Follow-Up Recommendations after Diagnosis of Primary Cutaneous Melanoma: A Population-Based Study in New South Wales, Australia.

Background: Follow-up practices after diagnosis and treatment of primary cutaneous melanoma vary considerably. We aimed to determine factors associated with recommendations for follow-up setting, frequency, skin surveillance, and concordance with clinical guidelines.

Methods: The population-based Melanoma Patterns of Care study documented clinicians' recommendations for follow-up for 2148 patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous melanoma over a 12-month period (2006/2007) in New South Wales, Australia.

Poor Adherence to National Clinical Management Guidelines: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study of the Surgical Management of Melanoma in New South Wales, Australia.

Background: Standardization of the clinical management of melanoma through the formulation of national guidelines, based on interpretation of the existing evidence and consensus expert opinion, seeks to improve quality of care; however, adherence to national guidelines has not been well studied.

Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study of the clinical management of all patients with newly notified primary melanomas in the state of New South Wales, Australia, during 2006/2007 was conducted using cancer registry identification and questionnaires completed by treating physicians.

Results: Surgical margin guidelines were adhered to in 35% of cases; 45% were over treated and 21% were undertreated.

Developing a Core Competency Model and Educational Framework for Primary Maternity Services: a national consensus approach.

Background: An appropriately educated and competent workforce is crucial to an effective health care system. The National Health Workforce Taskforce (now Health Workforce Australia) and the Maternity Services Inter-Jurisdictional Committee funded a project to develop Core Competencies and Educational Framework for Primary Maternity Services in Australia. These competencies recognise the interdisciplinary nature of maternity care in Australia where care is provided by general practitioners, obstetricians and midwives as well as other professionals.

Feasibility of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in a rural centre.

Background: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration has emerged as a preferred option for the management of choledocholithiasis. The present study sought to review the feasibility of this technique in a rural centre.

Methods: A comprehensive retrospective review was undertaken of all patients who underwent surgical treatment of biliary calculi in Lismore, NSW (Australia), between January 1996 and December 2002.