48 results on '"Descallar J"'
Search Results
2. Do some levator avulsions improve over time?
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Dietz, H. P., Shek, K. L., and Descallar, J.
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PELVIC floor ,DIAGNOSTIC imaging ,PUERPERIUM ,ULTRASONIC imaging ,HEALING - Abstract
Objective: To determine whether the sonographic appearance of levator ani muscle avulsion after vaginal birth can improve significantly over the first few years postpartum. Methods: This was a retrospective study of women seen in the context of two prospective perinatal imaging studies. All subjects had undergone an interview, clinical examination and four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound on average 4.3 months and 3.1 years postpartum. Volume datasets were analyzed at a later date, with the examiner blinded against all other data. The number of abnormal slices at both timepoints was compared using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Patients in whom findings had changed over time were reviewed separately, in parallel, in order to reduce the impact of differences in slice location and imaging settings. The symmetry test was used to analyze changes between the two postnatal visits. Results: Of 1148 women recruited originally, 315 attended at least two postnatal visits. Forty‐two were excluded, leaving 273 women for the final analysis. The mean time of first follow‐up was 4.3 (range, 2.6–9.8) months after their first birth and the mean time of last follow‐up was 3.1 (range, 1.4–8.0) years postpartum. Cohen's κ for the category of avulsion (normal, partial avulsion and full avulsion) at the two assessments was 0.89, with agreement in 97% (264/273) of cases. At the first visit, full levator ani muscle avulsion was diagnosed in 20, partial avulsion in 32 and no avulsion in 221 women. While seven partial avulsions appeared sonographically normal at the second visit, there were no statistically significant changes in avulsion category between visits (P = 0.4). Conclusions: Tomographic pelvic floor imaging obtained 3–10 months after childbirth may be used as a proxy for long‐term outcomes. Ultrasound findings at a mean of 3.1 years postpartum showed 97% agreement with findings obtained on imaging at a mean of 4.3 months postpartum. There was a non‐significant reduction in abnormal slices at the second follow‐up visit, affecting at most 3/12 slices. This may be explained by compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining intact muscle. Sonographic normalization of full levator ani muscle avulsion was not observed. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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3. A pilot multicentre randomised clinical trial to determine the effect of a pharmacist‐partnered opioid tapering intervention before total hip or knee arthroplasty.
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Liu, Shania, Patanwala, Asad E., Stevens, Jennifer, Penm, Jonathan, Naylor, Justine, Adie, S., Archer, A., Brady, B., Byrnes, T., Descallar, J., Eastment, C., Fung, M., Genel, F., Hassett, G., Hui, C. F., Jansson, A. G., Keehan, M., Luckie, K., Mayze, E., and Morgan, E.
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TOTAL hip replacement ,TOTAL knee replacement ,GENERAL practitioners ,PATIENT compliance ,OPIOID analgesics - Abstract
Summary: Background: Opioid analgesic use before total hip or knee arthroplasty has been associated with worse postoperative outcomes. This pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility of a telehealth‐based pharmacist‐partnered opioid tapering intervention before elective primary hip or knee arthroplasty and its potential effectiveness compared with usual care. Methods: This study was conducted at seven hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Eligible patients were those aged ≥ 18 years, scheduled to undergo primary hip or knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and taking opioid analgesics pre‐operatively. The intervention group participated in an opioid tapering telehealth service, a partnership between a pharmacist and general practitioner, for 3 months pre‐operatively up to the day of surgery, while the control group received usual care. The primary outcomes of the study were to investigate the feasibility of the intervention (i.e. adherence to treatment) and potential effectiveness in decreasing baseline daily opioid dose by > 50% before surgery. Results: Between December 2021 and June 2023, 70 patients were recruited and assigned randomly to the intervention group (n = 35) or control group (n = 35). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Thirty patients in each group completed their allocated treatment. All patients allocated to the intervention group completed at least one appointment with a pharmacist, with the median (IQR [range]) being 2 (1–4 [1–6]) appointments. The number of patients who successfully decreased their baseline daily opioid dose by ≥ 50% before surgery was 27/30 in the intervention group compared with 5/30 in the usual care group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study support the feasibility of a telehealth‐delivered, pharmacist‐partnered opioid tapering service for patients scheduled for primary hip or knee arthroplasty. A broader multicentre study to examine the effectiveness of this intervention on clinical outcomes is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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4. Levator–urethra gap: is there a need for individualization of cut‐offs?
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Dietz, H.P., primary, Shek, K. L., additional, and Descallar, J., additional
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- 2024
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5. P1.16-05 Quality Initiative to Improve Timeliness of Care in a Rapid Assessment Lung Cancer Clinic
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Dabholkar, S.V., primary, Vinod, S.K., additional, Bray, V., additional, Harrington, Z., additional, Collett, P., additional, Kolevski, B., additional, Ivimey, B., additional, Descallar, J., additional, and Williamson, J., additional
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- 2023
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6. EP34.01: Do levator avulsions heal?
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Dietz, H., primary, Shek, K., additional, and Descallar, J., additional
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- 2023
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7. OC18.08: Is it useful to distinguish type I and type II avulsions?
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Dietz, H., primary, Shek, K., additional, and Descallar, J., additional
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- 2023
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8. OP15.01: Can we define a cut‐off for sphincter defect angle?
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Dietz, H., primary, Shek, K., additional, and Descallar, J., additional
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- 2023
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9. AB0249 RHEUMETRIC QUANTITATIVE 0-10 PHYSICIAN ESTIMATES OF INFLAMMATION, DAMAGE, AND DISTRESS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: VALIDATION AGAINST REFERENCE MEASURES
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Rodwell, N., primary, Hassett, G., additional, Bird, P., additional, Pincus, T., additional, and Descallar, J., additional
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- 2023
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10. The Natural Helper approach to culturally responsive disease management: protocol for a type 1 effectiveness-implementation cluster randomised controlled trial of a cultural mentor programme.
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Brady, B, Sidhu, B, Jennings, M, Saberi, G, Tang, C, Hassett, G, Boland, R, Dennis, S, Ashton-James, C, Refshauge, K, Descallar, J, Lim, D, Said, CM, Williams, G, Sayed, S, Naylor, JM, Brady, B, Sidhu, B, Jennings, M, Saberi, G, Tang, C, Hassett, G, Boland, R, Dennis, S, Ashton-James, C, Refshauge, K, Descallar, J, Lim, D, Said, CM, Williams, G, Sayed, S, and Naylor, JM
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INTRODUCTION: Chronic disease is a leading cause of death and disability that disproportionately burdens culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Self-management is a cornerstone of effective chronic disease management. However, research suggests that patients from CALD communities may be less likely to engage with self-management approaches. The Natural Helper Programme aims to facilitate patient engagement with self-management approaches (ie, 'activation') by embedding cultural mentors with lived experience of chronic disease into chronic disease clinics/programmes. The Natural Helper Trial will explore the effect of cultural mentors on patient activation, health self-efficacy, coping efforts and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) while also evaluating the implementation strategy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A hybrid type-1 effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomised controlled trial (phase one) and a mixed-method controlled before-and-after cohort extension of the trial (phase 2). Hospital clinics in highly multicultural regions in Australia that provide healthcare for patients with chronic and/or complex conditions, will participate. A minimum of 16 chronic disease clinics (clusters) will be randomised to immediate (active arm) or delayed implementation (control arm). In phase 1, the active arm will receive a multifaceted strategy supporting them to embed cultural mentors in their services while the control arm continues with usual care. Each cluster will recruit an average of 15 patients, assessed at baseline and 6 months (n=240). In phase 2, clusters in the control arm will receive the implementation strategy and evaluate the intervention on an additional 15 patients per cluster, while sustainability in active arm clusters will be assessed qualitatively. Change in activation over 6 months, measured using the Patient Activation Measure will be the primary effectiveness outcome, while secondary effectiveness outcomes will explore changes in ch
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- 2023
11. EP04.01-025 Implementation of Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes in Routine Cancer Care
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Girgis, A., primary, Bamgboje-Ayodele, A., additional, Rincones, O., additional, Vinod, S., additional, Avery, S., additional, Descallar, J., additional, Arnold, B., additional, Arnold, A., additional, Bray, V., additional, Durcinoska, I., additional, Rankin, N., additional, and Delaney, G., additional
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- 2022
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12. OP01.05: Avulsion categories and tomographic trauma score in the prediction of prolapse
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Dietz, H., primary, Descallar, J., additional, and Shek, K., additional
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- 2022
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13. Stepping into the real world: a mixed-methods evaluation of the implementation of electronic patient reported outcomes in routine lung cancer care.
