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Updating The Dietadvice Website With New Australian Food Composition Data, Yasmine Probst, Holley-Anne Jones, Shannon Lin, S. Burden, David G. Steel, Linda C. Tapsell Dec 2012

Updating The Dietadvice Website With New Australian Food Composition Data, Yasmine Probst, Holley-Anne Jones, Shannon Lin, S. Burden, David G. Steel, Linda C. Tapsell

Professor David Steel

DietAdvice is an Australian self-administered dietary assessment website initially developed in 2003- 2005. The website allows patients to enter their dietary information and dieticians to remotely access and interpret the data. DietAdvice is presently being updated with new Australian food composition data. This study aims to describe the update process for moving from 1995 to 2006 food composition data. The database for the website was developed using grouped food data from the NUTTAB 1995 database. All food groups were cross-matched with the food from the NUTTAB 2006 database using the food ID codes. Rules were applied to determine the suitability …


Video-Recorded Usability Testing Of A Web-Based Self-Administered Dietary Assessment, Yasmine Probst, David Steel, Linda Tapsell Dec 2012

Video-Recorded Usability Testing Of A Web-Based Self-Administered Dietary Assessment, Yasmine Probst, David Steel, Linda Tapsell

Professor David Steel

No abstract provided.


General Practice Training And Virtual Communities Of Practice - A Review Of The Literature, Stephen Barnett, Sandra C. Jones, Sue Bennett, Donald C. Iverson, Andrew D. Bonney Oct 2012

General Practice Training And Virtual Communities Of Practice - A Review Of The Literature, Stephen Barnett, Sandra C. Jones, Sue Bennett, Donald C. Iverson, Andrew D. Bonney

Don C. Iverson

Background: Good General Practice is essential for an effective health system. Good General Practice training is essential to sustain the workforce, however training for General Practice can be hampered by a number of pressures, including professional, structural and social isolation. General Practice trainees may be under more pressure than fully registered General Practitioners, and yet isolation can lead doctors to reduce hours and move away from rural practice. Virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) in business have been shown to be effective in improving knowledge sharing, thus reducing professional and structural isolation. This literature review will critically examine the current evidence …


Cautiousness In Young Rural And Semi-Rural Drivers: Are There Influencing Factors?, Patricia J. Knight, Donald C. Iverson, Mark F. Harris Oct 2012

Cautiousness In Young Rural And Semi-Rural Drivers: Are There Influencing Factors?, Patricia J. Knight, Donald C. Iverson, Mark F. Harris

Don C. Iverson

All drivers have to be prepared for driving with changed conditions, either intrinsic or external to the vehicle. This study explores factors influencing the cautiousness while driving of high school students in a rural and small semirural town community in New South Wales. Perceptions of caution in response to a range of different conditions including driving with passengers, bad weather, driving an unfamiliar car, poor road conditions, driving in heavy traffic and darkness - all conditions which have the potential to affect driving style or speed - were reported. Many of the young rural students reported having started to drive …


Developing A Process Of Continuous Quality Improvement In Medical School Assessment Processes: Lessons From One School, Alison Jones, Ian Wilson, Dorothy Keefe Sep 2012

Developing A Process Of Continuous Quality Improvement In Medical School Assessment Processes: Lessons From One School, Alison Jones, Ian Wilson, Dorothy Keefe

Alison L Jones

Introduction: Setting high quality assessments for medical students can be a resource intensive exercise. This study explored the feasibility of coordinating and rationalising the use of expertise to set assessments and to raise the standard of those assessments. Method: A literature review on staff development for assessment was undertaken and the governance structure for assessment design and monitoring in our institution was explored. A manual was developed to outline issues around assessment and processes for improving assessments and this was distributed to key personnel involved in the assessment setting process. A two-day examination setting workshop was organised and evaluated. A …


Relative Safety Of Hyperinsulinaemia/Euglycaemia Therapy In The Management Of Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose: A Prospective Observational Study, S Greene, I Gawarammana, David Wood, Alison Jones, Paul Dargan Sep 2012

