A Bayesian network analysis quantifying risks versus benefits of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Australia.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is associated with increased myocarditis incidence. Constantly evolving evidence regarding incidence and case fatality of COVID-19 and myocarditis related to infection or vaccination, creates challenges for risk-benefit analysis of vaccination. Challenges are complicated further by emerging evidence of waning vaccine effectiveness, and variable effectiveness against variants.

Teaching health science students foundation motivational interviewing skills: use of motivational interviewing treatment integrity and self-reflection to approach transformative learning.

Background: Many undergraduate and graduate-entry health science curricula have incorporated training in motivational interviewing (MI). However, to effectively teach skills that will remain with students after they graduate is challenging. The aims of this study were to find out self-assessed MI skills of health students and whether reflecting on the results can promote transformative learning.

ASPREN surveillance system for influenza-like illness - A comparison with FluTracking and the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.

Background: General practitioners play an important role in the detection and clinical management of influenza. The Australian Sentinel Practice Research Network (ASPREN) has been collecting data from sentinel GPs on selected conditions, including influenza-like illness (ILI), since 1991 to inform public health authorities of communicable disease activity in the community.

Methods: Weekly incidence of ILI data reported by ASPREN GPs in 2007-2008 was compared with data from two separate surveillance systems: New South Wales data from FluTracking, an online self reporting ILI surveillance system; and national laboratory notifications of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System between 2003 and 2008.

The prevention and management of herpes zoster.

The burden of illness from herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in the Australian community is high. The incidence and severity of HZ and PHN increase with age in association with a progressive decline in cell-mediated immunity to varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Antiviral medications (valaciclovir, famciclovir, aciclovir) have been shown to be effective in reducing much but not all of the morbidity associated with HZ and PHN, but are consistently underprescribed in Australia.

Errors in health care management: what do they cost?

Background: Iatrogenic injuries are relatively common and a potentially avoidable source of morbidity. The economic evaluation of this area has been limited by the lack of good quality national data to provide an estimate of incidence, associated disability, and preventability of iatrogenic injuries. Two recent surveys, the Quality in Australian Health Care Study (QAHCS) and the Utah Colorado Study (UTCOS), have now made this feasible.

Reported diabetes mellitus management among South Australian general practitioners.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease commonly managed in general practice. This article reviews the findings of a questionnaire survey of 173 randomly chosen South Australian general practitioners and their reported management in the areas of detection, diagnosis, assessment, monitoring and GP knowledge. Substantial differences between respondents were found in all areas, suggesting the need for improved educational methods aimed at all general practitioners.

Knowledge of and reported asthma management among South Australian general practitioners.

Aim: This study, carried out in 1989, set out to assess general practitioners' knowledge of asthma management and their reported management practices.

Method: Of 153 randomly selected South Australian general practitioners 127 (83%) completed a questionnaire designed to explore issues relating to the management of asthma.

Results: The survey revealed substantial differences between general practitioners in their knowledge and management practices including the assessment of the severity of asthma, the need for objective monitoring, that is by the use of spirometry and peak flow meters, and the use of medication.

Improving influenza vaccine coverage in at-risk groups. Good intentions are not enough.

Objectives: To raise awareness of the need for annual influenza vaccination in the elderly (those 65 years of age and older), and of the efficacy of organisational practice strategies (specifically at-risk registers and reminder systems) to improve influenza vaccine coverage.

Data Sources: Extensive search of the existing literature using MEDLINE and manual searching techniques. Recent key review articles on organisational strategies were also studied.

Will facilitators be acceptable in Australian general practice? A before and after feasibility study.

Aim: To describe the impact of the 'facilitator model' of promotion on two Australian general practices.

Method: Attitudes and health promotion levels were evaluated before and after the facilitator worked with two practices.

Results: Simple changes to patient records were the most successful.

South Australian hypertension survey. General practitioner experiences with drug treatment.

Objective: To investigate prescribing habits, educational approaches and perceived needs of general practitioners in the drug treatment of hypertension.

Design, Setting And Participants: Of 156 randomly selected South Australian general practitioners 132 responded to a questionnaire survey.

Main Findings: Diuretics are the most commonly chosen drug for the initial management of uncomplicated moderate hypertension.

The sprained ankle. Diagnosis and management of lateral ligament injuries.

Ankle sprains are common injuries. They are often associated with residual disability with the ankle tending to give way on uneven ground (functional instability). Good management and rehabilitation require accurate diagnosis of the nature and extent of the injury, attention to the physical treatment and follow up with ankle strengthening and proprioceptive exercises to minimise the risk of functional instability.

South Australian hypertension survey. General practitioner knowledge and reported management practices--a cause for concern?

Objective: To survey South Australian general practitioners to investigate their knowledge and reported management of patients with hypertension.

Design, Setting And Participants: Of 156 randomly selected SA general practitioners 132 responded to a questionnaire survey.

Results: This survey showed substantial differences between general practitioners in their knowledge about hypertension and in their reported practices for diagnostic levels, investigations to be undertaken once diagnosis had been made, levels at which pharmaceutical treatment should be initiated, at which level treatment was regarded as having attained satisfactory control, and length of time for routine review.

Drug and alcohol related health problems in primary care--what do GPs think?

Objective: To examine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of general practitioners (GPs) in the field of drug and alcohol related health problems.

Design: A cross-sectional survey in which self-completion postal questionnaires were sent to all identifiable GPs in the Adelaide metropolitan area. Non-responders received a reminder letter and second questionnaire.