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Girgis, A, Bamgboje-Ayodele, A, Rincones, O, Vinod, SK, Avery, S, Descallar, J, Smith, AB, Arnold, B, Arnold, A, Bray, V, Durcinoska, I, Rankin, NM, PROMPT-Care Implementation Authorship Group, Delaney, GP, Girgis, A, Bamgboje-Ayodele, A, Rincones, O, Vinod, SK, Avery, S, Descallar, J, Smith, AB, Arnold, B, Arnold, A, Bray, V, Durcinoska, I, Rankin, NM, PROMPT-Care Implementation Authorship Group, and Delaney, GP
- Abstract
BACKGROUND: To realize the broader benefits of electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) in routine care, we used the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework to inform the translation of a clinically effective ePROM system (hereafter referred to as the PRM system) into practice. The study aimed to evaluate the processes and success of implementing the PRM system in the routine care of patients diagnosed with lung cancer. METHOD: A controlled before-and-after mixed-methods study was undertaken. Data sources included a self-report questionnaire and interviews with healthcare providers, electronic health record data for PRMs patients and historical controls, and field notes. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression modelling, negative binomial models, generalized estimating equations and repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 48/79 eligible people diagnosed with lung cancer completed 90 assessments during the 5-month implementation period (RE-AIM reach). Every assessment breached the pre-defined threshold and care coordinators reviewed and actioned 95.6% of breaches, resulting in 146 referrals to allied health services, most frequently for social work (25.3%), dietetics (18.5%), physiotherapy (18.5%) and occupational therapy (17.1%). PRMs patients had significantly fewer visits to the cancer assessment unit for problematic symptoms (M = 0.23 vs. M = 0.43; p = 0.035), and were significantly more likely to be offered referrals (71% vs. 29%, p < 0.0001) than historical controls (RE-AIM effect). The levels of 'organizational readiness for implementing change' (ORIC) did not show much differences between baseline and follow-up, though this was already high at baseline; but significantly more staff reported improved confidence when asking patients to complete assessments (64.7% at baseline vs. 88.2% at follow-up, p = 0.0046), and
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- 2022
14. Predictors of developmental surveillance completion at six months of age in south western Sydney
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Overs, BJ, Woolfenden, S, Williams, K, Jalaludin, B, Axelsson, EL, Dissanayake, Cheryl, Descallar, J, Harvey, S, Beasley, D, Murphy, E, and Eapen, V
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Uncategorized - Abstract
Background: While developmental surveillance programs promote early identification of child developmental problems, evidence has indicated suboptimal uptake. This study aimed to identify predictors of developmental surveillance completion at 6 months postpartum. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to the parents of 510 infants who were born in south western Sydney, Australia over a 22-month period. Attendance for developmental screening and completion of the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) at 6 months postpartum were modelled separately using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Developmental surveillance attendance was predicted by higher levels of maternal education, annual income and being informed about checks. PEDS completion at 6 months of age was predicted by higher income and being informed, as well as being married, employed, speaking English at home, full-term birth and the professional status of the practitioner completing the check. Conclusions: Barriers to developmental surveillance included low socioeconomic status, linguistic diversity and possible gaps in parental knowledge and professional education. Developmental surveillance rates may be increased by the addition of targeted parental and professional support within current universal frameworks.
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- 2022
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15. Risk factors for non-participation in a universal developmental surveillance program in a population in Australia
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Ayer, C, Eapen, V, Overs, B, Descallar, J, Jalaludin, B, Eastwood, JG, Dissanayake, Cheryl, Williams, K, Murphy, E, and Woolfenden, S
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Uncategorized - Abstract
Objectives: This study examined the risk factors for non-participation in a developmental surveillance program in a population in south-west Sydney with a high proportion of culturally diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged people. Methods: Data from 850 and 625 12- and 18-month-old children respectively from the Watch Me Grow (WMG) birth cohort were used for this study. Logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors for 12- and 18-month non-attendance at Well Child Visits, as well as non-completion of the developmental surveillance questionnaire Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) in the child's personal health record (PHR). Results: Independent risk factors for non-attendance at Well Child Visits were female sex of the child (odds ratio (OR) 12 months 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-2.3), mother's country of birth Australia (OR 18 months 1.8; 95% CI 1.2-2.7), annual household income less than A$25 001 (OR 12 months 1.8; 95% CI 1.0-3.2) and residing in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhood (OR 12 months 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.5). Independent risk factors for non-completion of PEDS in those who did not attend the Well Child Visit compared with those who did attend and did complete PEDS were household annual income at birth less than A$25 001 (OR 12 months 3.9; 95% CI 1.9-8.1) and residing in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhood (OR 12 months 2.1 (95% CI 1.2-3.7) and OR 18 months 2.0 (95% CI 1.2-3.6)). Conclusions: In this population, children exposed to socioeconomic disadvantage are less likely to have attended a Well Child Visit and to have a completed PEDS in their PHR at 12 and/or 18 months of age. What is known about the topic?: Developmental problems are common in early childhood, and children from socioeconomically disadvantaged households are at higher risk. Universal developmental surveillance programs may be effective at early identification of children at risk of developmental problems. Early childhood interventions, when accessed, can lessen the effects of developmental problems in later years. What does this paper add?: This paper highlights that children exposed to socioeconomic disadvantage in early childhood who are at higher risk of having developmental problems are also at higher risk of missing out on early identification by non-participation in universal developmental surveillance. What are the implications for practitioners?: A more equitable model of developmental surveillance should include a framework of proportionate universalism to ensure optimal engagement of high-risk population groups.
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- 2022
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16. Screen time of infants in Sydney, Australia: a birth cohort study
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Chandra, M, Jalaludin, B, Woolfenden, S, Descallar, J, Nicholls, L, Dissanayake, Cheryl, Williams, K, Murphy, E, Walter, A, Eastwood, J, and Eapen, V
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Uncategorized - Abstract
Objectives: To determine the amount of daily screen time in children 18 months of age and ascertain correlations that may be contributing to excessive screen use. Design: A birth cohort was followed with telephone interviews at 6, 12 and 18 months of age. Information about screen time was collected at 18 months. Setting: Parents were recruited from postnatal wards of 2 major public hospitals and at home visits conducted for new mothers within 4 weeks of birth in South Western Sydney (SWS). Participants: Parents of 500 children with infants 18 months of age residing in SWS. Primary and secondary outcomes: Screen time in infants 18 months of age and associated correlations. Results: A large percentage of children 18 months of age (40%) had screen times >2 hours daily. There were significant associations between more than 2 hours of screen time daily and mothers without a partner (OR 4.32 (95% CI 1.67 to 11.15)); having 2 hours per day. Factors contributing to excess screen time have also been identified in this study; however, a greater understanding of risk factors needs to be ascertained in order to facilitate greater public health efforts to reduce screen exposure.
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- 2022
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17. PO-1062 Quality of life in patients treated with MR-Linac radiotherapy
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Batumalai, V., Twentyman, T., Jameson, M., Descallar, J., Jagavkar, R., Crawford, D., Picton, M., Tran, C., McKenzie, L., and de Leon, J.
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- 2023
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18. RHEUMETRIC QUANTITATIVE 0-10 PHYSICIAN ESTIMATES OF INFLAMMATION, DAMAGE, AND DISTRESS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: VALIDATION AGAINST REFERENCE MEASURES.
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Rodwell, N., Hassett, G., Bird, P., Pincus, T., and Descallar, J.
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- 2023
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19. 110P Longitudinal measurements of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio during treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer and associations with smoking, ethnicity and pathological response.
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Huang, N., Chua, W., Ng, W.L., Ip, E., Henderson, C., Descallar, J., and Lim, S.H-S.
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NEUTROPHIL lymphocyte ratio , *RECTAL cancer , *SMOKING , *ETHNICITY - Published
- 2024
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20. Process evaluation of a cluster randomised implementation trial examining strategies to increase early access to exercise for people with knee osteoarthritis: protocol.
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Orsatti A, Bowden JL, Naylor JM, Boland R, Pardey M, Descallar J, and Mills K
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- Humans, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Process Assessment, Health Care, Reminder Systems, Health Services Accessibility, Osteoarthritis, Knee therapy, Exercise Therapy methods
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Introduction: First steps for knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a cluster randomised implementation trial examining the effect of an educational reminder message included in knee X-ray reports on the proportion of people subsequently referred to exercise professionals for their knee OA. Evaluating the processes supporting the completion of the study and the efficacy of the reminder message is essential to interpreting the outcomes of the study and aiding translation into practice., Methods and Analysis: We will conduct a concurrent process evaluation throughout the current study using a previously published framework for examining cluster randomised trials. This framework divides processes into those occurring at the cluster level and those at the target population level. For the current study, the cluster level is within radiology clinics. The target population is people with newly diagnosed radiologically evident, structural knee OA. A mixed methods design, incorporating survey data, administrative records, field notes and semi-structured interviews with representatives from radiology clinics and people with knee OA, will evaluate these processes. The focus of the evaluation will be recruitment and response processes of the radiology clinics and delivery and response processes for the people with knee OA. We will also describe the context and explore how the nudge theory of behavioural change influences the outcome of the study., Ethics and Dissemination: The study protocol, inclusive of the process evaluation, was approved by Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee (#520221190343842). Findings will be disseminated through national and international conferences, national industry stakeholders and patient advocacy groups to reach all levels of healthcare. Staff at radiology clinics and people with knee OA involved in interviews provide written, informed consent to participate in the process evaluation. Specific findings will be incorporated into training modules aimed at radiology clinics and will be developed by our industry partners., Trial Registration: Prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001414707p). Registration occurred in December 2022., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare no financial or competing interests for the overall study. MP’s workplace is within a radiology clinic that is not participating in this study., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2024
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21. Increasing the delivery of upper limb constraint-induced movement therapy programs for stroke and brain injury survivors: evaluation of the ACTIveARM project.