Relative Safety Of Hyperinsulinaemia/Euglycaemia Therapy In The Management Of Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose: A Prospective Observational Study, S Greene, I Gawarammana, David Wood, Alison Jones, Paul Dargan

Alison L Jones

Objective: To examine the clinical safety of hyperinsulinaemia/ euglycaemia therapy (HIET) in calcium channel blocker (CCB) poisoning. Design: A prospective observational study examining biochemical and clinical outcomes of a HIET protocol administered under local poisons centre guidance. Setting: Critical care settings. Patients: Seven patients with significant CCB toxicity [systolic blood pressure (BP) < 90 mmHg] treated with HIET. Interventions: HIET was commenced after correction of any pre-existing hypoglycaemia ([blood glucose]< 65 mg/dl) or hypokalaemia ([K+] < 3.5 mmol/l). A quantity of 50 ml of 50% intravenous dextrose was followed by a loading dose (1 unit/kg) of intravenous short-acting insulin and an insulin maintenance infusion (0.5–2.0 units/kg/h). Euglycaemia was maintained using 5–10% dextrose infusions. Potassium was maintained within low normal range (3.8–4.0 mmol/l). Measurements and results: Six patients survived. All patients received fluids, calcium, and conventional inotropes. Three patients (who all ingested diltiazem) received an insulin-loading dose; all experienced a significant sustained rise in systolic BP (> 10 mmHg) during the first hour of HIET. Systolic BP did not increase significantly in four patients who did not receive insulin loading. Single episodes of non-clinically significant biochemical hypoglycaemia and hypokalaemia were recorded in one and two patients respectively. Hypoglycaemia was not recorded in any patient administered …


Acceptance Of Pandemic (H1n1) 2009 Influenza Vaccination By The Australian Public, K Eastwood, D Durrheim, Alison Jones, Michelle Butler Sep 2012

Acceptance Of Pandemic (H1n1) 2009 Influenza Vaccination By The Australian Public, K Eastwood, D Durrheim, Alison Jones, Michelle Butler

Alison L Jones

To investigate the Australian public’s expectations, concerns and willingness to accept vaccination with the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine. Design, setting and participants: A computer-assisted telephone interview survey was conducted between 20 August and 11 September 2009 by trained professional interviewers to study issues relating to vaccine uptake and perceived safety. The sample comprised 1155 randomly selected representative adults who had participated in a 2007 national study exploring knowledge and perceptions of pandemic influenza. Main outcome measures: Likely acceptance of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination, factors associated with acceptance, and respondents’ willingness to share Australian vaccine with neighbouring developing countries. Results: …


Paracetamol Poisoning: Can It Be Prevented? , E Norman, R Dhairiwan, Paul I. Dargan, Craig I. Wallace, Alison L. Jones Sep 2012

Paracetamol Poisoning: Can It Be Prevented? , E Norman, R Dhairiwan, Paul I. Dargan, Craig I. Wallace, Alison L. Jones

Alison L Jones

No abstract provided.


Is Cocaine Use Recognised As A Risk Factor For Acute Coronary Syndrome By Doctors In The Uk?, David Wood, Duncan Hill, Awini Gunasekera, S Greene, Alison Jones, Paul Dargan Sep 2012

Is Cocaine Use Recognised As A Risk Factor For Acute Coronary Syndrome By Doctors In The Uk?, David Wood, Duncan Hill, Awini Gunasekera, S Greene, Alison Jones, Paul Dargan

Alison L Jones

Background: Cocaine is a sympathomimetic agent that can cause coronary artery vasospasm leading to myocardial ischaemia, acute coronary syndrome and acute myocardial infarction (ACS/AMI). The management of cocaine-induced ACS/AMI is different to classical atheromatous ACS/MI, because the mechanisms are different. Methods: Knowledge study—Junior medical staff were given a scenario of a patient with ACS and asked to identify potential risk factors for ACS and which ones they routinely asked about in clinical practice. Retrospective study—Retrospective notes reviews of patients with suspected and proven (elevated troponin T concentration) ACS were undertaken to determine the recording of cocaine use/non-use in clinical notes. …


Mercury Contamination Incident, R Maclehose, G Pitt, S Will, Alison Jones, L Duane, S Flaherty, D Hannant, B Stuttard, A Silverwood, K Snee, V Murray, Q Syed, Ivan House, M Bellis Sep 2012

Mercury Contamination Incident, R Maclehose, G Pitt, S Will, Alison Jones, L Duane, S Flaherty, D Hannant, B Stuttard, A Silverwood, K Snee, V Murray, Q Syed, Ivan House, M Bellis

Alison L Jones

No abstract provided.


