Teletrials, the new norm? Expert recommendations for teletrials into the future: Findings from the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Clinical Trial Research Professionals Group Workshop.

Introduction: The Australasian Teletrial Model was piloted in co-funded sites across Australia. The purpose was to extend the reach of clinical trials using telemedicine to improve equity and access to this treatment pathway for oncology patients. Experts across Australia gathered to share the learnings of implementation so that future directions can be effective and sustainable.

Early-onset group B streptococcal disease in a risk factor-based prevention setting: A 15-year population-based study.

Background: Intrapartum chemoprophylaxis reduces early-onset group B streptococcal disease (EOGBSD) in newborns. Some guidelines advise that intrapartum antibiotics should be offered following universal antenatal screening for GBS carriage and others recommend intrapartum antibiotics based on clinical risk factors alone. Since 1999, Queensland guidelines have recommended a risk factor-based approach.

Oral water soluble contrast for malignant bowel obstruction.

Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common problem in patients with intra-abdominal cancer. Oral water soluble contrast (OWSC) has been shown to be useful in the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction in identifying patients who will recover with conservative management alone and also in reducing the length of hospital stay. It is not clear whether the benefits of OWSC in adhesive small bowel obstruction are also seen in patients with MBO.

Corticosteroids for the management of cancer-related pain in adults.

Background: One of the most feared symptoms associated with cancer is pain. Opioids remain the mainstay of pain treatment but corticosteroids are often used concurrently as co- or adjuvant analgesics. Due to their anti-inflammatory mechanism of action, corticosteroids are said to provide effective analgesia for pain associated with inflammation and in the management of cancer-related complications such as brain metastasis and spinal cord compression.

Medically assisted nutrition for adult palliative care patients.

Background: Many palliative care patients have a reduced oral intake during their illness. The management of this can include the provision of medically assisted nutrition with the aim of prolonging the length of life of a patient, improving their quality of life, or both. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 4, 2008.

Medically assisted hydration for adult palliative care patients.

Background: Many palliative care patients have reduced oral intake during their illness. The management of this can include the provision of medically assisted hydration with the aim of prolonging the life of a patient, improving their quality of life, or both. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 2, 2008, and updated in February 2011.