Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Perils Of Precisely Equal Group Size In Randomised Controlled Trials, Richard Gray, Daniel Bressington, Bridgina Mackay, Martin Jones, David R. Thompson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

The Importance Of Aged Care Policies In Assisting Older Adults Transition From Home To Permanent Residential Aged Care: A Focused Ethnographic Study, Stacey M. Scott, Annette J. Raynor, Julie S. Dare, Jennifer M. Grieve, Leesa N. Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCAC) recommended a redesign of the Australian aged care system to ensure high quality care, respect, and dignity for residents. Responding to the RCAC recommendations, the Aged Care Quality Standards have been strengthened and continue to guide the delivery of safe, high quality care in Australia. This study investigated the experiences of new residents transitioning into an Australian residential care-facility, concentrating on how their experiences aligned with the core principles of the Aged Care Quality Standards. Methods: A focused ethnographic approach was used to address the aim of this study. …

Development And Validation Of An Interpretable Risk Prediction Model For The Early Classification Of Thalassemia, Jin Xin Lai, Jia Wei Tang, Shan Shan Gong, Ming Xiong Qin, Yu Lu Zhang, Quan Fa Liang, Li Yan Li, Zhen Cai, Liang Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder. Current diagnostic methods mainly rely on sophisticated equipment and specifically trained technicians. This study aims to identify and genotype thalassemia by applying machine learning (ML) algorithms to routine blood parameters. This study recruited a derivation cohort of 31,311 individuals from four independent hospitals and developed eight machine learning (ML) models for the purpose. The performance of these models was compared using a set of evaluation metrics. An additional cohort of 2000 patients was recruited for external validation to assess the generalization of the models. The results demonstrated that the categorical boosting (CatBoost) model exhibited …

Practical Recommendations On Stretching Exercise: A Delphi Consensus Statement Of International Research Experts, Konstantin Warneke, Ewan Thomas, Anthony J. Blazevich, José Afonso, David G. Behm, Paulo H. Marchetti, Gabriel S. Trajano, Masatoshi Nakamura, Francisco Ayala, Stefano Longo, Nicolas Babault, Sandro R. Freitas, Pablo B. Costa, Andreas Konrad, Antoine Nordez, Arnold Nelson, Astrid Zech, Anthony D. Kay, Olyvia Donti, Jan Wilke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Stretching has wide appeal, but there seems to exist some mismatch between its purported applications and what the evidence shows. There is compelling evidence for some stretching applications, but for others, the evidence seems heterogeneous or unsupportive. The discrepancies even affect some systematic reviews, possibly due to heterogeneous eligibility criteria and search strategies. This consensus paper seeks to unify the divergent findings on stretching and its implications for both athletic performance and clinical practices by delivering evidence-based recommendations. Methods: A panel of 20 experts with a blend of practical experience and scholarly knowledge was assembled. The panel meticulously reviewed …

Eccentric-Only Versus Concentric-Only Isokinetic Strength Training Effects On Maximal Voluntary Eccentric, Concentric And Isometric Contraction Strength: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Darjan Spudić, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Conflicting results have been reported regarding the effects of resistance exercise training with eccentric (lengthening muscle) versus concentric (shortening muscle) contractions on changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength assessed by different contraction modes. Objective: The main objective of this systematic review with meta-analyses was to compare the effectiveness of maximal isokinetic eccentric-only and concentric-only strength training for changes in maximal voluntary eccentric (MVCECC), concentric (MVCCON), and isometric contraction (MVCISO) strength in healthy adults. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar from February to March 2024 for studies that met the following criteria: (1) …

Prevalence Of Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorder, And Dual Diagnosis Among Adults In Custody, Darcy J. Coulter, Lindsay A. Pearce, Matthew Legge, Jesse T. Young, David B. Preen, Ed C. Heffernan, Jocelyn D. Jones, Stuart A. Kinner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The prevalence of mental illness, substance use disorders, and their dual diagnosis is disproportionately high among people in prisons compared to the community. Accurate prevalence estimates are required to inform resourcing of prison health services and reduce the risk of harm to people experiencing these conditions. Existing estimates, where available, often rely on only one data source. Method: We used three data sources – self-reported history of diagnoses, in-prison medical records, and administrative data to estimate the prevalence of mental illness, substance use disorder, and dual diagnosis among two large cohorts of non-Indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander …

