Emergency rural obstetric transfers in South Australia: a review of the clinical and precipitating factors.

Introduction: The provision of critical management of obstetric emergencies is a vital service for rural women and their families. Emergency obstetric transfers are indispensable to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity because local rural hospitals often do not have the resources or expertise to manage both maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, the transfer of a rural pregnant woman to a higher level, tertiary perinatal centre (TPC) is often stressful for the patient and costly for health services.

Assessing the Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cognition in Major Depressive Disorder Using Computerized Cognitive Testing.

Objectives: A range of different treatment approaches are available for depression; however, there is an ongoing concern about the cognitive impairment associated with many treatments. This study investigated the effect of treatment with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on cognition in patients with major depressive disorder. Cognition before and after treatment was assessed using a computerized cognitive testing battery, which provided comprehensive assessment across a range of cognitive domains.

Evaluation of a community-based smoking cessation programme for people with severe mental illness.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a smoking cessation programme for smokers living with mental illness, provided within community mental health services, and determine factors which impact on the rates of cessation.

Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine smoking cessation group programmes were provided within community mental health services in South Australia between 2006 and 2011. Participants' smoking cessation rates were analysed in terms of demographic factors, smoking history, diagnosis and group participation.

Practical considerations in the use of ultrabrief ECT in clinical practice.

Objective: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for major depression. Brief pulse width (BPW; pulse width, 1.0 m/s) ECT is often associated with cognitive impairment.

Determinants of high rates of smoking among people with psychosis living in a socially disadvantaged region in South Australia.

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors associated with the high rates of smoking amongst people with psychosis living in a disadvantaged region in Adelaide, South Australia.

Methods: Data were collected from 402 people with psychosis, aged 18-64 years, who lived in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. This area is disadvantaged on many measures of socioeconomic well-being and people living in this region have higher rates of smoking compared to the general Australian population.

What do 1000 smokers with mental illness say about their tobacco use?

Objective: To determine what motivates smokers with mental illness to participate in a smoking cessation or reduction programme and to report their attendance and cessation rates.

Method: A group programme was provided to assist smokers with mental illness to cease or reduce their use of tobacco. People who registered to address their tobacco use completed a questionnaire which included information about their mental health, tobacco use, and what they wanted to achieve by attending the programme.

Peer workers' role in smoking-cessation groups for people with mental illness.

Objectives: The objective of this article is to evaluate the impact of peer workers' involvement as co-leaders in smoking-cessation programmes provided within mental health services.

Method: Group smoking-cessation programmes were provided for people living with mental illness. Peer workers were involved in the development and delivery of these programmes.