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Objective: Living in regional/rural areas can impact outcomes for people with head and neck cancer (HNC). Using a comprehensive state‐wide dataset, the impact of remoteness on key service parameters and outcomes for people with HNC was examined. Methods: Retrospective quantitative analysis of routinely collected data held within the Queensland Oncology Repository. Design: Quantitative methods (descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression and geospatial analysis). Setting: All people diagnosed with HNC in Queensland, Australia. Participants: The impact of remoteness was examined in 1991 people (1171 metropolitan, 485 inner‐regional, 335 rural) with HNC cancer diagnosed between 2013 and 2015. Main Outcome Measures: This paper reports key demographics and tumour characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status, First Nations status, co‐morbidities, primary tumour site and staging), service use/uptake (treatment rates, attendance at multidisciplinary team review and timing to treatment) and post‐acute outcomes (readmission rates, causes of readmission and 2‐year survival). In addition to this, the distribution of people with HNC across QLD, distances travelled and patterns of readmission were also analysed. Results: Regression analysis revealed remoteness significantly (p < 0.001) impacted access to MDT review, receiving treatment, and time to treatment commencement, but not readmission or 2‐year survival. Reasons for readmission did not differ by remoteness, with dysphagia, nutritional inadequacies, gastrointestinal disorders and fluid imbalance indicated in the majority of readmissions. Rural people were significantly (p < 0.0001) more likely to travel to care and to readmit to a different facility than provided primary treatment. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the health care disparities for people with HNC residing in regional/rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This paper contributes to the literature on relocation for specialist care by providing findings on specific issues impacting on rural farmers and property owners who have to travel to the metropolitan area for specialist care for a haematological malignancy. Design and setting This paper uses descriptive qualitative research based on 45 interviews with patients with haematology in Queensland. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and thematically analysed. Results In addition to issues of distance, farmers and rural property owners who have to relocate for specialist care must deal with problems associated with the lack of opportunity to take absence from the property because of the inescapable pressure of daily farm and property responsibilities and the high cost of, or lack of opportunity to, outsource daily maintenance. Further concerns include the cost of relocation in the context of continuing drought, serious problems sustaining the travel and time away required, and the lack of choice for some but to deal with treatment alone. Conclusion In recent years there has been considerable progress with regard to overcoming the distance barrier for rural and remote patients with cancer through innovative clinical models using technology and telemedicine. However, there has been limited uptake of such models for patients with haematology. The present findings indicate that from the perspective of rural farmers and property owners there are important reasons why the use of innovative strategies should be fostered and expanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aims to ascertain if differences exist in the perception of the professional practice environment and personal well-being of nurses across different geographical areas in Queensland. Design This paper was performed on a prospective, self-report cross-sectional on-line survey. Setting The study was conducted among the nurses employed in public and private health care settings: acute hospitals, community health and aged care in Queensland, Australia. Participants Participants of this study were 1608 registered and enrolled nurses and assistants in nursing, current members of the Queensland Nurses Union in 2013 and who provided a workplace postcode. One thousand eight of these participants worked in major cities, while 382 in rural locations and 238 in remote areas. Interventions None. Main outcome measures Scores of well-being as determined by the following scales: the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and of the Professional Practice Environment using the Practice Environment Scale - Nursing Work Index Revised. Results Nurses employed in major cities perceived 'nursing foundations for quality care' more favourably than those from other settings. Remote area nurses had lower levels of secondary traumatic stress than nurses in major cities and rural areas. There was no difference between nurses across their geographical locations for stress, anxiety, depression, compassion satisfaction, burnout, resilience and the four other measures of the Practice Environment Scale. Conclusions The study findings provide new data suggesting that, with the exception of secondary traumatic stress, the personal well-being of nurses does not differ across geographical settings. Similarly, with the exception of the subscale of 'nursing foundations for quality care' there was no difference in perceptions of the professional practice environment. As secondary traumatic stress is associated with burnout, this finding needs to be investigated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore rural residents' experiences of access to maternity care with consideration of the policy context. Design: This paper describes findings from focus groups with parents which formed part of case study data from a larger study. Setting: Four north Queensland rural towns. Participants: Thirty-three parents living in one of the four rural towns. Main outcome measures: Identifying prevalent themes in case studies regarding rural parents' expectations and experiences in accessing maternity care. Results: Parents desired a local, safe and consistent maternity