monitoring heat-related health impacts, particularly on the first day of heatwaves, to facilitate prompt interventions and targeted resource allocation.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/AH17233
Abstract: Objective The acuity and number of presentations being made to emergency departments (EDs) is increasing. In an effort to safely and efficiently manage this increase and optimise patient outcomes, innovative models of care (MOC) have been implemented. What is not clear is how these MOC reflect the needs of patients or relate to each other or to ED performance. The aim of this study was to describe ED MOC in Queensland, Australia. Methods Situated within a larger mixed-methods study, the present study was a cross-sectional study. In early 2015, leaders (medical directors and nurse managers) from public hospital EDs in Queensland were invited to complete a survey detailing ED activity, staffing profiles, treatment space, MOC and National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) performance. Routinely collected ED information system data was also used. Results Twenty of the 27 EDs invited participated in the study (response rate 74%). An extensive array of MOC were identified that were categorised into those that facilitate input, throughput and output from the ED. There was no consistent evidence as to the relative effectiveness of these MOC in achieving ED performance benchmarks, such as NEAT performance. Conclusion There is considerable variability in the MOC used throughout EDs in Queensland. A more complete analysis of the relative effectiveness of different MOC either in isolation or as part of a comprehensive approach would help inform more consistent MOC in Queensland EDs. What is known about the topic? MOC in any given ED are implemented in response to factors such as the geographical location of the hospital, hospital-specific characteristics and service profile, staffing profile and patient demographic profile. In the era of time-based targets, they may also serve to address a particular aspect of flow in the face of rising ED demand. Although many of the MOC attempt to deal with flow in a linear fashion, target specific phases of the ED journey or address particular patient cohorts, what is clear is that not all EDs are shaped and formed the same. What does this paper add? The study provides a comprehensive description of the varied models of care operating within Queensland public hospital EDs and how they relate to ED performance. A basic taxonomy of contemporary ED MOC is necessary to allow comparison between departments and inform decisions regarding safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. What are the implications to practitioners? A contemporary understanding of the presence and profile of ED MOC that currently exist within a network of hospitals and health services is important for managers, clinicians and patients to inform decision-making regarding the safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these models. This understanding can also inform where and how further improvements in care delivery can progress.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1186/CC13826
Publisher: Duke University Press
Date: 07-2008
Abstract: Infertility is a social onus for women in Iran, who are expected to produce children early within marriage. With its estimated 1.5 million infertile couples, Iran is the only Muslim country in which assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) using donor gametes and embryos have been legitimized by religious authorities and passed into law. This has placed Iran, a Shia-dominant country, in a unique position vis-à-vis the Sunni Islamic world, where all forms of gamete donation are strictly prohibited. In this article, we first examine the “Iranian ART revolution” that has allowed donor technologies to be admitted as a form of assisted reproduction. Then we examine the response of Iranian women to their infertility and the profound social pressures they face. We argue that the experience of infertility and its treatment are mediated by women’s socioeconomic position within Iranian society. Many women lack economic access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) technologies and fear the moral consequences of gamete donation. Thus, the benefits of the Iranian ART revolution are mixed: although many Iranian women have been able to overcome their infertility through ARTs, not all women’s lives are improved by these technologies. The Iranian civil law emphasizes that family is a warm and placid institute founded upon the authority of the husband and the father. Motherhood and doing housework are the woman’s responsibility, and outside work is the man’s and the man is the breadwinner. Such policies reinforce the traditional patriarchal relations within the family. (Sarokhani and Raf’atjah 2004)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-08-2015
DOI: 10.1038/SREP12860
Abstract: The direct and indirect health effects of increasingly warmer temperatures are likely to further burden the already overcrowded hospital emergency departments (EDs). Using current trends and estimates in conjunction with future population growth and climate change scenarios, we show that the increased number of hot days in the future can have a considerable impact on EDs, adding to their workload and costs. The excess number of visits in 2030 is projected to range between 98–336 and 42–127 for younger and older groups, respectively. The excess costs in 2012–13 prices are estimated to range between AU$51,000–184,000 (0–64) and AU$27,000–84,000 (65+). By 2060, these estimates will increase to 229–2300 and 145–1188 at a cost of between AU$120,000–1,200,000 and AU$96,000–786,000 for the respective age groups. Improvements in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures are likely to generate synergistic health co-benefits and reduce the impact on frontline health services.
