Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Delirium In The Acute Care Setting From The Families Perspective: A Scoping Review, Amber Mclean, Beverley Ewens, Amanda Towell-Barnard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To explore the existing literature on delirium within the acute care setting from the family members' perspective and summarise key findings. Design: A scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Review Methods: The Population, Concept, and Context framework recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review protocol identified the main concepts in the primary review question. The inclusion criteria focused on primary research studies from any chronological date that explored the family members' experience of delirium within the acute care setting. Following screening by two independent reviewers, data extraction was …

Towards A Person-Centred Holistic Consultation Framework For Paramedics Attending Non-Acute Presentations: A Multidisciplinary Commentary, Robbie King, Angela Martin, Alan M. Batt, Sonia Louise Martin, Nigel Barr, Caroline Hwang, Bill Lord, Peter O’Meara, Louise Reynolds, Staffan Hammarbäck, Shaun Hosein, Julie Kempton, Brendan Shannon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Traditional rapid-assessment models may not be fully suited for the complex non-acute presentations that paramedics commonly encounter. As paramedicine evolves to meet non-acute patient needs, extended practice community paramedic roles are emerging to deliver holistic and collaborative community-based healthcare. Purpose: This commentary outlines the need for a person-centred holistic clinical consultation framework for paramedics attending complex non-acute presentations. A framework that provides a structured and systematic process for paramedics, particularly those who are transitioning into extended practice community paramedic roles, to guide them in conducting holistic person-centred assessments. This commentary highlights the importance of understanding the biopsychosocial factors influencing …

An Evaluation Of Programmatic Assessment Across Health Professions Education Using Contribution Analysis, Janica Jamieson, Claire Palermo, Margaret Hay, Rachel Bacon, Janna Lutze, Simone Gibson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Programmatic assessment is gaining traction in health professions education. Despite this popularity, educators continue to grapple with complex contextual factors that impact implementation and outcome attainment. We used contribution analysis, a theory-informed evaluation method, to understand the mechanisms underpinning successful implementation. Applying the six steps of contribution analysis, we developed a postulated theory of change (ToC) and then conducted a qualitative study with programmatic assessment stakeholders (graduates n = 15, supervisors n = 32, faculty n = 19) from four Australian dietetic programs. These data were analysed using the Framework Analysis method and integrated with data derived from a literature …

Determining The Mental Wellbeing Of Family Day Care Educators In Australia, Theresa Rayfield, Ruth Wallace, Karen Lombardi, Eben Afrifa-Yamoah, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Family Day Care (FDC) is an essential service supporting Australian families requiring convenient, versatile, and quality education and care for their children. FDC educators’ mental wellbeing (MWB), often overlooked, is vital to ensure optimal education and care. This study aimed to gauge Australian FDC educators’ MWB and identify factors positively or negatively affecting MWB. A cross-sectional questionnaire measuring MWB, and eight predictor variables influencing MWB, was completed by Australian FDC educators. Structural equation modelling was utilised to ascertain relationships of the predictor variables on MWB. This study established MWB was lower than population norms (N = 292) and provided a …

The Nurse's Role In Curative-To-Palliative Transitions In Advanced Cancer: A Theory Synthesis Using Turner's Method, Geya George, Deborah Kirk, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: This paper aims to explain the process of formulating a robust theory that comprehensively explains the nurse's role during the transition from curative to the palliative phase in advanced cancer care. Design: A qualitative theory synthesis approach was applied, utilising Turner's 9-step theory synthesis method to integrate five grounded theories and 10 qualitative studies. The Walker and Avant method of concept development and analysis further ensured rigour. Methods: Turner's theory synthesis was used to formulate a more comprehensive, testable theory from five existing grounded theories and 10 other qualitative studies that explain the nurse's role in supporting and facilitating …

Development Of A Clinical Prediction Model To Guide The Selective Use Of Spect/Ct In Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Liya Zhu, Junik Son, Lu Wang, Haifeng Hou, Byeong Cheol Ahn

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Radioiodine whole-body scan (WBS) is routinely performed after radioiodine therapy in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), but its two-dimensional nature limits anatomical localization. The addition of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) improves diagnostic accuracy; however, routine use exposes patients to additional radiation, longer imaging time, and higher costs. This study aimed to establish a predictive model to identify which patients with PTC are more likely to benefit by adding SPECT/CT imaging after WBS, enabling selective rather than routine use. Methods: This retrospective study included 265 patients with pathologically confirmed PTC who underwent postoperative radioiodine therapy followed by WBS and …

