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Given their frontline role in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ) healthcare, trainee medical officers (TMOs) will play a crucial role in the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) for clinical care, ongoing medical education and research. As 'digital natives', particularly those with technical expertise in AI, TMOs should also be leaders in informing the safe uptake and governance of AI within ANZ healthcare as they have a practical understanding of its associated risks and benefits. However, this is only possible if a culture of broad collaboration is instilled while the use of AI in ANZ is still in its initial phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health libraries play a critical role in supporting medical training in Australia. Accreditation is an important means of ensuring a program of study and the education provider suitably equips trainees with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes necessary to practice in the profession. This study identifies a lack of consistency and specificity in Australian medical colleges accreditation requirements as they pertain to health libraries. The recommended accreditation standard developed in this study provides a benchmark for training providers that will ensure consistency of access to high-quality library collections, services and spaces for all medical trainees. Accreditation standards from 52 medical colleges and associations supporting Australian medical training programs were reviewed. Information extracted from accreditation documents was entered into a working text spreadsheet. Data was organized under three key categories: Collections, Services and Space. Additional categories were added to record the use of the noun Library and expectations for journal access. A data extraction tool was created in Microsoft Excel to note the requirements of each provider for libraries and collections, services and spaces. The results of the content analysis highlight a lack of consistency in accreditation providers' expectations for library collections, services and spaces. Most providers (87% n = 45) required host organizations to provide access to collections. Requirements for library space were mandated by 54% of providers (n = 28). Less than 50% of providers (n = 22) specified library services as requirements. This content analysis highlights the role of health libraries in supporting medical education, research and evidence-based practice. It also reinforces the need for improved specificity, consistency and clarity in accreditation requirements for health libraries in post-graduate medical training. The recommended benchmark accreditation standard developed in this study is a step toward addressing these issues and ensuring equity of access to library services and facilities for all medical trainees in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Health services rely upon carers to provide care for loved ones with cancer, yet many carers often feel ill‐prepared for this role. Despite a multitude of programmes to support carer mental health, programmes that help carers feel better equipped to support a person with cancer are lacking. This study aimed to address this need by adapting an evidence‐based intervention to be suitable for carers of people with cancer. Methods: This study used an exploratory, qualitative design consisting of experienced‐based co‐design and an in‐depth stakeholder engagement strategy. An existing evidence‐based programme to promote resilience in the context of providing care was adapted for relevance to carers for people with cancer via two co‐design workshops with carers and healthcare professionals (n = 8). The resulting prototype programme was refined based on stakeholder consultations with staff and consumer members of cancer and carer support organisations across Australia (n = 16). Transcripts of the workshops, meetings and written feedback from carers were thematically analysed. Results: Major programme developments were guided by three themes that emerged from the co‐design workshops: 'creating value for carers', 'multiple contributors to carer distress' and 'the need for flexible implementation'. Analysis of the stakeholder consultation data showed that the themes of 'diversity in carer journeys' and 'creating impact for carers' were key to further tailoring the programme for applicability to practice. An adapted programme called 'iCanSupport' resulted from the process, with key adaptations being more relevant case study scenarios for carers and greater flexibility in accessing and engaging with the intervention to accommodate a range of carer circumstances. Conclusion: Programmes to build skills for becoming a carer for someone with cancer are absent, yet they are desired by carers. Using co‐design provided a user‐centric approach to adapt an existing evidence‐based programme. Programme evaluation is required to determine the effectiveness of the co‐designed approach in improving carer preparedness among a range of cohorts. Patient or Public Contribution: Carers and consumers with lived experience and others involved in supporting consumers made valuable contributions to co‐designing and refining the programme in addition to providing ongoing guidance in the unfolding analysis and reporting of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In occupational therapy for children, collaborative practice with parents is crucial for meaningful family‐centred interventions, yet it remains undefined and inconsistently addressed. This study aimed to establish foundational concepts for collaborative practice with parents in occupational therapy for children in progressing the field with a universal description. Methods: This paper encompasses the second dataset of a larger scoping review and a preliminary validation of findings by an