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Aim: The continuing existence of 'teaching by humiliation' of medical students and junior doctors in Australia has recently been highlighted in a number of research publications and media reports. This study investigates medical students' experiences of being intimidated or humiliated during their clinical rotations in Australian hospitals in paediatrics and adult medicine.Methods: From factors identified in earlier research, a two-page survey was developed for administration at two Australian medical schools. Administered in Semester 2 of 2014, students were invited to add their own free-text comments at the conclusion of 17 closed questions. Using thematic analysis of the qualitative data, the researchers identified the common themes in the students' free-text comments, which are reported in this paper.Results: We found five main themes in the qualitative data: a spectrum of interpretations of and responses to 'teaching by humiliation', an accepted means of enculturating the young, teachers' techniques for asking questions, the victims and perpetrators of mistreatment and the variance of prevalence in different contexts.Conclusion: Research shows the persistence of 'teaching by humiliation', even in paediatrics, particularly when doctors are questioning students in ways that shame them for their lack of knowledge. Given the many personal and professional costs of these practices, this cycle of mistreatment needs to be brought to an end. There is a need for students' reports of intimidation and humiliation to be acknowledged; the offending practices need to be interrupted, and more effective and respectful approaches to teaching need to be adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitudes and practices of Australian general practitioners (GPs) regarding infant gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) diagnosis and management.Methods: A national cross-sectional survey, involving a random sample of currently practising Australian GPs (n = 2319) was undertaken between July and September 2011. GPs attitudes and management of infant GORD were surveyed via an online and paper-based 41-item questionnaire.Results: In total, 400 responses were analysed (17.24% response rate). The majority of GPs employed empirical trials of acid-suppression medication and/or lifestyle modifications to diagnose infant GORD. GPs frequently recommended dietary modification despite the belief that they were only moderately effective at best. In addition, GPs frequently prescribed acid-suppression medication, despite concerns regarding their safety in the infant population. Other GP concerns included the lack of clinical guidelines and education for GPs about infant GORD, as well as the level of evidence available for the safety and efficacy of diagnostic tests and treatments.Conclusion: Despite the important role Australian GPs play in the diagnosis and management of infant GORD, high-level evidence-based guidelines for GPs are lacking. Consequently, GPs engage in diagnostic and management practices despite their concerns regarding the safety and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aims of this study were to investigate clinicians' knowledge, and barriers they perceive exist, relating to the identification and measurement of dyskinesia (dystonia/choreoathetosis) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to explore educational needs regarding improving identification and assessment of dyskinesia.Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey of clinicians working with children with CP. Data analysis was descriptive, with qualitative analysis of unstructured questions.Results: In total, 163 completed surveys from Australian clinicians were analysed. Respondents were allied health (n = 140) followed by medical doctors (n = 18) working mainly in tertiary hospitals and not-for-profit organisations. Hypertonia subtypes and movement disorders seen in children with CP appear to be identified by clinicians, although limited knowledge about dyskinesia and access to training were reported as significant barriers to accurate identification. Despite knowledge of available measurement scales, only a small percentage were used clinically and reported to be only somewhat useful or not useful at all. Barriers identified for use of scales included limited training opportunities and knowledge of scales and lack of confidence in their use.Conclusion: A lack of confidence in identifying and measuring movement disorders in children with CP was reported by Australian clinicians. It was identified that a greater understanding of dyskinetic CP and the tools available to identify and measure it would be valuable in clinical practice. The results of this survey will inform the development of a 'Toolbox' to help identify, classify and measure dyskinetic CP and its impact on activity and participation using the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In a sample of newly diagnosed children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the aims were to examine (1) paediatrician assessment and management practices; (2) previous assessments and interventions; (3) correspondence between parent-report and paediatrician identification of comorbidities; and (4) parent agreement with diagnosis of ADHD.Methods: Design: cross-sectional, multi-site practice audit with questionnaires completed by paediatricians and parents at the point of ADHD diagnosis.Setting: private/public paediatric practices in Western Australia and Victoria, Australia.Main Outcome Measures: paediatricians: elements of assessment and management were indicated on a study-designed data form. Parents: ADHD symptoms and comorbidities were measured using the Conners 3 ADHD Index and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, respectively. Sleep problems, previous assessments and interventions, and agreement with ADHD diagnosis were measured by questionnaire.Results: Twenty-four paediatricians participated, providing data on 137 patients (77% men, mean age 8.1 years). Parent and teacher questionnaires were used in 88% and 85% of assessments, respectively. Medication was prescribed in 75% of cases. Comorbidities were commonly diagnosed (70%); however, the proportion of patients identified by paediatricians with internalising problems (18%), externalising problems (15%) and sleep problems (4%) was less than by parent report (51%, 66% and 39%). One in seven parents did not agree with the diagnosis of ADHD.Conclusions: Australian paediatric practice in relation to ADHD assessment is generally consistent with best practice guidelines; however, improvements are needed in relation to the routine use of questionnaires and the identification of comorbidities. A proportion of parents do not agree with the diagnosis of ADHD made by their paediatrician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]