Cannabinoid Impacts On Ethnic Modulation Of Atrial Septal Defect Prevalence Usa, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To conduct a detailed epidemiological exploration of the relative contributions of cannabis and ethnicity to US atrial septal defect (ASD) rates (ASDR). Study design: State-based ASDR data from the US National Births Defects Prevention Network, substance use, income and ethnicity data analyzed in RStudio. Results: Ethnic effects were significant with relative risks amongst African Americans and American Indians and Alaskan Natives of 2·40 (95%C.I. 2·27, 2·54) and 2·31 (2·19, 21·43), Cohen’s D of 1·44 and 1·46 and P values of 2·94 × 10⁻¹⁶⁸ and 3·01 × 10⁻¹⁷² compared to others, respectively. In general, additive models inclusion of …

Dose–Response Association Between Systemic And Dermatologic Glucocorticoid Use And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Case–Control Study, David Vadsholt, Annika V. Kvist, Chano Sandiramoorthy, Joshua R. Lewis, Peter Vestergaard, Johan Røikjer, Nicklas H. Rasmussen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To investigate the association and dose–response between systemic and topical glucocorticoids and odds of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: We conducted a nationwide case–control study using Danish registry data from 2013 to 2021. People aged 40 years or older with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 149 113) were matched 1:3 with controls (n = 447 339) by age, sex and weighted Charlson Comorbidity Index. Glucocorticoid exposure was defined as ≥ 1 prescription within 1 year before the date of diagnosis and ≥ 2 within 3 years and classified as systemic or topical. Conditional logistic regression …

Effects Of Eccentric Cycling Training On Aerobic And Functional Capacity In Patients With Heart Failure: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Lucy M. Stauborg, Andrew Haynes, Andrew J. Maiorana, Lawrence G. Dembo, David Lloyd, Kazunori Nosaka, Graham S. Hillis, Daniel J. Green, Louise H. Naylor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of eccentric and conventional concentric cycle training on aerobic and functional capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure. Design: Seventy participants (45 after attrition) with heart failure were randomised 1:1 to eccentric (n = 34) or concentric (n = 36) cycling and 45 completed the intervention (eccentric n = 25; concentric n = 20). Each intervention involved 2-weeks familiarisation and 12-weeks of training, performed at matched relative intensity (40–70% of heart rate reserve), twice weekly. Methods: The primary outcome was peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak); secondary outcomes included 6-minute walk distance, 30 …

Emerging Blood-Based Biomarkers For The Detection Of Parenchymal Brain Metastasis: Current Progress And Future Perspectives, Désirée Sexauer, Elin S. Gray, Helen Rizos, Pauline Zaenker, Aaron B. Beasley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Parenchymal brain metastases of solid malignancies remain a significant clinical challenge, as they are often detected at later symptomatic stages, which are typically associated with worse prognosis. Delayed detection limits treatment options and contributes to poor outcomes, while early detection is critical for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. In this comprehensive review, we investigated the potential use and challenges of blood-based biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, noncoding RNAs, extracellular vesicles, proteins, and other immune-related biomarkers, for the early detection of parenchymal brain metastasis. The use of blood-based liquid biopsies offers a promising avenue for early detection …

Joint Cancer Nurses Society Of Australia–Clinical Oncology Society Of Australia Position Statement On The Contribution Of Nurses To Cancer Survivorship Care In Australia, Raymond J. Chan, Gemma Mcerlean, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Carla Thamm, Carmel O'Kane, Nicolas H. Hart, Gillian Blanchard, Anne Mellon, Justin Hargreaves, Mei Krishnasamy, Michael Jefford

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To describe the development, consultation, and endorsement process for a joint position statement from the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) and the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) regarding the contribution of nurses to cancer survivorship care in Australia. Methods: A development team of nursing and oncology experts (n = 11) was convened in September 2025. The draft position statement was informed by key literature, including the COSA Model of Survivorship Care, Australian Cancer Plan, a modified Delphi study defining nurse capabilities in survivorship care, and an overview of systematic reviews on nurse-led care models. A consultation survey …

