Research active medical imaging professionals in Australian metropolitan health services embrace opportunities and can overcome obstacles to engage in research: A mixed methods study.

Introduction: A minority of medical imaging professionals within Australian metropolitan healthcare services are engaging in research activity as part of an emerging research culture. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and experience of medical imaging professionals who engage in research to identify contextual and individual factors that empower them to participate in research.

Methods: A mixed methods observational study consisting of quantitative (survey) and qualitative (semi-structured interview) components using an interpretative description approach was completed with research active medical imaging professionals (radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and sonographers).

Palliative rehabilitation and quality of life: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Importance: International guidelines recommend the integration of multidisciplinary rehabilitation into palliative care services but its impact on quality of life across disease types is not well understood.

Objective: To determine the effect of multidisciplinary palliative rehabilitation on quality of life and healthcare service outcomes for adults with an advanced, life-limiting illness.

Data Sources: Electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PEDro were searched from the earliest records to February 2024.

'Making a connection': a qualitative study of experiences from a cancer telerehabilitation program.

Purpose: Specialised group-based exercise rehabilitation is beneficial for cancer survivors but access to these services is limited. Telerehabilitation provides an opportunity to expand reach, but we do not know about the experiences of those who participate in this way. This study explored participant experiences of an exercise-based telerehabilitation program for people with cancer.

Caffeine consumed prior to cardiac stress testing may affect diagnostic accuracy of nuclear medicine myocardial imaging of myocardial ischemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a well-established, non-invasive imaging procedure for the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. With the increasing use of pharmacologic stress agents in myocardial perfusion imaging, strict preparation, including caffeine abstinence, is required. The aim of this review was to determine the effect of caffeine consumed prior to nuclear cardiac stress testing on the diagnostic accuracy.

Co-development and evaluation of the Musculoskeletal Telehealth Toolkit for physiotherapists.

Introduction: In-person physiotherapy services are not readily available to all individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those in rural regions or with time-intensive responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that telehealth may facilitate access to, and continuity of care, yet many physiotherapists lack telehealth confidence and training. This project co-developed and evaluated a web-based professional development toolkit supporting physiotherapists to provide telehealth services for musculoskeletal conditions.

Physiotherapist-led, exercise-based telerehabilitation for older adults improves patient and health service outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Telerehabilitation can be an appropriate alternative to face-to-face rehabilitation for adults; however, it is uncertain whether it is safe and effective for older adults.

Objective: This review aimed to determine the effect of physiotherapist-led, exercise-based telerehabilitation for older adults on patient outcomes (health-related quality of life, activity limitation, functional impairment) and health service costs.

Methods: Randomised or non-randomised controlled trials including community-dwelling older adults (mean age ≥ 65 years) who received exercise-based telerehabilitation led by a physiotherapist were eligible.

Effects of Using Websites on Physical Activity and Diet Quality for Adults Living With Chronic Health Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Adults with chronic health conditions need support to manage modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity and poor diet. Disease-specific websites with health information on physical activity and diet quality may be effective in supporting adults in managing their chronic illnesses.

Objective: The primary aim of this review was to determine whether using websites with health information can lead to improvements in physical activity levels or diet quality in adults with chronic health conditions.

An evidence-based demand management strategy using a hub and spoke training model reduces waiting time for children's therapy services: An implementation trial.

Background: Waiting lists for community-based paediatric therapy services are common and lead to poorer health outcomes, anxiety and missed opportunities for treatment during crucial developmental stages. The Specific Timely Appointments for Triage (STAT) model has been shown to reduce waiting lists in a range of health settings.

Aims: To determine whether providing training and support in the STAT model to champions within five community health centres using a remote 'hub and spoke' approach could reduce waiting time from referral to first appointment.

Embedding lifestyle interventions into cancer care: has telehealth narrowed the equity gap?

Lifestyle interventions targeting energy balance (ie, diet, exercise) are critical for optimizing the health and well-being of cancer survivors. Despite their benefits, access to these interventions is limited, especially in underserved populations, including older people, minority populations and those living in rural and remote areas. Telehealth has the potential to improve equity and increase access.

Prehabilitation to improve outcomes afteR Autologous sTem cEll transplantation (PIRATE): A pilot randomised controlled trial protocol.

Background: Autologous stem cell transplant is a common procedure for people with haematological malignancies. While effective at improving survival, autologous stem cell transplant recipients may have a lengthy hospital admission and experience debilitating side-effects such as fatigue, pain and deconditioning that may prolong recovery. Prehabilitation comprising exercise and nutrition intervention before stem cell transplant aims to optimise physical capacity before the procedure to enhance functional recovery after transplant.

Potential role of volatile organic compound breath testing in the Australasian colorectal cancer pathway.

With colonoscopy resources under pressure and inequitable participation rates in our screening programmes, there is an urgent need to consider trialling new testing technology for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Australasia. Research has shown that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the human body can act as biomarkers for CRC, indicating high sensitivity and specificity for early and late-stage CRC and for adenomatous polyps. Breath-based VOC testing shows promise due to acceptability and ease of sampling via simple hand-held devices.