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Christie LJ, Rendell R, Fearn N, Descallar J, McCluskey A, Pearce A, Wong L, and Lovarini M
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- Humans, Female, Male, Middle Aged, Adult, Aged, Restraint, Physical, Exercise Therapy methods, Focus Groups, Survivors, Program Evaluation, Stroke Rehabilitation methods, Upper Extremity, Brain Injuries rehabilitation
- Abstract
Purpose: To increase the number of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) programs provided by rehabilitation services., Methods: A before-and-after implementation study involving nine rehabilitation services. The implementation package to help change practice included file audit-feedback cycles, 2-day workshops, poster reminders, a community-of-practice and drop-in support. File audits were conducted at baseline, every three months for 1.5 years, and once after support ceased to evaluate maintenance of change. CIMT participant outcomes were collected to evaluate CIMT effectiveness and maintenance (Action Research Arm Test and Motor Activity Log). Staff focus groups explored factors influencing CIMT delivery., Results: CIMT adoption improved from baseline where only 2% of eligible people were offered and/or received CIMT ( n = 408 files) to more than 50% over 1.5 years post-implementation ( n = 792 files, 52% to 73% offered CIMT, 27%-46% received CIMT). Changes were maintained at 6-month follow-up ( n = 172 files, 56% offered CIMT, 40% received CIMT). CIMT participants ( n = 74) demonstrated clinically significant improvements in arm function and occupational performance. Factors influencing adoption included interdisciplinary collaboration, patient support needs, intervention adaptations, a need for continued training, and clinician support., Conclusions: The implementation package helped therapists overcome an evidence-practice gap and deliver CIMT more routinely.
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- 2024
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22. The Prognostic and Predictive Utility of CDX2 in Colorectal Cancer.
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Chan WY, Chua W, Wilkinson K, Epitakaduwa C, Mandaliya H, Descallar J, Roberts TL, Becker TM, Ng W, Lee CS, and Lim SH
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- Humans, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Prognosis, Aged, Neoplasm Staging, Adult, Aged, 80 and over, Disease-Free Survival, Chemotherapy, Adjuvant, CDX2 Transcription Factor metabolism, CDX2 Transcription Factor genetics, Colorectal Neoplasms metabolism, Colorectal Neoplasms pathology, Colorectal Neoplasms genetics, Colorectal Neoplasms mortality, Colorectal Neoplasms drug therapy, Biomarkers, Tumor metabolism
- Abstract
Caudal type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) is a gastrointestinal cancer biomarker that regulates epithelial development and differentiation. Absence or low levels of CDX2 have been associated with poor prognosis and proposed as a chemotherapy response predictor. Tumour tissue samples from 668 patients with stage I-IV colorectal cancer were stained for CDX2 and stratified into two subgroups according to expression levels. Statistical tests were used to evaluate CDX2's relationship with survival and chemotherapy response. Of 646 samples successfully stained, 51 (7.9%) had low CDX2 levels, and 595 (92.1%) had high levels. Low CDX2 staining was associated with poor differentiation and the presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion and was more common in colon and right-sided tumours. Overall survival ( p < 0.001) and disease-free survival ( p = 0.009) were reduced in patients with low CDX2 expression. Multivariable analysis validated CDX2 as an independent poor prognostic factor after excluding confounding variables. There was no statistically significant improvement in survival with adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II colon cancer ( p = 0.11). In the rectal cohort, there was no relationship between CDX2 levels and therapy response. While confirming the prognostic utility of CDX2 in colorectal cancer, our study highlights that larger studies are required to confirm its utility as a predictive chemotherapy biomarker, especially in left-sided and rectal cancers.
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- 2024
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23. Adherence Outcomes and Risk Factors Predicting Nonadherence to Active Surveillance in Patients With Stage 1 Testicular Germ Cell Tumors.
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Liang R, Adams D, Roncolato F, Asghari R, Descallar J, Pal A, Chua W, and Balakrishnar B
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- Humans, Male, Retrospective Studies, Adult, Risk Factors, Watchful Waiting statistics & numerical data, Middle Aged, Neoplasm Recurrence, Local psychology, Neoplasm Staging, Australia, Young Adult, Testicular Neoplasms psychology, Testicular Neoplasms pathology, Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal psychology, Patient Compliance statistics & numerical data
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Purpose: Adherence to active surveillance in patients with stage 1 testicular cancers may be influenced by factors affecting capacity and motivation to attend appointments. The aims of this study were to assess adherence to active surveillance and analyze factors which may impact adherence., Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients diagnosed with stage 1 testicular cancer between 2005 and 2020, and managed with active surveillance at 3 institutions in South Western Sydney, Australia. Adherence with active surveillance was followed to 2023 and patients were subsequently classified into 3 groups: "Optimal," "Adequate" or "Loss to follow-up" (LTFU). Factors for adherence were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Disease recurrence was analyzed using multivariable Cox regression., Results: In 125 patients, adherence with active surveillance was assessed as "Optimal" in 64 (51%), "Adequate" in 14 (11%), and LTFU in 47 (38%). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that patients had higher odds of being in the "Optimal" or "Adequate" categories if they were from a culturally and linguistically diverse background (OR 4.86, P = .026), nonsmokers (OR 7.63, P = .0002), not employed (OR 4.93, P = .0085), had a partner (OR 2.74, P = .0326), or were diagnosed after June 2016 (OR 5.22, P = .0016). Recurrence occurred in 21 patients (17%). The risk of recurrence increased with the presence of multiple pathological risk factors (HR 5.77, P = .0032), if patients were unemployed (HR 2.57, P = .032), or if they had "Optimal" or "Adequate" adherence (HR 12.74, P = .0136)., Conclusion: Adherence with active surveillance was poorer in this cohort of stage 1 testicular cancer patients. Patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those who were nonsmokers, unemployed, with a partner, and later date of diagnosis, were more likely to be adherent with active surveillance., Competing Interests: Disclosure None., (Crown Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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24. Outcomes of atypical (B3) core biopsy lesions diagnosed across BreastScreen NSW, Australia.
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Chou R, Tran D, Descallar J, Jalaludin B, and Soon PS
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- Humans, Female, Retrospective Studies, New South Wales epidemiology, Middle Aged, Biopsy, Large-Core Needle statistics & numerical data, Adult, Aged, Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating pathology, Breast pathology, Breast Neoplasms pathology
- Abstract
Introduction: Atypical or B3 lesions comprise a heterogeneous group of uncertain malignant potential. B3 lesions diagnosed on core biopsy are usually recommended for diagnostic open biopsy. Identifying factors which could allow conservative management of B3 lesions would be helpful in avoiding unnecessary surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the upgrade rate to malignancy for B3 core biopsy lesions and to compare characteristics of lesions which were malignant and benign at excision., Method: This retrospective study used data from BreastScreen New South Wales (NSW), Australia, of women who were diagnosed with B3 lesions on needle biopsy from 2011 to 2019., Results: During the study period, 1927 B3 lesions were included. The upgrade rate to malignancy was 26.4%. Of the malignant lesions on excision, 29.6% were invasive and 69.2% were in situ. The rates of upgrade to invasive cancer and DCIS varied substantially with the core biopsy lesion type. Lesions with atypia on core biopsy had significantly higher upgrade rates to malignancy at 34.7% compared to 13.6% for lesions without atypia (p < 0.0001). Lesions with malignant pathology were significantly larger than those with benign pathology (difference = 5.1 mm (95% CI 2.7-7.5 mm), p < 0.001)., Conclusions: The overall upgrade rate of B3 lesions to malignancy was 26.4%. The majority of the lesions were upgraded to DCIS instead of invasive cancer. Upgrade rates varied by lesion type. Lesions with atypia had significantly higher upgrade rates to cancer compared to lesions without atypia. Malignant lesions were significantly larger than benign lesions., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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25. The Evaluation of the Suitability, Quality, and Readability of Publicly Available Online Resources for the Self-Management of Fear of Cancer Recurrence.
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Wu VS, Sabud T, Smith A', Lambert SD, Descallar J, Lebel S, and Bamgboje-Ayodele A
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- Humans, Comprehension, Fear, Self-Management, Neoplasms therapy, Cancer Survivors
- Abstract
Cancer survivors often rely on the internet for health information, which has varying levels of readability, suitability, and quality. There is a need for high-quality online self-management resources for cancer survivors with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). This study evaluated the readability, suitability, and quality of publicly available online FCR self-management resources. A Google search using FCR-related keywords identified freely available FCR self-management resources for cancer survivors in English. Resource readability (reading grade level), suitability, and quality were evaluated using relevant assessment tools. Descriptive statistics and cluster analysis identified resources with higher suitability and quality scores. Mean resource ( n = 23) readability score was grade 11 (SD = 1.6, Range = 9-14). The mean suitability score was 56.0% (SD = 11.4%, Range = 31.0-76.3%), indicating average suitability and the mean quality score was 53% (SD = 11.7%, Range = 27-80%), indicating fair quality. A cluster of 15 (65%) resources with higher suitability and quality scores was identified. There were no significant associations between suitability or quality scores and the type of organisation that published the resources. Online FCR self-management resources varied in readability, suitability and quality. Resources with higher quality and suitability scores relative to other resources are identified for use by healthcare professionals and cancer survivors. Resources that are more culturally appropriate, with lower reading grade levels and detailed self-management strategies are needed.