advisory panel. Data were gathered from indexed sources on collaborative practice with parents in occupational therapy for children (ages 0–10) using MedLine, PsychInfo, ERIC, Embase, OTSeeker, Scopus, and ProQuest Central. Data were extracted, charted, and descriptively analysed by paired independent reviewers. The Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis—extension for Scoping Reviews were used. A draft definition of collaborative practices, developed based on preliminary review findings and an operational definition, was validated by an advisory panel of 13 experienced Australian occupational therapists, whose input was integrated into a final, comprehensive description of collaborative practice. Results: The scoping review encompassed 299 sources, revealing three major components of collaborative practice: 'collaborative practice aims', 'parent–therapist partnership', and 'strategies for collaboration'. The advisory panel endorsed the draft definition, confirmed its professional relevance, and suggested some modifications. Conclusion: The major outcome of this study is an evidence‐based and discipline‐specific preliminary description of collaborative practice with parents in occupational therapy for children. This description provides a common language and foundational concepts for the future development of a collaborative practice framework to guide practice and research. Future studies can explore specific components, exploring their mechanisms and significance. Further expanded validation is required, incorporating the perspectives of a wider community of occupational therapists and families to enhance the description's applicability. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: In occupational therapy for children, collaboration between parents and occupational therapists has been long acknowledged as important in the occupational therapy literature. It is an essential shift away from practices led by professionals to a practice that encourages parents to be engaged therapy partners. However, there has been little consistency in terms of a definition or description of collaborative practice and in what parts of therapy collaboration is used. To develop a draft definition of collaborative practice, we extracted relevant information from 299 papers between 1998 and 2022. Then, an advisory panel of 13 experienced Australian occupational therapists validated and enhanced our final description of collaborative practice. The data from the review was grouped into three major components of collaborative practice: 'collaborative practice aims', 'parent–therapist partnership', and 'strategies for collaboration'. The advisory panel confirmed the draft definition and its relevance and suggested some modifications, which were used to refine the description. The major outcome of this study is a preliminary description of collaborative practice with parents in occupational therapy for children that is based on the research evidence. This description provides a common language and foundational concepts for the future development of a collaborative practice framework to guide practice and research. Future studies are needed to explore specific components of collaborative practice, their relevance, and how they operate in practice. Further validation of the collaborative practice description is needed that would incorporate the perspectives of parents, families, and a wider community of occupational therapists to enhance the description's applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are inadequate resources available to support lesbian, gay, bi + , trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people experiencing family violence in Australia. Government funding agencies and mainstream family violence service providers regularly state that there is insufficient evidence to justify investment in more inclusive services. This article explores practitioner perceptions of such claims. Method: 21 practitioners from mainstream and specialist LGBTIQ family violence services were interviewed about structural challenges associated with implementing LGBTIQ-inclusive family violence services. Participants' accounts highlight the political tensions and material repercussions of epistemic definitions of 'evidence' as they pertain to LGBTIQ individuals' experiences of violence within policy environments. Utilizing Carol Bacchi's feminist policy analysis framework, we ask 'what is the problem represented to be?', examining participant perceptions about how evidence is currently positioned in policy and resourcing decisions pertaining to LGBTIQ family violence, and discuss its implications. Results: Participants overwhelmingly called for more investment in research and data gathering about family violence against LGBTIQ people and provision of effective supports. Even allowing for this, participants indicated that there is also already enough existing knowledge to justify urgent expansion of LGBTIQ-inclusive services. Conclusions: Expanded provision of services and generating a more robust evidence base about LGBTIQ family violence service needs are critically important and intertwined issues. However, the way that they are currently sequenced in policy and broader sector conversations, where 'enough' evidence is required in order to justify increased services, is inhibiting progress on both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been recent discussion in Australia and New Zealand concerning the utility of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and the role of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) in their development. The College Board therefore established a Steering Group (SG) to oversee an exploration of options and produce recommendations about contemporary approaches to the development of high-quality evidence-based clinical practice guidance for psychiatry. This