Cancer survivors maintain health benefits 6 to 12 months after exercise-based rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To determine if the effects of exercise-based cancer rehabilitation on physical functioning, activity (including physical activity) and participation (including quality of life) are maintained at 6 to 12 months.

Methods: Electronic databases CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PubMed were searched from the earliest available time to August 2021. Randomised controlled trials examining the long-term effects (≥ 6 months post-intervention) of exercise-based rehabilitation were eligible for inclusion.

Delegation of patient related tasks to allied health assistants: a time motion study.

Background: Allied health assistants (AHAs) are support staff who complete patient and non-patient related tasks under the delegation of an allied health professional. Delegating patient related tasks to AHAs can benefit patients and allied health professionals. However, it is unclear whether the AHA workforce is utilised optimally in the provision of patient care.

Exploring the role of medical imaging assistants in Australian medical imaging departments: A mixed-methods study.

Introduction: Allied health assistants are support staff who assist medical imaging professionals in their clinical and non-clinical role. Assistants can improve efficiency of medical imaging services; however, little is known about the specific tasks they perform.

Method: A two-phase explanatory, sequential mixed-methods study design comprising a time motion survey and qualitative interviews was conducted across three health services in Victoria, Australia.

A walking programme for adults living in the community after hip fracture: A feasibility randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To test the feasibility of a walking programme for community-dwelling adults recovering from hip fracture.

Design: A randomized controlled trial with embedded qualitative analysis.

Setting: Community.

Efficacy of Group Exercise-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Delivered via Telehealth (TeleCaRe): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Access to rehabilitation to support cancer survivors to exercise is poor. Group exercise-based rehabilitation may be delivered remotely, but no trials have currently evaluated their efficacy.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a group exercise-based cancer rehabilitation program delivered via telehealth compared to usual care for improving the quality of life of cancer survivors.

Allied health assistants' perspectives of their role in healthcare settings: A qualitative study.

Allied health assistants (AHAs) are important members of the health workforce and key to meeting population health needs. Previous studies exploring the role and utility of AHAs from multiple stakeholder perspectives suggest AHAs remain poorly utilised in many healthcare settings. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of AHAs working in healthcare settings to determine the contextual factors influencing their role, and mechanisms to maximise their utility.

A Cancer Exercise Toolkit Developed Using Co-Design: Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Access to exercise therapy for cancer survivors is poor. Professional development to support exercise professionals in delivering these interventions is needed. Few online resources exist for exercise professionals to address this issue.

A national survey of oncology physiotherapy services for cancer survivors in Australia.

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of illness globally. Advancements in screening and treatment have led to improved survivorship. Physiotherapy is integral in improving survivorship for people with cancer, with strong evidence supporting the use of various physiotherapy services.

Telerehabilitation's Safety, Feasibility, and Exercise Uptake in Cancer Survivors: Process Evaluation.

Background: Access to exercise for cancer survivors is poor despite global recognition of its benefits. Telerehabilitation may overcome barriers to exercise for cancer survivors but is not routinely offered.

Objective: Following the rapid implementation of an exercise-based telerehabilitation program in response to COVID-19, a process evaluation was conducted to understand the impact on patients, staff, and the health service with the aim of informing future program development.

A dynamic microsimulation model for epidemics.

A large evidence base demonstrates that the outcomes of COVID-19 and national and local interventions are not distributed equally across different communities. The need to inform policies and mitigation measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 highlights the need to understand the complex links between our daily activities and COVID-19 transmission that reflect the characteristics of British society. As a result of a partnership between academic and private sector researchers, we introduce a novel data driven modelling framework together with a computationally efficient approach to running complex simulation models of this type.

Consumer perspectives of telehealth in ambulatory care in an Australian health network.

We aimed to explore consumer experiences of ambulatory telehealth services and whether consumer experiences differed according to whether they received their consultation using telephone or video technology. We conducted structured telephone interviews with patient consumers who had received a recent remote consultation by telephone or video call, at local ambulatory allied health or multidisciplinary services within a large public metropolitan public health network. Respondents were asked about their recent experience and future choices in relation to telehealth.

Perceptions and work-readiness of Australian physiotherapists in cancer care: a national evaluation.

Objectives: Physiotherapy interventions can improve health outcomes for people across the cancer continuum yet little is known of the work-readiness and perceptions of physiotherapists working in cancer care. This study described perceptions of Australian physiotherapists.

Design: Electronic, national cross-sectional survey.

Behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity in hospitalised patients: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Background: Low physical activity levels are a major problem for people in hospital and are associated with adverse outcomes.

Objective: This systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression aimed to determine the effect of behaviour change interventions on physical activity levels in hospitalised patients.

Methods: Randomised controlled trials of behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity in hospitalised patients were selected from a database search, supplemented by reference list checking and citation tracking.