Delivering Optimal Weight Gain Advice To Pregnant Women By Lead Maternity Carer Midwives In A Real-World Setting To Optimise Health Outcomes (Dot Study): A Case Study Protocol, Kirsten J. Coppell, Nicole Mcgrath, Beverley Lawton, Kendall Stevenson, H. Mel Rackham, Katrina J. Sharples, Trudy Sullivan, Rosemary M. Hall, Helen Paterson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Excess gestational weight gain (GWG) occurs in up to 70% of women who birth. Excess GWG increases the risk of adverse outcomes in both mother and baby including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, postpartum weight retention, large for gestational age babies, and adiposity among children. Antenatal lifestyle interventions can limit excess GWG. However, successful translation of interventions into routine antenatal care are seldom, and interventions involving midwives are uncommon. Following a successful feasibility study, the main aims of this study are to determine if the Delivering Optimal weighT gain advice in pregnancy (DOT) intervention is acceptable to midwives, acceptable and accessible …

Prevalence And Molecular Types Of Clostridioides (Clostridium) Difficile On Australian Retail Vegetables And Household Surfaces, Deirdre A. Collins, Su Chen Lim, Jessica Chisholm, Molly Lattin, Linda Selvey, Simon Reid, Thomas V. Riley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Community-onset Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) has risen to >80 % of all CDI cases in Australia. High prevalence of C. difficile contamination has been reported in many community sources including retail root vegetables. Household surfaces may become contaminated with C. difficile when storing and handling contaminated vegetables. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular types of C. difficile present on retail root vegetables and household surfaces. Methods: From April 2023 to March 2024, retail potatoes (n = 255) and onions (n = 305) were sampled at 3-monthly intervals. Environmental samples were collected from homes of householders …

Echoes Of The Modern Training Periodization Concepts In Russia Before The October 1917 Revolution, Sandro Bartolomei, Gulnara Mammadova, Renato Manno, Gregory G. Haff, Jay R. Hoffman, Franco Merni

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Abstract – Bartolomei, S, Mammadova, G, Manno, R, Haff, GG, Hoffman, JR, and Merni, F. Echoes of the modern training periodization concepts in Russia before the October 1917 revolution. J Strength Cond Res 39(12): 1327–1330, 2025—The debate on the origins of the discipline of training periodization is still ongoing. The text “Olympic Sport, ” published by B. A. Kotov in 1916, was one of the first known books to focus on training methods and strategies for performance development. The book is also considered the first to deal with training organization and periodization. In addition, Kotov was the only author to …

Hamstring Strength And Architectural Properties Are Associated With Running Biomechanics, Nicholas Ripley, Christopher Bramah, Paul Comfort, John Mcmahon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Applied muscular strain and hamstring strain capacity have a joint interaction on hamstring strain injury (HSI) with modifiable risk factors frequently assessed. However, to date there is limited observations on the interaction between these factors. The purpose of the present study was to observe if spatiotemporal characteristics, running kinematics and muscle activation were related to modifiable risk factors of HSI. Twenty-two competitive team sport athletes (24.7 ± 4.3 years, 1.82 ± 0.07 m, 84.9 ± 8.5 kg) participated whereby the Bicep femoris long head (BFLH) fascicle length assessed via ultrasound and isokinetic eccentric hamstring strength was assessed. With running assessment …

Voluntary Activation Of The Ankle Plantar Flexors: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Molly E. Coventry, Christopher Latella, Brady Green, Andrea B. Mosler, Jayden Peak, Maria Luciana Perez Armendariz, Ebonie K. Rio, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Voluntary activation is a measure of neural drive, typically measured during maximal contractions, and provides insight into motor function. This systematic review examined voluntary activation assessment of the ankle plantar flexors in healthy and pathological populations, and the association of participant age and positioning (knee and ankle joint angles) with voluntary activation level. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted. Six electronic databases were systematically searched for studies that assessed voluntary activation of the ankle plantar flexors using the interpolated twitch technique or the central activation ratio. Meta-analyses were performed using an inverse variance, random-effects maximal likelihood model …

