Hospital length of stay and readmission after elective surgery: a comparison of current and former smokers with non-smokers.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between non-smokers, ex-smokers and current smokers in hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission (seven and 28 days) and cost of readmission for patients admitted for elective surgery.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of administrative inpatient data from 24, 818 patients admitted to seven metropolitan hospitals in Western Australia between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2019 for multiday elective surgery was conducted. Data included smoking status, LOS, procedure type, age, sex and Indigenous status.

Using the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test to predict substance-related hospitalisation after release from prison: A cohort study.

Background And Aims: Poor substance use-related health outcomes after release from prison are common. Identifying people at greatest risk of substance use and related harms post-release would help to target support at those most in need. The Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is a validated substance use screener, but its utility in predicting substance-related hospitalisation post-release is unestablished.

The health needs of people leaving prison with a history of methamphetamine and/or opioid use.

Introduction: Methamphetamine use is more common than opioid use among prison entrants in some countries, including Australia, yet most research and policy focuses on opioid use. This suggests that traditional opioid-focused interventions are no longer appropriate for the majority of this group in countries such as Australia. To inform policy and practice, we compared socio-demographic characteristics and health needs of people leaving prison with a history of methamphetamine use and/or opioid use.

The predictive validity of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) for moderate- to high-risk cannabis, methamphetamine and opioid use after release from prison.

Background And Aims: Illicit substance use is common among people entering prisons, as is returning to substance use after release from prison. We aimed to assess the predictive validity of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) for returning to substance use after release from prison.

Design: A longitudinal design with baseline survey conducted between 2008 and 2010 in the 6 weeks before expected prison release and up to three follow-up surveys in the 6 months after release.

Characterizing the Heart Rate Effects From Administration of Sugammadex to Reverse Neuromuscular Blockade: An Observational Study in Patients.

Background: Reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) with sugammadex can cause marked bradycardia and asystole. Administration of sugammadex typically occurs in a dynamic period when anesthetic adjuvants and gas concentrations are being titrated to achieve emergence. This evaluation examined the heart rate (HR) responses to sugammadex to reverse moderate to deep NMB during a steady-state period and sought mechanisms for HR changes.

Contribution of pharmaceutical drugs of dependence to the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome in Western Australia between 2003 and 2018.

Study Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in Western Australia (WA) and estimate the contribution of pharmaceutical drugs of dependence (PDD) to NAS.

Design: A population-based birth cohort study.

Data Source: Neonates were identified through the Midwives Notification Scheme.

Amphetamine-type stimulant use and self-harm: protocol for a systematic review of observational studies.

Introduction: Amphetamine type stimulant (ATS) use and self-harm are both major public health concerns globally. Use of ATS is associated with a range of health and social problems, and has been increasing internationally in the last decade. Self-harm and ATS use share a number of underlying risk factors and occur at elevated rates in marginalised groups with high rates of exposure to trauma.

Khat use and perceived health problems among African migrants in Australia: an exploratory study.

Background: The chronic use of khat, a plant with psychostimulant properties, has been associated with physical and mental health problems. Previous research found that non-khat users were more likely than khat users to perceive its use to be associated with poor health.

Aims: We aimed to identify differences in the perception of specific khat-associated health problems between khat users and non-users.

Methamphetamine use, health and criminal justice system outcomes: A systematic review.

Issues: Methamphetamine use is a problem for health and criminal justice systems (CJS) worldwide. Methamphetamine is used at higher rates in CJS-involved populations than the general community. This systematic review synthesises the evidence for health and CJS outcomes post-CJS contact for people reporting pre-CJS methamphetamine use.

Mental health outcomes associated with of the use of amphetamines: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The use of amphetamines is a global public health concern. We summarise global data on use of amphetamines and mental health outcomes.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD 42017081893).

In Sickness and in Prison: The Case for Removing the Medicare Exclusion for Australian Prisoners.

Many current and former prisoners experience significantly higher rates of physical and mental health problems than others in the community, and are among the most marginalised and disadvantaged people in society. This article argues that granting prison health services an exemption under s 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth would make the Medicare Benefits Schedule and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme-funded services available to prisoners who meet the eligibility criteria. Australian prisoners would then receive a level of care at least equivalent to that offered by community health services.

Buprenorphine alone or with naloxone: Which is safer?

To address concerns regarding the intravenous diversion of buprenorphine, a combined buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP-NLX) preparation was developed. The aim of this study is to compare health outcomes in opioid dependent patients treated with BUP and BUP-NLX. All patients treated with BUP and/or BUP-NLX in Western Australia between 2001 and 2010 were included in the study ( N = 3455).

Barriers to accessing methamphetamine treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Methamphetamine use is associated with a range of poor health, social and justice outcomes. In many parts of the world increased methamphetamine use has been identified as a major public health concern. Methamphetamine treatment programmes have been effective in reducing and ceasing use, however a range of barriers have prevented these programmes being widely adopted by methamphetamine users.

A comparison of inhalation sedation agents in the management of children receiving dental treatment: a randomized, controlled, cross-over pilot trial.

Aims: First, to compare the relative effectiveness of inhalation sedation using (A) nitrous oxide and oxygen with (B) nitrous oxide, sevoflurane, and oxygen in the management of children receiving dental extractions. Secondly, to determine patient and guardian preference between the two sedation techniques.

Materials And Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blinded, cross-over, pilot clinical trial was undertaken.

A survey of the use of capnography for the confirmation of correct placement of tracheal tubes in pediatric intensive care units in the UK.

Background: The Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland recommend the use of capnography to ensure correct tracheal tube placement in the theater environment. Correct tracheal tube placement is essential in the care of ventilated patient, even more vital if the patient is critically ill, if serious morbidity and mortality is to be avoided. This survey examined the availability and use of capnography to confirm correct tracheal tube placement in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in the UK.