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- 2023
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26. KRAS and BRAF Mutation Rates and Survival Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer in an Ethnically Diverse Patient Cohort.
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Habashy P, Lea V, Wilkinson K, Wang B, Wu XJ, Roberts TL, Ng W, Rutland T, Po JW, Becker T, Descallar J, Lee M, Mackenzie S, Gupta R, Cooper W, Lim S, Chua W, and Lee CS
- Subjects
- Humans, Mutation, Mutation Rate, Retrospective Studies, Colorectal Neoplasms genetics, Colorectal Neoplasms pathology, Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf genetics, Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) genetics
- Abstract
KRAS and BRAF mutation rates in colorectal cancer (CRC) reported from various mono-ethnic studies vary amongst different ethnic groups. However, these differences in mutation rates may not be statistically significant or may be due to differences in environmental and/or laboratory factors across countries rather than racial genetic differences. Here, we compare the KRAS / BRAF mutation rates and survival outcomes in CRC between ethnic groups at a single institution. We also investigate the contributions of genetic, environmental, and laboratory factors to the variations in KRAS / BRAF mutation rates reported from different countries. Clinicopathological data from 453 ethnically diverse patients with CRC were retrospectively analyzed at Liverpool Hospital, NSW Australia (2014-2016). KRAS / BRAF mutations were detected using real-time PCR (Therascreen kits from Qiagen). Mismatch repair (MMR) status was determined using immunohistochemical staining. Four ethnic groups were analyzed: Caucasian, Middle Eastern, Asian, and South American. Overall survival data were available for 406 patients. There was no significant difference in KRAS mutation rates between Caucasians (41.1%), Middle Easterners (47.9%), Asians (44.8%), and South Americans (25%) ( p = 0.34). BRAF mutation rates differed significantly between races ( p = 0.025), with Caucasians having the highest rates (13.5%) and Middle Easterners the lowest (0%). A secondary analysis in which Caucasians were divided into three subgroups showed that ethnic grouping correlated significantly with KRAS mutation rate ( p = 0.009), with central and eastern Europeans having the highest rates (58.3%). There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) between the four races. The similarity in KRAS mutation rates across races raises the possibility that the differences in KRAS mutation rates reported from various countries may either not be statistically significant or may be due to environmental and/or laboratory factors rather than underlying racial genetic differences. In contrast, we verified that BRAF mutation rates differ significantly between races, suggesting racial genetic differences may be responsible for the discrepant BRAF mutation rates reported from different countries.
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- 2023
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27. Comparison of short-term outcomes between people with and without a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis following surgery for traumatic hand injury: a prospective longitudinal study of a multicultural cohort.
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Naylor JM, Bhandari P, Descallar J, Yang OO, Rider M, Mayland EC, Tang C, Brady B, Lim D, Santalucia Y, Gabbe BJ, Hassett G, and Baker E
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- Humans, Male, Adult, Female, Prospective Studies, Longitudinal Studies, Australia epidemiology, Quality of Life, Mental Health, Hand Injuries diagnosis, Hand Injuries epidemiology, Hand Injuries surgery
- Abstract
Background: Following traumatic hand injury, few studies have compared outcomes between people with and without a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis. This study aimed to compare sub-acute outcomes in a multicultural patient cohort with surgically managed traumatic hand injury with and without a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis., Methods: A prospective, observational cohort study of people with traumatic hand injury presenting pre- surgically to a high-volume hand injury centre in a region of cultural and language diversity was conducted. Participants were assessed face-to-face (baseline) then via telephone (3-months post-surgery) and categorized according to a pre-morbid medically diagnosed mental health diagnosis. Baseline and follow-up assessments included global mental health, and the EuroQol (EQ) 'Health Today' analogue scale (0-100) and health domains. Return-to-work status, complications/symptomatic complaints, and hand function (QuickDASH) were also collected at follow-up. Adjusted analyses-accounting for covariates including cultural identity-were conducted to determine whether 3-month outcomes were associated with a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis., Results: From 405 eligible patients, 386 were enrolled (76% male, mean age 38.9 (standard deviation 15.6)); 57% self-identified as Australian and 22% had a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis. Common injuries regardless of pre-morbid mental health diagnosis were skin (40%), tendon (17%) and bone (17%) injuries. None were complex mutilating injuries. Seventy-eight per cent of the cohort was followed-up. In adjusted analyses, a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis was associated with lower odds for reporting 'good or better' global mental health (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.23 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.18, 0.47), p < 0.001), 'no' anxiety or depression (OR 0.21 (0.11, 0.40), p < 0.001) and no pain (OR 0.56 (0.31, 0.98), p = 0.04)(EQ domains), and worse EQ 'Health Today' (10 points on average (95%CI -14.9, -5.1, p < 0.001). QuickDASH scores, rates of complications/symptomatic complaints and return-to-work profiles were similar., Conclusions: Despite reporting worse mental and health-related quality-of-life outcomes post-surgery, people with a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis regardless of cultural identity experienced similar clinical and return-to-work outcomes. Future research assessing the value of screening for pre-morbid mental health conditions on post-surgical outcomes is required and should include people with more complex hand injuries., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)
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- 2023
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28. Screening for Anxiety in Patients With Inflammatory Arthritis Using the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire.
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Islam ST, Descallar J, Martens D, Hassett G, and Gibson KA
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- Humans, Female, Middle Aged, Male, Reactive Oxygen Species, Severity of Illness Index, Surveys and Questionnaires, Anxiety diagnosis, Arthritis, Psoriatic complications, Arthritis, Psoriatic diagnosis, Arthritis, Rheumatoid complications, Arthritis, Rheumatoid diagnosis
- Abstract
Objective: To analyze the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) in screening for anxiety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), compared to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as the reference standard., Methods: Patients with a physician diagnosis of RA or PsA were invited to complete the MDHAQ and HADS at their routine rheumatology clinic visit. Sensitivity, specificity, percent agreement, and [Formula: see text] statistics were used to evaluate agreement between 2 MDHAQ items for anxiety and HADS subscale for Anxiety (HADS-A) score of ≥ 8. The first item is a question asked on a 4-point scale (0-3.3), and the second is a yes or no (blank) question asked within a 60-item review of symptoms (ROS) checklist., Results: The study included 183 participants, of whom 126 (68.9%) had RA and 57 (31.1%) had PsA. The mean age was 57.3 years and 66.7% were female. Positive screening for anxiety according to a HADS-A score of ≥ 8 was seen in 39.3% of patients. Compared to those with a HADS-A score of ≥ 8, patients with an MDHAQ score of ≥ 2.2 or a positive on ROS had a sensitivity of 69.9%, specificity of 73.6% and substantial agreement (agreement 80.9%, [Formula: see text] 0.59)., Conclusion: The MDHAQ provides information similar to the HADS in screening for anxiety in patients with RA and PsA. The use of this single questionnaire, which can also be used to monitor clinical status and to screen for fibromyalgia and depression without requiring multiple questionnaires, may prove a valuable tool in routine clinical practice., (Copyright © 2023 by the Journal of Rheumatology.)
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- 2023
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29. RheuMetric Quantitative 0 to 10 Physician Estimates of Inflammation, Damage, and Distress in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Validation Against Reference Measures.
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Rodwell N, Hassett G, Bird P, Pincus T, Descallar J, and Gibson KA
- Abstract
Objective: To analyze a RheuMetric checklist, which includes four feasible physician 0 to 10 scores for DOCGL, inflammation (DOCINF), damage (DOCDAM), and distress (DOCSTR) for criterion and discriminant validity against standard reference measures., Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional assessment was performed at one routine care visit at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Rheumatologists recorded DOCGL, DOCINF, DOCDAM, DOCSTR, and 28 joint counts for swelling (SJC), tenderness (TJC), and limited motion/deformity (DJC). Patients completed a multidimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ), which includes routine assessment of patient index data (RAPID3), fibromyalgia assessment screening tool (FAST4), and MDHAQ depression screen (MDS2). Laboratory tests and radiographic scores were recorded. RheuMetric estimates of inflammation, damage, and distress were compared with reference and other measures using correlations and linear regressions., Results: In 173 patients with RA, variation in RheuMetric DOCINF was explained significantly by SJC and inversely by disease duration; variation in DOCDAM was explained significantly by DJC, radiographic scores, and physical function; and variation in DOCSTR was explained significantly by fibromyalgia and depression., Conclusion: RheuMetric DOCINF, DOCDAM, and DOCSTR estimates were correlated significantly and specifically with reference measures of inflammation, damage, and distress, documenting criterion and discriminant validity., (© 2023 The Authors. ACR Open Rheumatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Rheumatology.)
