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Introduction: Alcohol use is common in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We examined the impact of alcohol use on direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy outcome and the clinical course of liver disease and 2‐year survival for patients receiving HCV DAA therapy. Methods: Adults (n = 2624) recruited from 26 Australian hospital liver clinics during 2016–2021 were followed up for 2 years. Risky alcohol use was defined by a combination of self‐report (≥40 g/day of ethanol), physician‐reported history of problematic alcohol use, and anti‐craving medication prescription via population‐based database linkage. We examined factors associated with advanced liver fibrosis and survival using multivariable logistic and Cox regression. Results: Among 1634 patients (62.3%) with risky alcohol use, 24.6% reported consuming ≥40 g/day of alcohol, 98.3% physician‐reported problematic alcohol use; only 4.1% were dispensed naltrexone/acamprosate. One hundred and forty‐three patients with cirrhosis reported ≥40 g/day of alcohol, 6 (4.3%) were prescribed naltrexone/acamprosate. Risky alcohol use was associated with advanced fibrosis (adjusted‐odds ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.32–2.17) and patients were over‐represented for cirrhosis (45.1% vs. 25.6% in no‐risky alcohol use [p < 0.001]) and hepatocellular carcinoma (5.7% vs. 2.5% [p < 0.001]). Sustained viral response (p = 0.319) and 2‐year survival (adjusted‐hazard ratio 1.98, 95% confidence interval 0.84–4.63) after DAA therapy were not associated with risky alcohol use. Discussion and Conclusions: Risky alcohol use in HCV patients was prevalent, but did not reduce HCV cure. Treatment for alcohol dependence was low. Risky alcohol use may be under‐recognised in liver clinics. Better integration of addiction medicine into liver services and increased resourcing and addiction medicine training opportunities for hepatologists may help address this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver disease is an important contributor to the mortality gap between First Nations Peoples and non-Indigenous Australian adults. Despite a high burden of metabolic comorbidities among First Nations Peoples, data about the epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in this population is scarce. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all adults hospitalized with MASLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with/without cirrhosis during 2007–2019 in the state of Queensland was performed. Patients were followed from the first admission with MASLD/MASH (identified based on validated algorithms) to decompensated cirrhosis and overall mortality. We explored differences according to Indigenous status using Multivariable Cox regression. Findings: 439 First Nations Peoples and 7,547 non-Indigenous Australians were followed for a median of 4.6 years (interquartile range 2.7–7.2). Overall, women were overrepresented, but more so in the First Nations cohort (72.7% vs. 57.0%, p < 0.001). First Nations patients were younger, a higher proportion lived in remote and socioeconomic disadvantaged areas, and had higher comorbidity compared to non-Indigenous Australians (all p < 0.001). Diabetes, the most common comorbidity affecting both groups, was overrepresented in First Nations Peoples versus non-Indigenous Australians (43.5% vs. 30.8%, p < 0.001, respectively). Nineteen (4.3%) First Nations Peoples and 332 (4.4%) of non-Indigenous patients progressed to cirrhosis decompensation (9.0% [95%CI 4.5–17.7] vs. 7.7% [95%CI 6.6–8.9; p = 0.956] respectively within 10 years). In multivariable analysis, there was no association between Indigenous status and progression to decompensated cirrhosis (p = 0.759) and survival (p = 0.437). Conclusions: This study provides the first population-based epidemiological data on MASLD in First Nations Australians. The high prevalence of diabetes (that is associated with advanced fibrosis and liver disease mortality) among young First Nations Peoples with MASLD raises concern about future risk of progressive liver disease in this patient population. These data highlight the importance of early identification of MASLD, and providing culturally appropriate intervention to reduce disease progression in parallel with the management of cardiometabolic comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapies for hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) lead to excellent rates of sustained virological response (SVR). However, loss to follow‐up (LTFU) for SVR testing remains a challenge. We examine factors associated with LTFU in a real‐world setting. Methods: Adults who received DAA therapy for HCV in one of 26 centers across Australia during 2016–2021 were followed up for 2 years. Data sources included the patient medical records and the national Pharmaceutical and Medicare Benefits Schemes. Linkage to Medicare provided utilization data of other health‐care providers and re‐treatment with DAAs. LTFU was defined as no clinic attendance for SVR testing by at least 52 weeks after DAA treatment commencement. Multivariable logistic regression assessed factors associated with LTFU. Results: In 3619 patients included in the study (mean age 52.0 years; SD = 10.5), 33.6% had cirrhosis (69.4% Child–Pugh class B/C), and 19.3% had HCV treatment prior to the DAA era. Five hundred and fifteen patients (14.2%) were LTFU. HCV treatment initiation in 2017 or later (adj‐OR = 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25–3.54), younger age (adj‐OR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.80–3.84), Indigenous identification (adj‐OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.23–3.21), current injection drug use or opioid replacement therapy (adj‐OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.25–2.20), depression treatment (adj‐OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.17–1.90), and male gender (adj‐OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.04–1.66) were associated with LTFU. Conclusions: These findings stress the importance of strengthening the network of providers caring for patients with HCV. In particular, services targeting vulnerable groups of patients such as First Nations Peoples, youth health, and those with addiction and mental health disorders should be equipped to treat HCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: In 2016, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for hepatitis C (HCV) became available through Australia's universal health care system, with the aim of HCV elimination. We report real-world effectiveness of DAA HCV treatment in Australia from a clinically well-informed cohort, enriched for cirrhosis and prior HCV treatment. Methods: 3413 patients were recruited from 26 hospital liver clinics across Australia from February 2016 to June 2020. Clinical history and sustained viral response (SVR) were obtained from medical records and data linkage to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Factors associated with SVR were assessed by multivariable logistic regression (MVR). Results: At recruitment, 32.2% had cirrhosis (72.9% Child Pugh class B/C), and 19.9% were treatment experienced. Of the 2,939 with data, 93.3% confirmed SVR. 137 patients received second-line therapy. Patients with cirrhosis had lower SVR rate (88.4 vs. 95.8%; p < 0.001). On MVR, failure to achieve SVR was associated with Genotype 3 (adj-OR = 0.42, 95%CI 0.29–0.61), male gender (adj-OR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.31–0.77), fair/poor adherence (adj-OR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.28–0.94), cirrhosis (adj-OR = 0.57, 95%CI 0.36–0.88), FIB-4 > 3.25 (adj-OR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.33–0.83) and MELD score ≥ 20 (adj-OR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.08–0.80). Consistent results were seen in cirrhotic sub-analysis. Conclusions: Excellent SVR rates were achieved with DAAs in this real-world cohort of patients with chronic HCV infection. More advanced liver disease and clinician impression of poor adherence were associated with HCV treatment failure. Supports to improve liver fibrosis assessment skills for non-specialist DAA prescribers in the community and to optimize patient adherence are likely to enable more effective pursuit of HCV elimination in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the epidemiology and health literacy of people affected by viral hepatitis (VH) from migrant culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds attending a community-based general practitioner and specialty hepatology shared-care (HEPREACH) clinic in Brisbane, Australia. Patient-reported data on health literacy and clinical information from adult patients (n = 66) of CALD background recruited from the liver clinic were analyzed. Health literacy was assessed using a 5-question, 12-point scale. Variance weighted multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge about VH. About three-quarters of patients (74.2%) were diagnosed with hepatitis B. The median knowledge score was 7.8 (interquartile range [IQR] 6‒9). One in five patients did not understand the infective nature of VH, 30.3% did not understand mother-to-child transmission risk, and 30–40% of patients thought activities such as kissing, sharing food or mosquito bites could spread VH. Only 6% of patients understood the risk of liver cancer and the need for regular screening. Higher educational level (secondary, β = 4.8, p < 0.0001 or tertiary, β = 8.1, p < 0.0001 vs. primary) was associated with better knowledge, and transition through a refugee camp (vs. not, β = − 1.2, p = 0.028) and country of diagnosis (overseas vs. Australia, β = − 1.9, p = 0.016) were associated with poorer knowledge. Country of origin, refugee status and opportunities for tertiary education impact patients' understanding of VH. Ensuring delivery of culturally appropriate care and education is critical to improve knowledge, reduce misconceptions to improve care and outcomes for VH in CALD migrant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of Australia's hepatitis B virus (HBV) burden is borne by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations, and antiviral treatment is the mainstay of intervention. Using modelling, we estimated the impact of targeted antiviral treatment scale-up and changes in migration on HBV-related mortality and HBV elimination in CALD populations in Australia. We fitted a deterministic mathematical model based on the natural history of HBV and the Australian migration effect in four CALD population groups according to country of birth. We used three antiviral treatment scale-up scenarios: baseline (9.3% coverage); intermediate (coverage of 80% of patients eligible for antiviral therapy by 2030); and optimistic (coverage of 20% of all patients