Cognitive Testing Of Candidate Items In A Wellbeing Measure Developed For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Alana Gall, Gail Garvey, Kate Anderson, Abbey Diaz, Kirsten Howard

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Purpose Health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is poorly understood, due to commonly used measures of quality of life and wellbeing not aligning with their collectivist worldviews. The need to develop a wellbeing measure, grounded in the aspects of life that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people identify themselves as important, was therefore a priority. The current study aimed to cognitively assess the face and content validity of a new wellbeing measure under development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. Methods We employed a qualitative cross-sectional cohort design. Forty-nine unique draft wellbeing statements underwent cognitive …

Norms For Scaling Up Small And Sick Newborn Care: An Overview Of Reviews, Natalie A. Strobel, Georgia Whisson, Derek Swe, Amy Budrikis, Karen M. Edmond

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) currently have no benchmarks or 'norms' for scaling up small and sick newborn (SSN) service delivery in health facilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our objective was to understand which systematic reviews had addressed the following norms in the last five years: number of SSN beds per live births in a district or similar administrative unit (admission beds); space requirements for SSN units, including mother-infant dyads (space); health workforce ratios in SSN units (workforce); and travel time to health facilities with SSN units (travel time). Methods: …

Opportunities To Improve Continuity In Medicines Management For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People Accessing Care In South Australian Hospitals: Coverage, Quality, Monitoring And Accountability, Annabelle Cranwell, Cheyne Sullivan, Kezia Daniel, Erik Cornelisse, Brianna Kinnear

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

This paper proposes that hospital admissions, which are traditionally considered high risk transitions, can be opportunities to strengthen continuity in medicines management (CMM) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and across the healthcare system. There are four key areas of focus in this paper including CMM coverage, CMM quality, health system monitoring of CMM, and health system accountability for CMM to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. These areas for improvement are justified by the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (The National Agreement), the Guiding Principles to Achieving continuity in medication management, and Continuity in Medication …

Bridging Traditions: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Of Yoga For Trauma Recovery In Indigenous People, Andreia Schineanu, Fredrik Velander, Julaine Allan

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Objective: The aim of this mixed methods systematic review was to explore if Yoga can alleviate mental health issues for Indigenous people, and how participants experience the effects.

Methods: Peer-reviewed primary research published in English retrieved from 2002 to March 2024 was identified using the databases Medline, Scopus, Informit, ProQuest and PsycINFO. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies with Indigenous populations, where the primary intervention was Yoga or mindfulness programs with significant yoga components that reported on mental health outcomes were included.

Results: Only 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies demonstrated significant improvements in mental health outcomes, including …

Exploring The Acceptability Of The Kimberley Mum’S Mood Scale For Perinatal Mental Health Screening In Gove District Hospital, North-East Arnhem Land, Tom P. Atkinson, Erica P. Spry, David Atkinson, Julia V. Marley, Emma Carlin

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Objective: Across Australia perinatal mental health challenges disproportionately impact Aboriginal women. Identifying Aboriginal women at risk of adverse mental health outcomes in the perinatal period is an important step in supporting their overall health and wellness. Current screening tools have significant limitations when used with Aboriginal women.

The Kimberley Mums Mood Scale (KMMS) is a culturally secure approach to screening for perinatal mental health disorders in Aboriginal women. It has been validated in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and may be able to improve mental health screening in other regions. In this study the KMMS was trialled at a …

Fear Avoidance After Concussion Tool (Fact): Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Development And Content Validation, Liam J. Sherwood, Gill Cowen, Mandy Vidovich, Jeanette Hasleby, Jon Patricios, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective No valid patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) exist to evaluate fear avoidance behaviour following concussion. This study developed a new PROM to evaluate fear avoidance behaviour following concussion and assessed the PROM content validity. Design PROM development was performed using a qualitative study, and content validation was performed using a mixed-methods approach. Methods The development phase consisted of compiling potentially relevant items (eg, questions) from other PROMs proposed to measure fear avoidance before proceeding to a series of one-on-one semistructured interviews with patient and professional participants. The content validity (relevance, comprehensibility and comprehensiveness) of the PROM was first assessed by …