Haemodynamic Parameters Predicting Variceal Haemorrhage And Survival In Alcoholic Cirrhosis, A Stanley, I Robinson, E Forrest, Alison Jones, P Hayes Sep 2012

Haemodynamic Parameters Predicting Variceal Haemorrhage And Survival In Alcoholic Cirrhosis, A Stanley, I Robinson, E Forrest, Alison Jones, P Hayes

Alison L Jones

No abstract provided.


Selective Iga Deficiency, Hypothyroidism And Congenital Lymphoedema, Alison Jones, D Webb Sep 2012

Selective Iga Deficiency, Hypothyroidism And Congenital Lymphoedema, Alison Jones, D Webb

Alison L Jones

The occurrence of selective IgA deficiency and hypothyroidism with congenital lymphoedema has never previously been documented, although the association of hypogammaglobulinaemia with congenital lymphoedema has previously been reported and can result in recurrent respiratory infections. We report a 34 year old woman with congenital lymphoedema who was found to have symptomatic autoimmune hypothyroidism and asymptomatic selective IgA deficiency.


Adverse Drug Reactions To Poison Antidotes: Part 1, Alison Jones Sep 2012

Adverse Drug Reactions To Poison Antidotes: Part 1, Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

Summary: The probability of benefit generally outweighs the risk of adverse reactions for antidotes such as N-acetylcysteine used for treatment of paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning, and naloxone used in opioid poisoning. For some antidotes, such as dicobalt edetate in cyanide poisoning, administration carries high risk, and the clinical decision to use the antidote is only taken in severe poisoning. Use of an antidote rarely replaces the need for supportive measures. Except for N-acetylcysteine in paracetamol poisoning, the clinical state and not plasma concentration dictates whether an antidote is used. In pregnancy, it is usually reasoned that treatment of the mother takes …


Severity Scores For Poisoned Patients: Reasons And Rationale, A Proudfoot, Alison Jones Sep 2012

Severity Scores For Poisoned Patients: Reasons And Rationale, A Proudfoot, Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

No abstract provided.


Australian Clinical Toxicology Investigators Collaboration Randomized Trial Of Different Loading Infusion Rates Of N-Acetylcysteine [6], I Gawarammana, S Greene, Paul Dargan, Alison Jones Sep 2012

Australian Clinical Toxicology Investigators Collaboration Randomized Trial Of Different Loading Infusion Rates Of N-Acetylcysteine [6], I Gawarammana, S Greene, Paul Dargan, Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

Adverse reactions to N-acetylcysteine are reported in 6% to 23% of patients who are administered the antidote for treatment of paracetamol poisoning.1 Because paracetamol is the most common pharmaceutical product taken in overdose in many countries, it is essential that attempts be made to prevent or minimize adverse effects caused by N-acetylcysteine. We congratulate Kerr et al2 on their attempt to address this important issue.


Antidotes 5. Antidotes To Organophosphorus And Carbamate Anticholinesterases, Robert Flanagan, Alison Jones Sep 2012

Antidotes 5. Antidotes To Organophosphorus And Carbamate Anticholinesterases, Robert Flanagan, Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

No abstract provided.


Immediate Gp Strategies In Cases Of Poisoning, Alison Jones Sep 2012

Immediate Gp Strategies In Cases Of Poisoning, Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

Poisoning is a common problem for GPs. The challenge is to identify 1-2 per cent of patients who have taken enough toxin to be at serious risk and to start appropriate management as early as possible, especially if there is going to be a significant delay in getting them to hospital.


Antidotes 2. Sulphydryl Donors (N-Acetylcysteine, Methionine), Robert Flanagan, Alison Jones Sep 2012

Antidotes 2. Sulphydryl Donors (N-Acetylcysteine, Methionine), Robert Flanagan, Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

No abstract provided.


