Publications by authors named "Melanie A Crane"
Background: Air pollution is a major health burden and the leading environmental risk factor for non-communicable diseases worldwide. People's perceptions and concerns about air pollution are important as they may predict protective behaviour or support for climate change mitigation policies.
Methods: This repeat cross-sectional study uses survey data collected from participants in Sydney, Australia in September-November 2019 ( = 1,647) and October-December 2020 ( = 1,458), before and after the devastating 2019/2020 bushfires and first COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in Sydney in 2020.
Aim: To investigate the effects of inhaler device technique education on improving inhaler technique in older people with asthma.
Methods: In a randomised controlled trial, device technique education was provided to a sample of 123 adults aged >55 years who had a doctor diagnosis of asthma. The active education group received one-on-one technique coaching, including observation, verbal instruction and physical demonstration at baseline.
Background: Tools which assist practitioners to identify patient concerns and increase understanding of their needs can improve both the delivery of care and adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of a 14-item tool, to identify the unmet needs and concerns of older people with asthma.
Methods: The Patient Asthma Concerns Tool (PACT) was developed from a pool of 55 items derived from a comprehensive literature review.
Introduction: Asthma in older people is a major cause of disease burden in Australia and is projected to increase over the next two decades. Current guidelines for asthma care rely predominantly on studies from younger populations.
Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional survey of older people with asthma to identify their concerns and their perceived asthma symptom burden.