paper outlines the SG's conclusions and recommendations, as well as the underlying methods and reasoning. In particular, we discuss best practice and recent developments in the synthesis of research evidence. Account has been taken of the opportunities offered by digital technologies, the proliferation of clinical evidence and awareness of the gains to be made by increased inclusion of lived-experience perspectives. It is recommended that the broader concept of best practice resources (BPRs) as now emphasised in so many fields of service is the most appropriate starting point for the College's role in this area especially as the expertise of the College and its fellows lends itself to the development of a range of BPRs. In conclusion, contemporary guidance needs to be tailored to the requirements of the practitioners seeking it, to articulate the real-world needs and experiences of patients, and to be delivered in a contemporary format that is responsive to rapidly emerging evidence. The experience in Australia and New Zealand may have implications elsewhere for the development of CPGs and BPRs more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High rates of child removal from parents with learning disabilities persist despite substantial evidence that parents with learning disabilities can provide their children with satisfactory care given appropriate support. Child welfare interventions disproportionality based on disability status presents a compelling social issue deserving urgent attention. Co-operative inquiry was used to analyse attitudinal and structural barriers that perpetuate inequitable treatment of parents with learning disabilities and their children, drawing on policy and practice examples from Australia and the UK. Bacchi's 'What is the problem represented to be?' approach to social policy issues was used to answer the question: if we know what works to support parents with learning disabilities, why aren't we doing it? This commentary contends that the pervasive representation of parents with learning disabilities as inherently deficient in the requisite skills ('parenting capacity') needed for safe caregiving has been difficult to shift due to systematic ableism. Neoliberal policies stigmatise a need for support ('dependence') as an individual failing and recast assessments of long-term support needs as an unsustainable burden on support services/systems. We conclude that for outcomes to change for parents with learning disabilities and their children a social model of child protection that addresses attitudinal and structural barriers and is based on principles of interdependence, relationality, and ethics of care is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To provide guidance for the optimal administration of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, based on scientific evidence and supplemented by expert clinical consensus. Methods: Articles and information were sourced from existing guidelines and published literature. The findings were then formulated into consensus-based recommendations and guidance by the authors. The guidelines were subjected to rigorous successive consultation within the RANZCP, involving the Section of ECT and Neurostimulation (SEN) Committee, its broader membership and expert committees. Results: The RANZCP professional practice guidelines (PPG) for the administration of rTMS provide up-to-date advice regarding the use of rTMS in clinical practice. The guidelines are intended for use by psychiatrists and non-psychiatrists engaged in the administration of rTMS to facilitate best practice to optimise outcomes for patients. The guidelines strive to find the appropriate balance between promoting best evidence-based practice and acknowledging that evidence for rTMS use is a continually evolving. Conclusion: The guidelines provide up-to-date advice for psychiatrists and non-psychiatrists to promote optimal standards of rTMS practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify patients presenting to an acute medical hospital with common signs and symptoms that occur in people with eating disorders (EDs), and determine by retrospective file audit if these are diagnosed cases of an ED. Method: The investigators screened electronic medical records of people 16 years and older for common signs and symptoms of an ED such as hypokalemia, in patients presenting to an acute hospital in Sydney, Australia from 2018 to 2020. Cases where the clinical finding was unexplained had their file audited. Cases with a known ED diagnosis or coded with an ED were also retrieved to audit. Results: Investigators identified 192 definite ED cases with a total of 598 episodes of care from 2018 to 2020 presenting to the hospital. Eighty‐three cases were identified as possible EDs due to unexplained clinical signs consistent with an ED, but were not confirmed cases due to lack of clinical history in the file. Only 19.1% of presentations were diagnostically coded with an ED in the electronic medical record. Discussion: Our study revealed a large number of definite ED cases presenting to an acute medical hospital via the emergency department, who were not recognized as having an ED. Greater awareness of clinical signs and symptoms of an ED, such as unexplained low body mass index and hypokalemia, is necessary among acute care clinicians. Correctly identifying EDs in those seeking somatic care should be a public health priority, to facilitate timely and equitable access to diagnostic assessment and evidence based treatment. Public significance: People with eating disorders (EDs) present to acute care settings and have a relatively high utilization of generalist health services with nonspecific problems such as abdominal pain. An enhanced understanding of healthcare utilization by people with EDs, who may not disclose their symptoms, is crucial for improving access