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.5204/REP.EPRINTS.227473
Abstract: Demand for public hospital emergency departments’ services and care is increasing, placing considerable restraint on their performance and threatens patient safety. Many factors influence such demand including in idual characteristics (e.g. perceptions, knowledge, values and norms), healthcare availability, affordability and accessibility, population aging, and internal health system factors (e.g patient flow, discharge process). To alleviate demand, many initiatives have been trialled or suggested, including early identification of at-risk patients, better management of chronic disease to reduce avoidable ED presentation, expanded capacity of front-line clinician to manage sub-acute and non-urgent care, improved hospital flow to reduce access block, and ersion to alternate site for care. However, none have had any major or sustained impact on the growth in ED demand. A major focus of the public discourse on ED demand has been the use and integration of primary healthcare and ED, based on the assumption that between 10%–25% of ED presentations are potentially avoidable if patients’ access to appropriate primary healthcare (PHC) services were enhanced. However, this requires not only improved access but also appropriateness in terms of the patients’ preference and PHC providers’ capacity to address the needs. What is not known at the moment is the extent of the potential for ersion of non-urgent ED patients to PHC and the cost-benefits of such policy and funding changes required, particularly in the Australian context. There is a need to better understand ED patients’ needs and capacity constraint so as to effect delivery of accessible, affordable, efficient and responsive services. Jennie Money Doug Morel
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-03-2018
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date: 2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-07-2019
Abstract: Previous research reported strong associations between ED overcrowding and mortality. We assessed the effect of the Four-Hour Rule (4HR) intervention (Western Australia (WA) 2009), then nationally rolled out as the National Emergency Access Target (Australia 2012) policy on mortality and patient flow. A longitudinal cohort study of a population-wide 4HR, for 16 hospitals across WA, New South Wales (NSW), Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Queensland (QLD). Mortality trends were analysed for 2-4 years before and after 4HR using interrupted time series technique. Main outcomes included the effect of 4HR on patient flow markers admitted 30 day mortality trends and patient flow marker performance during the study period. There were 40 281 deaths from 952 726 emergency admissions. All jurisdictions, except ACT, had improved flow and access block after 4HR. Age-standardised mortality was decreasing before the intervention. Post-intervention, WA had a significant reduction in mortality rate of -0.28 per 1000 patients per quarter (P = 0.040) while QLD had mixed results and NSW/ACT trends did not change significantly. Meta-regression of aggregated data for hospitals grouped on flow performances did not show significant mortality changes associated with the policy. The 4HR was introduced as a means of driving hospital performance by applying a time target. Patient flow improved, but the evidence for mortality benefit is controversial with improvement only in WA. Further research with more representative data from a larger number of hospitals over a longer time across Australia is needed to increase statistical power to detect long-term effects of the policy.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-10-2020
Abstract: To explore the impact of the Four-Hour Rule/National Emergency Access Target (4HR/NEAT) on staff and ED performance. A mixed-methods study design was used to link performance data from 16 participating hospitals with the experiences reported by 119 ED staff during policy implementation. Quantitative and qualitative measures were triangulated to identify the staff and organisational effects on hospital performance. An overall score was developed to categorise hospitals into: high, moderate and low performers, then compared with four qualitative themes: social factors, ED management, ED outcomes and 4HR/NEAT compliance. Key factors identified were stress and morale intergroup dynamics interaction with patients resource management education and training financial incentives impact on quality and safety perceived improvements on access block and overcrowding. High performing hospitals reported increased stress and decreased morale, decreased staff-patient communication and staff shortages significant changes in ED management and effective use of the whole-of-hospital approach. Moderate performing hospitals reported similar characteristics to a lesser degree, and the perception that 4HR/NEAT did not impact ED practice. Low performing hospitals also reported increased stress and low morale and a less effective whole-of-hospital approach. ED staff also reported a reduction in communication with patients. There was strong evidence of an association between high stress and low morale and the implementation of the 4HR/NEAT across all levels of performance. These adverse consequences of the 4HR/NEAT implementation indicate that a more nuanced approach to efficiency improvements is required. This would balance processes measured by 4HR/NEAT against a range of other clinical and organisational performance measures.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ACEM.12149
