Randomised controlled trial of a transprofessional healthcare role intervention in an acute medical setting.

As demand for health services increases, attention has turned to the development of alternate models of service delivery that maximise efficiency. These include skill sharing models, in which cross-professional skills are delivered by appropriately trained professionals. The usage of skill sharing models is increasing in some professions, but little evidence on efficacy currently exists.

Health needs of regional Australian children in out-of-home care.

Aim: This study aims to identify the health needs of children placed in out-of-home care in regional Queensland and to compare them with the needs of similar children in metropolitan Queensland.

Methods: Retrospective chart review and subsequent analysis of data from the first assessments of the children placed in care from January 2005 to April 2011. Health needs based on assessment recommendations were then compared with needs and recommendations from a similar clinic in metropolitan Brisbane.

Infant abusive head trauma - incidence, outcomes and awareness.

Background: Abusive head trauma of infants is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The incidence in Australia has been estimated at 29.6 cases of abusive head trauma for which hospital admission is required per 100 000 infants aged 0-24 months and under per year; more frequent than low speed runovers, drowning and childhood neoplasms.

Effects of gender, indigenous status and remoteness to health services on the occurrence of assault-related injuries in children and adolescents.

Background: Assault-related injury is a devastating consequence of violence and is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in young age. However, reliable data sources are scarce and there has been a paucity of studies examining possible predisposing factors on the incidence of assault-related injury.

Method: Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of gender, indigenous status and remoteness to health services on sustaining assault-related injuries in patients aged 17 years and under by using data from the state-wide trauma registry in Queensland, Australia from 2005 to 2008.

Infant abusive head trauma incidence in Queensland, Australia.

This study describes the incidence of head injuries caused by abuse in an Australian infant sample. The frequency of abusive head trauma established by the study is comparable with that reported both internationally and for age-incidence peaks of alternate forms of childhood injury, highlighting the need for investment in prevention initiatives.

Health of Australian children in out-of-home care: needs and carer recognition.

Aim: Following research highlighting high levels of health need in New South Wales children in out-of-home care, this study aimed to quantify health need in a sample of Queensland children in care based on multidisciplinary child health assessments. The study also sought to examine the concordance between foster carers' health concerns for children for whom they are providing care and health need as established through referrals made as a result of health assessment.

Methods: Children entering out-of-home care in the north Brisbane area within the previous month were referred for baseline child health assessment.