to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma subtype, accounting for 15–20% of all lymphoma diagnoses. Although typically slow‐growing and responsive to frontline therapies, advanced‐stage FL remains incurable with current treatments and typically follows a chronic relapsing/remitting course with increasingly shorter responses to subsequent lines of therapy. Outcomes are highly variable; some patients experience prolonged first remissions that may approximate a 'functional cure'. By contrast, a significant minority of patients experience disease progression shortly after frontline treatment resulting in high rates of lymphoma‐related mortality. Reflecting on the heterogeneous natural history of FL, clinical practice varies widely, particularly in controversial areas, including appropriate disease staging, selection of management strategies and duration of clinical follow‐up. This position statement presents an evidence‐based synthesis of the literature for application in Australasian practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evidence‐based practice supports clinical decision‐making by using multiple sources of evidence arising from research and practice. Research evidence develops through empirical study while practice evidence arises through clinical experience, client preferences, and the practice context. Although occupational therapists have embraced the paradigm of evidence‐based practice, some studies have identified limits in the availability and use of research, which can lead to reliance on other forms of evidence. This study aimed to understand how Australian occupational therapists use practice evidence, manage potential bias, and enhance trustworthiness. Potential use of a critical appraisal tool for practice evidence was also explored. Methods: A 42‐item questionnaire was developed to address the study aims. It consisted of a 7‐point Likert scale, ordinal and free text questions. Likert scales were collapsed into binary scales and analysed using SPSS. Ordinal data were graphed and free text responses were analysed using manifest content analysis. Results: Most respondents (82%) indicated that practice evidence was an important informant of practice and is used alongside research evidence. Almost all respondents (98%) expressed confusion when reconciling discrepancies between research and practice evidence. There was general acknowledgement that practice evidence is prone to bias (82%), yet 92% were confident in trusting their own practice evidence. Most respondents (74.5%) undertook some measures to appraise practice evidence, and almost all respondents (90%) agreed they would refer to a critical appraisal tool that helped them evaluate practice evidence. Conclusion: Occupational therapists in this study routinely use practice evidence arising from their own experience, client perspectives, and their practice context to inform clinical decision‐making. While they agreed that practice evidence was prone to bias and misinterpretation, they generally trusted their own practice evidence. Participants indicated they needed guidance to critically appraise their practice evidence and supported the development of a critical appraisal tool for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the weighting of rural exposure within publicly available standardised curriculum vitae (CV) scoring criteria for trainee medical officer's applying into medical and surgical specialty training programs in Australia and New Zealand. Methods/Design: An observational analysis of rural exposure point allocations within publicly available standardised CV scoring criteria for entrance into specialty training programs. Setting: All Australian and New Zealand medical and surgical specialties training programs outlined by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) who publish publicly available standardised CV scoring criteria for entrance into specialty training were included. Results: Of the 14 specialty training programs that publish publicly available standardised CV scoring criteria, 8/14 allocate points towards rural exposure. While the allocation of points within this scoring domain varies between the eight training programs, the mean weighting of rural exposure is 13.7%. Conclusions: The relative weighting of rural exposure varies between the eight specialty training programs who include rural exposure as a CV scoring criteria. The deliberate and strategic construction of CV scoring criteria and inclusion of rural exposure points is important to continue developing the Australian rural specialist workforce. Future development of standardised CV scoring criteria should continue to consider point allocation towards rural exposure and related activities to ensure that the requirements of rural Australian healthcare needs are met across medical and surgical specialties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To understand the current usage of eviQ Cancer Treatments Online (www.eviQ.org.au), an Australian, open‐access website providing evidence‐based and consensus‐driven cancer treatment protocols and information, and the extent to which it is meeting its intended outcomes and providing value to its users. Methods: A mixed‐method evaluation was conducted in 2020−2022 which included a review of key program documentation and website usage data, and delivery of a focused online survey to its users. Results: In 2022, 329 clinicians representing all Australian states and territories contributed to eviQ content development and review. eviQ content continues to grow with a 15.2% increase in total content from 2019 to 2022. eviQ website users continue to grow with 90,000 total monthly users in 2022, representing a 166% increase from 2018. The proportion of international users compared to Australian users continues to grow with 57% of total users in Australia and 43% international in 2022. Of 466 survey responses, the