Abstract: The objective was to study the role and effect of patients' perceptions on reasons for using ambulance services in Queensland, Australia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of patients (n = 911) presenting via ambulance or self-transport at eight public hospital emergency departments (EDs). The survey included perceived illness severity, attitudes toward ambulance, and reasons for using ambulance. A theoretical framework was developed to inform this study. Ambulance users had significantly higher self-rated perceived seriousness, urgency, and pain than self-transports. They were also more likely to agree that ambulance services are for everyone to use, regardless of the severity of their conditions. In compared to self-transports, likelihood of using an ambulance increased by 26% for every unit increase in perceived seriousness and patients who had not used an ambulance in the 6 months prior to the survey were 66% less likely to arrive by ambulance. Patients who had presented via ambulance stated they considered the urgency (87%) or severity (84%) of their conditions as reasons for calling the ambulance. Other reasons included requiring special care (76%), getting higher priority at the ED (34%), not having a car (34%), and financial concerns (17%). Understanding patients' perceptions is essential in explaining their actions and developing safe and effective health promotion programs. In iduals use ambulances for various reasons and justifications according to their beliefs, attitudes, and sociodemographic conditions. Policies to reduce and manage demand for such services need to address both general opinions and specific attitudes toward emergency health services to be effective.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-06-2015
Abstract: To inform demand management strategies aimed at reducing congestion in EDs by: (i) identifying public use of EDs, decision-making and reasons and (ii) measuring acceptance of alternative care models. A cross-sectional telephone survey of a random s le of Queensland population aged 18 years or older residing in a dwelling unit in Queensland that could be contacted on a land-based telephone service was conducted. One person per household was selected according to a predetermined algorithm to ensure sex and regional balance were interviewed. The main outcome measures were: ED use, attitudes towards ED staff and services, and alternative models of care. The final s le included a total of 1256 respondents (response rate = 40.3%). Twenty-one per cent attended EDs in the preceding 12 months. The decision to attend was made by patients (51%), health and medical professionals (31%), and others (18%). The main reasons included perceived severity of the illness (47%), unavailability of alternative services (26%) and better care (11%). Most respondents agreed with more flexible care models of service delivery including incentives for general practitioners (90%), private health insurance coverage for ED use (89%), and enhanced roles for paramedics and nurses. Main reason for attending ED is perceived severity of illness, followed by lack of alternative care. The majority of both consumers and the public are in favour of more flexible care models. However, further research is necessary to detail those alternatives and to test and validate their effectiveness.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2014
DOI: 10.1038/SREP05389
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-07-2014
Abstract: The ongoing challenge for ED leaders is to remain abreast of system-wide changes that impact on the day-to-day management of their departments. Changes to the funding model creates another layer of complexity and this introductory paper serves as the beginning of a discussion about the way in which EDs are funded and how this can and will impact on business decisions, models of care and resource allocation within Australian EDs. Furthermore it is evident that any funding model today will mature and change with time, and moves are afoot to refine and contextualise ED funding over the medium term. This perspective seeks to provide a basis of understanding for our current and future funding arrangements in Australian EDs.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-2007
DOI: 10.1177/097172180701200201
Abstract: This article attempts to explore the concept of scientific community at the macro-national level in the context of Iran. Institutionalisation of science and its professional growth has been constrained by several factors. The article first conceptualises the notion of science community as found in the literature in the context of Iran, and attempts to map through some indicators. The main focus, however, lies in mapping some institutional problems through empirical research. This was undertaken in 2002–04 in order to analyse the structure of the scientific community in Iran in the ‘exact sciences’ (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences). The empirical work was done in two complementary perspectives: through a questionnaire and statistical analysis of it, and through semi-structured interviews with the researchers. There are number of problems confronting scientists in Iran. Facilities provided by institutions is one of the major problems of research. Another is the tenuous cooperation among scientists. This is reported by most of the researchers, who deplore the lack of cooperation among their group. Relationships are mostly with the Ph.D. students and only marginally with colleagues. Our research shows that the more brilliant the scientists, the more frustrated they are from scientific institutions in Iran. Medium-range researchers seem to be much happier about the scientific institution to which they belong than the brighter scholars. The scientific institutions in Iran seem to be built for the needs of the former rather than the latter. These institutions seem not to play a positive role in the case of the best scientists. On the whole, many ingredients of the scientific community, at least at its inception, are present among Iranian scientists: the strong desire for scientific achievement in spite of personal, institutional and economic problems.