living with HBV by 2022). Our model predicted that if the baseline treatment is followed between 2015 and 2030, the number of chronic HBV cases and HBV- related mortality will increase. Following the optimistic scale-up, the number of new HBV cases could be reduced by 78%, 73%, 74% and 83% in people born in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Americas, respectively, between 2015 and 2030. An optimistic treatment scale-up could result in a 19.2%-24.5% reduction in HBV-related mortality and a 15%-25% reduction in HCC-related mortality in CALD populations between 2015 and 2030. In conclusion, our findings highlight that targeted antiviral treatment for CALD populations provides significant health system benefits by reducing HBV- related complications from cirrhosis and HCC. Expanded antiviral treatment programmes focusing on high- prevalence CALD populations may be an effective strategy to reduce HBV-related morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimal management of cirrhosis is complex, and patients often lack knowledge and skills, which can affect self-management. We assessed patient knowledge about cirrhosis and examined whether knowledge was associated with clinical outcomes, healthcare service use, and healthcare costs. A cross-sectional 'knowledge survey' was conducted during 2018-2020. We assessed patient knowledge about cirrhosis and explore whether knowledge was associated with clinical outcomes, healthcare service use, and costs.Methods: Patients with cirrhosis (n = 123) completed a 'knowledge survey'. We calculated the proportion of correct answers to eight questions deemed to be "key knowledge" about cirrhosis by an expert panel, and dichotomized patients as 'good knowledge'/'poor knowledge'. Clinical data, healthcare costs, and health-related quality of life (SF-36) were available.Results: 58.5% of patients had 'good knowledge' about cirrhosis. Higher education level was associated with higher odds of having 'good knowledge' about cirrhosis (adjusted-OR = 5.55, 95%CI 2.40-12.84). Compared to patients with 'poor knowledge', those with 'good knowledge' had a higher health status in the SF-36 physical functioning domain (p = 0.011), fewer cirrhosis-related admissions (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.59, 95%CI 0.35-0.99) and emergency presentations (adj-IRR = 0.34, 95%CI 0.16-0.72), and more planned 1-day cirrhosis admissions (adj-IRR = 3.96, 95%CI 1.46-10.74). The total cost of cirrhosis admissions was lower for patients with 'good knowledge' (adj-IRR = 0.30, 95%CI 0.29-0.30).Conclusion: Poor disease knowledge is associated with increased use and total cost of healthcare services. Targeted educational interventions to improve patient knowledge may be an effective strategy to promote a more cost-effective use of healthcare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer‐related mortality for both Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians, and the death rate of lung cancer in Indigenous Australians is increasing. Aims: To provide a comprehensive description of patterns of lung cancer presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes in Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians in the Top End of the Northern Territory. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adult patients with a new diagnosis of lung cancer in the Top End between January 2010 and December 2014. Unadjusted survival probabilities by indigenous status were calculated. The primary end‐point was all‐cause mortality. Results: Despite receiving similar diagnostic procedures and treatment, Indigenous Australians with lung cancer have poorer 1‐ and 5‐year survival (25.0% and 9.4% respectively), when compared to non‐Indigenous Australians included in the study (42.0% and 16.2% respectively). Indigenous lung cancer patients were more likely to be female (51.6% of indigenous patients were female, compared to 30.5% non‐indigenous), be current smokers (61.3% vs 36.9%), have more comorbidities (73.6% vs 52.7%, 24.2% vs 5.3% and 30.8% vs 14.2% for respiratory disease, renal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus respectively), and live in more socio‐economically disadvantaged (66.7% vs 14.2%) and very remote areas (66.1% vs 6.8%). They were also more likely to die at home, compared to their non‐indigenous counterparts (64.3% vs 26.7%). Conclusions: Indigenous patients from the Top End diagnosed with lung cancer were more likely to have poorer survival outcomes when compared to non‐indigenous people. Potential reasons for the discrepancy in survival need to be addressed urgently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rate of hospital admissions for cirrhosis increased 1.3‐fold during 2008–2016 in Queensland. Alcohol misuse was a contributing factor for cirrhosis in 55% of admissions and 40% of patients had at least one comorbidity. Aims: To examine the temporal change in aetiology of liver disease and presence of comorbidity in patients admitted with cirrhosis. Methods: Population‐based retrospective cohort study of all people treated in hospital for cirrhosis (10 254 patients) in Queensland during 2008–2016. Data were sourced from Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection. Results: The commonest aetiology was alcohol (49.5%), followed by cryptogenic (unspecified cirrhosis; 28.5%), hepatitis C virus (19.3%), non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (4.8%) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) (4.3%). The prevalence of alcohol‐related (P = 0.41) and hepatitis C virus (P = 0.08) remained stable between 2008–2010 and 2014–2016, that of NAFLD/NASH, cryptogenic and HBV‐cirrhosis increased by 67% (P < 0.00001), 27% (P < 0.00001) and 20% (P = 0.00019), respectively; 41.1% of patients had at least one comorbidity. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes nearly doubled (from 13.7% to 25.4%; P < 0.00001) between 2008–2010 and 2014–2016. Conclusions: Alcohol misuse was the most important aetiology. The importance of NAFLD/NASH, cryptogenic and HBV‐cirrhosis and the burden of comorbidity increased during 2008–2016. Ongoing alcohol misuse and the increasing prevalence of NAFLD/NASH, cryptogenic cirrhosis and comorbid type 2 diabetes among admissions for cirrhosis has implications for public health interventions to reduce the burden of unhealthy lifestyle and metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with chronic disease often have poor comprehension of their disease and medications, which can negatively affect health outcomes. In a randomised‐controlled trial, we found that patients with decompensated cirrhosis who received a pharmacist‐led, patient‐oriented education and medication management intervention (n = 57) had greater knowledge of cirrhosis and key self‐care tasks compared with usual care (n = 59). Intervention patients also experienced improved quality of life. Dedicated resources are needed to support implementation of evidence‐based measures at local centres to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We report the development and psychometric testing of a Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC). Methods: The 50-item SNAC was administered to patients (n=465) diagnosed with cirrhosis recruited from five metropolitan hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Items were assessed for ceiling and floor effects, and exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure. Identified factors were assessed for internal consistency and convergent validity to validated psychosocial tools. Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified 4 factors (39 items), which together accounted for 49.2% of the total variance. The 39-item SNAC met the requirements of a needs assessment tool and identified a range of needs important to patients with cirrhosis that were grouped in four subscales: "Psychosocial issues", "Practical and physical needs", "Information needs", and "Lifestyle changes". Cronbach's alpha values for the four subscales ranged from 0.64 to 0.92. Convergent validity was supported by a strong correlation between the total SNAC score and that of the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ; Spearman rho − 0.68; p< 0.001), and moderate correlations with the Distress Thermometer (Spearman rho 0.53; p< 0.001) and seven subscales of a generic health-related quality of life instrument (Short Form 36; Spearman rho ranged from − 0.48 to − 0.57; p< 0.001). The SNAC discriminated patient groups with respect to sex (p=0.013), age group (p< 0.001), and hospital admission status (admitted vs not; p< 0.001). Conclusion: These data provide initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the SNAC, an instrument designed to measure type and amount of perceived unmet practical and psychological needs of people diagnosed with cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indigenous Australians experience greater health disadvantage and have a higher prevalence of many chronic health conditions. Liver diseases leading to cirrhosis are among the most common contributor to the mortality gap between Indigenous and other Australian adults. However, no comparative data exist assessing differences in presentation and patient outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians hospitalised with cirrhosis. Methods: Using data from the Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection and the Death Registry, this retrospective, population-based, cohort study including all people hospitalised for cirrhosis in the state of Queensland during 2008–2017 examined rate of readmission (Poisson regression), cumulative survival (Kaplan–Meier), and assessed the differences in survival (Multivariable Cox regression) by Indigenous status. Predictor variables included demographic, health service characteristics and clinical data. Results: We studied 779 Indigenous and 10,642 non-Indigenous patients with cirrhosis. A higher proportion of Indigenous patients were younger than 50 years (346 [44%] vs. 2063 [19%] non-Indigenous patients), lived in most disadvantaged areas (395 [51%) vs. 2728 [26%]), had alcohol-related cirrhosis (547 [70%] vs. 5041 [47%]), had ascites (314 [40%] vs. 3555 [33%), and presented to hospital via the Emergency Department (510 [68%] vs. 4790 [47%]). Indigenous patients had 3.04 times the rate of non-cirrhosis readmissions (95%CI 2.98–3.10), 1.35 times the rate of cirrhosis-related readmissions (95%CI 1.29–1.41), and lower overall survival (17% vs. 27%; unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.16 95%CI 1.06–1.27), compared to non-Indigenous patients. Most of the survival deficit was explained by Emergency Department presentation (adj-HR = 1.03 95%CI 0.93–1.13), and alcohol-related aetiology (adj-HR = 1.08 95%CI 0.99–1.19). The remaining survival deficit was influenced by the other clinico-demographic and health service