Search

This letter is to highlight errors made by Liu et al. in their 2020 paper in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, "Complementary and alternative medicine—practice, attitudes, and knowledge among healthcare professionals in New Zealand: an integrative review". Substantial errors in their citation of the recent research and methodology by McDowell, Kohut & Betts (2019) pertaining to the practice of acupuncture in New Zealand by physiotherapists are presented. The actual results of McDowell et al.'s work and the true state of acupuncture use by their sample group is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate how surgeons in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand perceive the effectiveness of the Operating with Respect (OWR) face-to-face training program in reducing workplace bullying. Methods: A cross-sectional survey examined the perceived effectiveness of the Royal College of Surgeons' (RACS) face-to-face OWR training and complementary interventions in reducing workplace bullying in surgical settings. The sample included supervisory surgeons, RACS committee members, and targeted educators. The survey instrument had 35 questions, including five related to the research question. In December 2020, the survey was distributed by RACS to all surgeons who undertook OWR training between April 2017 and December 2019. Likert scales and coded free text responses were used to explore the effectiveness of face-to-face OWR training and other interventions included in the 2015 RACS Action Plan. Results: Of the 756 surveys sent, 252 were received. The face-to-face OWR training program was rated as moderately effective. RACS's overarching approach to anti-bullying was almost equally important, highlighting the need to consider a broader ecosystem of reform. Conclusions: This study finds the RACS full-day anti-bullying training moderately effective in reducing bullying in surgical workplaces. However, enhancing its impact requires a sustained, multi-faceted strategy, including broader policy reforms, accountability measures, and cultural changes, to foster a long-term respectful environment in surgical settings. What is known about this topic? Anti-bullying interventions, including training, are prevalent in healthcare; however, there is conflicting data on their effectiveness. What does this paper add? This study addresses a gap in the literature on the effectiveness of anti-bullying training from the perspective of supervisory surgeons in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners should consider implementing a multifaceted and sustained approach to anti-bullying reform, including anti-bullying training, well-drafted policies, increased accountability, and improved complaints mechanisms to reduce bullying and improve workplace culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is now widely recognised that engaging consumers in research activities can enhance the quality, equity and relevance of the research. Much of the commentary about consumer engagement in research focuses on research processes and implementation, rather than dissemination in conference settings. This article offers reflections and learnings from consumers, researchers and conference organisers on the 12th Health Services Research Conference, a biennial conference hosted by the Health Services Research Association of Australia and New Zealand (HSRAANZ). Method: We were awarded funds via a competitive application process by Bellberry Limited, a national not‐for‐profit agency with a focus on improving research quality, to incorporate consumer engagement strategies in conference processes and evaluate their impact. Findings: Strategies included consumer scholarships, a buddy system, designated quiet space and consumer session co‐chairs; the reflections explored in this paper were collected in the funded, independent evaluation. Our insights suggest a need for more structured consumer involvement in conference planning and design, as well as the development of specific engagement strategies. Conclusion: To move toward active partnership in scientific conference settings, our experience reinforces the need to engage consumers as members in designing and conducting research and in presenting research and planning conference content and processes. Public Contribution: Consumer engagement in research dissemination at conferences is the focus of this viewpoint article. Consumers were involved in the conception of this article and have contributed to authorship at all stages of revisions and edits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Within primary health care policy, there is an increasing focus on enhancing involvement with secondary health care, social care services and communities. Yet, translating these expectations into tangible changes frequently encounters significant obstacles. As part of an investigation into the progress made in achieving primary health care reform in Aotearoa New Zealand, realist research was undertaken with those charged with responsibility for national and local policies. The specific analysis in this paper probes primary health care leaders' assessments of progress towards more collaboration with other health and non-health agencies, and communities. Aim. This study aimed to investigate how ideas for more integration and joinedup care have found their way into the practice of primary health care in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods. Applying a realist logic of inquiry, data from semi-structured interviews with primary health care leaders were analysed to identify key contextual characteristics and mechanisms. Explanations were developed of what influenced leaders to invest energy in joined-up and integrated care activities. Results. Our findings highlight three explanatory mechanisms and their associated contexts: a willingness to share power, build trusting relationships and manage task complexity. These underpin leaders' accounts of the success (or otherwise) of collaborative arrangements. Discussion. Such insights have import in the context of the current health reforms for stakeholders charged with developing local approaches to the planning and delivery of health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mother's