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- 2023
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30. Taking the first step: protocol for a cluster randomised implementation trial comparing strategies on access to exercise programmes for people with knee osteoarthritis.
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Mills K, Bowden JL, Boland R, Pardey M, Descallar J, and Naylor JM
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- Humans, Australia, Exercise Therapy methods, Pain complications, Treatment Outcome, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Osteoarthritis, Knee
- Abstract
Introduction: This cluster randomised implementation trial will assess the effect of two behavioural change interventions on the proportion of people with structural knee osteoarthritis (OA) referred and attending exercise-based professionals (physiotherapists and exercise physiologists). The interventions are designed to increase awareness of guidelines, benefits and access pathways for exercise therapy. We hypothesise either strategy will result in more people with knee OA being referred and attending physiotherapy/exercise physiology than current standard of care., Methods and Analysis: We will recruit 30 radiology clinics. 10 clinics will be randomly assigned to each trial arm with 1020 people with knee OA consecutively recruited (102 people per practice) into each arm. Intervention arm 1 is an educational reminder message targeted at primary care practitioners with a hyperlink to national guidelines regarding knee OA clinical management. It will be included in the reporting template of a plain knee X-ray. Intervention arm 2 is the reminder message and a patient-facing infographic explaining the benefits and access pathways for exercise. Both interventions will be delivered once, by the radiology clinics, when a person undergoes plain X-ray for non-traumatic knee pain/dysfunction. The primary outcome is referral to physiotherapist/exercise physiology. The secondary outcome is attendance to that appointment. Both outcomes are self-reported via an online survey administered 4 weeks after the X-ray. Additional survey questions explore facilitators and barriers to appointment attendance and acceptability of the interventions. A subsample of the intervention groups will be recruited for semistructured telephone-based interviews to further explore these latter outcomes., Ethics and Dissemination: The study protocol was approved by Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee (#520221190343842) and prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals and conferences. We will engage with Australian physician colleges and main-stream media to distribute findings., Trial Registration Number: ACTRN12622001414707p., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2023
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31. General practitioners' perspectives regarding early developmental surveillance for autism within the australian primary healthcare setting: a qualitative study.
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Barbaro J, Winata T, Gilbert M, Nair R, Khan F, Lucien A, Islam R, Masi A, Diaz AM, Dissanayake C, Karlov L, Descallar J, Eastwood J, Hasan I, Jalaludin B, Kohlhoff J, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Ong N, Tam CWM, Woolfenden S, and Eapen V
- Subjects
- Aged, Humans, Child, United States, Australia epidemiology, Attitude of Health Personnel, Communicable Disease Control, Medicare, Qualitative Research, Primary Health Care, General Practitioners, Autistic Disorder diagnosis, Autistic Disorder epidemiology, COVID-19
- Abstract
Background: Significant challenges remain in the early identification of child developmental disabilities in the community. Implementing supports and services early in the life course has been shown to promote positive developmental outcomes for children at high likelihood of developmental disabilities, including autism. As part of a cluster randomised controlled trial, this study seeks to examine and compare the perspectives and experiences of Australian general practitioners (GPs) in relation to a digital developmental surveillance program for autism and usual care pathway, in general practice clinics., Methods: A qualitative research methodology with semi-structured interviews and thematic inductive analysis underpinned by grounded theory was utilised. All GPs from South Western Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (Victoria) who participated in the main program ("GP Surveillance for Autism") were invited to the interview. GPs who provided consent were interviewed either over online or in-person meeting. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using NVivo12 software. Inductive interpretive approach was adopted and data were analysed thematically., Results: Twenty-three GPs across the two sites (NSW: n = 11; Victoria: n = 12) agreed to be interviewed; data saturation had reached following this number of participants. Inductive thematic coding and analysis yielded eight major themes and highlighted common enablers such as the role of GPs in early identification and subsequent supports, enhanced communication between clinicians/professionals, relationship-building with patients, and having standardised screening tools. Specific facilitators to the feasibility and acceptability of a digital screening program for the early identification of developmental disabilities, including the early signs of autism, and encouraging research and education for GPs. However, several practical and socioeconomic barriers were identified, in addition to limited knowledge and uptake of child developmental screening tools as well as COVID-19 lockdown impacts. Common and specific recommendations involve supporting GPs in developmental/paediatrics training, streamlined screening process, and funding and resources in the primary healthcare services., Conclusions: The study highlighted the need for practice and policy changes, including further training of GPs alongside sufficient time to complete developmental checks and appropriate financial remuneration through a Medicare billing item. Further research is needed on implementation and scale up of a national surveillance program for early identification of developmental disabilities, including autism., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)
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- 2023
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32. Evaluating the dose-response relationship of the number of sessions of "It Takes Two to Talk®" in young children with language delay.
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Zulkifli S, Short K, Kleiman C, Kidd JC, Earley J, Beckett S, Descallar J, and McCabe P
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- Humans, Child, Child, Preschool, Child Language, Communication, Parents, Vocabulary, Language Development, Language Development Disorders therapy
- Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the dose-response relationship between the number of It Takes Two to Talk ® (ITTT) sessions attended and the language outcomes of young children with language delay and their parent's responsivity in a multicultural clinical population., Method: A clinical caseload of 273 early language delayed children (mean age 29.2 months, SD 7.8) and their families participated in parent group workshops and individual coaching sessions of the parent responsivity program ITTT. The children's vocabulary and early syntax, collected using the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories and mean length of the three longest utterances respectively, were collated from pre- and post-intervention from pre-existing clinical data. Parental responsivity was evaluated utilising the Parent-Child Interaction checklist at three time points. Multilevel regression was used to determine the relationship between the number of sessions attended and outcomes, while accounting for covariates such as age and language spoken., Result: ITTT dosage did not predict child language outcomes. Rather, vocabulary and early syntax outcomes were predicted by age, pre-scores and parent responsivity at the beginning of treatment. A higher dosage of ITTT did however positively predict parent responsivity, as did speaking only English at home. Socioeconomic status, gender and presence of receptive language difficulties did not contribute significantly to either child or parent outcomes., Conclusion: A lower dosage of the intervention may be considered for parents and children with fewer known risk factors without significant implications.
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- 2023
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33. Response from Batumalai V et al.
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Batumalai V, Descallar J, Gabriel G, Delaney GP, Oar A, Barton MB, and Vinod SK
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- 2023
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34. Pelvic floor training improves faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation despite the presence of rectal intussusception.
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Albayati S, Bhai D, Descallar J, Turner CE, Berney C, and Morgan MJ
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- Humans, Defecation, Retrospective Studies, Pelvic Floor, Treatment Outcome, Constipation etiology, Constipation therapy, Fecal Incontinence etiology, Fecal Incontinence therapy, Intussusception complications, Intussusception therapy, Rectal Prolapse diagnosis
- Abstract
Background: Rectal intussusception is often observed in patients with faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation. The aim of this study is to assess if pelvic floor training improves faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation in patients with rectal intussusception., Methods: Case notes of all patients referred to Bankstown Hospital Pelvic Floor Clinic between 2013 and 2018 for the management of faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation and rectal intussusception were retrospectively reviewed using a prospectively maintained database. St Mark's faecal incontinence and Cleveland clinic constipation scores were obtained from patients before and after they underwent pelvic floor training., Results: One hundred and thirty-one patients underwent pelvic floor training at Bankstown Hospital Pelvic Floor Clinic between 2013 and 2018. Sixty-one patients had rectal intussusception (22 low-grade and 39 high-grade). Median St Marks score improved following pelvic floor training from 8 to 1 (P < 0.001). Median Cleveland Clinic constipation score improved from 8 to 5 (P < 0.001). In patients with low grade rectal intussusception, pelvic floor training improved median St Mark's score from 3 to 0 (P = 0.003), whereas Cleveland Clinic constipation score improved from 9 to 7 (P < 0.001). In patients with high-grade rectal intussusception, pelvic floor training improved median St Mark's score from 9 to 2 (P < 0.001), whereas median Cleveland Clinic constipation score improved from 8 to 4 (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Pelvic floor training without biofeedback therapy improves faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation. Improvement in symptoms is unrelated to rectal intussusception observed on proctography or at examination under anaesthesia in these patients., (© 2022 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)
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- 2023
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35. Patterns of curative treatment for non-small cell lung cancer in New South Wales, Australia.