Machine Learning Derived Abdominal Aortic Calcification Is Associated With Physical Frailty In Community-Dwelling Adults: The Uk Biobank Imaging Study, Abadi K. Gebre, Marion Mundt, Elsa Dent, James Webster, Afsah Saleem, Syed Zulqarnain Gilani, Yuandan Zhang, Cassandra Smith, Parminder Raina, John P. Kemp, William D. Leslie, John T. Schousboe, Nicholas C. Harvey, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) is often present in frail individuals. However, it remains unclear whether subclinical CVD, e.g., abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), is associated with frailty. This study investigated the cross-sectional relationship between AAC scored using a validated machine learning model (ML-AAC24) and physical frailty. 49,081 participants from the UK Biobank Imaging Study without atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) diagnosis were included. ML-AAC24 extent was categorised as low, moderate and high, based on established severity categories. Physical frailty was based on a modified Fried’s frailty phenotype comprising weak hand grip strength, slow walking speed, weight loss, exhaustion, and physical inactivity. Individuals with …

Negotiating Relationships With Food, The Body, And Physical Activity: Who Is The Healthiest Of Them All?, Valeria Varea, Victoria Evans, Dawn Penney, Eibhlish O'Hara

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Healthy eating and regular exercise are things that many people aspire to, mainly for health reasons. However, these practices can be complex given broader societal discourses. This paper aims to critically interrogate the social conditions and discursive formations that underpin everyday exercisers’ relationships with food, the body, and physical activity by using biopower and biopedagogies as a theoretical approach, and healthism as a set of discourses. Photo elicitation interviews with vignettes were conducted with nine participants who were regular exercisers. We constructed three different scenarios from the interview data and the theoretical approach: 1. Anna: A performance-driven, health compliant, private …

Patients’ And Health Professionals’ Perspectives On Transforming The Burden Of Haemodialysis (Hd) Treatment To An Opportunity: An In-Depth Qualitative Investigation, Haseeba Shouket, Eyal Gringart, Deirdre Drake, Ulrich Steinwandel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Most patients with End Stage Kidney Failure (ESKF) in Pakistan must undergo maintenance haemodialysis (HD) to survive. Session duration and the often lifelong nature of this treatment, along with other factors associated with HD, make it difficult to tolerate. This study took a positive psychological perspective and considered that HD sessions’ duration, which has been a major challenge for HD patients, can be turned to an opportunity for patients’ meaningful engagement. Such meaningful engagement can positively transform Pakistani patients’ experience of HD and extend into their lives outside HD. Twenty-four HD patients and six healthcare professionals were interviewed to explore …

Reduced Physical Activity During Submarine Deployment: Health And Performance Consequences And Feasible Countermeasures—A Narrative Review, Benjamin J.C. Kirk, Georgios Mavropalias, Anthony J. Blazevich, Jodie L. Cochrane Wilkie, Aus Molan, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Submarine environments pose unique challenges to maintaining physical activity due to space constraints, operational demands, and prolonged confinement. This review aims to synthesize existing literature on the health and performance consequences of reduced physical activity in submarine personnel and to examine feasible strategies to mitigate these effects during deployment. Methods: A narrative overview methodology was adopted, with peer-reviewed studies identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Articles examining physical activity patterns, health outcomes, and exercise or movement-based interventions in submarine environments and comparable confined operational settings were included. Results: Submarine deployments are consistently associated with reduced physical activity, low …

The Basis For Recommending The Selection Of Samplers In Determining Occupational Exposures To Aerosols, Martin Harper, Pieter Bertier, Marcus Cattani, Karen Galea, Darrah Sleeth, Steven Verpaele

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Measurements are considered to be the basis of exposure assessments used to determine risks to workers. Inhalation exposure poses the greatest risk for most airborne chemicals, and measurements are based on collecting (sampling) and analyzing air samples. Samplers have been developed for more than 120 years. Each new design has been intended to address flaws perceived in earlier designs. Users are faced with a varied array of samplers from which to choose. Comparisons are difficult to make because tests of sampler performance were not standardized until recently and have not been applied consistently. The existing large body of work does …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 5: Sustainable Food Practices (Version 1.0), Caterina Benati, Bek Clancy, Lorraine Hingston, Rebecca Lindberg, Ros Sambell, Leah Stuart-Douglas, Lennie Barblett, Fiona Champion, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Katie Dix, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Ciara O’Flaherty, Blake Stewart, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Amanda Devine, Audrey Elford, Lochie Clark, Connie N. Ihlein, Helen Alexiou, Henry Tan, Merryn Netting, Stacey Mckenzie, Asha Rojahn

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

ECEC food environments are uniquely positioned to support sustainability by implementing practices that can reduce environmental impacts while creating meaningful opportunities for children to experience and explore the interconnections between people, animals, plants, lands and water through food.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) (Version 2.0) recognises sustainability as an important consideration for children’s learning and development and that educators and children have active roles to play in contributing to more sustainable communities.1 Through the food provided, mealtimes, and food education, ECEC services can provide meaningful opportunities for children to experience and engage with sustainable food practices.