service. Removing or downgrading rural services introduced new barriers to care for rural residents: (i) increased financial costs; (ii) family issues; and (iii) safety concerns. Conclusions: Although concerns about rural residents' health status and health care access have received significant policy attention for over a decade, many of the problems which prompted these policy initiatives remain today. Current policy approaches should be re-evaluated in order to improve rural Australians' access to vital health services such as maternity care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine urban-rural differences and individual risk factors for a late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis in Australian women. Design Individual-level longitudinal data were linked with cancer registry data from New South Wales (New South Wales Cancer Registry linked by the Centre for Health Record Linkage (CHeReL)), Queensland (Queensland Cancer Registry) and Victoria (The Cancer Council Victoria). Setting Participants were drawn from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health 1946-1951 cohort (n = 13 715). Participants The sample included 195 women identified from the linked cancer registry data with a breast cancer diagnosis. Interventions Rural or urban residence was measured using Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia Plus (ARIA+). Individual characteristics and socio-demographic variables examined included survey year, menopausal status, country of birth, education and marital status. Main outcome measures A late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis was defined based on the TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours. Results A late stage of breast cancer diagnosis was observed in 36% of women residing in urban areas and 40% of women residing in rural areas. After adjusting for individual characteristics, we found that obesity was the strongest risk factor for a late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis. Conclusions Given that women are becoming increasingly obese, and that the rate of obesity is higher in the Australian rural population, this paper provides further evidence for targeting interventions for obesity, particularly in rural Australia, as a public health priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This paper aims to assess the barriers and solutions to the delivery of eye care in primary care settings and solutions to improve the use of comprehensive eye care among Indigenous Australians. Design, setting, participants Qualitative, mixed method study participants include Aboriginal community members, and health and eye care providers in urban, rural and remote settings. Main outcome measures Present evidence for health care providers to better understand and address some of the barriers that limit access to eye care in primary care settings. Results Patient perspectives on barriers to accessing eye care and reasons they choose to seek care or not are presented. Health system barriers identified by health and eye care providers are also presented. Additionally, key enablers for improving access to eye care through primary care services are identified. Conclusion Primary health care services have an important role in Indigenous eye health. There is a critical role for primary care in the coordination of the patient journey and cooperating with other services to improve access to comprehensive eye care. Through improved provision of primary eye care, monitoring of Indigenous eye health indicators and supporting patients to access eye care, it is possible to close the gap for vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on clinical supervision practices of health care workers in health care settings in one Australian state. Method: A bespoke survey was developed and administered online using Qualtrics™. The survey consisted of Likert scale and closed questions, with options for free text comments. Numerical data were analysed descriptively and using Chi‐Square tests. Textual data were analysed through content analysis. Results: Of the 178 survey respondents, 42% were from allied health disciplines, 39% from nursing and midwifery, and 19% from medicine. The type and mode (i.e., face‐to‐face, telesupervision) of clinical supervision prior to the pandemic and at the time of survey completion (i.e., July–August 2021) were similar. Eighteen percent of respondents had a change in supervision arrangements but only 5% had a change in supervisor. For the 37% who changed roles due to COVID‐19, 81% felt their current supervisor was still able to support them, 69% were still having their supervisory needs met. Analyses of textual data resulted in the development of two categories: Supervision deteriorating, and some clinical supervision functions (i.e., formative and restorative) being more impacted than others (i.e., normative). Conclusion: There were substantial disruptions to several parameters of clinical supervision due to COVID‐19, that may pose a threat to high quality supervision. Health care workers reported pandemic‐induced stress and mental health challenges that were not always addressed by effective restorative supervision practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Secondary prevention is essential in reducing recurrence of diabetes‐related foot disease (DFD) but is frequently poorly implemented in clinical practice. Objective: To explore the perceptions of people with diabetes‐related foot disease (DFD) on their self‐perceived knowledge in managing DFD, facilitators and barriers influencing their DFD care, and ideas and preferences for a secondary prevention program. Design: Sixteen people with a history of DFD from Queensland and Victoria, Australia, underwent semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were audio‐recorded over telephone and transcribed and analysed following a thematic framework. Participants were asked about their experiences and perceptions relating to DFD and factors influencing the care they receive for DFD relevant to the development of a secondary prevention program for DFD. Findings and discussion: Participants had high self‐perceived