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Batumalai V, Descallar J, Gabriel G, Delaney GP, Oar A, Barton MB, and Vinod SK
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- Humans, Female, New South Wales epidemiology, Australia, Proportional Hazards Models, Neoplasm Staging, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung pathology, Lung Neoplasms drug therapy
- Abstract
Introduction: There is a lack of large population-based studies examining patterns of curative treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Australia. This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of curative treatment for NCSLC at a population level and identify factors associated with its use in New South Wales (NSW), Australia., Methods: Patients diagnosed with localized or locoregional NSCLC between 2009 and 2014 were identified from the NSW Central Cancer Registry. Curative treatment was defined as surgery or radiotherapy with a 45 Gy minimum dose. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with the receipt of curative treatment. A Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with 2-year overall survival (OS)., Results: Of the 5722 patients diagnosed with NSCLC in the study period, 3355 (59%) patients received curative treatment and 2367 (41%) patients did not receive curative treatment. The receipt of curative treatment was significantly associated with younger patients, female gender, localized disease, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) = 0. The use of curative treatment increased significantly over time from 2009 (55%) to 2014 (63%) and varied significantly from 24% to 70% between local health districts (LHDs) of residence. Younger age, female gender, localized disease, CCI = 0, and overseas country of birth were significantly associated with 2-year OS. The 2-year OS significantly improved from 70% in 2009 to 77% in 2014 for patients who received curative treatment., Conclusion: The use of curative treatment for patients with potentially curable NSCLC was low at 59%. However, the use of curative treatment and survival have increased over time. Significant variation was noted in the use of curative treatment between LHDs., (© 2022 The Authors. Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)
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- 2023
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36. Rational Clinical Pathology Assessment in Intensive Care Unit (RCPA-ICU): Follow-up study.
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Rachakonda KS, Bhonagiri S, Maley MW, Descallar J, and Lombardo L
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- Humans, Follow-Up Studies, Critical Care, Intensive Care Units, Pathology, Clinical
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- 2023
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37. The Natural Helper approach to culturally responsive disease management: protocol for a type 1 effectiveness-implementation cluster randomised controlled trial of a cultural mentor programme.
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Brady B, Sidhu B, Jennings M, Saberi G, Tang C, Hassett G, Boland R, Dennis S, Ashton-James C, Refshauge K, Descallar J, Lim D, Said CM, Williams G, Sayed S, and Naylor JM
- Subjects
- Humans, Health Personnel, Mentors, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Surveys and Questionnaires, Quality of Life, Self-Management
- Abstract
Introduction: Chronic disease is a leading cause of death and disability that disproportionately burdens culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Self-management is a cornerstone of effective chronic disease management. However, research suggests that patients from CALD communities may be less likely to engage with self-management approaches. The Natural Helper Programme aims to facilitate patient engagement with self-management approaches (ie, 'activation') by embedding cultural mentors with lived experience of chronic disease into chronic disease clinics/programmes. The Natural Helper Trial will explore the effect of cultural mentors on patient activation, health self-efficacy, coping efforts and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) while also evaluating the implementation strategy., Methods and Analysis: A hybrid type-1 effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomised controlled trial (phase one) and a mixed-method controlled before-and-after cohort extension of the trial (phase 2). Hospital clinics in highly multicultural regions in Australia that provide healthcare for patients with chronic and/or complex conditions, will participate. A minimum of 16 chronic disease clinics (clusters) will be randomised to immediate (active arm) or delayed implementation (control arm). In phase 1, the active arm will receive a multifaceted strategy supporting them to embed cultural mentors in their services while the control arm continues with usual care. Each cluster will recruit an average of 15 patients, assessed at baseline and 6 months (n=240). In phase 2, clusters in the control arm will receive the implementation strategy and evaluate the intervention on an additional 15 patients per cluster, while sustainability in active arm clusters will be assessed qualitatively. Change in activation over 6 months, measured using the Patient Activation Measure will be the primary effectiveness outcome, while secondary effectiveness outcomes will explore changes in chronic disease self-efficacy, coping strategies and HRQoL. Secondary implementation outcomes will be collected from patient-participants, mentors and healthcare providers using validated questionnaires, customised surveys and interviews aligning with the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance framework to evaluate acceptability, reach, dose delivered, sustainability, cost-utility and healthcare provider determinants., Ethics and Dissemination: This trial has full ethical approval (2021/ETH12279). The results from this hybrid trial will be presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals., Trial Registration Number: ACTRN12622000697785., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2023
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38. Discharge to inpatient rehabilitation following arthroplasty is a strong predictor of persistent opioid use 90 days after surgery: a prospective, observational study.
- Author
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Jenkin DE, Harris IA, Descallar J, and Naylor JM
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- Humans, Analgesics, Opioid therapeutic use, Prospective Studies, Patient Discharge, Inpatients, Pain drug therapy, Pain, Postoperative diagnosis, Pain, Postoperative drug therapy, Pain, Postoperative etiology, Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee adverse effects, Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee rehabilitation, Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip adverse effects, Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip rehabilitation, Opioid-Related Disorders, Osteoarthritis drug therapy
- Abstract
Background: Total knee and hip arthroplasty are considered a clinically and cost-effective intervention, however, persistent pain post-surgery can occur, and some continue to take opioid medications long-term. One factor which has infrequently been included in prediction modelling is rehabilitation pathway, in particular, one which includes inpatient rehabilitation. As discharge to inpatient rehabilitation post-arthroplasty is common practice, we aimed to identify whether rehabilitation pathway (discharge to in-patient rehabilitation or not) predicts continued use of opioids at 3 months (90 days) post- total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) whilst controlling for other covariates., Methods: The study was nested within a prospective observational study capturing pre-operative, acute care and longer-term data from 1900 osteoarthritis (OA) patients who underwent primary TKA or THA. The larger study involved a part-random, part-convenience sample of 19 high-volume hospitals across Australia. Records with complete pre-and post-operative analgesic (35 days and 90 days) use were identified [1771 records (93% of sample)] and included in logistic regression analyses., Results: Three hundred and thirteen people (17.8%) reported ongoing opioid use at 90 days post-operatively. In the adjusted model, admission to inpatient rehabilitation after surgery was identified as an independent and significant predictor of opioid use at 90-days. Inpatient rehabilitation was associated with almost twice the odds of persistent opioid use at 90-days compared to discharge directly home (OR = 1.9 (1.4, 2.5), p < .001)., Conclusion: The inpatient rehabilitation pathway is a strong predictor of longer-term opioid use (90 days) post-arthroplasty, accounting for many known and possible confounders of use including sex, age, insurance status, major complications, smoking status and baseline body pain levels., Trial Registration: The study was nested within a prospective cohort observational study capturing pre-operative, acute-care and longer-term data from patients undergoing primary TKA or THA for osteoarthritis (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01899443)., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
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- 2023
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39. Parental experience of an early developmental surveillance programme for autism within Australian general practice: a qualitative study.
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Eapen V, Winata T, Gilbert M, Nair R, Khan F, Lucien A, Islam R, Masi A, Lam-Cassettari C, Mendoza Diaz A, Dissanayake C, Karlov L, Descallar J, Eastwood J, Hasan I, Jalaludin B, Kohlhoff J, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Ong N, Tam CWM, Woolfenden S, and Barbaro J
- Subjects
- Child, Humans, Australia epidemiology, Qualitative Research, Parents, Autistic Disorder diagnosis, General Practice
- Abstract
Objectives: Implementing support and services early in the life course has been shown to promote positive developmental outcomes for children at high likelihood of developmental conditions including autism. This study examined parents'/caregivers' experiences and perceptions about a digital developmental surveillance pathway for autism, the autism surveillance pathway (ASP), and usual care, the surveillance as usual (SaU) pathway, in the primary healthcare general practice setting., Design: This qualitative study involves using a convenience selection process of the full sample of parents/caregivers that participated in the main programme, 'General Practice Surveillance for Autism', a cluster-randomised controlled trial study. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded using NVivo V.12 software. An inductive thematic interpretive approach was adopted and data were analysed thematically., Participants: Twelve parents/caregivers of children with or without a developmental condition/autism (who participated in the main programme) in South Western Sydney and Melbourne were interviewed., Settings: All interviews were completed over the phone., Results: There were seven major themes and 20 subthemes that included positive experiences, such as pre-existing patient-doctor relationships and their perceptions on the importance of knowing and accessing early support/services. Barriers or challenges experienced while using the SaU pathway included long waiting periods, poor communication and lack of action plans, complexity associated with navigating the healthcare system and lack of understanding by general practitioners (GPs). Common suggestions for improvement included greater awareness/education for parents/carers and the availability of accessible resources on child development for parents/caregivers., Conclusion: The findings support the use of digital screening tools for developmental surveillance, including for autism, using opportunistic contacts in the general practice setting., Trial Registration Number: ANZCTR (ACTRN12619001200178)., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2022
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40. A Novel Decision Aid Improves Quality of Reproductive Decision-Making and Pregnancy Knowledge for Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
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Wang G, Karimi N, Willmann L, Pipicella J, Descallar J, O'Connor K, Peculis L, Leung Y, Connor S, Huang V, and Williams AJ
- Subjects
- Chronic Disease, Decision Support Techniques, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Pregnancy, Crohn Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases therapy, Pregnancy Complications therapy, Reproductive Behavior
- Abstract
Background: Women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with poor IBD-specific reproductive knowledge experience more childlessness and fear of IBD medications in pregnancy. The Pregnancy in IBD Decision Aid (PIDA), developed by an international multidisciplinary team, offers personalized online decision support regarding pregnancy in IBD., Aims: Assess the impact of PIDA on quality of reproductive decision-making and pregnancy-related knowledge among preconception (PC) and pregnant patients with IBD, and evaluate acceptability to patients and clinicians., Methods: PC and pregnant patients with IBD aged 18-45 completed questionnaires pre- and post-PIDA to assess quality of decision-making (Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS); Decision Self-Efficacy Scale (DSES) and IBD-in-pregnancy knowledge (Crohn's and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge Score (CCPKnow)). Paired t test assessed for differences pre- and post-PIDA. Patients and clinicians completed acceptability surveys., Results: DCS and DSES were completed by 74 patients (42 Crohn's disease, 32 ulcerative colitis); 41 PC and 33 pregnant. DCS improved significantly post-PIDA in PC patients regarding pregnancy planning (t(40) = 4.83, p < 0.0001, Cohen's d
z = 0.75) and in pregnant patients regarding medication management (t(32) = 2.37, p = 0.0242, dz = 0.41). DSES for PC patients improved significantly post-PIDA (t(40) = -3.56, p = 0.001, dz = -0.56). CCPKnow improved significantly post-PIDA in PC (t(42) = 4.93, p < 0.0001, dz = -0.75) and pregnant patients (t(32) = 5.1, p < 0.0001, dz = -0.89). PIDA was deemed optimal for length, readability, and content amount and considered highly useful by patients (n = 73) and clinicians (n = 14)., Conclusions: Patients using PIDA developed an improved quality of reproductive decision-making and IBD-in-pregnancy knowledge. PIDA is an accessible tool that can empower women with IBD to make values-congruent, evidence-based decisions regarding pregnancy and may reduce voluntary childlessness., (© 2022. Crown.)- Published
- 2022
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41. Watch me grow integrated (WMG-I): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of a web-based surveillance approach for developmental screening in primary care settings.