Prevalent Vertebral Fracture Is Associated With Incident Cardiovascular Disease Events In Older Individuals Referred For Bone Densitometry, John T. Schousboe, Barret A. Monchka, J. Michael Davidson, Douglas Kimelman, Syed Zulqarnain Gilani, Zaid Ilyas, Siobhan Reid, Joshua R. Lewis, William D. Leslie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: It is unknown if prevalent vertebral fracture (PVFx) captured on bone density vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) images predicts incident CVD events. Methods: 11,760 individuals (mean [SD] age 75.7 [6.8] years, 94 % female) had VFA contemporaneously with bone densitometry in Manitoba, Canada, between February 2010 and December 2017, of whom 1919 (16.3 %) had ≥1 PVFx. This cohort was followed over a mean (SD) 3.8 (2.3) years for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE, composite of hospitalization for myocardial infarction, non-hemorrhagic stroke, or all-cause mortality) and other CVD events (hospitalization for coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, …

Artificial Intelligence To Detect Developmental Dysplasia Of Hip: A Systematic Review, Suketu Bhavsar, Bhanu B. Gowda, Maulini Bhavsar, Sanjay Patole, Shripada Rao, Chandra Rath

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: Deep learning (DL), a branch of artificial intelligence (AI), has been applied to diagnose developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) on pelvic radiographs and ultrasound (US) images. This technology can potentially assist in early screening, enable timely intervention and improve cost-effectiveness. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the DL algorithm in detecting DDH. Methods: PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, EMCARE, the clinicaltrials.gov (clinical trial registry), IEEE Xplore and Cochrane Library databases were searched in October 2024. Prospective and retrospective cohort studies that included children (< 16 years) at risk of or suspected to have DDH and reported hip ultrasonography (US) or X-ray images using AI were included. A review was conducted using the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration Diagnostic Test Accuracy Working Group. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria, with 15 (n = 8315) evaluating DDH on US images and eight (n = 7091) on pelvic radiographs. The area under the curve of the included studies ranged from 0.80 to 0.99 for pelvic radiographs and 0.90–0.99 for US images. Sensitivity and specificity for detecting DDH on radiographs ranged from 92.86% to 100% and 95.65% to 99.82%, respectively. For US images, sensitivity ranged from 86.54% to 100% and specificity from 62.5% to 100%. Conclusion: AI demonstrated comparable effectiveness to physicians in detecting DDH. However, limited evaluation on external datasets restricts its generalisability. Further research incorporating diverse datasets and real-world applications is needed to assess its broader clinical impact on DDH diagnosis.

Evidence-Informed Propositions For A Whole-Of-Program Assessment Approach, Janica Jamieson, Rachel Bacon, Andrea Bramley, Janeane Dart, Simone Gibson, Gemma Jenkins, Meredith Kennedy, Sue Kleve, Claire Palermo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To develop evidence-informed propositions for implementing whole-of-program assessment across dietetic education settings, in response to emerging education theory, technological advances such as generative artificial intelligence, and the need for meaningful learning and trustworthy progression decisions. Methods: A four-stage multiple methods study, grounded in pragmatism, was conducted. Initial propositions were developed through a systematic scoping review of programmatic assessment literature. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns, which were iteratively refined into themes and then preliminary propositions. These were further refined through workshops with dietetic educators, who provided feedback based on their expertise. A repeated systematic scoping review incorporated recent …

Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Screening Among Reproductive Age Women In Lesotho: Analysis Of The 2023-24 Demographic And Health Survey Using The Andersen Behavioral Model, Mesfin Abebe, Yordanos Sisay Asgedom, Amanuel Yosef Gebrekidan, Tsion Mulat Tebeje

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally and a significant public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for approximately 15% of all cancer-related mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, breast cancer incidences increased by 247% from 1990 to 2019. In Lesotho, breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women, a situation worsened by a fragile healthcare system and low screening rates. Despite its high morbidity and mortality, there is limited understanding of the factors influencing breast cancer screening among women of reproductive age. This study aims to identify these factors by utilizing the …