knowledge in managing DFD, especially in implementing healthy lifestyle changes and conducting daily foot checks and foot care, though most received support from family members acting as carers. However, issues with access and adherence to offloading footwear, and a lack of clear education received on footwear and other aspects of DFD care were perceived as major barriers. Improved patient education, provided in a consistent manner by proactive clinicians was perceived as an essential part of secondary prevention. Telehealth was perceived positively through facilitating faster care and considered a good adjunct to standard care. Health and technological literacy were considered potentially major barriers to the effectiveness of remote care. Conclusion: People with DFD require improved access to offloading footwear and education about secondary prevention, which could be provided by telehealth with adequate support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that identifying leadership for clinical governance in rural and remote primary health care services. Topics include the clinical governance being a system for improving the quality and safety of health care, the importance of clinical governance in primary care and the contribution of leadership to implementation of clinical governance have been established, and the role of leaders in implementation has multifaceted and continues to evolve and expand.

Objective: To investigate student supervisor experiences of supervising students on clinical placements since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Background: Studies on the impact of COVID‐19 on student clinical placements have focused largely on student reports and have been specific to individual professions or topic areas. There is a need to investigate student supervisor experiences. This study was conducted in Queensland (Australia) in four regional and rural public health services and four corresponding primary health networks. Methods: The anonymous, mixed methods online survey, consisting of 35 questions, was administered to student supervisors from allied health, medicine, nursing and midwifery between May and August 2021. Numerical data were analysed descriptively using chi‐square tests. Free‐text comments were analysed using content analysis. Results: Complete datasets were available for 167 respondents. Overall trends indicated perceived significant disruptions to student learning and support, plus mental health and well‐being concerns for both students and supervisors. Extensive mask wearing was noted to be a barrier to building rapport, learning and teaching. Some positive impacts of the pandemic on student learning were also noted. Conclusions: This study has highlighted the perceived impact of the pandemic on supervisors' mental health, and on the mental health, learning and work readiness of students. This study provides evidence of the pandemic impacts on student clinical placements from a supervisor point of view. Findings can assist in future‐proofing clinical education and ensuring that students continue to receive learning experiences of benefit to them, meeting curriculum requirements, in the event of another pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Limited evidence is currently available relating to research acitivity of medical students training in regional or rural areas. Objective: To describe medical student interest and participation in research at The University of Queensland Rural Clinical School (UQRCS). Design: Annual student expression of interest surveys were collated with records of student research participation maintained at UQRCS from 2017‐2022. Additionally, a systematic search was conducted to identify student outputs not captured in internal records. Frequencies and proportions were calculated for all descriptive data along with proportions of students who engaged with a project, and projects that led to a peer‐reviewed publication. Findings: At UQRCS commencement, 55% of research‐interested students reported having basic research skills. Thirty‐nine percent of research‐interested students engaged with a project, most commonly literature reviews (47%) or audits (29%). Thirty‐three percent of completed projects led to a peer‐reviewed manuscript. Discussion: Students who engage with a project are unlikely to receive a project in their preferred clinical area and should be informed about the transferrability of research skills. Most students have basic research skills when commencing a project and therefore require ongoing support and mentorship from staff/supervisors. Conclusion: Publication rates of medical students in regional/rural areas are comparable to those reported by metropolitan medical schools (~30%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The WHO estimates the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia in Australia is 25%. However there is considerable variation during pregnancy and in regional areas. Objective: The aim of this investigation is to quantify the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy within Far North Queensland. Design: This is a single‐centre retrospective cohort study. Cairns Hospital is the main referral centre for complex maternity care in Far North Queensland with an estimated population of 280‐000, which includes many people from rural and remote communities and a high proportion who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This study included all births at the Cairns Hospital in 2018, a total of 2190 deliveries. Findings: The study randomly sampled 551 mothers from the cohort, and the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia was 34.9%. 