- Author
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Eapen V, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Woolfenden S, Jalaludin B, Page A, Kohlhoff J, Scott JG, Lawson KD, Lam-Cassettari C, Heussler H, Descallar J, Karlov L, Ong N, Colditz PB, Littlewood R, Murphy E, Deering A, Short K, Garg P, Blight V, Rodgers K, Chalmers L, Webb KL, Atkins H, Newcomb D, Beswick R, Thomas C, Marron C, Chambers A, Scheinpflug S, Statham M, Samaranayake D, Chay P, Tam CWM, Khan F, Mendoza Diaz A, Cibralic S, Winata T, and Pritchard M
- Subjects
- Australia, Child, Child, Preschool, Humans, Internet, Primary Health Care, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Child Health Services, Mass Screening
- Abstract
Introduction: The increasing prevalence of developmental disorders in early childhood poses a significant global health burden. Early detection of developmental problems is vital to ensure timely access to early intervention, and universal developmental surveillance is recommended best practice for identifying issues. Despite this, there is currently considerable variation in developmental surveillance and screening between Australian states and territories and low rates of developmental screening uptake by parents. This study aims to evaluate an innovative web-based developmental surveillance programme and a sustainable approach to referral and care pathways, linking primary care general practice (GP) services that fall under federal policy responsibility and state government-funded child health services., Methods and Analysis: The proposed study describes a longitudinal cluster randomised controlled trial (c-RCT) comparing a 'Watch Me Grow Integrated' (WMG-I) approach for developmental screening, to Surveillance as Usual (SaU) in GPs. Forty practices will be recruited across New South Wales and Queensland, and randomly allocated into either the (1) WMG-I or (2) SaU group. A cohort of 2000 children will be recruited during their 18-month vaccination visit or opportunistic visit to GP. At the end of the c-RCT, a qualitative study using focus groups/interviews will evaluate parent and practitioner views of the WMG-I programme and inform national and state policy recommendations., Ethics and Dissemination: The South Western Sydney Local Health District (2020/ETH01625), UNSW Sydney (2020/ETH01625) and University of Queensland (2021/HE000667) Human Research Ethics Committees independently reviewed and approved this study. Findings will be reported to the funding bodies, study institutes and partners; families and peer-reviewed conferences/publications., Trial Registration Number: ANZCTR12621000680864., Competing Interests: Competing interests: DN is a non-executive director of BSPHN., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2022
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42. Survey of barriers to adherence to international inflammatory bowel disease guidelines: does gastroenterologists' confidence translate to high adherence?
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Kanazaki R, Smith B, Girgis A, Descallar J, and Connor S
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- Australia epidemiology, Cross-Sectional Studies, Guideline Adherence, Humans, Surveys and Questionnaires, Gastroenterologists, Gastroenterology, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases diagnosis, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases epidemiology, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases therapy
- Abstract
Background: Despite the availability of evidence-based inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) guidelines, suboptimal care persists. There is little published research assessing barriers to IBD guideline adherence., Aim: To identify barriers to IBD guideline adherence including gastroenterologists' knowledge and attitudes towards guidelines., Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of 824 Australian gastroenterologists was conducted from April to August 2018, with 198 (24%) responses. A novel survey was developed that was informed by the theoretical domain's framework., Results: Confidence in guideline recommendations was high; however, referral to them was low. The European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation guidelines were referred to most commonly (43.6%). In multivariate analysis, significant predictors of frequent versus infrequent guideline referral were: high confidence in the guideline (odds ratio (OR) 7.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.43-24.39; P = 0.001), and low (≤10 years) clinical experience (OR 3.62; 95% CI: 1.11-11.79; P = 0.03). The most common barriers to guideline adherence were not having time (62%), followed by guideline specifics being difficult to remember (61%). Low confidence was reported in managing pregnancy and IBD (34%) and loss of response to therapy (29%). High confidence was reported in managing immunomodulators; however, only 43% answered the associated knowledge question correctly., Conclusion: Although gastroenterologists have high confidence in guidelines, they use them infrequently, primarily due to specifics being difficult to remember and lack of time. Self-reported confidence in an area of IBD management does not always reflect knowledge. An intervention targeting these barriers, for example, computer-based clinical decision support tools, might improve adherence and standardise care., (© 2021 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.)
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- 2022
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43. Stepping into the real world: a mixed-methods evaluation of the implementation of electronic patient reported outcomes in routine lung cancer care.
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Girgis A, Bamgboje-Ayodele A, Rincones O, Vinod SK, Avery S, Descallar J, Smith A', Arnold B, Arnold A, Bray V, Durcinoska I, Rankin NM, and Delaney GP
- Abstract
Background: To realize the broader benefits of electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) in routine care, we used the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework to inform the translation of a clinically effective ePROM system (hereafter referred to as the PRM system) into practice. The study aimed to evaluate the processes and success of implementing the PRM system in the routine care of patients diagnosed with lung cancer., Method: A controlled before-and-after mixed-methods study was undertaken. Data sources included a self-report questionnaire and interviews with healthcare providers, electronic health record data for PRMs patients and historical controls, and field notes. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression modelling, negative binomial models, generalized estimating equations and repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed., Results: A total of 48/79 eligible people diagnosed with lung cancer completed 90 assessments during the 5-month implementation period (RE-AIM reach). Every assessment breached the pre-defined threshold and care coordinators reviewed and actioned 95.6% of breaches, resulting in 146 referrals to allied health services, most frequently for social work (25.3%), dietetics (18.5%), physiotherapy (18.5%) and occupational therapy (17.1%). PRMs patients had significantly fewer visits to the cancer assessment unit for problematic symptoms (M = 0.23 vs. M = 0.43; p = 0.035), and were significantly more likely to be offered referrals (71% vs. 29%, p < 0.0001) than historical controls (RE-AIM effect). The levels of 'organizational readiness for implementing change' (ORIC) did not show much differences between baseline and follow-up, though this was already high at baseline; but significantly more staff reported improved confidence when asking patients to complete assessments (64.7% at baseline vs. 88.2% at follow-up, p = 0.0046), and when describing the assessment tool to patients (64.7% at baseline vs. 76.47% at follow-up, p = 0.0018) (RE-AIM adoption). A total of 78 staff received PRM system training, and 95.6% of the PRM system alerts were actioned (RE-AIM implementation); and all lung cancer care coordinators were engaged with the PRM system beyond the end of the study period (RE-AIM maintenance)., Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of the PRM system in enhancing the routine care of lung cancer patients, through leveraging the capabilities of automated web-based care options. Research has shown the clear benefits of using electronically collected patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) for cancer patients and health services. However, we need to better understand how to implement ePROMs as part of routine care. This study evaluated the processes and outcomes of implementing an ePROMs system in the routine care of patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Key findings included: (a) a majority of eligible patients completed the scheduled assessments; (b) patient concerns were identified in every assessment, and care coordinators reviewed and actioned almost all of these, including making significantly more referrals to allied health services; (c) patients completing assessments regularly were less likely to present to the cancer assessment unit with problematic symptoms, suggesting that ePROMs identified patient concerns early and this led to a timely response to concerns; (d) staff training and engagement was high, and staff reporting increased confidence when asking patients to complete assessments and when describing the assessment tool to patients at the end of the implementation period. This study shows that implementing ePROMs in routine care is feasible and can lead to improvements in patient care., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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44. Implementing patient-reported outcomes into routine care: an audit of cancer patients from two local health districts in New South Wales to understand their capabilities and preferences.
