ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8809-511X
Current Organisation
University of Sydney
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Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-06-2018
Abstract: Dementia in Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is an area of significant health and community concern. In this article, we use a hermeneutic mode of interpretation to deepen understanding of experience and meaning in dementia for family carers of older Aboriginal people in urban Australia. Specifically, we draw from the hermeneutic concept of “world disclosure” to illuminate the dementia experience in three ways: through an artwork of the brain and dementia through concrete description of the lived relation of caregiving and through an epochal perspective on the significance of contemporary caregiving in dementia. Using narrative and visual knowledge, this three-fold approach brings to the forefront the importance of ontological and existential meanings which resonate for Aboriginal families in the dementia caregiving experience.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1754.2009.01643.X
Abstract: To determine the types and timing of breastfeeding support for mothers of newborn babies and the extent to which this affects breastfeeding intentions and behaviours in a region with low rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration. A cross-sectional study by interviewer-administrated questionnaire was undertaken of women birthing at a large teaching hospital in South Western Sydney, between August and October 2006 (n= 164), with a 2-week follow-up of breastfeeding or breastfeeding-intending women (n= 107). Types, timing and satisfaction with personal and professional sources of support (e.g. antenatal classes, help at birth, practical lessons on how to breastfeed, providing information, and attitude towards breastfeeding) and the impact of these on breastfeeding intention and behaviours were assessed. Most women had intended to breastfeed (76.2%), and, within the first 24 hours, 77.4% of babies were breastfed to some extent (45.1% exclusively), and at 2 weeks 65.9% were breastfed (9.7% exclusively). Women felt most supported by their partners and least supported by their health-care team. Antenatal classes, breastfeeding help within half an hour of birth and positive health-care team attitudes were related to improved breastfeeding intentions and behaviours. However, these supports were infrequently reported. Personal support was commonly reported although support delivered by professionals was related to better breastfeeding behaviours. Despite the effectiveness of professional support interventions, particularly those delivered in the antenatal and immediate post-natal period, access to these sources of support was very low. For breastfeeding outcomes to be improved, effective professional support strategies need to be much more widely available.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-12-2013
DOI: 10.1111/AJO.12020
Abstract: The Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System (AMOSS) conducts active, prospective surveillance of severe maternal conditions in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). AMOSS captures greater than 96% of all births, and utilises an online, active case-based negative reporting system. To evaluate AMOSS using the United States Centres for Disease Control (MMWR 2001 50 (RR13): 1-35.) surveillance system evaluation framework. Data were gathered using multiple methods, including an anonymous online survey administered to 353 AMOSS data collectors, in addition to review of case data received during 2009-2011, documented records of project board and advisory group meeting minutes, publications, annual reports and the AMOSS database. AMOSS is a research system characterised by its simplicity and efficiency. The socio-demographic, risk factor and severe morbidity clinical data collected on rare conditions are not duplicated in other routine data systems. AMOSS is functioning well and has sustained buy-in from clinicians, stakeholders and consumers and a high level of acceptability to data collectors in ANZ maternity units. AMOSS is the only existing national system of surveillance for rare and severe maternal conditions in ANZ and therefore serves an important function, utilising data collected from reliable sources, in an effective, efficient and timely way.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-09-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2010.00631.X
Abstract: To describe and critique methodological aspects of interventions targeting reductions in smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol misuse and physical inactivity (SNAP risk factors) among Indigenous Australians. An electronic search of eight databases and a manual search of reference lists of literature reviews and reference libraries for Indigenous-specific intervention studies published in peer-reviewed journals (January 1990 to August 2007) were undertaken. Alcohol, smoking, nutrition or physical activity needed to be the primary focus of the study and the intervention needed to specifically target Indigenous Australians. Twenty studies were selected for inclusion in the review. Methodologically, few studies employed randomisation or a control group, most omitted important details (e.g. costs), some did not report process measures (e.g. attrition rates), and some did not use validated measures. Two-thirds of interventions were implemented at the community level and employed multiple strategies. There is a need for more rigorous evaluations of interventions targeting reductions in SNAP risk factors among Indigenous Australians, and to establish the reliability and validity of measures to quantify their effect. It may be beneficial for future Indigenous-specific intervention research to focus on the evaluation of secondary prevention to complement the current concentration of effort targeting primary prevention. Community-wide interventions, combining strategies of greater intensity for high risk in iduals with those of less intensity targeting lower risk in iduals, might also offer considerable promise.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-11-2017
