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Intergenerational programs that bring the young and old together are known to facilitate social connections. However, benefits of intergenerational programs cannot be achieved by simply bringing the two generations together. We need to understand the factors which enhance intergenerational engagement. This paper specifically explores barriers and enablers for improving engagement of older people in an intergenerational program conducted within four research sites in South East Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Video ethnography was used to examine the intergenerational environment and observe patterns of engagement between older people and children. Findings reveal the type of activity, group structure and length of activity to increase engagement of older people in an intergenerational program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the key issues in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment sector concerns the reported difficulties that clients have in accessing treatment. This paper draws on qualitative interview data collected from clients undergoing treatment (n = 20) and stakeholders (n = 15) of five specialist non‐government AOD treatment services in New South Wales, Australia, to offer an in‐depth perspective about treatment entry experiences. We identified four key themes of positive treatment entry experiences: the presence of high‐quality online information which enabled clients to best match themselves to treatment; flexible and simple intake procedures with skilled and welcoming staff; the presence and quality of social and other resources (such as families, peers and private health insurance) which enabled quicker access; and prior experience in the treatment system which helped clients to gain important knowledge and skills to improve future access. We discuss implications of these findings, including that waiting lists significantly exacerbate inequity, but that this could be ameliorated by providing peer‐support to those trying to gain entry, especially clients who do not have family and friends for help during this period. The findings also point to the way that client self‐determination is central to all positive treatment entry experiences, and that supporting clients to find 'the right fit' in relation to treatment options improves their experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality of all gynaecological cancers. This study aimed to identify the extent to which women across New South Wales experienced variation in their care in diagnosis and initial treatment for ovarian cancer against the national optimal care pathway for ovarian cancer. Method: Clinical audit methodology was utilised to explore variations for women with primary ovarian cancer; 171 eligible cases were identified through by the NSW Cancer Registry for the period of 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018. Results: Limited variation was detected with 86% of women being reviewed by a specialist gynaecological oncology multidisciplinary team; 54% of women received their first treatment within 28 days of their first specialist appointment, 66% of women having their first surgery completed by a gynaecological oncologist and 45% of women received their first treatment in a specialist gynaecological oncology hospital. Conclusion: Deviation from effective ovarian cancer care is apparent particularly in the location and timeliness of first treatment, with implications for the quality of care received and care outcomes. Understanding factors that contribute to variation is critical to ensure optimal and appropriate ovarian cancer care and to tackle systemic barriers to the provision of effective care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:The Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will provide people with individual funding with which to purchase services such as therapy from private providers. This study developed a framework to support rural private therapists to meet the anticipated increase in demand. Method:The study consisted of three stages utilizing focus groups, interviews and an online expert panel. Participants included private therapists delivering services in rural New South Wales (n = 28), disability service users (n = 9) and key representatives from a range of relevant consumer and service organizations (n = 16). We conducted a thematic analysis of focus groups and interview data and developed a draft framework which was subsequently refined based on feedback from stakeholders. Results:The framework highlights the need for a ‘rural-proofed’ policy context in which service users, therapists and communities engage collaboratively in a therapy pathway. This collaborative engagement is supported by enablers, including networks, resources and processes which are influenced by the drivers of time, cost, opportunity and motivation. Conclusions:The framework identifies factors that will facilitate delivery of high-quality, sustainable, individualized private therapy services for people with a disability in rural Australia under the NDIS and emphasizes the need to reconceptualize the nature of private therapy service delivery.Implications for RehabilitationRural private therapists need upskilling to work with individuals with disability who have individual funding such as that provided by the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme.Therapists working in rural communities need to consider alternative ways of delivering therapy to individuals with disability beyond the traditional one-on-one therapy models.Rural private therapists need support to work collaboratively with individuals with disability and the local community.Rural private therapists should harness locally available and broader networks, resources and processes to meet the needs and goals of individuals with disability. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study on the experience of older men to access rural general practitioner (GP) services in Australia. The study asks older men residents in rural towns in Victoria and New South Wales regarding their experience on access to doctor or other health service. Result shows GP availability and high workload of GPs as major concerns expressed by older men. Other concerns include travel distance to access GP services, affordability, and accommodation factors like waiting time.