most cited reason for eviQ use was for information on side effects/toxicity (67%). Ninety‐three percent (93%) of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that eviQ contributed to both health professionals providing the best evidence‐based treatment and care and improving the standardization of treatment and care provided. Conclusion: eviQ is embedded in Australian clinical practice, highly valued, and relied upon by users. Users agree that eviQ has a positive impact on patients by supporting the delivery of evidence‐based treatment and that eviQ contributed to patients' improved health outcomes and quality of life. eviQ's increasing international usage should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical practice guidelines and best practice statements aim to optimise patient outcomes through recommended processes of care. The Aphasia United Best Practice Recommendations were developed to provide multi-national best-practice guidance for post-stroke aphasia services. The recommendations were developed through a multi-stage process which synthesised research evidence and the expert opinions of clinicians and researchers. To date, however, people with lived experience of aphasia have not contributed their expertise to these recommendations. To explore the relevance, comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness of the Aphasia United Best Practice Recommendations, from the perspective of people with aphasia and their significant others. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, a secondary aim was to evaluate participants' satisfaction with videoconferencing for research. People with aphasia and their significant others participated in separate focus groups via videoconferencing. Participants were recruited at five Australian sites (representing major cities and regional locations). Participants rated the relevance and comprehensibility (clarity) of the recommendations and suggested improvements. Using the nominal group technique, participants assessed the comprehensiveness of the existing recommendations, and generated and prioritised new items for inclusion. These recommendations were synthesised across groups using qualitative content analysis. Participants rated their satisfaction with videoconferencing for research through a bespoke questionnaire. People with aphasia (n=13) and their significant others (n=10) participated in one of eight focus groups in Australia. Most participants rated the existing recommendations as highly relevant, however improvements to comprehensibility and comprehensiveness were suggested. Fifty-one new recommendations were prioritised and synthesised into seven themes for people with aphasia and six themes for significant others. The most highly ranked theme for people with aphasia was, Increased awareness about: what aphasia is, the impacts of aphasia, and how to communicate with a person with aphasia. The theme ranked most highly by significant others was, Aphasia services should be person and family centred. All participants reported being satisfied or highly satisfied with the use of Zoom videoconferencing for research. People with aphasia and their significant others in Australia identified new important best practice recommendations for aphasia services. The results of this study suggest that revisions to existing recommendations may improve their relevance, comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness. Participants were satisfied with the use of videoconferencing for research. The results of this research will inform a future consensus process to finalise the revised recommendations and to pair them with measurable quality indicators for post-stroke aphasia services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of gas exchange under varying ambient and metabolic conditions is an important and fundamental investigation of respiratory function. The gold standard is an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample; however, the procedure is not universally performed by medical scientists, is not standardised, and is typically taught by a subjective Halsted 'see one, do one' approach. The Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science recognised the need to create an ABG position statement that includes the required pre‐requisite education, an evidence‐based procedure and the minimum reporting and competency assessment requirements. This position statement aims to minimise patient discomfort, to improve puncture success rate and reduce the potential for sample handling and analysis error. Importantly, this position statement translates to all relevant health professionals, including medical officers, scientists, nursing staff and allied health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on evidence-based approaches for treating insomnia disorder. Topics include the characteristics and diagnostic criteria of insomnia disorder; the endorsement of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the first-line treatment by the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA); and the availability of evidence-based treatment manuals, tailored recommendations for specific populations, and digital programs for delivering CBT-I.