A Pandora's Box: Sustainable Pharmaceutical Supply, Alison Jones, Rosemary James, Lisa Harris, Forbes Mcgain, Simon Quilty, Robert Pearce, Jacquellne Kewley Sep 2012

A Pandora's Box: Sustainable Pharmaceutical Supply, Alison Jones, Rosemary James, Lisa Harris, Forbes Mcgain, Simon Quilty, Robert Pearce, Jacquellne Kewley

Alison L Jones

No abstract provided.


Digoxin Immune Fab, Alison Jones, Robert Flanagan Sep 2012

Digoxin Immune Fab, Alison Jones, Robert Flanagan

Alison L Jones

No abstract provided.


Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Overdose, Alison Jones Sep 2012

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Overdose, Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

A 23-year-old woman. who is 34 weeks pregnant with her first child, is seen In the Emergency Department after taking 28 paratetamol (500 mg) tablets 2 h ago. She is 62 kg in weight. She did not co-ingest any other drug or alcohol. She complains of nausea and intermittent vomiting. but this has been consistent throughout her pregnancy.


Measuring Plasma Salicylate Concentrations In All Patients With Drug Overdose Or Altered Consciousness: Is It Necessary?, David Wood, Paul Dargan, Alison Jones Sep 2012

Measuring Plasma Salicylate Concentrations In All Patients With Drug Overdose Or Altered Consciousness: Is It Necessary?, David Wood, Paul Dargan, Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

Background: Salicylate self poisoning is potentially fatal. Plasma salicylate concentrations can be used to guide management when taken in the context of clinical features of toxicity and acid base status. Previous studies in the USA and Hong Kong have shown that routine measurement of plasma salicylate concentrations in all overdose patients is inappropriate, but there have been no previous studies in the UK. Methods: A retrospective case note study from 1 February 2001 to 31 January 2002 was undertaken at the emergency department of St. Thomas’ Hospital, London. Records were reviewed and information on demographic data, history, details of salicylate …


A Young Woman Who Has Taken An Overdose Of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), Alison Jones Sep 2012

A Young Woman Who Has Taken An Overdose Of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

No abstract provided.


Adverse Drug Reactions To Poison Antidotes: Part 2, Alison Jones Sep 2012

Adverse Drug Reactions To Poison Antidotes: Part 2, Alison Jones

Alison L Jones

Administration of antidotes such as dicobalt edetate in cyanide poisoning or dimercaprol in arsenic poisoning carries a high risk of adverse reactions, and the clinical decision to use the antidote is only taken in severe poisoning. Supportive measures such as ventilation may be required in addition to the antidote. In pregnancy, it is usually reasoned that treatment of the mother takes precedence and provides the best chance for fetal survival, notwithstanding worries about teratogenicity.


Drug Interactions With Paracetamol, M Toes, Alison Jones, L Prescott Sep 2012

Drug Interactions With Paracetamol, M Toes, Alison Jones, L Prescott

Alison L Jones

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one of the most commonly used analgesic antipyretic drugs worldwide, and it is widely available by prescription and over the counter (OTC). Fortunately, few clinically significant drug interactions have been documented. There is probable potentiation of hepatotoxicity following an overdose from the paracetamol metabolite NAPQI by enzyme-inducing drugs. There is considerable controversy regarding the possible interaction with warfarin in its potential to increase its anticoagulant effects because of discrepancies between observational studies and those in healthy volunteers. Otherwise, no serious adverse drug interactions with therapeutic doses of paracetamol have been confirmed in humans. Because the absorption of …


Plasma Salicylate Concentrations Following Overdose; Are They Worth It ?, David Muir Wood, Alison Jones, Paul Dargan Sep 2012

Plasma Salicylate Concentrations Following Overdose; Are They Worth It ?, David Muir Wood, Alison Jones, Paul Dargan