DOI: 10.1111/AJO.12744
Abstract: To study rheumatic heart disease health literacy and its impact on pregnancy, and to identify how health services could more effectively meet the needs of pregnant women with rheumatic heart disease. Researchers observed and interviewed a small number of Aboriginal women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum as they interacted with the health system. An Aboriginal Yarning method of relationship building over time, participant observations and interviews with Aboriginal women were used in the study. The settings were urban, island and remote communities across the Northern Territory. Women were followed interstate if they were transferred during pregnancy. The participants were pregnant women and their families. We relied on participants' abilities to tell their own experiences so that researchers could interpret their understanding and perspective of rheumatic heart disease. Aboriginal women and their families rarely had rheumatic heart disease explained appropriately by health staff and therefore lacked understanding of the severity of their illness and its implications for childbearing. Health directives in written and spoken English with assumed biomedical knowledge were confusing and of limited use when delivered without interpreters or culturally appropriate health supports. Despite previous studies documenting poor communication and culturally inadequate care, health systems did not meet the needs of pregnant Aboriginal women with rheumatic heart disease. Language-appropriate health education that promotes a shared understanding should be relevant to the gender, life-stage and social context of women with rheumatic heart disease.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1071/AH080613
Abstract: This study aimed to understand the problems within the Indigenous health policy process in Australia and how weaknesses in the process impact on policy implementation. Using semistructured questions, 23 key stakeholders in the policy-making process were interviewed. Three main themes dominated a need for increased Indigenous involvement in policy formulation at the senior Australian Government level, increased participation of Indigenous community-controlled health organisations in the policy-making process and, most importantly, ensuring that policies have the necessary resources for their implementation. The emergence of these specific themes demonstrated weaknesses in policy process from the formulation stage onward. Tackling these would, according to our informants, significantly enhance the effectiveness of the policy process and contribute to further improvement of the health of Indigenous Australians.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2006
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-10-2020
Abstract: To describe the epidemiology of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in pregnancy in Australia and New Zealand (A&NZ). Prospective population-based study. Hospital-based maternity units throughout A&NZ. Pregnant women with RHD with a birth outcome of ≥20 weeks of gestation between January 2013 and December 2014. We identified eligible women using the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System (AMOSS). De-identified antenatal, perinatal and postnatal data were collected and analysed. Prevalence of RHD in pregnancy. Perinatal morbidity and mortality. There were 311 pregnancies associated with women with RHD (4.3/10 000 women giving birth, 95% CI 3.9-4.8). In Australia, 78% were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (60.4/10 000, 95% CI 50.7-70.0), while in New Zealand 90% were Māori or Pasifika (27.2/10 000, 95% CI 22.0-32.3). One woman (0.3%) died and one in ten was admitted to coronary or intensive care units postpartum. There were 314 births with seven stillbirths (22.3/1000 births) and two neonatal deaths (6.5/1000 births). Sixty-six (21%) live-born babies were preterm and one in three was admitted to neonatal intensive care or special care units. Rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy persists in disadvantaged First Nations populations in A&NZ. It is associated with significant cardiac and perinatal morbidity. Preconception planning and counselling and RHD screening in at-risk pregnant women are essential for good maternal and baby outcomes. Rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy persists in First Nations people in Australia and New Zealand and is associated with major cardiac and perinatal morbidity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2008.00301.X