This Sustainable Food …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 4: Staff And Family Engagement (Version 1.0), Kathy Cologon, Leanne Elliston, Lena Harle, Ashton Leach, Courtney Trezona, Lauren Moore, Merryn Netting, Yuna Ribeiro Ferreira Alves, Ros Sambell, Lennie Barblett, Fiona Champion, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Katie Dix, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Ciara O’Flaherty, Blake Stewart, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Sandra Vale, Jill Jill, Amanda Devine, Audrey Elford, Lochie Clark, Connie N. Ihlein, Helen Helen Alexiou, Stacey Mckenzie, Asha Rojahn, Henry Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Engaging with families is a core responsibility of ECEC services and staff. By building positive, personal relationships with families, ECEC staff are able to share concerns or queries about the children in their care in a sensitive way.

One of the more sensitive topics that can come up is food – what they are eating, how much they are eating, their eating behaviours and skills, and everything in between. Through quick conversations at drop-off or via formal communication platforms, services can share a range of information about a child’s eating patterns and behaviours, and also gather information from families to …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 3: Food Education (Version 1.0), Stacey Mckenzie, Asha Rojahn, Leanne Elliston, Debbie Jordan, Sandra Murphy, Merryn Netting, Henry Tan, Danielle Waterson, Lennie Barblett, Fiona Champion, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Katie Dix, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Ciara O’Flaherty, Ros Sambell, Blake Stewart, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Amanda Devine, Audrey Elford, Lochie Clark, Connie N. Ihlein, Helen Alexiou

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food education (FE) in early learning settings is more than cooking – it is an opportunity to experience food in ways that include cooking but go far beyond. Food education gives children the opportunity for exploration, experimentation, learning, teamwork, skill building and much more. At the same time, services must balance safety, regulatory requirements, diverse developmental and cultural needs, family expectations and practical constraints such as time and staffing.

The FE module has been developed to support Early Childhood Education and Care settings (ECEC), for children from birth to 5 years, to create food experiences that are safe, engaging, inclusive …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 2: Menu And Meal Quality (Version 1.0), Caterina Benati, Bek Clancy, Leanne Elliston, Lorraine Hingston, Penny Love, Tamia Matthews, Merryn Netting, Ros Sambell, Erin Wild, Lennie Barblett, Fiona Champion, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Katie Dix, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Ciara O’Flaherty, Blake Stewart, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Amanda Devine, Audrey Elford, Lochie Clark, Connie N. Ihlein, Helen Alexiou, Stacey Mckenzie, Asha Rojahn, Henry Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Menu and meal quality is central to the role early learning settings play in children’s growth, development and wellbeing. The food provided across the day shapes children’s nutrient intake, their developing relationship with food, and the eating patterns they carry into later life. At the same time, services must balance nutritional quality with food safety, food allergen management and dietary needs, cultural diversity, family expectations, and practical constraints such as budgets, time and access to supplies.

This Menu and Meal Quality (MMQ) module aims to:

• Support ECEC services to provide menus and meals that align with the Australian Dietary Guidelines …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 1: Mealtime Environment And Practices (Version 1.0), Rebecca Byrne, Laine Chilman, Judith Howard, Eloise Litterbach, Merryn Netting, Ros Sambell, Sally Whitaker, Lennie Barblett, Fiona Champion, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Shae Haylen, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Jodie Mcgough, Ciara O’Flaherty, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Amanda Devine, Audrey Elford, Lochie Clark, Connie N. Ihlein, Stacey Mckenzie, Gabrielle Orr, Asha Rojahn, Hilary Smith, Henry Tan, Helen Alexiou

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mealtimes in early learning settings are more than a routine to help children eat. They are important opportunities for connection, learning and development, and for supporting children’s confidence and comfort around food and eating. At the same time, services must balance safety, regulatory requirements, diverse developmental and cultural needs, family expectations and practical constraints such as time and staffing.

The Mealtime Environment and Practices (MEP) module has been developed to support Early Childhood Education and Care settings (ECEC), for children from birth to 5 years, to create mealtimes that are safe, calm, inclusive and responsive to each child, while reflecting …