factors (final adj-HR = 1.08 95%CI 0.96–1.20). Conclusions: There was evidence of differential presentation, higher rates of readmissions, and poorer survival for Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis, compared to other Australians. The increased prevalence of Emergency Department presentation among Indigenous patients suggests missed opportunities for early intervention to prevent progressive cirrhosis complications and hospital readmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer care involves many different healthcare providers. Delayed or inaccurate communication between specialists and general practitioners (GP) may negatively affect care. Aim: To describe the pattern and variation of communication between primary healthcare (PHC) services and hospitals and specialists in relation to the patient's cancer care. Methods: A retrospective audit of clinical records of Indigenous Australians diagnosed with cancer during 2010–2016 identified through 10 PHC services in Queensland is described. Poisson regression was used to model the dichotomous outcome availability of hospital discharge summary versus not. Results: A total of 138 patient records was audited; 115 of those patients visited the PHC service for cancer‐related care after cancer diagnosis; 40.0% visited the service before a discharge summary was available, and 36.5% of the patients had no discharge summary in their medical notes. While most discharge summaries noted important information about the patient's cancer, 42.4% lacked details regarding the discharge medications regimen. Conclusions: Deficits in communication and information transfer between specialists and GP may adversely affect patient care. Indigenous Australians are a relatively disadvantaged group that experience poor health outcomes and relatively poor access to care. The low proportion of discharge summaries noting discharge medication regimen is of concern among Indigenous Australians with cancer who have high comorbidity burden and low health literacy. Our findings provide an insight into some of the factors associated with quality of cancer care, and may provide guidance for focus areas for further research and improvement efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The role of general practitioners in cancer care has expanded in recent years. However, little is known about utilization of primary health care (PHC) services by patients with cancer, particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged groups. We describe utilization of PHC services by patients with cancer, and the nature of the care provided. The study focuses on a disadvantaged group in Australia, namely Indigenous Australians.Methods: A retrospective audit of clinical records in ten PHC services in Queensland, Australia. Demographic and clinical data of Indigenous Australians diagnosed with cancer during 2010-2016 were abstracted from patient's medical records at the PHC services. The rates of cancer-related visits were calculated using person years at risk as a denominator.Results: A total of 138 patients' records were audited. During 12 months following the cancer diagnosis, patients visited the PHC service on average 5.95 times per year. Frequency of visits were relatively high in remote areas and among socioeconomic disadvantaged patients (IRR = 1.87, 95%CI 1.61-2.17; IRR = 1.79, 95%CI 1.45-2.21, respectively). Over 80% of visits were for seeking attention for symptoms, wound care, and emotional or social support. Patients who did not undergo surgery, had greater comorbidity, received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and male gender had significantly greater rate of visits than their counterparts.Conclusion: The frequency of utilization of PHC services, especially by patients with comorbidities, and the range of reasons for attendance highlights the important role of PHC services in providing cancer care. The reliance on PHC services, particularly by patients in remote and disadvantaged communities, has important implications for appropriate resourcing and support for services in these locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cirrhosis patients are prescribed multiple medications for their liver disease and comorbidities. Discrepancies between medicines consumed by patients and those documented in the medical record may contribute to patient harm and impair disease management. The aim of the present study was to assess the magnitude and types of discrepancies among patient-reported and medical record-documented medications in patients with cirrhosis, and examine factors associated with such discrepancies.Methods: Fifty patients who attended a hospital hepatology outpatient clinic were interviewed using a questionnaire composed of mixed short-response and multiple-choice questions. Patients' reported medication use was compared with documentation in the hospital medical records and pharmacy database. Medication adherence was assessed using the 8-question ©Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The multivariate logistic regression model was constructed using clinically relevant and/or statistically significant variables as determined by univariate analysis. All p-values were 2-sided (α = 0.05).Results: Twenty-seven patients (54.0 %) had ≥1 discrepancy between reported and documented medicines. Patients with ≥1 discrepancy were older (p = 0.04) and multivariate analysis identified taking ≥5 conventional medicines or having a 'low' or 'medium' adherence ranking as independent predictors of discrepancy (adjusted OR 11.0 (95 % CI 1.8-67.4), 20.7 (95 % CI 1.3-337.7) and 49.0 (95 % CI 3.3-718.5) respectively). Concordance was highest for liver disease medicines (71.9 %) and lowest for complementary and alternative medicines (14.5 %) and respiratory medicines (0 %).Conclusion: There is significant discrepancy between sources of patient medication information within the hepatology clinic. Medication reconciliation and medicines-management intervention may address the complex relationship between medication discrepancies, number of medications and patient adherence identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe parents'/carers' views of the characteristics of a clinical service model shown to improve asthma outcomes. Design A randomised controlled study on education intervention for childhood asthma by Indigenous health care workers. Setting Thursday Island, Horn Island and Bamaga. Participants Thirty-five children received the intervention and 53 were in the control group. At the last study visit 12 months after enrolment, carers were asked to give feedback about the clinical service delivered by paediatric respiratory physicians and the asthma education intervention. Intervention Additional asthma education. Main outcome measures Carers' responses to the open-ended questions were analysed separately by three Indigenous investigators who assigned codes and developed the themes. These were then cross-checked and combined to develop an overall interpretation of the data. Results The carers ( n = 81) of 88 children in the Torres Strait region of North Queensland reported positively to the clinical service delivery. Service was rated as excellent = 26.8%, very good = 51.2%, good = 19.5% and poor = 2.4%. Parents'/carers' views about the clinical service model were grouped into seven themes: clear communication by health professionals, service delivery, professional approach, clear transfer of knowledge and education/clinical knowledge of asthma, established rapport/caregiver satisfaction, importance of coming into the local community, and areas of concern for the carers/parents. Conclusion Community-based perspectives of an effective health service model include empowered Indigenous health care workers currently attached to the medical specialist service with elements of high expertise and appropriate cultural awareness that enabled clear communication and transfer of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: First Nations Peoples of Australia are disproportionally affected by hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Through a prospective study we evaluated the outcome of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy among First Nations Peoples with HCV infection.Methods: Adults who initiated DAA therapy at one of 26 hospitals across Australia, 2016-2019 were included in the study. Clinical data were obtained from medical records and the Pharmaceutical and Medicare Benefits Schemes. Outcomes included sustained virologic response (SVR) and loss to follow-up (LTFU). A multivariable analysis assessed factors associated with LTFU.Results: Compared to non-Indigenous Australians (n = 3206), First Nations Peoples (n = 89) were younger (p < 0.001), morel likely to reside in most disadvantaged (p = 0.002) and in regional/remote areas (p < 0.001), and had similar liver disease severity. Medicines for mental health conditions were most commonly dispensed among First Nations Peoples (55.2% vs. 42.8%; p = 0.022). Of 2910 patients with follow-up data, both groups had high SVR rates (95.3% of First Nations Peoples vs. 93.2% of non-Indigenous patients; p = 0.51) and 'good' adherence (90.0% vs. 86.9%, respectively; p = 0.43). However, 28.1% of First Nations Peoples were LTFU vs. 11.2% of non-Indigenous patients (p < 0.001). Among First Nations Peoples, younger age (adj-OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99) and treatment initiation in 2018-2019 vs. 2016 (adj-OR = 5.14, 95% CI 1.23-21.36) predicted LTFU, while higher fibrosis score was associated with better engagement in HCV care (adj-OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.50-0.99).Conclusions: Our data showed that First Nations Peoples have an equivalent HCV cure rate, but higher rates of LTFU. Better strategies to increase engagement of First Nations Peoples with HCV care are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient navigator programs have evolved to facilitate access to care and improve outcomes for Indigenous cancer patients. We reviewed the scientific literature on patient navigator programs in Indigenous people with cancer. We conducted a review of the published literature up to 13 April 2011. PubMed, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched for original articles on Indigenous patient navigation programs. The review produced eight relevant articles covering two specific programs, the Native Sisters Program and the Walking Forward Program. Program descriptions, patient navigator's roles, cultural aspects and the impact of the programs were described. Patient navigators' roles in the programs varied, as did their qualifications, but importantly, all were Indigenous. Both programs aimed to increase participation in screening, remove barriers to treatment and decrease mortality. The Native Sisters Program documented an increase in adherence to breast screening among navigated American Indian participants, although there were substantial differences in the baseline screening adherence between navigated and non-navigated participants. The Walking Forward Program yielded on average 3 fewer days of treatment delays for navigated American Indians than for non-navigated American Indians. However, adjustments for socioeconomic characteristics and disease characteristics were not described. Although preliminary outcomes are seemingly positive, further rigorous evaluation of quantitative impacts are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To examine the relationship between diet, physical activity, and obesity in Indigenous youths from northern Australia. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, physical activity and dietary intake ("short nutrition questionnaire") were assessed among all youths during a face-to-face interview. For 92 high school youths, additional dietary information was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess associations. Results. Of the 277 youths included, 52% had ⩽2 servings of fruit and 84% had <4 servings of vegetables per day; 65% ate fish and 27%, take-away food ("fast food") at least twice a week. One in four ate local traditional sea food including turtle and dugong (a local sea mammal) at least twice a week. Overweight/obese youths engaged in fewer days of physical activity in the previous week than normal weight youths (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.43-4.40), though patterns of physical activity differed by sex and age (P < 0.001). Overweight/obese youths were 1.89 times (95% CI 1.07-3.35) more likely to eat dugong regularly than nonobese youths. Analysis of food-frequency data showed no difference by weight assessment among high-school students. Conclusions. Low fruit and vegetable intake were identified in these Indigenous youths. Regular consumption of fried dugong and low frequency of physical activity were associated with overweight/obesity reinforcing the need to devise culturally appropriate health promotion strategies and interventions for Indigenous youths aimed at improving their diet and increasing their physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrepancies between the medicines consumed by patients and those documented in the medical record can affect medication safety. We aimed to characterize medication discrepancies and medication regimen complexity over time in a cohort of outpatients with decompensated cirrhosis, and evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led intervention on discrepancies and patient outcomes. In a randomized-controlled trial (n = 57 intervention and n = 57 usual care participants), medication reconciliation and patient-oriented education delivered over a six-month period was associated with a 45% reduction in the incidence rate of 'high' risk discrepancies (IRR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.31–0.96) compared to usual care. For each additional 'high' risk discrepancy at baseline, the odds of having ≥ 1 unplanned medication-related admission during a 12-month follow-up period increased by 25% (adj-OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.97–1.63) independently of the Child–Pugh score and a history of variceal bleeding. Among participants with complete follow-up, intervention patients were 3-fold less likely to have an unplanned medication-related admission (adj-OR = 0.27, 95%CI = 0.07–0.97) compared to usual care. There was no association between medication discrepancies and mortality. Medication regimen complexity, frequent changes to the regimen and hepatic encephalopathy were associated with discrepancies. Medication reconciliation may improve medication safety by facilitating communication between patients and clinicians about 'current' therapies and identifying potentially inappropriate medicines that may lead to harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: To (i) determine if the prevalence of asthma has altered in two previously studied communities and (ii) obtain baseline measures in two further communities in the Torres Strait region, Australia. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study of school-aged children was conducted. Five schools in four communities were selected: 361 children aged 5–17 years participated. The study used the same epidemiological tool that had been utilized to measure asthma prevalence (locally adapted International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood questionnaire). Results: The overall response rate was 30%; response rates in individual communities ranged from 23% to 100%. The prevalence of self-reported wheezing in the last 12 months decreased from 10.7% to 6.6% ( P = 0.109) on Thursday Island and from 3.1% to zero ( P = 0.358) on Warraber Island. The percentage of children with asthma symptoms was lower in this current study but changes were not statistically significant. Overall self-reported prevalence of ever wheezing was 12.5%; 5.4% reported wheezing in the previous 12 months, 5.9% reported wheezing after exercise and 12.2% reported ever having asthma. There was considerable inter-community variation in the prevalence of symptoms. Conclusions: Asthma prevalence in school-aged children living in the Torres Strait region remains high but, as in mainstream Australian children, the prevalence is stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Indigenous Australians do not have the high standard of health that Australians in general have, and have worse outcomes for several diseases such as cancer. However, few comparative data exist to prove this disparity. We assessed differences in disease stage at cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival between these two populations in Queensland. Methods Indigenous people diagnosed with cancer between 1997 and 2002 were identified through the cancer registry and compared with randomly selected non-Indigenous patients who were frequency-matched for age, sex, place of residence, cancer site, and year of diagnosis. We obtained details of treatment from hospital medical records. We restricted analyses to patients treated in the public sector, since less than 5% of Indigenous cases were treated privately. We used multivariate models, mainly Cox regression analyses, to assess differences. Findings We studied 815 Indigenous and 810 non-Indigenous cancer patients. Stage at diagnosis differed significantly (p=0·007): 47% of Indigenous versus 53% of non-Indigenous patients had localised cancer, 22% versus 21% had distant metastases, and 12% versus 7% had no information on stage in the medical chart examined. Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus or chronic renal disease were more common in Indigenous patients. These individuals were less likely to have had treatment for cancer (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), and waited longer for surgery (hazard ratio=0·84, 95% CI 0·72-0·97) than non-Indigenous patients. After adjustment for stage at diagnosis, treatment, and comorbidities, non-Indigenous patients had better survival than Indigenous ones (hazard ratio=1·3, 95% CI 1·1-1·5). Interpretation Non-Indigenous cancer patients survive longer than Indigenous ones, even after adjustment for stage at diagnosis, cancer treatment, and greater comorbidity in Indigenous cases. We believe that better understanding of cultural differences in attitudes to cancer and its treatment could translate into meaningful public-health and clinical interventions to improve cancer survival in Indigenous Australians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Ewing''s sarcoma family of tumours has been associated with a history of hernia and with a parental occupation of farming. However, the causes of these tumours remain unknown. We therefore aimed to investigate the association between hernia and Ewing''s sarcoma family of tumours. Methods: We did a pooled analysis of two case-control studies and a meta-analysis of three case-control studies of Ewing''s sarcoma family of tumours that had adequate information on history of hernia. The primary endpoint was development of a tumour from the Ewing''s sarcoma family. 138 patients with such a tumour and 574 controls were included in the pooled analysis, and 357 patients with these tumours and 745 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Risk was assessed by an odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI by use of multivariate analysis with unconditional logistic regression for the pooled analysis and random effects model for the meta-analysis. Findings: Pooled analysis showed that children with Ewing''s sarcoma family of tumours were more likely to have had an umbilical hernia than were controls (odds ratio [OR] 3·3 [95% CI 1·3–8·0]). Meta-analysis showed that children with Ewing''s sarcoma family of tumours were more likely to have had a hernia (3·2 [1·9–5·7]). Interpretation: Ewing''s sarcoma family of tumours and hernias (particularly inguinal hernias) have common embryological pathways of neuroectodermal origin, and environmental factors, such as farming, might link the two entities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Objective: Although the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire has been used in many countries and has been validated previously, it has not been used in Australian Indigenous communities. We endeavoured to assess its performance when administered in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we assessed the ISAAC''s questionnaire when administered face-to-face in Indigenous communities in the Torres Strait region, Australia.Results: Comparing responses to the questionnaire with clinical assessment of 260 Indigenous children by a pediatric respiratory physician, sensitivity (87%) was high, but specificity (51%) and positive predictive value (33%) were low. Using a logistic regression model, we determined which questions were most useful in predicting a clinical diagnosis of asthma. Using a predictive equation, asthma was detected with 79% sensitivity and 77% specificity, and the calculated weighted estimate of asthma prevalence in the region was 16.3%.Conclusion: Our findings reveal that although the ISAAC questionnaire is a reasonably sensitive tool for both epidemiologic and clinical studies of asthma in Indigenous communities, its value is enhanced when used in conjunction with a predictive model. We have also shown that asthma is prevalent in the Torres Strait region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Although clinical guidelines endorse screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with advanced fibrosis in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the feasibility of and barriers and considerations relevant to implementing this approach in the community remain unclear. Methods: Sequential adults with T2D attending