48.7% of women who identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander within the region were anaemic. This was significantly higher than an incidence of 28.9% for the rest of the population. Other risk factors include booking appointment after 28‐weeks, Asian ethnicity and age less than 25‐years. A BMI greater than 35 was protective Discussion: This study will inform antenatal care providers within the region and improve obstetric outcomes by increasing awareness. Identifying risk factors will also facilitate prompt treatment and improve maternity care for vulnerable patient groups. On a broader level, the study provides new data to inform population health estimates both nationally and internationally. Conclusion: The incidence of iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy in Far North Queensland is significantly higher than previous estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe: (1) the type and frequency of interventions undertaken by regional cancer specialist Allied Health Professionals (AHPs); and (2) regional generalist AHPs' exposure and confidence in undertaking these interventions. Design: Multiphase, observational study including a prospective study and a cross‐sectional survey. Setting: Two regional Queensland Hospitals. Participants: Cancer specialist AHPs (n = 13 in a prospective study; n = 7 in a cross‐sectional survey) and generalist AHPs (n = 36 in a cross‐sectional survey), across six disciplines from two regional hospitals and cancer services. Main Outcome Measures: Phase 1: Frequency of cancer care AHP occasions of service and interventions. Phase 2: Current practice in cancer care AHP interventions; confidence; access to training, professional development and mentorship; barriers to working in cancer care, among cancer care and generalist AHPs. Results: Over 10‐months, cancer care AHPs collectively delivered 12 393 interventions across 8850 occasions of service. Only four cancer care interventions were exclusively or predominantly carried out by cancer care AHPs—laryngectomy pre‐operative counselling, laryngectomy rehabilitation and tracheostomy management (speech pathology) and lymphoedema management (physiotherapy). Generalist AHPs reported slightly lower confidence across all tasks if asked to carry out known interventions in a cancer setting compared with familiar settings. The primary perceived barrier to working in cancer care was lack of skills/experience/training reported by most CC AHPs, generalist Physiotherapists and Speech Pathologists, but not other generalist AHPs. Conclusion: There was a significant overlap in interventions undertaken in the cancer care and generalist setting for AHPs. Appropriate on‐boarding to contextualise interventions to cancer care is recommended to overcome reported lower confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, characteristics and in‐hospital mortality of non‐ventilator‐associated hospital‐acquired pneumonia (NV‐HAP) in a regional (Modified Monash Model 2) Australian hospital. Methods: All cases with NV‐HAP were obtained from the Business Analysis and Decision Support (BADS) Unit between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2018. Medical records were reviewed, and data pertaining to incidence, characteristics (age and gender), length of stay, co‐morbidities (measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index) and in‐hospital mortality were extracted. Incidence rate was calculated as a proportion of NV‐HAP cases per 1000 bed‐days. Design: A retrospective study design was used to review all cases of NV‐HAP between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018 at a single regional Australian hospital. Using the Modified Monash Model (MMM), our regional setting is classified as a regional centre (MMM‐2). Setting: Rockhampton Hospital, Australia. Participants: Patient cases. Main outcome measures: Incidence rate, Incidence proportion, mortality. Results: A total of 501 cases were identified with an incidence rate of 0.98 cases per 1000 bed‐days over the study period 2013–2018. Cases with NV‐HAP had a median age of 78.2 years (interquartile range 18.8), a median length of stay of 13.0 days (interquartile range 12.0) and a median Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 3.0 out of 39 (interquartile range 3.0), and a greater proportion was male (n = 297, 57%). The in‐hospital mortality rate for NV‐HAP cases was 18.9%. Conclusion: This study revealed an overall incidence rate of 0.98 cases per 1000 bed‐days from 2013 to 2018 in a regional Australian hospital. In addition, this study provided the descriptive characteristics for patients with NV‐HAP at our regional hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): The objective of the study was to validate a clinical aid to guide the assessment and management of a patient's listed beta‐lactam antibiotic allergy for use in rural areas of Australia. Design: Rural generalists, pharmacists and junior doctors completed an online assessment of eight patient case studies using the tool. Setting: The study was conducted in the Southern Downs, QLD. Participants: Twenty‐seven rural generalists, nine pharmacists and eight junior doctors. Main outcome measures: The sensitivity of the selected allergy phenotype and management option for each case study was calculated by profession and overall. Hazardous responses were reported by management category and profession. Results: The sensitivity overall for phenotype selection was 82.4% (95% CI, 78.0–86.2) and for management 88.1% (95% CI, 84.2–91.2). The sensitivity for phenotype selection was lower for junior doctors than other professions 73.4% (95% CI, 60.9–83.7), but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.08). A total of 10/308 responses for management recommended the least restrictive option of direct delabelling or oral challenge, where the correct answer was skin prick testing or referral to an allergist. Conclusion(s): With further education the tool could be a key component of increased antimicrobial stewardship in rural areas in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The COVID‐19 pandemic has adversely impacted medical students' learning experiences. Students in one Australian Rural Clinical School were surveyed to investigate the impact of disruptions to clinical placements and satisfaction with educational changes implemented as a result of the pandemic. Design: Cross‐sectional survey. Setting: The University of Queensland Rural Clinical School. Methods: Students undertaking one or two years of study at the participating Rural Clinical School in November 2020. Main outcome measure: A 20‐item anonymised survey with