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date: 2012
Publisher: World Journal of Emergency Medicine
Date: 2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-12-2020
Abstract: To estimate the proportion of ED patients in urban Queensland who are potentially suitable for general practitioner (GP) care. A retrospective analysis was conducted using ED Information System data from Metro North Hospital and Health Service in Brisbane, Australia for three consecutive financial years (2014-2015 to 2016-2017). The hospitals included two Principal Referral and two Public Acute hospitals. GP-type patients were calculated using the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) and the validated Sprivulis methods. Of the 822 841 ED presentations, 219 567 (27%) were potentially GP-type patients by AIHW, 49 307 (6%) by ACEM and 61 836 (8%) by Sprivulis methods. The higher proportion of GP-type presentations were during 08.00 to 17.00 hours by AIHW and ACEM methods. Of the lower-acuity triage categories of 4 (286 154 presentations) and 5 (5658 presentations), AIHW estimated that 62% and 80% of the patients were GP-type patients, as compared to 9% and 22% by ACEM, and 9% and 0.3% by Sprivulis method. The mean costs of adult GP-type patients is $345 by the AIHW and $406 by the ACEM method, lower than non-GP type patients ($706 and $622, respectively). There is considerable variation in what is considered GP-type ED presentations based on the three methods employed and this variation may have fuelled the debate surrounding what is 'avoidable' ED utilisation. Regardless, the study findings provide an interesting addition to defining and addressing appropriate utilisation of ED services.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-03-2022
Abstract: To inform local, state and national strategies intended to reduce demand for ED care, the present study aimed to identify key factors influencing the current provision of acute care within primary healthcare (PHC) and explore the policy and system changes potentially required. Semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through content and thematic approaches incorporating the Walt and Gilson health policy framework. Eleven interviews were conducted. Five key considerations were highlighted, namely the barriers and enablers for general practitioners (GPs) in providing acute care, barriers to patient use of PHC instead of ED, suggestions for new PHC models and improvements for current ED models. Additionally, economic issues relating to clinic funding and GP remuneration, complexities of state or federal funding and management of urgent care centres (UCC) were identified. Potential policy changes included GP clinics incorporating emergency appointments, GP triage, further patient streaming and changes to the ED medical workforce model, as well as linking hospitals with PHC clinics. Suggested system changes included improving rapid access to non‐GP specialists, offering qualifications for urgent care within PHC, developing integrated information technology systems and educating patients regarding appropriate healthcare system pathways. The present study suggested that while PHC has the potential to attenuate the demands for ED services, a whole‐of‐system approach focusing on realignment of priorities and integrated changes are needed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-04-2013
Publisher: WHO Press
Date: 12-2006
Abstract: Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated in industrialized countries with unhealthy lifestyle characteristics, such as smoking, physical inactivity and being overweight or obese. This paper examines changes over time in the association between SES and smoking status, physical activity and being overweight or obese in Australia. Data were taken from three successive national health surveys in Australia carried out in 1989-90 (n = 54,576), 1995 (n = 53,828) and 2001 (n = 26,863). Participants in these surveys were selected using a national probability s ling strategy, and aggregated data for geographical areas are used to determine the changing association between SES and lifestyle over time. Overall, men had less healthy lifestyles. In 2001 inverse SES trends for both men and women showed that those living in lower SES areas were more likely to smoke and to be sedentary and obese. There were some important socioeconomic changes over the period 1989-90 to 2001. The least socioeconomically disadvantaged areas had the largest decrease in the percentage of people smoking tobacco (24% decrease for men and 12% for women) and the largest decrease in the percentage of people reporting sedentary activity levels (25% decrease for men and 22% for women). While there has been a general increase in the percentage over time of those who are overweight or obese, there is a modest trend for being overweight to have increased (by about 16% only among females) among those living in areas of higher SES. Socioeconomic inequalities have been increasing for several key risk behaviours related to health this suggests that specific population-based prevention strategies intended to reduce health inequalities are needed.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-10-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-08-2019
