Diabetic major amputation in Far North Queensland 1998-2008: what is the Gap for Indigenous patients?

Objective: To examine demographic and clinical characteristics of diabetic patients undergoing diabetes-related major amputation in Far North Queensland to identify those at risk.

Design: A cohort was examined for differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups in age, co-morbidities, indication for amputation and mortality. Attendance at the High Risk Foot Service was also reported.

Validation and enhancement of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychiatric hospitalisation statistics through an Indigenous Mental Health Worker Register.

Introduction: Inaccuracy in identification of Indigenous status on health records hampers collection of the good quality data required to guide policies, programs and services. This study examined the use of an Indigenous Mental Health Worker Register to assess the level of correct identification of Indigenous status and sources of error among psychiatric admissions within a regional public hospital information system.

Method: The study was conducted in 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 at the Cairns Base Hospital Mental Health Unit, Queensland, Australia, serving a population of 230,000 of which 13.

Diabetes-related major lower limb amputation in Far North Queensland, 1998-2008.

Objective: To report on the accuracy of reports of diabetes-related major amputations, rates per 100000 people and trends over the 10-year period from 1998-99 to 2007-08 in Far North Queensland.

Methods: Three data sources were cross-checked. Poisson regression was used to calculate the percentage change in trends in diabetes amputation hospitalisations over the period.

Diabetes care in remote northern Australian Indigenous communities.

Objective: To assess primary care processes and clinical characteristics of adults with diabetes in remote northern Australian Indigenous communities.

Design: Clinical audit from diabetes registers in 21 remote primary healthcare centres in the Torres Strait Health Service District (n = 921), three in Cape York, Queensland (n = 252), and three in the Northern Territory (n = 194), between September 2002 and February 2003.

Participants And Setting: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with diabetes who were receiving their routine diabetes care in these 27 centres.

Sustaining better diabetes care in remote indigenous Australian communities.

Problem: Inhabitants of Torres Strait Islands have the highest prevalence of diabetes in Australia and many preventable complications. In 1999, a one year randomised cluster trial showed improved diabetes care processes and reduced admissions to hospital when local indigenous health workers used registers, recall and reminder systems, and basic diabetes care plans, supported by a specialist outreach service. This study looked at whether those improvements were sustained two years after the end of the trial.