Effectiveness of nurse-led interventions versus usual care to manage hypertension and lifestyle behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims: This review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions vs. usual care on hypertension management, lifestyle behaviour, and patients' knowledge of hypertension and associated risk factors.

Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines.

Effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation programs in improving medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this review is to measure the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation programs versus standard care on medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Introduction: Poor adherence to long-term medications increases the risk of morbidity and mortality, and decreases quality of life in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Several strategies have been trialed to improve medication adherence, one of which is cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Effectiveness of activity-monitoring devices in patients with cardiovascular disease participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs: an umbrella review protocol.

Objective: The objective of the review is to investigate the effect of activity-monitoring devices and mobile applications on physical activity and health outcomes of patients with cardiovascular disease who are participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Introduction: Supporting patients with cardiovascular conditions to achieve and maintain healthy physical activity levels is the cornerstone of cardiac rehabilitation programs. The effectiveness of activity-monitoring devices and mobile applications (such as physical activity interventions) utilizing consumer-grade monitoring devices and applications to support patients to improve exercise levels during and after program completion has been investigated.

Effectiveness of telehealth versus standard care on health care utilization, health-related quality of life, and well-being in homebound populations: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: The objective of the review is to determine the effectiveness of telehealth versus in-person care on health care utilization, health-related quality of life, and well-being in homebound populations.

Introduction: Globally, an increasing number of people are becoming homebound. These individuals experience high levels of social isolation and deterioration of their well-being.

Period Prevalence of Rheumatic Heart Disease and the Need for a Centralized Patient Registry in American Samoa, 2016 to 2018.

Background Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a severe, chronic complication of acute rheumatic fever, triggered by group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Centralized patient registries are recommended for RHD prevention and control, but none exists in American Samoa. Using existing RHD tracking systems, we estimated RHD period prevalence and the proportion of people with RHD documented in the electronic health record.

The 2020 Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Introduction: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) cause significant morbidity and premature mortality among Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. RHDAustralia has produced a fully updated clinical guideline in response to new knowledge gained since the 2012 edition. The guideline aligns with major international ARF and RHD practice guidelines from the American Heart Association and World Heart Federation to ensure best practice.

A national prospective surveillance study of acute rheumatic fever in Australian children.

Background: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an important cause of heart disease in Indigenous people of northern and central Australia. However, little is known about ARF in children across all Australian population groups. This national prospective study was conducted to determine patterns of disease, and populations and regions at highest risk.

Persistence of acute rheumatic fever in a tertiary children's hospital.

Aim: To identify and describe all children admitted with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) to a tertiary paediatric hospital in Sydney over a 9-year period and to describe their demographic and clinical characteristics, management and short-term outcomes. Delays in diagnosis, recurrence of ARF and use of secondary prophylaxis were also documented.

Methods: Retrospective review of medical records for children aged < 15 years admitted to the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, with ARF (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 classification I0.

Control of rheumatic heart disease in the Pacific region.

This article outlines the impact of rheumatic heart disease for the individual, the international community and the Pacific region. It then appraises the three main strategies for control of rheumatic heart disease. Secondary prevention is the regular delivery of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent further episodes of recurrent rheumatic fever and is the only prevention activity that is proven to be effective and cost effective at the individual and community level.

Local reactions after the fourth dose of acellular pertussis vaccine in South Australia.

Objective: To assess the reported rate of local reactions after administration of acellular pertussis vaccine (DTPa) according to dose number and type of pertussis vaccine (whole-cell or acellular) used for the primary course, and to document the severity and outcome of fourth-dose local reactions.

Design And Setting: Retrospective review. Reports of adverse events after vaccination in South Australia between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2000 were reviewed, and a questionnaire administered to all parents who reported a local reaction after the fourth dose of DTPa.