Abstract: It has been 10 years since the ACEM Access Block Solutions Summit and 5 years since the introduction of the Four-Hour Rule/National Emergency Access Target (4HR/NEAT) policy. The impact of this policy on ED management and on ED staff has been poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to identify changes in ED management resulting from the policy based on ED staff experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed, imported to NVivo 11 and analysed using a combination of content, thematic analysis and phenomenological focus within a theoretical framework known as the 'logic model'. One hundred and nineteen ED staff participated in 2015-2016 to assess the impact of the policy implementation. Participants were drawn from 16 EDs in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Australian Capital Territory. In relation to ED management, three themes were identified: changes in ED management activities and changes driven by the hospital in relation to 4HR/NEAT and participant experiences in relation to policy compliance by staff. Policy implementation is a complex process that had both positive and negative consequences on how ED staff managed the implementation of the 4HR/NEAT policy and how it changed their work environment. Understanding the perceptions of staff involved in policy implementation has significance for the design of future implementation strategies. The biggest insight from the present study is that ED management is very complex and the policy generated multiple positive and negative changes demonstrating the wide range of processes involved in this area of health services research.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-09-2019
Abstract: The implementation of the time target policy (Four-Hour Rule/National Emergency Access Target [4HR/NEAT]) constituted a major change for ED, and potentially on quality of care. The present study aimed to understand perceptions and experiences of ED staff during 4HR/NEAT implementation. A semi-structured interview was used to explore views and perceptions of 119 ED staff from 16 EDs in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. The interviews covered aspects such as perceived changes in quality of clinical care, whether the capacity to deliver education was diminished or enhanced and whether the policy affected access to care. Interviews were transcribed, imported to NVivo 11 and analysed using content and thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: quality and safety of care access block and overcrowding and medical education and training. Participants described both positive and negative aspects of the policy. Although some reported negative impacts on care quality and access block, more cited overall improvements in these areas. The majority perceived that medical education and training was negatively affected, mainly because of restricted training opportunities and reduced time for procedural skills. ED staff perceived important effects on quality and safety of care access block and overcrowding and medical education and training. In relation to an optimised ED role, quality of care and access block were overall felt to be improved, while education and training deteriorated. Our study increases understanding of the complexity of policy implementation processes and its impact on staff. Staff perceptions are a valuable measure of system performance and should be incorporated into system change evaluations.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.5694/MJA13.10513
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date: 2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-09-2015
Abstract: The present study aims to identify the main reasons for which first time and multiple users seek medical care through Queensland EDs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at eight public EDs among presenting patients (n = 911). The questions measured the sociodemographic characteristics of patients, their beliefs and attitudes towards ED services, and perceptions of health status. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the differences between first time and multiple users of EDs. First time and multiple users accounted for 55.5% and 44.5%, respectively. Multiple users themselves were believed to be sicker, have poorer health status, and additional and/or chronic health conditions. Multiple users more strongly believed that their condition required treatment at an ED and perceived their condition as being very serious. Multiple users reported weekly household incomes below $600, and half of the multiple users were not working as compared with 35% first time users. Multivariate analysis showed that multiple use was significantly associated with the existence of additional health problems, having chronic condition, lower self-efficacy and need for ED treatment. Patients who sought care for multiple times at EDs more often than first time users suffered from additional and chronic conditions. Their opinion of an ED as the most suitable place to address their current health problem was stronger than first time users. Any proposed demand management strategies need to address these beliefs together with the reasoning of patients to provide effective and appropriate care outside or within ED services.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 12-2207
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-09-2017
Abstract: The aim of this study was to understand what factors influence patients' choice between public and private hospital ED and the relative weight of those factors among adult patients with private health insurance in Australia. A survey of 280 patients was conducted in four public and private hospitals' EDs in Brisbane between May and August 2015. The survey included information about respondent's demographics, nature of illness, decision-making, attitudes and choice. Independent t-test and Pearson's χ²-test were used to identify binary associations, and logistic regression was used to determine what factors influence patients' choice. Patients who agreed that 'long waiting time is a barrier to access public hospital ED' were twice as likely to choose private hospitals (odds ratio [OR] 2.172, P = 0.001). Alternatively patients who did not consider that 'there were long waiting times in public hospital ED' were less likely to access private hospitals (OR 0.200, P = 0.003). More public hospital patients (70.7%) than private hospital patients (56.4%) (P = 0.015) agreed that 'out-of-pocket payment is a barrier to accessing private hospital ED'. Patients attending private hospitals rated the quality of service higher than those attending public hospitals (OR 1.26, P = 0.001). Longer waiting times in public EDs is the principal issue considered by patients choosing private EDs and the out-of-pocket payment for accessing private EDs is the principal issue considered by public ED patients. The study suggests that addressing the out-of-pocket payments will attract more patients with private health insurance to access private EDs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-03-2015
