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In July 2021, we conducted environmental sampling at the residence of a person in Dallas, Texas, USA, who had travel-associated human West African monkeypox virus (MPXV-WA). Targeted environmental swab sampling was conducted 15 days after the person who had monkeypox left the household. Results indicate extensive MPXV-WA DNA contamination, and viable virus from 7 samples was successfully isolated in cell culture. There was no statistical difference (p = 0.94) between MPXV-WA PCR positivity of porous (9/10, 90%) vs. nonporous (19/21, 90.5%) surfaces, but there was a significant difference (p

Abstract Introduction Complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) are widely used by cancer patients but are infrequently disclosed and documented. This study aimed to improve radiation therapy staff knowledge, confidence, views and documentation of radiation oncology patients' use of CATs. Method Participants completed a baseline questionnaire regarding their knowledge, confidence, views and documentation relating to patients' CAT use. An intervention was undertaken whereby participants attended an educational session and a CAT screening tool was implemented simultaneously. Participants immediately completed a post‐intervention questionnaire and later a 6‐month follow‐up questionnaire. A patient record audit was conducted to measure the documentation of CAT use pre‐ and post‐intervention. Results From baseline to post‐intervention, there was a statistically significant shift in staff knowledge and confidence (P = 0.001–0.01). The observed shift was sustained over a 6‐month period, (P = 0.453–1.00). Participants' perceived views of CATs did not change as a result of the intervention (P = 0.261–1.000). The post‐intervention audit compared to the baseline audit yielded a statistically significant increase in documentation. There was an increase in CAT use mentioned in patient records from 14% (15/108) to 40% (35/88) (P

Objective: Gaps and complexities exist in cancer referral and diagnosis in Australia, leading to delays in cancer treatments. Developing evidence-based referral pathways is important for promoting better and more timely cancer diagnosis and care. Type of program or service: This paper describes a toolkit endorsed by the Cancer Institute NSW as a guide for promoting best practice in localising cancer referral and diagnosis pathways in line with the national Optimal Care Pathways. Use of toolkit: Employing methods in the toolkit yielded an increased understanding of cancer care pathways, strengthened collaboration between tertiary and primary sector stakeholders, and enhanced the project skills of Cancer System Innovation Managers. The toolkit has become a valuable guide for consolidating referral pathways for various cancers in the NSW local health districts and could apply to cancer services in other jurisdictions. Lessons learnt: The pilot project showed that the toolkit is useful in developing referral pathways and reflects best stakeholder engagement practices. Local evidence should be generated to support systematic change and should include the perspectives of cancer patients and clinicians. NSW local health districts continue to use the toolkit methods to optimise care to improve outcomes for people living with cancer.