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Bamgboje-Ayodele A, Arnold B, Durcinoska I, Avery S, Vinod S, Rincones O, Thomas T, Descallar J, Smith B, Delaney GP, and Girgis A
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- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Electronic Health Records, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, New South Wales, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult, Neoplasms therapy, Patient Reported Outcome Measures
- Abstract
Objective It has been established that the implementation of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine care provides significant benefits to patients, providers and health services. However, there are patient-level barriers that must be identified and addressed for the successful implementation of PROMs. This study aimed to understand the capabilities and preferences of our cancer patient population prior to implementation of electronically collected PROMs (ePROMs). Specifically, we conducted a clinic audit to determine the proportion of patients in clinics with access to out-of-clinic internet; those preferring to complete PROMs on paper or via an electronic device; those capable of completing PROMs in English; and those anticipating requiring assistance to complete PROMs. Methods Patients receiving cancer treatment or follow-up care at two Local Health Districts (LHDs) in New South Wales, Australia, completed a questionnaire (audit form) with items about internet and mobile access, communication preferences and assistance needed to complete PROMs. Participant demographic and treatment information were extracted from their electronic medical records. Results Across both LHDs, 637 of 1668 participants (38%) completed the audit forms. Mean participant age was 65 years (range = 23-98), 53% were female, and 92% were outpatients. Patients in the two LHDs differed in their levels of internet and email access, and ability to complete PROMs independently in English, suggesting that some LHD-specific tailoring of implementation strategies is necessary to optimise ePROMs uptake. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of understanding the specific local contexts and patient populations, including potential technology and language barriers, which can influence patient ability to complete ePROMs.
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- 2022
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45. Health workers' Perceptions and REsponses in implementing COVID-19 Immunisation StratEgy in South Western Sydney (PRECISE): an observational study.
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Chow JSF, D'Souza A, Lane B, Descallar J, Ford M, Marshall S, and Pennings S
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- Adult, Australia epidemiology, COVID-19 Vaccines, Female, Health Personnel, Humans, Male, SARS-CoV-2, Vaccination, COVID-19 epidemiology, COVID-19 prevention & control, Vaccines
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Objectives: To understand the views and motivations of healthcare workers at a vaccination hub who received a COVID-19 vaccination in March-May 2021., Study Design: This is an observational study via an anonymous electronic survey of seven questions focus on where survey recipients received information about the vaccine roll-out, their motivations for receiving the vaccine and their level of comfort in receiving the vaccine., Setting: The Liverpool Vaccination Hub is located in South Western Sydney., Participants: Participants were healthcare workers who received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the Australian Government's Phase 1a and 1b priority categories. The majority of survey respondents (70%) were female (median aged between 35 and 44 years). The majority of survey respondents were clinical workers, such as nurse, paramedics and doctors., Outcome Measures: χ
2 analysis was used for analysis of survey responses in univariate analysis. Logistic regression was used to analyse survey responses, adjusting for week, type of health worker and age., Results: 4746 healthcare workers responded to the survey after receiving their first vaccine dose, a response rate of 23%. Over 90% of respondents said that COVID-19 vaccination information from their organisation was easily available. Most of them reported that they were comfortable receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The majority of respondents were motivated to receive the vaccine due to concern about contracting COVID-19 themselves (75%), or concerns about transmitting it to other people such as patients (52%), family members (65%) or other community members (54%). Younger respondents were more likely to have preferred more information on vaccine safety (p<0.0001) and the effectiveness of the vaccine (p<0.0001)., Conclusion: The majority of healthcare workers who received a COVID-19 vaccine reported that it was easy to find useful information about the vaccination roll-out and they had a positive experience being vaccinated., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)- Published
- 2022
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46. Trends in the use of short-course radiation therapy for rectal cancer in New South Wales, Australia.
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Batumalai V, Descallar J, Wong K, Gabriel G, Delaney GP, Shafiq J, Vinod SK, and Barton MB
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- Australia, Chemoradiotherapy, Humans, Neoadjuvant Therapy, Neoplasm Staging, New South Wales epidemiology, Rectal Neoplasms therapy
- Abstract
Introduction: Trends in the use of short-course radiation therapy (RT) for rectal cancer in Australia are unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare short-course RT and long-course chemoradiation (CRT) utilisation in the neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer in New South Wales (NSW)., Methods: Patients who received neoadjuvant RT (2009-2014) for rectal cancer were identified from the NSW Central Cancer Registry. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with receipt of short-course RT., Results: A total of 1196 (81%) patients received long-course CRT, and 274 (19%) patients received short-course RT. Receipt of short-course RT was associated with older age: 54% in patients ≥80 years, and 11% in patients <50 years (P < 0.0001). Patients with T2 disease (30%) were more likely to receive short-course RT, compared with T3 (19%) or T4 (8%) disease (P = 0.002). Patients with N0 (23%) disease were more likely to be treated with short-course RT, compared with N+ (16%) (P = 0.03). The proportion of short-course RT delivered to patients with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥ 2 (28%) was higher than patients with CCI = 0 (17%) (P = 0.002). There was wide variation in the proportion of short-course RT used across residence local health districts (5-29%) (P < 0.0001)., Conclusion: In rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant RT in NSW, 19% received short-course RT. The use of short-course RT was associated with older age, comorbidities and less advanced disease. Wide variation across NSW was identified and future research investigating factors for the variation will be useful., (© 2021 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)
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- 2022
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47. Can behaviour support interventions successfully treat inappropriate sexual behaviour after acquired brain injury in community settings? A case series ( N = 24).
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Kelly G, Brown S, Gillett L, Descallar J, and Simpson GK
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- Aggression, Cohort Studies, Humans, Sexual Behavior, Behavior Therapy, Brain Injuries complications
- Abstract
Inappropriate sexual behaviours (ISX) are challenging clinical sequelae of acquired brain injury (ABI). Limited evidence exists about treatment approaches, with few case studies published to date. This study reports an exploratory clinical trial of community-based behaviour support interventions as a treatment approach to ISX after ABI. From routine referrals to a state-wide service specializing in challenging behaviours after ABI, a cohort ( n = 24) displaying ISXs were selected. The interventions addressed multiple behavioural domains, and used a variety of approaches including environmental change, psychoeducation, and specific behavioural techniques. These approaches targetted change in the person with ABI, support personnel, or other environmental domains. Behaviour data were collected using the Overt Behaviour Scale (OBS) at baseline, closure and follow-up. Visual inspection and multilevel models were used to analyse the data. For the sample as a whole, there was a significant decline in ISXs from baseline to closure that was maintained at follow-up. Results at an individual level are also presented. Specificity of the intervention was demonstrated by comparison with concurrent challenging behaviours (aggression, perseveration, absconding) which showed no significant change over the same three time points. The results demonstrate the potential efficacy of community-based behaviour support interventions in treating ISXs after ABI.
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- 2022
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48. Prognostic and Predictive Value of Liquid Biopsy-Derived Androgen Receptor Variant 7 (AR-V7) in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
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Khan T, Becker TM, Scott KF, Descallar J, de Souza P, Chua W, and Ma Y
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In advanced prostate cancer, access to recent diagnostic tissue samples is restricted and this affects the analysis of the association of evolving biomarkers such as AR-V7 with metastatic castrate resistance. Liquid biopsies are emerging as alternative analytes. To clarify clinical value of AR-V7 detection from liquid biopsies, here we performed a meta-analysis on the prognostic and predictive value of androgen receptor variant 7 (AR-V7) detected from liquid biopsy for patients with prostate cancer (PC), three databases, the Embase, Medline, and Scopus were searched up to September 2021. A total of 37 studies were included. The effects of liquid biopsy AR-V7 status on overall survival (OS), radiographic progression-free survival (PFS), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-PFS were calculated with RevMan 5.3 software. AR-V7 positivity detected in liquid biopsy significantly associates with worse OS, PFS, and PSA-PFS (P <0.00001). A subgroup analysis of patients treated with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSi such as abiraterone and enzalutamide) showed a significant association of AR-V7 positivity with poorer OS, PFS, and PSA-PFS. A statistically significant association with OS was also found in taxane-treated patients (P = 0.04), but not for PFS (P = 0.21) or PSA-PFS (P = 0.93). For AR-V7 positive patients, taxane treatment has better OS outcomes than ARSi (P = 0.01). Study quality, publication bias and sensitivity analysis were integrated in the assessment. Our data show that liquid biopsy AR-V7 is a clinically useful biomarker that is associated with poor outcomes of ARSi-treated castrate resistant PC (CRPC) patients and thus has the potential to guide patient management and also to stratify patients for clinical trials. More studies on chemotherapy-treated patients are warranted., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42021239353., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Khan, Becker, Scott, Descallar, de Souza, Chua and Ma.)
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- 2022
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