Abstract: To identify current ED models of care and their impact on care quality, care effectiveness, and cost. A systematic search of key health databases (Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMbase) was conducted to identify literature on ED models of care. Additionally, a focused review of the contents of 11 international and national emergency medicine, nursing and health economic journals (published between 2010 and 2013) was undertaken with snowball identification of references of the most recent and relevant papers. Articles published between 1998 and 2013 in the English language were included for initial review by three of the authors. Studies in underdeveloped countries and not addressing the objectives of the present study were excluded. Relevant details were extracted from the retrieved literature, and analysed for relevance and impact. The literature was synthesised around the study's main themes. Models described within the literature mainly focused on addressing issues at the input, throughput or output stages of ED care delivery. Models often varied to account for site specific characteristics (e.g. onsite inpatient units) or to suit staffing profiles (e.g. extended scope physiotherapist), ED geographical location (e.g. metropolitan or rural site), and patient demographic profile (e.g. paediatrics, older persons, ethnicity). Only a few studies conducted cost-effectiveness analysis of service models. Although various models of delivering emergency healthcare exist, further research is required in order to make accurate and reliable assessments of their safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-11-2018
DOI: 10.1002/HPM.2475
Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe emergency department (ED) activities and staffing after the introduction of activity-based funding (ABF) to highlight the challenges of new funding arrangements and their implementation. A retrospective study of public hospital EDs in Queensland, Australia, was undertaken for 2013-2014. The ED and hospital characteristics are described to evaluate the alignment between activity and resourcing levels and their impact on performance. Twenty EDs participated (74% response rate). Weighted activity units (WAUs) and nursing staff varied based on hospital type and size. Larger hospital EDs had on average 9076 WAUs and 13 full time equivalent (FTE) nursing staff per 1000 WAUs smaller EDs had on average 4587 WAUs and 10.3 FTE nursing staff per 1000 WAUs. Medical staff was relatively consistent (8.1-8.7 FTE per 1000 WAUs). The proportion of patients admitted, discharged, or transferred within 4 hours ranged from 73% to 79%. The ED medical and nursing staffing numbers did not correlate with the 4-hour performance. Substantial variation exists across Queensland EDs when resourcing service delivery in an activity-based funding environment. Historical inequity persists in the staffing profiles for regional and outer metropolitan departments. The lack of association between resourcing and performance metrics provides opportunity for further investigation of efficient models of care.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-2011
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X11000847
Abstract: A lack of access to primary care services, decreasing numbers of general practitioners (GPs) and free of charge visits have been cited as factors contributing to the rising demand on emergency departments. This study aims to investigate the sources of patients' referrals to emergency departments and track changes in the source of referral over a six-year period in Queensland. Data from Queensland Emergency Departments Information Systems were analyzed based on records from 21 hospitals for the periods 2003–04 to 2008–09. The emergency department data were compared with publicly available data on GPs services and patients attendance rates. In Queensland, the majority of patients are self-referred and a 6.6% growth between 2003–04 and 2008–09 (84.4% to 90% respectively) has been observed. The number of referrals made by GPs, hospitals and community services decreased by 29.4%, 40%, 42% respectively during the six-year period. The full-time workload equivalent GPs per 100,000 people increased by 4.5% and the number of GP attendances measured per capita rose by 4% (4.25 to 4.42). An examination of changes in the triage category of self-referred patients revealed an increase in triage category 1-3 by 60%, 36.2%, and 14.4% respectively. The number of self-referred patients in triage categories 4–5 decreased by 10.5% and 21.9% respectively. The results of this analysis reveal that although the number of services provided by GPs increased, the amount of referrals decreased, and the proportion of self-referred patients to emergency departments rose during the six-year period. In addition, a growth in urgent triage categories (1–3) has been observed, with a decline in the number of non-urgent categories (4–5) among patients who came directly to emergency departments. Understanding the reasons behind this situation is crucial for appropriate demand management. Possible explanations will be sought and presented based on patients' responses to an emergency department users' questionnaire.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-05-2013