Abstract: To examine how OTDs and staff in rural and remote Indigenous health contexts communicate and negotiate identity and relationships, and consider how this may influence OTDs' transition, integration and retention. Ten case studies were conducted in rural and remote settings across Australia, each of an OTD providing primary care in a substantially Indigenous practice population, his/her partner, co-workers and Indigenous board members associated with the health service. Cases were purposefully s led to ensure ersity in gender, location and country of origin. Identity as 'fluid' emerged as a key theme in effective communication and building good relationships between OTDs and Indigenous staff. OTDs enter a social space where their own cultural and professional beliefs and practices intersect with the expectations of culturally safe practice shaped by the Australian Indigenous context. These are negotiated through differences in language, role expectation, practice, status and identification with locus with uncertain outcomes. Limited professional and cultural support often impeded this process. The reconstruction of OTDs' identities and mediating beyond predictable barriers to cultural engagement contributes significantly not only to OTDs' integration and, to a lesser extent, their retention, but also to maximising effective communication across cultural domains. Retention of OTDs working in Indigenous health contexts rests on a combination of OTDs' capacity to adapt culturally and professionally to this complex environment, and of effective strategies to support them.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-01-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2010.00559.X
Abstract: Little is known about the content and quality of brief intervention kits specifically targeting SNAP risk factors (smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol misuse or physical inactivity) among Indigenous Australians. This paper reviews the type and quality of these kits. Brief intervention kits were primarily identified by contacting 74 health-related organisations in Australia between 1 February 2007 and 4 March 2007. Ten brief intervention kits met inclusion criteria: four targeted smoking three targeted alcohol one targeted alcohol, smoking and other drugs one targeted alcohol, other drugs and mental health and one targeted all SNAP risk factors. Brief intervention kits were reviewed using criteria developed from clinical guidelines for SNAP risk factors and guidelines for evaluating health promotion resources. Three kits met all review criteria. Five kits were consistent with evidence-based guidelines, but lacked a training package, patient education materials and/or behavioural change strategies. All kits used images and language identifiable with Indigenous Australia, however, their cultural appropriateness for Indigenous Australians remains unclear. The specific content of the missing components should be guided by the best-available evidence, such as established mechanisms for health care provider feedback to patients as a behaviour change strategy, as well as the needs and preferences of health care providers and patients.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2006
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-12-2014
DOI: 10.1111/JPC.12482
Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the age-appropriate immunisation coverage and the factors associated with this in a cohort of Aboriginal infants in an outer urban Sydney community in comparison with non-Aboriginal infants in this community. Data on immunisation coverage were extracted from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register for a birth cohort of 178 Aboriginal and 356 non-Aboriginal infants born in C belltown between October 2005 and May 2007. Non-Aboriginal infants were matched on birthdates and gender. Data on maternal socio-economic and other characteristics were collected by questionnaire. Australian Childhood Immunisation Register records were identified for 92% of infants. Immunisation rates of Aboriginal infants were comparable with those of non-Aboriginal infants except for delay at 4 and 6 months. Rates of delay in immunisation at 12 and 18 months for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants were similar. Young maternal age and higher parity were both associated with a greater likelihood of delay. Immunisation rates in this population of Aboriginal infants are comparable to those of non-Aboriginal infants except for delay in immunisation at 4 and 6 months. Identified risk factors for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants may be amenable to intervention. Strategies to ensure timely compliance with immunisation schedules in this outer urban community have achieved reasonable immunisation coverage for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-11-2009