Alison L Jones

Treatment following salicylate ingestion is determined by clinical evidence of toxicity. Previous studies have shown that routine measurement of plasma salicylate concentrations in all overdose patients is unnecessary except in those with clinical features suggestive of salicylate poisoning or in those who are unable to give an accurate history [1]. This retrospective study evaluates whether plasma salicylate concentrations are appropriately measured. A retrospective study of all plasma salicylate concentrations measured in St Thomas’ Hospital Accident and Emergency department from 1 February 2001 to 31 January 2002 was conducted. Admission record cards were surveyed for history of salicylate ingestion, clinical features …


Risk Of Road Traffic Accidents In Patients Discharged Following Treatment For Psychotropic Drug Overdose: A Self-Controlled Case Series Study In Australia, Tharaka L. Dassanayake, Alison L. Jones, Patricia Michie, Gregory Carter, Patrick Mcelduff, Barrie J. Stokes, Ian Whyte Sep 2012

Risk Of Road Traffic Accidents In Patients Discharged Following Treatment For Psychotropic Drug Overdose: A Self-Controlled Case Series Study In Australia, Tharaka L. Dassanayake, Alison L. Jones, Patricia Michie, Gregory Carter, Patrick Mcelduff, Barrie J. Stokes, Ian Whyte

Alison L Jones

Background: Use of psychotropic drugs is known to impair driving and increase the risk of road traffic accidents. They are also the most common drugs taken in overdose in hospital-treated episodes of self-poisoning. Most patients who take psychotropic drug overdoses are discharged within 48 hours, while they still have possible subclinical drug effects. Objective: Using a self-controlled case series design, we aimed to determine whether patients with psychotropic drug overdose are at a higher risk of a traffic accident in the period following discharge compared with a control period not associated with hospital-treated drug overdose. Methodology: Using the New South …


Hepatocellular Damage Following Therapeutic Intravenous Iron Sucrose Infusion In A Child, David Wood, Alison Thomson, Matthew Lawes, Alison Jones, Paul Dargan Sep 2012

Hepatocellular Damage Following Therapeutic Intravenous Iron Sucrose Infusion In A Child, David Wood, Alison Thomson, Matthew Lawes, Alison Jones, Paul Dargan

Alison L Jones

The maximum tolerated single dose of intravenous iron infusion and iron pharmacokinetics are not known in children and not clear in adults. The case reported here is of a child given a large dose of intravenous iron sucrose (16 mg/kg) over 3 hours, who subsequently developed features of systemic iron toxicity. A TDM consultant discusses the case in the context of toxicokinetic analysis. Because the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics of intravenous iron preparations are not known, their use in both adults and children should still be undertaken with caution.


Determinants Of Paramedic Response Readiness For Cbrne Threats, Garry Stevens, Alison Jones, George Smith, Jenny Nelson, Kingsley Agho, Melanie Taylor, Beverley Raphael Sep 2012

Determinants Of Paramedic Response Readiness For Cbrne Threats, Garry Stevens, Alison Jones, George Smith, Jenny Nelson, Kingsley Agho, Melanie Taylor, Beverley Raphael

Alison L Jones

Paramedics play a pivotal role in the response to major emergencies. Recent evidence indicates that their confidence and willingness to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives-related (CBRNE) incidents differs from that relating to their "routine" emergency work. To further investigate the factors underpinning their readiness to respond to CBRNE incidents, paramedics in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, were asked to complete a validated online survey instrument. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine associated factors determining readiness. The sample of 663 respondents was weighted to reflect the NSW paramedic population as a whole. The univariate analysis indicated …


Multiple Toxicity From 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy"), S Greene, Paul Dargan, Niall O'Connor, Alison Jones, Mary Kerins Sep 2012

Multiple Toxicity From 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy"), S Greene, Paul Dargan, Niall O'Connor, Alison Jones, Mary Kerins

Alison L Jones

There have been no published case series illustrating “ecstasy” (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) toxicity in a group of patients who have ingested ecstasy in the same environment. We report a series of 7 patients who ingested ecstasy in a nightclub and presented with varying degrees of MDMA toxicity. Three patients presented with features of severe MDMA toxicity. One died within an hour of hospital admission, another died 4 days later, after developing fulminant hepatic failure, and the third recovered after 12 days in intensive care. MDMA was identified in the serum of all 7 patients. High serum MDMA concentrations correlated with severe …