milk provides optimal nutrition for infants. Donor human milk (DHM) is recommended for low birthweight infants when mother's milk is unavailable. Little is known about human milk (HM) donation practices in New Zealand (NZ), where few HM banks are available. This study aimed to investigate parents' and health professionals' (HP) experiences with formal and informal HM donation in NZ. Methods: Two electronic surveys were disseminated in 2022 to parents and HPs involved with HM donation in NZ. The surveys covered respondents' views and experiences with HM donation. HPs were also asked about HM donation practices in their workplace. Chi-squared and Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact tests were used for quantitative analysis and qualitative data were thematically analysed using inductive approach. Results: A total of 232 HP and 496 parents completed the surveys. Most parents either donated (52%) or sought DHM (26%) for their infant and most donations were informal, arranged between individuals (52%) or through hospital staff (22%). HP reported DHM was used in 86% of facilities, with only 20% of donations facilitated by HM banks. Almost half (48%) of HP stated they would like to use DHM in their workplace but access was limited. The most common screening processes undertaken by parents and HP before informal HM donation were lifestyle including smoking status, medication, drug and alcohol intake (44% and 36%, respectively) and serological screening such as CMV, HIV, Hepatitis C or B (30% and 39%, respectively). Pasteurisation of DHM obtained informally was not common. Most donors were satisfied with their HM donation experiences (informal and/or formal, 91%) and most respondents supported use of DHM in hospitals and community. Participants reported HM donation could be improved (e.g., better access) and identified potential benefits (e.g., species-specific nutrition) and risks (e.g., pathogens) for the infant. Potential benefits for the donor were also identified (e.g., altruism), but respondents acknowledged potential negative impacts (e.g., cost). Conclusion: Informal HM donation in NZ is common. Most parents and HP support the use of DHM; however, improvements to current practices are needed to ensure safer and more equitable access to DHM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. From a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic perspective, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) rural residents formed an at-risk population, and disparities between rural and urban COVID-19 vaccination coverage have been found. Aim. To gain insight into factors contributing to the urban-rural COVID-19 vaccination disparity by exploring NZ rural health providers' experiences of the vaccine rollout and pandemic response in rural Māori and Pasifika communities. Methods. Rural health providers at four sites participated in individual or focus group semi-structured interviews exploring their views of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Thematic analysis was undertaken using a framework-guided rapid analysis method. Results. Twenty interviews with 42 participants were conducted. Five themes were identified: Pre COVID-19 rural situation, fragile yet resilient; Centrally imposed structures, policies and solutions - urban-centric and Pakehā focused; Multiple logistical challenges - poor/no consideration of rural context in planning stages resulting in wasted resource and time; Taking ownership - rural providers found geographically tailored, culturally anchored and locally driven solutions; Future directions - sustained investment in rural health services, including funding long-term integrated (rather than 'by activity') health services, would ensure success in future vaccine rollouts and other health initiatives for rural communities. Discussion. In providing rural health provider perspectives from rural areas serving Māori and Pasifika communities during the NZ COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the importance of the rural context is highlighted. Findings provide a platform on which to build further research regarding models of rural health care to ensure services are designed for rural NZ contexts and capable of meeting the needs of diverse rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate and compare estimates of the longevity of dental treatment, expectations for free remedial treatment, and attitudes about formal dental warranties among dentists, students, and patients. Materials and methods: This is a mixed-method cross-sectional questionnaire survey with convenience sampling from dentists, dental students, and patients in New Zealand. A questionnaire was distributed to New Zealand dentists (n = 28) and final-year dental students (n = 27). A separate questionnaire was provided to patients in a university dental clinic (n = 43). Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square and Pearson Correlation, and Binary logistic regression tests were used to test for differences between groups and correlations amongst variables. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results: Dentists believed that their posterior composite resin restorations would last longer (p = 0.014), would remediate failed crowns for longer (p = 0.002) and would provide longer crown warranties (p = 0.003) compared to students. Patients had higher expectations for restoration longevity and free remediation for failed treatment. Students were generally more willing to provide warranties. Crowns were perceived to be the most warrantable, while endodontic treatment was the least warrantable. Recall attendance, mechanical failure, and adequate oral hygiene were commonly proposed as warranty conditions for restorations and crowns. There was little consensus about complete dentures and endodontic treatment. Conclusions: There are significant disparities between the expectations of patients and clinicians regarding treatment longevity and free remediation times. Clinicians, in general, are willing to provide free remediation within a specified time frame, except for endodontic treatment, but are hesitant to provide formal dental warranties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]