People with communication differences are known to have poorer hospital outcomes than their peers. However, the combined impact of aphasia and cultural/linguistic differences on care and outcomes after stroke remains unknown. To investigate the association between cultural/linguistic differences, defined as those requiring an interpreter, and the provision of acute evidence-based stroke care and in-hospital outcomes for people with aphasia. Cross-sectional, observational data collected in the Stroke Foundation National Audit of Acute Services (2017, 2019, 2021) were used. Multivariable regression models compared evidence-based care and in-hospital outcomes (e.g., length of stay) by interpreter status. Models were adjusted for sex, hospital location, stroke type and severity, with clustering by hospital. Among 3122 people with aphasia (median age 78, 49% female) from 126 hospitals, 193 (6%) required an interpreter (median age 78, 55% female). Compared to people with aphasia not requiring an interpreter, those requiring an interpreter had similar care access but less often had their mood assessed (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.32, 0.76), were more likely to have physiotherapy assessments (96% vs 90% p = 0.011) and carer training (OR 4.83, 95% CI 1.70, 13.70), had a 2 day longer median length of stay (8 days vs 6 days, p = 0.003), and were less likely to be independent on discharge (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33, 0.89). Some differences exist in the management and outcomes for people with post-stroke aphasia who require an interpreter. Further research to explore their needs and the practical issues underpinning their clinical care pathways is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The unprecedented increase in telehealth use due to COVID-19 has changed general practitioners' (GP) and patients' engagement in healthcare. There is limited specific advice for effective communication when using telehealth. Examining telehealth use in practice in conjunction with perspectives on telehealth as they relate to communication allows opportunities to produce evidence-based guidance for optimal use of telehealth, while also offering practitioners the opportunity to reflect on elements of their communicative practice common to both styles of consultation. The objective of this research was to develop evidence-based resources to support effective, person-centred communication when GPs and patients use telehealth. This included examination of interactional practices of recorded telehealth consultations, exploration of GP and patient perspectives relating to telehealth, and identifying priorities for guidance informed by these analyses as well as participant co-design. Methods: This study involved recording telehealth consultations (n = 42), conducting patient surveys (n = 153), and interviewing patients (n = 9) and GPs (n = 15). These were examined using interaction analytic methods, quantitative analysis, and thematic analyses, to create a robust, integrated picture of telehealth practice and perspectives. The process of research translation involved a co-design approach, engaging with providers, patients, and policy makers to facilitate development of evidence-based principles that focus on supporting effective communication when using telehealth. Results: Three key themes relating to communication in telehealth were identified across the different analyses. These were relationship building, conversational flow, and safety netting. The draft best practice principles drawn from these themes were modified based on co-design feedback into five Best Practice Principles for Communication between GPs and Patients using Telehealth. Conclusions: Effective communication is supported through relationship building and attention to conversational flow in telehealth consultations, which in turn allows for safety netting to occur. In telehealth, GPs and patients recognise that not being co-present changes the consultation and use both intuitive and strategic interactional adjustments to support their exchange. The mixed-method examination of experiences through both a detailed analysis of telehealth consultations in practice and comparative exploration of GP and patient perspectives enabled the identification of principles that can support effective communication when using telehealth. Co-design helped ensure these principles are ready for implementation into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Theories, models and frameworks (TMFs) are useful when implementing, evaluating and sustaining healthcare evidence-based interventions. Yet it can be challenging to identify an appropriate TMF for an implementation project. We developed and tested the usability of an online tool to help individuals who are doing or supporting implementation practice activities to identify appropriate models and/or frameworks to inform their work. Methods: We used methods guided by models and evidence on implementation science and user-centered design. Phases of tool development included applying findings from a scoping review of TMFs and interviews with 24 researchers/implementers on barriers and facilitators to identifying and selecting TMFs. Based on interview findings, we categorized the TMFs by aim, stage of implementation, and target level of change to inform the tool's algorithm. We then conducted interviews with 10 end-users to test the usability of the prototype tool and administered the System Usability Scale (SUS). Usability issues were addressed and incorporated into the tool. Results: We developed Find TMF, an online tool consisting of 3–4 questions about the user's implementation project. The tool's algorithm matches key characteristics of the user's project (aim, stage, target change level) with characteristics of different TMFs and presents a list of candidate models/frameworks. Ten individuals from Canada or Australia participated in usability testing (mean SUS score 84.5, standard deviation 11.4). Overall, participants found the tool to be simple, easy to use and visually appealing with a useful output of candidate models/frameworks to consider for an implementation project. Users wanted additional instruction and guidance on what to expect from the tool and how to use the information in the output table. Tool improvements included incorporating an overview figure outlining the tool steps and output, displaying the tool questions on a single page, and clarifying the available functions of the results page, including adding direct links to the glossary and to complementary tools. Conclusions: Find TMF is an easy-to-use online tool that may benefit individuals who support implementation practice activities by making the vast number of models and frameworks more accessible, while also supporting a consistent approach to identifying and selecting relevant TMFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the evolving role of palliative care beyond traditional end-of-life contexts, emphasizing its integration with disease-modifying therapies aimed at enhancing life quality for patients with life-limiting conditions. It also discusses the expanding responsibilities of palliative care pharmacists in both specialist and non-specialist settings, advocating for person-centred medication management to optimize patient outcomes and support interdisciplinary care teams.