Female Basketball Players’ Jump And Sprint Performance After Plyometric Jump Training Compared To Resistance Training, Yuhang Tian, Kai Xu, Wenxuan Fang, Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Plyometric training (PT) and resistance training (RT) can improve jumping and sprinting performance, although their comparative effectiveness in elite female basketball players remain unknown. Objectives: To compare the effects of PT and RT on jumping and sprinting performance in elite female basketball players. Methods: Thirty elite female basketball players were randomly assigned to PT (n = 10), RT (n = 10) or control groups (n = 10, standard basketball training). Performance assessments before and after the interventions (8 weeks, 16 training sessions) included countermovement jump (CMJ) height and peak power, drop jump (DJ) height and reactive strength index (RSI), …

Women’S Experiences Of Declining Recommended Or Routine Maternity Care: A Systematic Review, Ilyana Mohamed Hussain, Kate Buchanan, Linda Sweet, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Women have the right to decline recommended or routine maternity care. While informed choice is increasingly emphasised in maternity care, the experiences of women who decline recommended or routine care remain underexplored. Aims To synthesise evidence on women’s experiences of declining recommended or routine aspects of maternity care. Methods A systematic review was conducted using a structured approach informed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) principles for qualitative synthesis. Eight studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Data were analysed through a narrative synthesis process, developing categories and dimensions that were synthesised into overarching themes. Results …

Testing If Vitamin K1 Reduces The Progression Of Non-Severe Calcific Aortic Stenosis: Design And Rationale Of The Prevention Of Aortic Stenosis Progression Phylloquinone Ossification Reduction Trial (Passport), William A. Courtney, Jarryd Walker, Aindreas Dorai-Raj, Tom Gilbert, Adil Rajwani, Jamie W. Bellinge, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Graham S. Hillis, Carl J. Schultz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims Calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) is the most common heart valvulopathy in high-income countries. There is no known treatment for CAS other than replacement of the valve in severe, symptomatic disease. Observational studies and a small openlabel randomized trial have reported that vitamin K1 supplementation may reduce the progression rate of calcification and obstruction in CAS. Methods and results 3PASSPORT(ACTRN12622000447752) will be a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating if nutritional supplementation with 10 mg of vitamin K1 can reduce the rate of valvular calcification and haemodynamic progression in CAS. Patients identified to have mild or moderate CAS based …

Myeov Is A Novel Marker Of Differentiated Corneal Epithelium, Yoshiko Fukuda, Chao Zhang, Bruce R. Ksander, Vickie Y. Jo, Christine G. Lian, George F. Murphy, Markus H. Frank, Natasha Y. Frank, Yuzuru Sasamoto

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose. Myeloma overexpressed gene (MYEOV) was initially identified as a gene amplified in several malignancies and was found to promote cell proliferation and metastasis. Our previous comparative RNA sequencing and epigenetic analyses revealed high MYEOV levels in differentiated corneal epithelial cells and showed that TET2 epigenetically regulated MYEOV expression. In the current study, we aimed to further characterize the expression and regulation of MYEOV in the human ocular surface. Methods. MYEOV expression was examined by immunostaining of the human corneas and by analysis of the publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data. Gene knockdown (KD) of MYEOV and the regulators of …

Assessing Health Behaviors As Predictors Of Psychological Resilience And Bmi In A National And Small Military College Sample, Kylie Blodgett, Rachele Pojednic

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Highlights: What are the main findings? First-year students at a military college engage in more vigorous physical activity and strength training compared to a representative national sample. In the national sample, higher levels of physical activity, strength training, and better sleep are associated with greater psychological resilience and healthier BMI values and these associations were not observed in the military college students. What are the implication of the main findings? Promoting physical activity and adequate sleep may enhance resilience and support healthy body weight in civilian college populations. Military training may overshadow the influence of individual health behaviors on resilience …

Cardiac Arrest Events On Australian Beaches, David Reid, Kye Bostwick, Jasmin C. Lawes, Ogilvie Thom, Ned Douglas

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) members respond to cardiac arrests near their patrolling location and have successfully resuscitated many community members over the years. In addition, members often act as first responders to cardiac arrest events in community settings, workplaces or through applications such as GoodSAM®. The outcomes achieved are not known after an update to resuscitation guidelines. Objective: We aimed to analyse Surf Life Saving Australia data on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and describe the epidemiology and outcomes of cardiac arrest on Australian beaches and factors associated with survival after CPR. Methods: Using SLSA's national Incident Reporting Database held …