selected community clinics during 2021– 2023 were invited to receive a "liver health check" (n=543). A further 95 participants were referred directly from their general practitioner (GP) or self-referred to the study. A total of 302 participants underwent a point of care assessment of hepatic steatosis and stiffness (FibroScan) and were advised to see their GP to discuss the results. "Template" letters containing key results, their interpretation and advice about management of cardiometabolic risk, patient follow-up and referral criteria, were sent to participants' GPs. Results: Referral to a tertiary liver clinic was advised in GP letters for 45 (15%) participants with an increased risk of clinically significant fibrosis (liver stiffness measurement ≥ 8), 15 participants with 'red flags' (eg splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia) and 2 with unsuccessful FibroScan examinations. A referral from GPs to the liver clinic was received for 27 (44%) of these 62 participants. Approximately 90% of GPs rated the "template" letters favourably on a Likert rating scale. Conclusion: The low rate of participation in the "liver health check" and liver clinic referral reflects a real-world scenario and may stem from societal under-recognition and engagement with MASLD, competing health priorities or under-appreciation of the link between liver fibrosis severity and mortality risk. Further studies need to address strategies to enhance participation in liver health assessments and determine their impact on liver-related morbidity/mortality and overall survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Many patients with cirrhosis follow complex medication and dietary regimens, and those with decompensated cirrhosis suffer debilitating complications. These factors impact activities of daily living and quality of life. Aims To explore the concerns and challenges of people with cirrhosis and their use of support services and to also describe health professionals' ( HP) perspectives of patients' concerns. Methods This is a cross-sectional study at a tertiary liver clinic involving 50 patients and 54 HP. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. The study includes patients' report of their challenges/problems now that they have cirrhosis ('patient-volunteered concerns') and HP' report of patients' concerns. Both also ranked a list of 10 potential concerns. Results Patients were, on average, 58 years old ( SD = 10.2), mostly male (78%), Caucasian (86%) and with compensated cirrhosis (60%). The patients' most common volunteered concerns related to managing symptoms, emotional issues and disease. Most ranked 'developing liver cancer' (79%), 'losing ability to do daily tasks for yourself' (76%), 'fear of dying' (64%) and 'fear of the unknown' (64%) as priority concerns. Regarding the use of support services, 24% of patients had accessed a dietician, 20% a pharmacist and 18% a psychologist. From the HP' perspective, the patients' most significant challenges related to managing disease (65%) and symptoms (48%), access to healthcare (56%) and information/knowledge (48%). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that cirrhosis (its symptoms, complications and treatment) is associated with significant concerns for patients. The discrepancies between the views of HP and patients suggest that we may not be measuring or addressing patients' needs appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Australia, the overall prevalence of liver disease is increasing. Maximising uptake of community screening programmes by understanding patient preferences is integral to developing consumer-centred care models for liver disease. Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are widely used to elicit preferences for various healthcare services. Attribute development is a vital component of a well-designed DCE and should be described in sufficient detail for others to assess the validity of outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to create a list of potential attributes and levels which can be used in a DCE study to elicit preferences for chronic liver disease screening programmes. Methods: Key attributes were developed through a multi-stage, mixed methods design. Focus groups were held with consumers and health care providers on attributes of community screening programmes for liver disease. Stakeholders then prioritised attributes generated from the focus group in order of importance via an online prioritisation survey. The outcomes of the prioritisation exercise were then reviewed and refined by an expert panel to ensure clinically meaningful levels and relevance for a DCE survey. Results: Fifteen attributes were generated during the focus group sessions deemed necessary to design liver disease screening services. Outcomes of the prioritisation exercise and expert panel stages recognised five attributes, with three levels each, for inclusion in a DCE survey to elicit consumer preferences for community screening for liver disease. This study also highlights broader social issues such as the stigma around liver disease that require careful consideration by policy makers when designing or implementing a liver screening programme. Conclusions: The attributes and levels identified will inform future DCE surveys to understand consumer preferences for community screening programmes for liver disease. In addition, the outcomes will help inform the implementation of the LOCATE-NAFLD programme in real-world practice, and could be relevant for other liver and non-liver related chronic disease screening programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the impact of comorbidity on cervical cancer survival in Australian women, including whether Indigenous women’s higher prevalence of comorbidity contributes to their lower survival compared to non-Indigenous women. Methods: Data for cervical cancers diagnosed in 2003–2012 were extracted from six Australian state-based cancer registries and linked to hospital inpatient records to identify comorbidity diagnoses. Five-year cause-specific and all-cause survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Flexible parametric models were used to estimate excess cause-specific mortality by Charlson comorbidity index score (0,1,2+), for Indigenous women compared to non-Indigenous women. Results: Of 4,467 women, Indigenous women (4.4%) compared to non-Indigenous women had more comorbidity at diagnosis (score ≥1: 24.2% vs. 10.0%) and lower five-year cause-specific survival (60.2% vs. 76.6%). Comorbidity was associated with increased cervical cancer mortality for non-Indigenous women, but there was no evidence of such a relationship for Indigenous women. There was an 18% reduction in the Indigenous: non-Indigenous hazard ratio (excess mortality) when comorbidity was included in the model, yet this reduction was not statistically significant. The excess mortality for Indigenous women was only evident among those without comorbidity (Indigenous: non-Indigenous HR 2.5, 95%CI 1.9–3.4), indicating that factors other than those measured in this study are contributing to the differential. In a subgroup of New South Wales women, comorbidity was associated with advanced-stage cancer, which in turn was associated with elevated cervical cancer mortality. Conclusions: Survival was lowest for women with comorbidity. However, there wasn’t a clear comorbidity-survival gradient for Indigenous women. Further investigation of potential drivers of the cervical cancer survival differentials is warranted. Impact: The results highlight the need for cancer care guidelines and multidisciplinary care that can meet the needs of complex patients. Also, primary and acute care services may need to pay more attention to Indigenous Australian women who may not obviously need it (i.e. those without comorbidity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although the cancer burden in indigenous children has been reported in some countries, up to now, no international comparison has been made. We therefore aimed to assess the available evidence of the burden of childhood cancer in indigenous populations. We did a systematic review of reports on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival in indigenous children worldwide. Our findings highlight the paucity of accessible information and advocate the pressing need for data by indigenous status in countries where population-based cancer registries are established. The true extent of disparities between the burden in the indigenous community needs to be measured so that targeted programmes for cancer control can be planned and implemented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To explore the care experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians diagnosed with cirrhosis with a focus on support needed. Background: Cirrhosis disproportionately affects Indigenous Australians, and liver diseases contribute to the mortality gap between Indigenous and other Australian adults. Design: A qualitative study. Methods: Using yarning methods, Indigenous patients (n = 13) and support persons (n = 3) were interviewed by an Aboriginal researcher during April‐July, 2020. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes using an inductive approach. Results: Six themes emerged. (1) Experience of diagnosis. This theme included stories of delays in the system, self‐awareness of signs and symptoms and relief of being diagnosed. (2) 'Shame, shame, shame'. Experiences of prejudices and discrimination from health professionals, the lack of understanding of cirrhosis among health professionals, and stories about alcohol cessation and counselling around alcohol cessation. (3) Health literacy. Participants' understanding of cirrhosis was variable. While the importance of knowledge was recognised, 'what works for someone might not work for others'. Several patients partnered with their support persons and clinicians to bridge the health literacy gap. (4) Sources of support included family and friends, transport facilities, health professionals and peers. (5) Positive and negative aspects of communication and patient consultation were discussed. (6) Psychosocial counselling to 'look after the caring side'. The need for more mental health care services was raised. Conclusion: Barriers related to poor health literacy, stigma and lack of practical and emotional support, and issues with communication and patient consultation, may lead to inequitable access to cirrhosis care and treatment for Indigenous Australians. Relevance to clinical practice: Gaining knowledge of the experiences of Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis is important for providing patient‐centred and culturally appropriate care. Liver specialist nurses have an important role in bridging the health literacy gap and in supporting Indigenous patients and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver diseases are important contributors to the mortality gap between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians. Aims: This cohort study examined factors associated with hospital admissions and healthcare outcomes among Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis. Methods: Patient‐reported outcomes were obtained by face‐to‐face interview (Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and Short Form 36 (SF‐36)). Clinical data were extracted from medical records and through data linkage for 534 patients (25 indigenous). Cumulative overall survival (Kaplan–Meier), rates of hospital admissions and emergency presentations, and costs were assessed by indigenous status. Incidence rate ratios (IRR; Poisson regression) were reported. Results: Indigenous Australians admitted to hospital with cirrhosis had lower educational status compared with non‐indigenous patients (79.2% vs 43.4%; P < 0.001). The two groups had, in general, similar clinical characteristics including disease severity (P = 0.78), presence of cirrhosis complications (P = 0.67), comorbidities (P = 0.62), rates of cirrhosis‐related admissions (P = 0.86) and 5‐year survival (P = 0.30). However, indigenous patients had a lower score in the SF‐36 domain related to bodily pain (P = 0.037), more cirrhosis admissions via the emergency department (IRR = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.83) and fewer planned cirrhosis admissions (IRR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.14–0.72). The total cost for cirrhosis‐related hospital admissions for 534 patients over 6 years (July 2012 to June 2018) was A$13.7 million. The cost of cirrhosis‐related hospital admissions was double for indigenous patients (cost ratio = 2.04, 95% CI 2.04–2.05). Conclusions: Our data highlight the disparities in health service use and patient‐reported outcomes, despite having similar clinical profiles. Integration between primary care, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and liver specialists is critical for appropriate health service delivery and effective use of resources. Chronic liver disease costs the community dearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Many people with chronic liver disease (CLD) are not detected until they present to hospital with advanced disease, when opportunities for intervention are reduced and morbidity is high. In order to build capacity and liver expertise in the community, it is important to focus liver healthcare resources in high-prevalence disease areas and specific populations with an identified need. The aim of the present study was to examine the geographic location of people seen in a tertiary hospital hepatology clinic, as well as ethnic and sociodemographic characteristics of these geographic areas. Methods. The geographic locations of hepatology out-patients were identified via the out-patient scheduling database and grouped into statistical area (SA) regions for demographic analysis using data compiled by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Results. During the 3-month study period, 943 individuals from 71 SA Level 3 regions attended clinic. Nine SA Level 3 regions accounted for 55% of the entire patient cohort. Geographic clustering was seen especially for people living with chronic hepatitis B virus. There was a wide spectrum of socioeconomic advantage and disadvantage in areas with high liver disease prevalence. Conclusions. The geographic area from which people living with CLD travel to access liver health care is extensive. However, the greatest demand for tertiary liver disease speciality care is clustered within specific geographic areas. Outreach programs targeted to these areas may enhance liver disease-specific health service resourcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For regional and rural Queenslanders, chronic viral hepatitis treatment is a major unmet health need, with restricted access to specialists outside of tertiary, largely metropolitan hospitals. To increase treatment of chronic viral hepatitis in regional Queensland, a team-based telehealth model was expanded. This expansion embedded an initial nursing consultation prior to specialist telehealth consultation. We conducted a retrospective audit of the introduction and expansion of hepatology telehealth services. Activity from July 2014-June 2015 (pre-expansion) was compared with July 2015- June 2016 (post-expansion). Interviews were conducted with key staff to determine factors contributing to success of the service and identify ongoing challenges to the service model. A greater than four-fold increase in clinical consultation was observed (131 telehealth consultations pre-expansion vs 572 post-expansion; p < 0.001). The failure to attend rate decreased (13.0% vs 6.5%, pre vs post-expansion respectively; p = 0.030), suggesting engagement with the service increased. Staff cited nurse-conducted primary assessment prior to specialist consultation and personalised patient treatment packs as key contributors to increased patient flow and engagement. This expanded team approach appears effective in delivering specialised treatment to an underserved area in regional Central Queensland. It may serve as a model to further expand telehealth management of chronic disease for regional Queenslanders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychosocial, lifestyle and practical needs are not routinely attended to during outpatient hepatology management, and little is known about the type and effectiveness of support services accessed by patients with cirrhosis. We quantified the type and use of community and allied health services in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: The study included 562 Australian adults with a diagnosis of cirrhosis. Health service use was assessed via questionnaire and via linkage to the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule. Patient needs were assessed using the Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC). Results: Although most patients (85.9%) used at least one community/allied health service for support with their liver disease, many reported requiring additional help with psychosocial (67.4%), lifestyle (34.3%) or practical needs (21.9%) that were not met by available services, or patients did not access services. A multidisciplinary care plan or case conference (in the 12 months prior to recruitment) was accessed by 48% of patients, 56.2% reported the use of a general practitioner for support with cirrhosis, and a dietician was the allied health clinician most accessed by patients (45.9%). Despite the high prevalence of psychosocial needs, there was relatively limited use of mental health and social work services (14.1% of patients reported the use of a psychologist), confirmed by a low prevalence of use of mental health services (17.7%) in the linked data. Conclusion: Patients with cirrhosis who have unmet complex physical and psychosocial needs require better strategies to increase their engagement with allied health and community services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Large improvements in childhood cancer survival have been reported over recent decades. Data from cancer registries have the advantage of providing a 'whole of population' approach to gauge the success of cancer control efforts. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate recent survival estimates for children diagnosed with cancer Australia and to examine the extent of changes in survival over the last 35 years. For the first time, we also estimated the number of deaths among Australian children that were potentially avoided due to improvements in survival. Methods: A retrospective, population‐based cohort study design was used. Case information was extracted from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry for 1983–2016, with follow‐up to 31 December 2017. Eligible children were aged 0–14 with a basis of diagnosis other than autopsy or death certificate only. Five‐year relative survival was calculated using the semi‐complete cohort method for three diagnosis periods (1983–1994, 1995–2006 and 2007–2016), and changes in survival over time were assessed via flexible parametric models. Avoided deaths within 5 years for those diagnosed between 1995 and 2016 were estimated under the assumption that survival rates remained the same as for 1983–1994. Results: Overall 5‐year survival within the study cohort (n = 20,871) increased from 72.8% between 1983 and1994 to 86.1% between 2007 and 2016, equating to an adjusted excess mortality hazard ratio of 1.82 (95% confidence interval 1.67, 1.97). Most cancers showed improvements in survival; other gliomas, hepatoblastoma and osteosarcoma were exceptions. Among children diagnosed between 1995 and 2016, 38.7% of expected deaths within 5 years of diagnosis (n = 1537 of 3970) were avoided due to temporal improvements in survival. Conclusions: Survival for childhood cancer has continued to improve over recent years, thanks mainly to ongoing progress in treatment development combined with improved supportive care. Providing innovative measures of survival, such as avoided deaths, may assist with understanding outcome data produced by cancer registries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following evidence from randomized controlled trials, patients with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis receive long-term azithromycin to reduce acute respiratory exacerbations. However, the period when azithromycin is effective and which patients are likely to most benefit remain unknown. (i) What is the period after its commencement when azithromycin is most effective? and (ii) Which factors may modify azithromycin effects? A secondary analysis was conducted of our previous randomized controlled trial involving 89 indigenous children with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis. Semi-parametric Poisson regression identified the azithromycin efficacy period. Multivariable Poisson regression identified factors that modify azithromycin effect. Azithromycin was associated with fewer exacerbations per child-week during weeks 4 through 96, with the most effective period observed between weeks 17 and 62. Eleven factors were associated with different azithromycin effects; four were significant at the P <.05 level. Compared with their counterparts, higher reduction in exacerbations was observed in children with nasopharyngeal carriage of bacterial pathogens (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.81 [95% CI, 0.57-1.14] vs 0.29 [0.20-0.44]; P <.001); New Zealand children (IRR = 0.73 [0.51-1.03] vs 0.39 [0.28-0.55]; P =.012); and those with higher weight-for-height z scores (interaction IRR = 0.82 [0.67-0.99]; P =.044). Compared with their counterparts, lower reduction was observed in those born preterm (IRR = 0.41 [0.30-0.55] vs 0.74 [0.49-1.10]; P =.012). Regular azithromycin is best used for at least 17 weeks and up to 62 weeks, as these periods provide maximum benefit for indigenous children with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis. Several factors modified azithromycin benefits; however, these traits need confirmation in larger studies before being adopted into clinical practice. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ACTRN12610000383066. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine the association between residential remoteness and stage of cancer at diagnosis, treatment uptake, and survival within the Australian Indigenous population. Design Systematic review and matched retrospective cohort study. Setting Australia. Participants Systematic review: published papers that included a comparison of cancer stage at diagnosis, treatment uptake, mortality and/or survival for Indigenous people across remoteness categories were identified (n = 181). Fifteen papers (13 studies) were included in the review. Original analyses: new analyses were conducted using data from the Queensland Indigenous Cancer Study (QICS) comparing cancer stage at diagnosis, treatment uptake, and survival for Indigenous cancer patients living in rural/remote areas (n = 627, 66%) and urban areas (n = 329, 34%). Main Outcome Measures Systematic review: Papers were included if there were related to stage of disease at diagnosis, treatment, mortality and survival of cancer. Restrictions were not placed on the outcome measures reported (e.g. standardised mortality ratios versus crude mortality rates). Original analyses: Odds ratios (OR, 95%CI) were used to compare stage of disease and treatment uptake between the two remoteness groups. Treatment uptake (treated/not treated) was analysed using logistic regression analysis. Survival was analysed using Cox proportional hazards regression. The final multivariate models included stage of cancer at diagnosis and area-level socioeconomic status (SEIFA). Results Existing evidence of variation in cancer outcomes for Indigenous people in remote compared with metropolitan areas is limited. While no previous studies have reported on differences in cancer stage and treatment uptake by remoteness within the Indigenous population, the available evidence suggests Indigenous cancer patients are less likely to survive their cancer the further they live from urban centres. New analysis of QICS data indicates that Indigenous cancer patients in rural/remote Queensland were less likely to be diagnosed with localised disease and less likely to receive treatment for their cancer compared to their urban counterparts. Conclusion More research is needed to fully understand geographic differentials in cancer outcomes within the Indigenous population. Knowing how geographical location interacts with Indigenous status can help to identify ways of improving cancer outcomes for Indigenous Australians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify points for improvements within the health system where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer patients may experience a lack of continuity in their cancer care. The optimal care pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer (OCP) framework was utilised as a tool in this work. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with health professionals at the primary health care (PHC) and hospital setting. Data were categorised into six steps using the OCP framework. Results: This study identified multiple time‐points in the cancer pathways that could be strengthened to increase the continuity of cancer care for these patients. In addition, the provision of person‐centred care and adequate education tailored to patients' and health professionals' needs can help minimise the likelihood of patients experiencing a lack of continuity in their cancer care. Participants were recruited from an urban hospital (n = 9) and from six Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (n = 17) across geographical locations in Queensland. The provision of culturally competent care, effective communication, coordination and collaboration between services along the cancer pathway from prevention and early diagnosis through to end‐of‐life care were highlighted as important to enhance care continuity for Indigenous Australians. Conclusion: The implementation of recommendations outlined in the OCP framework may help with improving cancer care continuity for Indigenous patients with cancer. Summary: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can sometimes find cancer care pathways complex and difficult to navigate. This study identified points in the cancer pathways that could be strengthened to increase the continuity of cancer care for these patients which could potentially lead to improved outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We explored barriers and facilitators to the implementation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathway for people with diabetes to identify determinants of behaviour surrounding the diagnosis, assessment and management of NAFLD. Methods: Health practitioners (n = 24) recruited from multidisciplinary diabetes clinics in primary care (n = 3) and hospital (n = 1) settings participated in four focus group discussions, and common themes were identified using thematic analysis. Results: Lack of knowledge and access to resources were key factors that underpinned an inconsistent approach by clinicians to NAFLD diagnosis and risk stratification and impacted their confidence to discuss the diagnosis with patients. Participants often prioritised other medical issues above NAFLD due to lack of concern about liver‐related consequences, reluctance to overburden patients with information, lack of time and perceived absence of accessible fibrosis tests. All participants agreed that implementation of a NAFLD pathway would improve patient care and the general practitioners proposed that screening for NAFLD could be incorporated into routine review cycles for type 2 diabetes. A consistent message from participants was that educating patients about their liver disease needs to be implemented in an integrated care pathway. Conclusions: From the perspectives of health practitioners, there is a gap in clinical practice for the implementation of clear, evidence‐based guidelines for NAFLD in people with T2D. By focusing on comorbidity prevention and integrating NAFLD as a diabetes complication to be addressed during established cycles of care, many barriers to implementing a NAFLD pathway in primary care could be overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that evaluated acute respiratory exacerbations (AREs) among indigenous children from two countries who have chronic supperative lung disease (CSLD)/bronchiectasis. Observed for three years were 36 children from Alaska and 57 children from Australia and their medical records reviewed. Conclusions indicated that all children with CSLD/bronchiectasis exhibit AREs but can be prevented with clinical care even when strategies of treatment may be vary as to AREs risk.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging epidemic that affects approximately half of all people with type 2 diabetes. Those with type 2 diabetes are a high-risk NAFLD subgroup because of their increased risk of clinically significant liver-related outcomes from NAFLD which include hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis-related complications and liver disease mortality. They may benefit from early detection of disease as this would allow at risk patients to access hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, emerging drug trials for NAFLD and specialist hepatology care prior to emergence of liver-related complications.Methods: This is a prospective cohort study aimed at incorporating and assessing a community care pathway for liver fibrosis screening into routine care for type 2 diabetes. Patients undergo a point of care assessment of hepatic steatosis and stiffness using FibroScan at the time of the routine diabetes appointment or when attending the clinic for blood tests in preparation for this appointment.Discussion: We propose that implementation of a community-based NAFLD diagnosis, risk-stratification, and referral pathway for people with type 2 diabetes is feasible, will provide earlier, targeted detection of advanced fibrosis, and reduce unnecessary referrals to hepatology outpatients for fibrosis risk assessment. Our study will provide important information about the feasibility of establishing a NAFLD pathway for people with type 2 diabetes in primary care. Ultimately, our findings will help direct spending and resource allocation for NAFLD in a high-risk population. Regular evaluation by stakeholders during implementation will help to create a reliable and sustainable community care pathway and establish a perpetual cycle of learning in primary care.Trial Registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12621000330842 . Registered 23 March 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To determine current rates of childhood cancer mortality at a national level for Australia and to evaluate recent trends. Methods: Using population-based data from the Australian Paediatric Cancer Registry, we calculated cancer-related mortality counts and rates for the 3-year period 2006–2008 and trends between 1998 and 2008 by sex, age group, and cause of death (defined according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancers, third edition). Rates were directly age-standardised to the 2000 World Standard Population, and linear regression was used to determine the magnitude and significance of trends. The standardised mortality ratio for non-cancer deaths among children with cancer was also estimated. Results: A total of 282 children (23 per million per year) died from cancer in Australia between 2006 and 2008. Large decreases were observed in cancer mortality rates over the study period, particularly for boys (−5.5% per year; p <0.001), children aged 10–14 years old (−5.5% per year; p =0.001), and leukaemia patients (−9.4% per year; p <0.001). However, there was no significant change in mortality due to tumours of the central nervous system. Children with cancer were twice as likely to die from non-cancer causes compared to other children (SMR=2.06; p =0.001). Conclusions: While ongoing improvements in childhood cancer mortality in Australia are generally encouraging, of concern is the lack of a corresponding decrease in mortality among children with certain types of tumours of the central nervous system during the past decade. The results also highlight the need for intensive monitoring of childhood cancer patients for other serious diseases that may subsequently arise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Problem: Townsville Cancer Centre provides video-consultation (VC) services