Abstract: Public hospital EDs in Australia have become increasingly congested because of increasing demand and access block. Six per cent of ED patients attend private hospital EDs whereas 45% of the population hold private health insurance. This study describes the patients attending a small selection of four private hospital EDs in Queensland and Victoria, and tests the feasibility of a private ED database. De-identified routinely collected patient data were provided by the four participating private hospital and amalgamated into a single data set. The mean age of private ED patients was 52 years. Males outnumbered females in all age groups except > 80 years. Attendance was higher on weekends and Mondays, and between 08.00 and 20.00 h. There were 6.6% of the patients triaged as categories 1 and 2, and 60% were categories 4 or 5. There were 36.4% that required hospital admission. Also, 96% of the patients had some kind of insurance. Furthermore, 72% were self-referred and 12% were referred by private medical practitioners. Approximately 25% arrived by ambulance. There were 69% that completed their ED treatment within 4 h. This study is the first public description of patients attending private EDs in Australia. Private EDs have a significant role to play in acute medical care and in providing access to private hospitals which could alleviate pressure on public EDs. This study demonstrates the need for consolidated data based on a consistent data set and data dictionary to enable system-wide analysis, benchmarking and evaluation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.01.041
Abstract: Flooding has caused significant and wide ranging long-term health impacts for affected populations. However, until now, the long-term health outcomes, epidemiological trends and specific impact factors of flooding had not been identified. In this study, the relevant literature was systematically mapped to create the first synthesis of the evidence of the long-term health impacts of flooding. The systematic mapping method was used to collect and categorize all the relevant literature. A study was included if it had a description or measurement of health impacts over six months after flooding. The search was limited to peer reviewed articles and grey literature written in English, published from 1996 to 2016. A total of 56 critical articles were extracted for the final map, including 5 qualitative and 51 quantitative studies. Most long-term studies investigated the psychological impacts of flooding, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, psychiatric disorders, sleep disorder and suicide. Others investigated the physiological impacts, including health-related quality of life, acute myocardial infarction, chronic diseases, and malnutrition. Social support was proved to be protective factors that can improve health outcomes in the long-term after flooding. To date, there have been relatively few reviews had focused on the long-term health impacts of flooding. This study coded and catalogued the existing evidence across a wide range of variables and described the long-term health consequences within a conceptual map. Although there was no boundary between the short-term and the long-term impacts of flooding, the identified health outcomes in this systematic mapping could be used to define long-term health impacts. The studies showed that the prevalence of psychological diseases had a reversed increasing trend occurred even in the long-term in relatively poor post-flooding environments. Further cohort or longitudinal research focused on disability, chronic diseases, relocation population, and social interventions after flooding, are urgently required.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2008
DOI: 10.1080/09595230801956108
Abstract: Since the 1990s illicit drug use death rates in Australia have increased markedly. There is a notable gap in knowledge about changing socio-economic inequalities in drug use death rates. Some limited Australian and overseas data point to higher rates of drug death in the lowest socio-economic groups, but the paucity of available studies and their sometimes conflicting findings need to be addressed. This paper uses data obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to examine changes in age-standardised drug-induced mortality rates for Australian males over the period 1981-2002. Socio-economic status was categorised as manual or non-manual work status. With the rapid increase in drug-induced mortality rates in the 1990s, there was a parallel increase in socio-economic inequalities in drug-induced deaths. The decline in drug death rates from 2000 onwards was associated with a decline in socio-economic inequalities. By 2002, manual workers had drug death rates well over twice the rate of non-manual workers. Three factors are identified which contribute to these socio-economic inequalities in mortality. First, there has been an age shift in deaths evident only for manual workers. Secondly, there has been an increase in availability until 1999 and a relative decline in the cost of the drug, which most often leads to drug death (heroin). Thirdly, there has been a shift to hetamine use which may lead to significant levels of morbidity, but few deaths.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2014
Abstract: Emergency healthcare is a high profile component of modern healthcare systems, which over the past three decades has fundamentally transformed in many countries. However, despite this rapid development, and associated investments in service standards, there is a high level of concern with the performance of emergency health services relating principally to system wide congestion. The factors driving this problem are complex but relate largely to the combined impact of growing demand, expanded scope of care and blocked access to inpatient beds. These factors are unlikely to disappear in the medium term despite the National Emergency Access Target. The aim of this article is to stimulate a conversation about the future design and functioning of emergency healthcare systems examining what we understand about the problem and proposing a rationale that may underpin future strategic approaches. This is also an invitation to join the conversation.
No related grants have been discovered for Ghasem (Sam) Toloo.