Abstract: Indigenous Australians experience a disproportionately greater burden of harm from smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol misuse and physical inactivity (SNAP risk factors) than the general Australian population. A critical step in further improving efforts to reduce this harm is to review existing efforts aimed at increasing the uptake of evidence-based interventions in Indigenous-specific health-care settings and programs. This study systematically identifies and reviews published Indigenous-specific dissemination studies targeting SNAP interventions. An electronic search of eight databases and a manual search of reference lists of previous literature reviews were undertaken. Eleven dissemination studies were identified for review: six for nutrition and physical activity as a component of diabetes care, three for alcohol and two for smoking. The majority of studies employed continuing medical education (n = 9 studies), suggesting that improving health-care providers' knowledge and skills is a focus of current efforts to disseminate best-evidence SNAP interventions in Indigenous health-care settings. Only two studies evaluated reminder systems, despite their widespread use in Indigenous-specific health-care services, and only one study employed academic detailing, despite its cost-effectiveness at modifying health-care provider behavior. There is a clear need for more Indigenous-specific dissemination research targeting the uptake of secondary prevention and to establish reliable and valid measures of Indigenous-specific health-care delivery, in order to determine which dissemination strategies are most likely to be effective in Indigenous health-care settings and programs.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-2007
DOI: 10.1177/10253823070140021702
Abstract: Aboriginal grandmothers (grannies) in many communities throughout Australia are considered the backbone of the social structure. This is the case for the Murri Granies in a town in regional eastern Australia. Many of these women are also their grandchildren's primary caregivers and disciplinarians, and sometimes this role is detrimental to their own care and well-being. As a response to this stress, the local Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS), which includes a comprehensive primary health care facility, began promoting the program `Relax to the Max' to the Grannies as part of the holistic care they offer. Since these humble beginnings some three years ago, the group has grown to become the Graniators support group. In addition to their initial work of supporting each other, the group extended their field of action to the entire community to address social issues, particularly those around youth and children. To complement and strengthen their initiative, the Graniators partnered with other organizations in the community including the police, the municipal council, the state government's department of housing, the local primary school and a special youth service group. The program's evaluation has proved to be extremely positive in providing others in the community a clear and positive formula for driving change at a grass roots level. ( Promotion & Education, 2007, (2): pp 80-81)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-08-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Abstract: To evaluate the first three years of a national program to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous youth in remote and regional Australia. Combination of open inquiry and audit review involving investigation of process and outcomes, with a broad national overview supplemented by five in-depth case studies in erse settings. Community development principles were applied at all 14 sites. There were many ex les of collaborative, community-driven health promotion initiatives, with most progress observed where there were strong local partnerships. Within the range of activities, education sessions on alcohol and other drugs, mental health and violence were facilitated by program staff. There was a tension between community development and specific program delivery, with the balance reflecting the needs and capacity of in idual sites, program staff expertise and contractual requirements. The main lessons concern program design and resourcing and ways of working. Program staff at each site learned to be not too ambitious, but to work consistently with the community, establishing partnerships and engaging and training community members. Community and stakeholder capacity enhancement should be regarded as core, and evaluation built in. Activities directed at youth must be engaging and effective, and integrated with other programs and services.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-06-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2006.TB00463.X
Abstract: To describe, for the first time, mortality from cancer for Aboriginal residents of New South Wales (NSW). These are the results of a descriptive study of cancer deaths from the NSW Central Cancer Registry for 1994 to 2002. Standardised mortality ratios were calculated with Poisson confidence intervals to compare the relative rates in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. The overall standardised mortality rates were 66% higher for males and 59% higher for females for Aboriginal people compared with non-Indigenous people. Mortality from lung cancer was 50% and 100% higher than for NSW non-Indigenous males and females respectively. The high mortality rate from cervical cancer in Aboriginal females is contrary to the trends in the general population since the introduction of free population-based screening. For the first time, data are available for cancer mortality for Aboriginal people in NSW. Mortality for all cancers combined was higher than that of the non-Indigenous population. This suggests that a combination of later diagnoses and perhaps poorer treatment outcomes as well as being diagnosed with poorer prognosis cancers is occurring in Aboriginal people of NSW. It was possible to increase the rate of identification in a population register using routinely collected data, but the completeness and accuracy of Indigenous status should, and can, be improved in all notifying data collections. Public health planners in NSW can now begin to address the issues of prevention, treatment and palliation of cancer in Aboriginal people with local, rather than imputed, evidence.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.VACCINE.2016.09.039