Background: Disease‐specific therapy aims to improve symptoms, stabilise current disease and delay progression in patients with Fabry disease. In Australia, treatment access is subject to eligibility criteria initially established in 2004. Patients and their clinicians question why these criteria have remained unchanged despite significant progress in disease understanding. Aims: Appraise the clinical quality of the Australian treatment access criteria. Methods: The Fabry Australia Medical Advisory Committee (N = 6) used the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation Global Rating Scale (AGREE II GRS) to assess the clinical quality of the current treatment eligibility criteria. They reviewed the literature, developed 17 clinical statements to help guide reforms of the eligibility criteria and achieved consensus (achievement of ≥75% agreement in the range 5–7 on a 7‐point Likert scale) through anonymous voting. The findings were applied to develop proposals for revised classification and treatment initiation criteria. Results: The current treatment eligibility criteria underperformed on the AGREE II GRS. They are pragmatic but out‐of‐step with contemporary data. Consensus was achieved on all 17 proposed clinical statements. There was strong agreement to differentiate classical male Fabry patients to facilitate timelier access to Fabry‐specific treatment. There was also agreement on the value of adopting relevant organ involvement criteria in classical female patients and patients with non‐classical disease. Conclusions: Australian access criteria are misaligned with current clinical evidence. The clinical statements and proposed classification and initiation criteria should prompt discussions to support more equitable access to treatment and better align Australian practice with contemporary evidence and international guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An international taskforce of clinician-scientists was formed by specialty groups of World Physiotherapy – International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) & International Organisation of Physiotherapists in Paediatrics (IOPTP) – to develop evidence-based practice position statements directing physiotherapists clinical reasoning for the safe and effective use of spinal manipulation and mobilisation for paediatric populations (<18 years) with varied musculoskeletal or non-musculoskeletal conditions. A three-stage guideline process using validated methodology was completed: 1. Literature review stage (one scoping review, two reviews exploring psychometric properties); 2. Delphi stage (one 3-Round expert Delphi survey); and 3. Refinement stage (evidence-to-decision summative analysis, position statement development, evidence gap map analyses, and multilayer review processes). Evidence-based practice position statements were developed to guide the appropriate use of spinal manipulation and mobilisation for paediatric populations. All were predicated on clinicians using biopsychosocial clinical reasoning to determine when the intervention is appropriate. 1. It is not recommended to perform: • Spinal manipulation and mobilisation on infants. • Cervical and lumbar spine manipulation on children. •Spinal manipulation and mobilisation on infants, children, and adolescents for non-musculoskeletal paediatric conditions including asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, breastfeeding difficulties, cerebral palsy, infantile colic, nocturnal enuresis, and otitis media. 2. It may be appropriate to treat musculoskeletal conditions including spinal mobility impairments associated with neck-back pain and neck pain with headache utilising: • Spinal mobilisation and manipulation on adolescents; • Spinal mobilisation on children; or • Thoracic manipulation on children for neck-back pain only. 3. No high certainty evidence to recommend these interventions was available. Reports of mild to severe harms exist; however, risk rates could not be determined. Specific directives to guide physiotherapists' clinical reasoning on the appropriate use of spinal manipulation or mobilisation were identified. Future research should focus on trials for priority conditions (neck-back pain) in children and adolescents, psychometric properties of key outcome measures, knowledge translation, and harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialised functional neurological disorder (FND) clinics are emerging as the preferred way of providing best practice care to people with FND. However, questions remain around optimal care pathways, service provision, and resources. This study aimed to identify (1) service characteristics of Australian FND models of care; (2) barriers and enablers to implementing a specialised FND service; and (3) enablers and barriers to providing best practice management for people living with FND. Clinicians were recruited from Australian public and private healthcare organisations identified as leading best practice for adults with FND. Clinicians completed a structured interview via phone. A descriptive