Redefining feasibility in clinical trials: Collaborative approaches for improved site selection.

Background: This Site Feasibility Task Force convened to assess the complex and burdensome process of site feasibility in clinical trials. The objective was to create mutual understanding of challenges and provide suggestions for improving collaboration among sponsors, contract research organizations (CROs), and sites.

Methods: The task force was composed of representatives from sponsors, CROs and sites (43 % Sites, 20 % Site Networks, 10 % Small/mid-size sponsors, 10 % Small/mid-size CROs, 10 % Large sponsors, 7 % Large CROs).

Time for Australia to increase take away doses in opioid agonist treatment.

Opioid Agonist Treatment is the cornerstone of minimising harms related to opioid use, however its uptake is limited by a tightly regulated and stigmatising treatment environment. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated relaxation of some treatment restrictions, with global evidence pointing to more patient-centred care in this time. In light of local evidence to support the safety of increased access to takeaway doses and a precedent set by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, we recommend adoption of the Australian Interim Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence guidance in Australia.

The prevalence of mental illness in refugees and asylum seekers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Globally, the number of refugees and asylum seekers has reached record highs. Past research in refugee mental health has reported wide variation in mental illness prevalence data, partially attributable to methodological limitations. This systematic review aims to summarise the current body of evidence for the prevalence of mental illness in global refugee populations and overcome methodological limitations of individual studies.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: The Prevalence of Mental Illness in Child and Adolescent Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

Objective: Over half of the world's refugee population are under the age of 18 years. This systematic review aims to summarize the current body of evidence for the prevalence of mental illness in child and adolescent refugee populations.

Method: Eight electronic databases, gray literature, and Google Scholar were searched for articles from 1 January 2003 to 5 February 2018.

Comparison of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among HIV-Infected Older Adults with Younger Adults in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

As access to antiretroviral treatment in low- and middle-income countries improves, the number of older adults (aged ≥ 50 years) living with HIV is increasing. This study compares the adherence to antiretroviral treatment among older adults to that of younger adults living in Africa. We searched PubMed, Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, Google Scholar and EMBASE for keywords (HIV, ART, compliance, adherence, age, Africa) on publications from 1st Jan 2000 to 1st March 2016.

Optimizing preconception health in women of reproductive age.

There is a growing realization that efforts to optimize the health of women and reduce the risk of adverse maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes during pregnancy should commence in the preconception period. The preconception period (prior to or between pregnancies) provides an opportune time to address reproductive intentions and promote and support wellbeing and healthy behavior change regardless of pregnancy intention. Research over the last 30 years has explored the influence of a range of preconception risk factors and determinants of health on pregnancy and maternal and neonatal outcomes including: pregnancy planning, diet and micronutrient supplementation, physical activity, weight, smoking, recreational drug and alcohol use, mental health, oral hygiene, and chronic health and medical conditions.