Abstract: On the 20th June, 2014 the National Health and Medical Research Council's Centre for Research Excellence in Population Health "Immunisation in under Studied and Special Risk Populations", in collaboration with the Public Health Association of Australia, hosted a workshop "Equity in disease prevention: vaccines for the older adults". The workshop featured international and national speakers on ageing and vaccinology. The workshop was attended by health service providers, stakeholders in immunisation, ageing, primary care, researchers, government and non-government organisations, community representatives, and advocacy groups. The aims of the workshop were to: provide an update on the latest evidence around immunisation for the older adults address barriers for prevention of infection in the older adults and identify immunisation needs of these groups and provide recommendations to inform policy. There is a gap in immunisation coverage of funded vaccines between adults and infants. The workshop reviewed provider misconceptions, lack of Randomised Control Trials (RCT) and cost-effectiveness data in the frail elderly, loss of autonomy, value judgements and ageism in health care and the need for an adult vaccination register. Workshop recommendations included recognising the right of elderly people to prevention, the need for promotion in the community and amongst healthcare workers of the high burden of vaccine preventable diseases and the need to achieve high levels of vaccination coverage, in older adults and in health workers involved in their care. Research into new vaccine strategies for older adults which address poor coverage, provider attitudes and immunosenescence is a priority. A well designed national register for tracking vaccinations in older adults is a vital and basic requirement for a successful adult immunisation program. Eliminating financial barriers, by addressing inequities in the mechanisms for funding and subsidising vaccines for the older adults compared to those for children, is important to improve equity of access and vaccination coverage. Vaccination coverage rates should be included in quality indicators of care in residential aged care for older adults. Vaccination is key to healthy ageing, and there is a need to focus on reducing the immunisation gap between adults and children.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2016
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 10-02-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610213002561
Abstract: Dementia is an emerging health priority in Australian Aboriginal communities, but substantial gaps remain in our understanding of this issue, particularly for the large urban section of the population. In remote Aboriginal communities, high prevalence rates of dementia at relatively young ages have been reported. The current study is investigating aging, cognitive decline, and dementia in older urban/regional Aboriginal Australians. We partnered with five Aboriginal communities across the eastern Australian state of New South Wales, to undertake a census of all Aboriginal men and women aged 60 years and over residing in these communities. This was followed by a survey of the health, well-being, and life history of all consenting participants. Participants were also screened using three cognitive instruments. Those scoring below designated cut-offs, and a 20% random s le of those scoring above (i.e. “normal” range), completed a contact person interview (with a nominated family member) and medical assessment (blind to initial screening results), which formed the basis of “gold standard” clinical consensus determinations of cognitive impairment and dementia. This paper details our protocol for a population-based study in collaboration with local Aboriginal community organizations. The study will provide the first available prevalence rates for dementia and cognitive impairment in a representative s le of urban Aboriginal people, across city and rural communities, where the majority of Aboriginal Australians live. It will also contribute to improved assessment of dementia and cognitive impairment and to the understanding of social determinants of successful aging, of international significance.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1080/09595230500459552
Abstract: In Australia, the prevalence of smoking is higher among certain sub-populations compared to the general population. These sub-populations include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically erse backgrounds, as well as people with mental and substance use disorders and prisoners. The aims of this paper are to: describe the high prevalence of smoking among these particular sub-populations and harms associated with smoking explore possible reasons for such high prevalence of smoking review the evidence regarding the efficacy of existing smoking cessation interventions and make recommendations for smoking interventions and further research among these groups. In addition to low socio-economic status, limited education and other factors, there are social, systems and psychobiological features associated with the high prevalence of