Clinician-Led Development And Feasibility Of A Neural Network For Assessing 3d Dental Cavity Preparations Assisted By Conversational Ai, Mohammed El-Hakim, Haitham Khaled, Amr Fawzy, Robert Anthonappa

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Artificial intelligence is emerging in dental education, but its use in preclinical assessment remains limited. Large language models like ChatGPT^® V4.5 enable non-programmers to build AI models through real-time guidance, addressing the coding barrier. Aim: This study aims to empower clinician-led, low-cost, AI-driven assessment models in preclinical restorative dentistry and to evaluate the technical feasibility of using a neural network to score 3D cavity preparations. Methods: Twenty mandibular molars (tooth 46), each with two carious lesions, were prepared and scored by two expert examiners using a 20-point rubric. The teeth were scanned with a Medit i700^® and …

Outcomes Following A Behaviour Change Intervention Within Hospitals To Improve Birth Registrations And Hospital Utilisation For Aboriginal And/Or Torres Strait Islander Infants: A Quasi-Experimental And Cohort Study, K. R. Mcauley, Natalie Ann Strobel, Daniel M. Christensen, Karen Margaret R. Edmond, Peter N. Jacoby, Daniel L. Mcaullay

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives The primary objective was to determine whether a behaviour change intervention delivered to hospital staff would (1) improve the proportion of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) babies being registered and (2) reduce hospital admissions and emergency presentations for babies < 6 months old. The secondary objective was an observational analysis to determine factors that might influence the proportion of registered Aboriginal births in Western Australia (WA). Design Quasi-experimental design and cohort study. Setting Five tertiary birthing hospitals in WA. Participants The intervention was delivered to health service providers who were in the five tertiary birthing hospitals. Outcome data were collected on Aboriginal babies born between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2018 who were delivered within these hospitals. Babies in the control group (n=226) were born 6months before the intervention and intervention babies (n=232) were born 6months following the intervention. For the secondary objective, there were 4573 babies included in the analysis. Interventions A behaviour change intervention delivered to hospital staff in five hospitals. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcomes were the proportion of babies who were registered and whether a baby had been admitted to hospital or an emergency department by 3 and 6 months old. The secondary outcome was to determine factors that might influence the proportion of registered Aboriginal births in WA (cohort study). Results There was evidence of a 38% reduction in emergency presentations within 6months for babies born to hospitals 6months following the staff training (OR 0.62, 95%CI 0.42 to 0.91), and little evidence of improvements in birth registrations, hospital admissions within 3 or 6months of birth or emergency department presentations within 3months of birth. Of the 4573 babies included in the cohort study, 3769 (82.4%) babies had their births registered and 804 (17.6%) babies did not. Factors that were associated with not having a birth registered included low birth weight babies with a 34% decrease in odds of having a registered birth compared with those with a normal birth weight (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.66, 95%CI 0.51 to 0.86). Timing of first antenatal visit was associated with reduced odds of having a birth registered if this occurred in the second (aOR 0.77, 95%CI 0.64 to 0.93) or third trimester (aOR 0.59, 95%CI 0.45 to 0.77) compared with the first trimester. Conclusions Our study identifies the complexities surrounding birth registrations and improved hospital utilisation for Aboriginal babies, the importance of targeted interventions and ongoing efforts needed to address this issue comprehensively.

Woman-Centred Ethical Grid For Midwifery Education: A Content Analysis, Kate Buchanan, Darcie Bygraves, Emma Ritchie, Krystyl Toneycliffe, Sara Bayes, David Seedhouse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Midwives across the world are required to practice in accordance with an internationally agreed set of ethical principles. Midwifery education for many students includes ethics theory content, but this does not necessarily provide them with the skills toward ethical competence in practice. Aim: To understand students' perception of ethical issues and to use these findings as foundational information with which to create an ethical deliberation tool for practice. Methods: Qualitative Content Analysis was used for this study. Purposive sampling provided twenty-one ethics-focused reflective assignments from one Western Australian university. Ethical considerations: Institutional review board approval was obtained. Findings: Three …