to patients in rural/remote regions of North Queensland in order to improve access to specialist cancer care. The experience and responses of indigenous patients using this service have not been studied. Our objective is to assess the level of satisfaction and the responses of Indigenous patients, their families and health workers (HWs) to VC and such teleoncology service. Design: Descriptive study, using semistructured interviews. Setting: Tertiary referral centre (Townsville Cancer Centre) and various rural and remote towns in Queensland. Key measures for improvement: Satisfaction levels of Indigenous patients, their family members and Indigenous HWs with various aspects of the teleoncology service. Lessons learnt: Our evaluation suggests that teleoncology is an acceptable model of care for Indigenous patients, with high levels of satisfaction expressed from patients, families and HWs. Health professionals involved with providing this service need to be adaptive to the needs of individual patients and local communities in order to provide culturally appropriate care. Formal skills training for staff, effective communication between specialist and local HWs, and informed consent procedures are essential to maintain safety of practices. Strategies for change are: Mandatory informed consent procedure for all patients offered with VC., Formalised competency training for staff in skills essential to maintain safe practices in teleoncology., Clear clinical documentation to facilitate improved communication in patient management between medical staff at main centre and distant sites., Further efforts in promotion, education and support for staff to participate in telemedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Understanding and responding to the supportive care needs of people with cirrhosis is essential to quality care. Indigenous Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are overrepresented amongst patients with cirrhosis. This study documented the nature and extent of supportive care needs of Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis, in comparison with non-Indigenous Australians. Patients and Methods: The supportive care needs of adult patients diagnosed with cirrhosis attending public hospitals in Queensland were assessed through the Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC). Patients indicated how much additional help they needed on four subscales: 1. psychosocial issues; 2. practical and physical needs; 3. information needs; and 4. lifestyle changes. We examined the rate of moderate-to-high unmet needs based on Indigenous status (Poisson regression; incidence rate ratio (IRR)). Results: Indigenous (n=20) and non-Indigenous (n=438) patients included in the study had similar sociodemographic and clinical characteristics except for a lower educational level among Indigenous patients (p< 0.01). Most Indigenous patients (85.0%) reported having moderate-to-high unmet needs with at least one item in the SNAC tool. Following adjustment for key sociodemographic and clinical factors, Indigenous patients had a greater rate of moderate-to-high unmet needs overall (IRR=1.5, 95% CI 1.31– 1.72; p< 0.001), and specifically for psychosocial issues (IRR=1.7, 95% CI 1.39– 2.15; p< 0.001), and practical and physical needs subscales (IRR=1.5, 95% CI 1.22– 1.83; p< 0.001), compared to non-Indigenous patients. Conclusion: Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis more frequently had moderate-to-high unmet supportive care needs than non-Indigenous patients. Specific targeting of culturally appropriate supportive care for psychosocial, practical and physical needs may optimize cirrhosis care and improve the quality of life for Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aims Methods Results Conclusion The optimal strategy to support primary care practitioners (PCP) to assess fibrosis severity in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and thereby make appropriate management decisions remains unclear.To examine the feasibility of using a two‐step pathway that combined simple scores (NAFLD Fibrosis Score and Fibrosis‐4 Index) with transient elastography (FibroScan) to streamline NAFLD referrals from a ‘routine’ primary care population to specialist hepatology management clinics (HMC).The two‐step ‘Towards Collaborative Management of NAFLD’ (TCM‐NAFLD) fibrosis risk assessment pathway was implemented at two outer metropolitan primary healthcare practices in Brisbane. Patients aged ≥18 years with a new or established PCP‐diagnosis of NAFLD were eligible for assessment. The pathway triaged patients at ‘high risk’ of clinically significant fibrosis to HMC for specialist review, and ‘low risk’ patients to receive ongoing management and longitudinal follow up in primary care.A total of 162 patient assessments between June 2019 and December 2020 were included. Mean age was 58.7 ± 11.7 years, 30.9% were male, 54.3% had type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glucose, and mean body mass index was 34.2 ± 6.9 kg/m2. A total 122 patients was considered ‘low risk’ for clinically significant fibrosis, two patients had incomplete assessments and 38 (23.5%) were triaged to HMC. Among 31 completed HMC assessments to date, 45.2% were considered to have clinically significant (or more advanced) fibrosis, representing 9.2% of 153 completed assessments.Implementation of the two‐step TCM‐NAFLD pathway streamlined hepatology referrals for NAFLD and may facilitate a more cost‐effective and targeted use of specialist hepatology resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indigenous Australians diagnosed with cancer have substantially higher cancer mortality rates compared with non-Indigenous Australians, yet there is a paucity of information about their end-of-life service utilisation and supportive care needs. Purpose: To describe the service utilisation and supportive care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer at end-of-life. Method: Hospital admission data were linked to self-reported data from a study of Indigenous cancer patients from Queensland, Australia during the last year of their life. Needs were assessed by the Supportive Care Needs Assessment Tool for Indigenous Cancer Patients which measures 26 need items across 4 domains (physical/psychological; hospital care; information/communication; practical/cultural). A descriptive analysis of health service utilisation and unmet needs was conducted. Results: In total, 58 Indigenous cancer patients were included in this analysis. All patients had at least one hospital admission within the last year of their life. Most hospital admissions occurred through emergency (38%) and outpatient (31%) departments and were for acute care (85%). Palliative care represented 14% of admissions and 78% died in hospital. Approximately half (48%) did not report any unmet needs. The most frequently reported moderate-to-high unmet need items were worry about the treatment results (17%), money worries (16%) and anxiety (16%). Conclusions: Utilisation of palliative care services that manage a full range of physical and psychosocial needs was low. Addressing worries about treatment results, finances and generalised anxiety are priorities in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore health professionals' perspectives on communication, continuity and between-service coordination for improving cancer care for Indigenous people in Queensland. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a purposive sample of primary health care (PHC) services in Queensland with Indigenous and non-Indigenous health professionals who had experience caring for Indigenous cancer patients in the PHC and hospital setting. The World Health Organisation integrated people-centred health services framework was used to analyse the interview data. Results: Seventeen health staff from six Aboriginal Community Controlled Services and nine health professionals from one tertiary hospital participated in this study. PHC sites were in urban, regional and rural settings and the hospital was in a major city. Analysis of the data suggests that timely communication and information exchange, collaborative approaches, streamlined processes, flexible care delivery, and patient-centred care and support were crucial in improving the continuity and coordination of care between the PHC service and the treating hospital. Conclusion: Communication, collaboration and care coordination are integral in the provision of quality cancer care for Indigenous Australians. It is recommended that health policy and funding be designed to incorporate these aspects across services and settings as a strategy to improve cancer outcomes for Indigenous people in Queensland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common type of chronic liver disease in Australia and its recent increase mirrors the obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemics. Currently, many patients who present to primary care with abnormal liver function tests or steatosis on liver ultrasound are referred for assessment in secondary care. Due to the large number of patients with NAFLD, this results in long waits for clinical and fibrosis assessment, placing unnecessary burden on the public hospital system.Methods: We will conduct a 1:1 parallel randomised trial to compare two alternative models of care for NAFLD. Participants will be randomised to usual care or the LOCal Assessment and Triage Evaluation (LOCATE) model of care and followed for 1 year. We will recruit patients from the non-neighbouring Sunshine Coast and Metro South Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) in Queensland, Australia. Our primary outcome of interest is time to diagnosis of high-risk NAFLD, based on the number of participants in each arm of the study who receive a diagnosis of clinically significant fibrosis. Two hundred and 34 participants will give us a 95% power to detect a 50% reduction in the primary outcome of time to diagnosis of high-risk disease. We will also conduct an economic evaluation, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the new model of care. We will also evaluate the implementation of the new model of care.Discussion: It is anticipated that the results of this study will provide valuable new information regarding the management of NAFLD in the Australian setting. A relatively simple change to care could result in earlier identification of patients with significant liver disease and lower overall costs for the health system. Results will be directly disseminated to key staff for further distribution to consumers, policy- and decision-makers in the form of evidence briefs, plain language summaries and policy recommendations.Trial Registration: The trial was registered on 30 January, 2020 and can be found via ANZCTR - number ACTRN12620000158965. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]