smoking in these sub-groups. General population-based approaches to reducing smoking prevalence have been pursued for decades with great success and should be continued with further developments that aim specifically to affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and some cultural groups. However, increasing attention, more specific targeting and flexible goals and interventions are also required for these and other distinct sub-populations with high smoking prevalence. Recommendations include: more funding and increased resources to examine the most appropriate education and treatment strategies to promote smoking cessation among people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and some culturally and linguistically erse backgrounds larger and better-designed studies evaluating smoking cessation/reduction interventions among distinct sub-groups and system-wide interventions requiring strong leadership among clients and staff within mental health, drug and alcohol and prison settings.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 03-2023
Abstract: Collectively, we have chosen to explore an Australian First Nations-first approach to understanding the chemical elements. We believe that engagement with cultural heritage, ongoing cultures, and the knowledges of this place —the lands on which we work, live, and study—will lead to new ways of understanding the elements and change the way we practice chemistry. The “First Nations first” phrase and approach comes from understanding the unique place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have in the Australian context. In this paper we explore how a First Nations-first approach could take place in Sydney on Aboriginal lands. This approach is led by Aboriginal people, engages with culture, and is produced with local knowledge holders. So far, the work has entailed two years of meeting, conversing, and sharing space to determine appropriate ways of working together, interrogating the complexities of the ideas, and to refining our approach to the work. To appreciate the significant shift that a First Nations-first approach represents for chemistry, we consider the legacy of the Periodic Table. We share some reflections on how Indigenous knowledges can contribute to an expanded chemistry curriculum through the recognition of productive cultural tension.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-12-2012
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1071/AH13205
Abstract: Objective A mixed methods study was conducted to determine the views of Aboriginal people on their experiences of a brokerage model for access to community-based health services in an urban setting. Methods A broad range of approaches, using surveys, semi-structured interviews and community forums with Aboriginal people were used to find out people’s views and experiences of using the brokerage service. Results Of the 1304 people invited to participate, only 127 people provided feedback on the brokerage service model for Aboriginal people. Of these, 120 people identified as being Aboriginal. Participants said that the service helped them to navigate the system and access health care. Participants felt that the health professionals involved with the service were respectful of their needs. The service was not able to improve access to dental care. Conclusions The brokerage model implemented in this area appears to have been well received and is supporting urban Aboriginal people to access some of the health care needed. What is known about the topic? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often experience difficulty accessing health services. Urban brokerage models of care were funded by the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) under the Improving Indigenous Access to Health Care Services initiative and aimed to increase access to mainstream health services. What does this paper add? The brokerage model of care in South West Sydney has been well-received by the Aboriginal people receiving the service and participants are positive about the role of the service in increasing access to mainstream health care. What are the implications for practitioners? Navigating the healthcare system is difficult for some and a brokerage service with supportive Aboriginal health workers increases access.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-01-2012
Abstract: The Indigenous population of Australia was estimated as 2.5% and under-reported. The aim of this study is to improve statistical ascertainment of Aboriginal women giving birth in New South Wales. This study was based on linked birth data from the Midwives Data Collection (MDC) and the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) of New South Wales (NSW). Data linkage was performed by the Centre for Health Record Linkage (CHeReL) for births in NSW for the period January 2001 to December 2005. The accuracy of maternal Aboriginal status in the MDC and RBDM was assessed by consistency, sensitivity and specificity. A new statistical variable, ASV, or Aboriginal Statistical Variable, was constructed based on Indigenous identification in both datasets. The ASV was assessed by comparing numbers and percentages of births to Aboriginal mothers with the estimates by capture-recapture analysis. Maternal Aboriginal status was under-ascertained in both the MDC and RBDM. The ASV significantly increased ascertainment of Aboriginal women giving birth and decreased the number of missing cases. The proportion of births to Aboriginal mothers in the non-registered birth group was significantly higher than in the registered group. Linking birth data collections is a feasible method to improve the statistical ascertainment of Aboriginal women giving birth in NSW. This has ramifications for the ascertainment of babies of Aboriginal mothers and the targeting of appropriate services in pregnancy and early childhood.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2011.00738.X