questions on personal health and safety, quality of clinical training experience, response to changes in learning and student environment, and progression to completion of the medical degree. Results: The survey was completed by 124 students (76% response rate). Students were satisfied with the changes made to their learning to accommodate the disruptions to health service delivery and placements. Final year students were more satisfied with their learning experiences compared to their third‐year counterparts. Conclusions: The Rural Clinical School implemented a range of academic and psychological support strategies which appear to have helped with mitigating mental health concerns experienced by students completing rural placements, who are already prone to experiencing social isolation. Strengthening communication between the academic and health service sectors can improve the quality of learning for medical students on placements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aims to describe the views of sexual health service providers on access issues for young people and consider them together with the views of young people themselves. Design A cross-sectional mixed-methods study design involving semi-structured interviews with health service providers and an electronic survey with young people. Setting Four towns in rural and regional Queensland, Australia. Participants A total of 32 service providers: 9 sexual health nurses, 8 general practitioners, 6 school-based youth health nurses, 5 sexual health educators, 2 Australian Aboriginal health workers and 2 youth workers. There were 391 young people who participated in the Young People's Survey. Main outcome measures Themes generated from interviews with service providers and quantitative data from young people addressing access to sexual and reproductive health ( SRH) services for rural and regional young people. Results Service providers frequently identified structural barriers, confidentiality and lack of awareness of SRH services as barriers for young people seeking SRH care. Young people also reported that structural factors such as transport, cost and service operating hours were important; however, they placed greater value on personal attributes of service providers, particularly welcoming and non-judgemental attitudes. Conclusion Health service policy and training focused on attitudinal qualities of individual service providers may improve access to SRH services for young people. Selective staff recruitment and professional development are important to increase sensitivity to youth issues. Promotion of non-judgemental and confidential care may also improve access for youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Speech pathology has a history of low public awareness and in the absence of current research it is unclear if community awareness has changed in recent years. This study sought to explore a regional community's awareness of speech pathology as the impetus for considering future directions pertaining to awareness and understanding of the scope of practice of this profession. Design: An anonymous online survey was created using questions from previously validated surveys on this topic, and then distributed via snowball sampling using social media. Setting: Data are from residents of the Central Queensland community in Australia. Participants: Two hundred and seven adults who live in Central Queensland completed the survey. Main outcome measures: Comparisons were drawn between the responses from this survey to those from earlier studies. Results: The majority of respondents had heard of speech pathology mostly due to personal contact, but they indicated that they did not know 'a lot' about speech pathology. Knowledgeable individuals had higher levels of education and were better able to identify speech pathologists' scope of practice. Personal contact with a speech pathologist also significantly contributed to self‐rated knowledge and accurate identification of scope of practice of speech pathologists. Conclusion: While regional Central Queensland community members have heard of speech pathology, their self‐reported knowledge of the profession continues to be low. In order to optimise service access and consumer outcomes it is recommended that the profession aims to improve community awareness of speech pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the development and evaluation of an educational resource that aimed to provide the non‐midwifery workforce in rural and remote health facilities with basic knowledge and skills to assist women who present when birth is imminent. Design: Descriptive methods using surveys were employed to evaluate the resource named the Imminent Birth Education Program. Participants: Health professionals employed in Queensland Health rural and remote non‐birthing facilities. Intervention: An evidence‐based, blended educational program comprising an online component, a face‐to‐face workshop and an education package for midwives to facilitate the workshop in their health service. Results: More than 600 participants completed the online course component, and the majority of these participants were employed in non‐birthing facilities. Throughout the project, two project officers facilitated face‐to‐face workshops, training participants to facilitate the workshop in their own health services. The reach of the Imminent Birth Education Program was statewide with clinical staff from all 16 Hospital and Health Services participating. Conclusion: The uptake of the Imminent Birth Education Program has been widespread across the state and positively evaluated by the rural and remote non‐midwifery workforce in non‐birthing facilities. This evidence‐based program is an effective way to provide the knowledge, skills and confidence to assist health professionals to care for women who present to these facilities when birth is imminent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Improving the quality and safety of health care in Australia is imperative to ensure the right treatment is delivered to the right person at the right time. Achieving this requires appropriate clinical governance and support