Abstract: To investigate the potential of record linkage between the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) mortality data and the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection (APDC) to improve reporting of deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ABS mortality data for 2002 to 2006 were linked with APDC records for 2001 to 2006. Six algorithms were developed to enumerate deaths. Possible biases by age, sex and geographic remoteness were investigated. Levels of reporting ranged from baseline reporting on the ABS mortality data to the largest enhancement with the 'ever reported as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander' algorithm. Enhancement was more likely in females, older people and residents of major cities. Data linkage substantially improved reporting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths. An algorithm that includes both the number of APDC records and the number of facilities reporting a person as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander was considered most promising. Inclusion of other datasets in the enhancement process is warranted to further improve reporting and address possible bias produced by using APDC records only. Further work should take into account the possibility that a person may be falsely reported as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or not reported in either hospital or death records.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2000
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2000.TB01578.X
Abstract: To examine resources about cervical screening made available to Indigenous women in NSW. An Aboriginal woman, on behalf of another Aboriginal woman, telephoned 47 NSW based organisations in May 1998 for information about cervical screening. Received materials were analysed for format, content and readability and then submitted to a panel of Indigenous women for their feedback. Of those 34 organisations agreeing to send resources, only 20 (59%) did so. After removing duplicates, 12 cervical screening resources were available for review of which six were designed and printed in NSW and the other six originated outside NSW. Of the six resources developed in NSW, two (33%) were for Aboriginal women. Of the six resources originating from outside of NSW, another two (33%) also were for Aboriginal women. The Flesch readability scores for resources ranged from 58.6 to 87.27. Those developed in NSW had a significantly lower readability score than those from outside of NSW (p = 0.025). Despite lower education levels among the target group, there was no difference in the readability scores of resources designed for Indigenous women (p = 1). Most resources obtained by us were not tailored for Indigenous women. This study has set a base line for resources available for Indigenous women. Our method could be replicated in the future to evaluate and monitor improvement.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-08-2001
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-1754.2001.00662.X
Abstract: To assess the extent and appropriateness of glycopeptide use in a tertiary Australian Paediatric hospital. A retrospective analysis of prescriptions during a six-month period between July 1999 and January 2000. Medical records were examined and prescribing practices compared with the recommendations of the Hospital Infectious Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Fifty-one patients were identified who received a total of 98 glycopeptide prescriptions. The Haematology/ Oncology unit prescribed 71/98 (72.4%). 68/98 (69.4%) patients received vancomycin, 9/98 (9.2%) received teicoplanin and 21/98 (21.4%) a combination of both. 81/98 (82.7%) had central venous catheters and 69/98 (70.4%) were immunocompromised. 48/98 (49%) prescriptions were for empiric treatment with 38/98 (38.8%) for prophylaxis and 11/98 (12.2%) therapeutic. 19/98 (19.4%) prescriptions were deemed appropriate, 6 (6.1%) by HICPAC criteria, and a further 13 (13.3%) by IDSA or other criteria. Of 19 prescriptions started appropriately, only 7/17 (41.1%) were continued appropriately beyond 48 h. Appropriate cultures were taken before prescription in 93.3% of cases. Dose was appropriate in 91/98 (92.9%) and frequency appropriate in all cases. The cost of inappropriate prescribing was approximately $9500. A high rate of inappropriate glycopeptide prescribing was evident in this paediatric population. Inappropriate prescribing existed across all subspecialties. Use was primarily for empiric therapy and prophylaxis in young children with an oncology diagnosis. A number of situations existed where glycopeptide prescription was felt appropriate despite not being included in HICPAC/IDSA guidelines. Areas with high rates of inappropriate prescribing were identified and will be targeted for education and intervention. Audit of practice continues.
Location: No location found
No related grants have been discovered for Lisa Jackson Pulver.