for health professionals, including professional supervision. This study investigates the usefulness and effectiveness of and barriers to supervision in rural and remote Queensland. Design As part of the evaluation of the Allied Health Rural and Remote Training and Support program, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted involving semi-structured interviews with 42 rural or remote allied health professionals, nine operational managers and four supervisors. The interviews explored perspectives on their supervision arrangements, including the perceived usefulness, effect on practice and barriers. Results Themes of reduced isolation; enhanced professional enthusiasm, growth and commitment to the organisation; enhanced clinical skills, knowledge and confidence; and enhanced patient safety were identified as perceived outcomes of professional supervision. Time, technology and organisational factors were identified as potential facilitators as well as potential barriers to effective supervision. Conclusions This research provides current evidence on the impact of professional supervision in rural and remote Queensland. A multidimensional model of organisational factors associated with effective supervision in rural and remote settings is proposed identifying positive supervision culture and a good supervisor-supervisee fit as key factors associated with effective arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We compared the research experience or support needs of allied health professionals in rural versus regional cities to identify if they were the same or different. Design Descriptive study using a cross sectional survey. Setting This study was carried within Queensland Health's northern six health services. Participants Queensland health staff classified as Health Practitioners. Interventions This survey was conducted as part of a research capacity building initiative within Queensland Health to increase AHPs' participation in research in regional cities and rural areas of Queensland. Main outcome measures Questions in the survey identified demographics, research experience, need for research support, research knowledge and beliefs about research. Data were compared using Chi-square and t-tests. Results The total response rate was 54.5% with 18% of the HPs located in rural communities of less than 5000 people and the rest from the three major cities in northern Queensland. Rural HPs have less research experience in most research activities than regional city HPs and need more research support. Rural HPs have more qualitative research experience than regional city HPs and research is perceived positively by both. Barriers to conducting research were similar across both groups and included insufficient time, lack of staff and no statistical support. Conclusion Rural HPs are younger and have less research experience than their counterparts working in regional cities. Therefore, building rural HP research capacity initiatives may require more access to facilitators such as the Research Fellows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine demographic and clinical characteristics of diabetic patients undergoing diabetes-related major amputation in Far North Queensland to identify those at risk. Design A cohort was examined for differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups in age, co-morbidities, indication for amputation and mortality. Attendance at the High Risk Foot Service was also reported. Setting Far North Queensland. Participants individuals with major amputations between 1998 and 2008. Main outcome measures Diabetes-related major amputations and mortality. Results Of the 143 individuals who underwent major amputation during the study period, 52% were Indigenous. On average, Indigenous amputees were 14 years younger than non-Indigenous amputees. There were more female Indigenous amputees compared with Indigenous male amputees. Indigenous amputees were more likely to suffer from chronic kidney disease ( P < 0.000) and reside in a remote community ( P < 0.000). Sepsis as an indication for amputation was more frequent in Indigenous subjects ( P = 0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality related to the procedure between Indigenous and non-indigenous amputees. Conclusion Indigenous patients with renal disease living in remote communities are at higher risk of developing limb-threatening diabetic foot complications. Further improvements in self-care, diabetes management and foot-care are required to reduce major amputation rates, particularly for those residing in remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the demographics, patterns of assessment and treatment of people visiting a regional emergency department with potential diagnoses of malaria or dengue fever. Design: To identify potential dengue fever cases, we used an indicator of recent overseas travel and fever that is a request for malaria testing. A chart audit of 301 medical records of people between 2008 and 2010 was conducted to describe patient characteristics, diagnostic tests performed and treatment. Setting: A regional hospital located in the wet tropics. Results: Malaria testing was most often performed on Australian citizens (64.1%), medical evacuees (20.3%) and tourists (18.6%). Overall, 49.8% of patients tested for malaria did not also have a dengue test, despite being indicated in 54% of this group. People tested for malaria usually lived in a residential house or unit (69.7%). Only 9% were staying in hotels and hostels . Oceania was the most commonly visited region in the two weeks prior to presentation. Malaria was diagnosed in 17.3% and dengue fever in 12% of patients tested. Patients with dengue fever were more likely than patients with malaria to self-refer to hospital, be staying in commercial accommodation and to have recently travelled to Southeast Asia. Conclusion: Both dengue fever and malaria occur predominantly in residents who reside in non-commercial accommodation. Efforts to identify imported dengue fever cases should focus on both tourists and local residents returning from overseas countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]