content analysis was used. Five out of 12 healthcare organisations interviewed had a specialised multidisciplinary FND service. All specialised FND services were outpatient programs, but the structure and referral pathways varied. Barriers identified by organisations with an FND service included "funding" and "staff and service fragility," while enablers included "engaging stakeholders" and having a clear "service driver." "Diagnosis delay" and "insufficient access to staff" were identified as barriers to implementing best practice by organisations without a specialised FND service. Despite specialised clinics being recognised as a practical way to deliver care to people with FND, only a few services operate in Australia. Timely and educated diagnosis and access to an interdisciplinary team consisting of neurology, physiotherapy, and psychology are central pillars for FND services. Further work to establish clinically and economically effective delivery models is required to facilitate the provision of best practice care for people living with FND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practitioners who work with children and young people such as educators, psychologists, and social workers, are required to understand and respond to various sexual behaviours in children and young people. However, there is a dearth of training programmes dealing with sexual development. To reduce over- and under-reporting of risk, which can have serious adverse outcomes, it is essential to educate practitioners in understanding and responding appropriately to sexual behaviours. This study evaluated Traffic Lights® professional development training programme – a one-day programme offered across Queensland, Australia, with the goal of educating practitioners and promoting safe and respectful sexual health among children and young people. Thirty postgraduate psychology students working with/interested in working with children and young people received Traffic Lights® training, and accuracy of understanding and responding to sexual behaviours presented in scenarios was assessed pre- and post-training. Participant responses were scored using criteria developed by a local sexual health organisation's research specialists. Findings revealed no significant improvement in understanding and responding to sexual behaviours in children and young people. Implications of this study include recommendations for small-scale evaluations with sexual health experts and follow-up research, which is critical given the need for evidence-based practice in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To assess the feasibility of implementing data standards in Australian primary care dietetics practices. Methods: A mixed‐methods pragmatic study of dietitians working in primary care. Using a four‐point Likert scale, participants were surveyed on their baseline use of the 45 business and 33 clinical evidenced‐based data standards. The content validity index and kappa statistic for each standard were calculated with a kappa statistic of 0.60–0.74 considered 'Good' and > 0.74 'Excellent'. After 4 weeks of assessment, dietitians were surveyed on the feasibility of implementing each standard and standards in total. Qualitative feedback on enablers and barriers to implementing standards was gathered and triangulated with interviews with select participants. Results: Forty‐five dietitians from every Australian state and territory completed both surveys (response rate: 100%). At baseline, 24% of business and 79% of clinical standards were rated 'Good' or 'Excellent' for current usage. The feasibility of implementing standards was rated 'Good' or 'Excellent for 86% of the business and 97% of the clinical standards. Software, training and time limitations are enablers and barriers to implementing standards. Conclusion: Embedding data standards within dietetics practices are feasible and have broad applicability for assessing outcomes of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In older people undergoing surgery, there is a lower tolerance for complications. This highlights the need for documented clinical practices on proper prevention, pre‐screening and management of complications such as postoperative delirium (POD). Evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines exist for delirium management; however, the management of delirium in clinical settings differs widely. Objective: This study aims to develop an understanding of the knowledge, components of self‐efficacy (confidence/competence), and clinical practice related to POD care among preoperative and recovery nurses across different types of geographical locations in Australia. Design: A 27‐item online survey was sent out to professional associations focused on perioperative care across Australia. The participants included practicing registered nurses specialising in perioperative care. The main outcome measures were Knowledge, confidence/competence and clinical practice relating to POD care in older patients. Findings: Respondents were categorised into two groups—major cities and rural and remote. Mean age was 46.3 years for respondents in Australian major cities and 49.5 for the comparison group. There was a statistically significant difference between Australian major cities and 'rural and remote' in confidence in detecting hyperactive delirium, 25.2% versus 11.7% respectively as well as managing hyperactive delirium, 13.8% versus 1.7%, respectively. Similar results were also observed on hypoactive delirium. Respondents from both groups did not mirror the ideal situation in managing a hyperactive delirium. Discussion: Results from this study are inconclusive and there is no clear‐cut observation in clinical practice or knowledge between the two geographical categories in this study. Conclusion: The absence of a distinct strategy with POD prevention highlights the need for a uniform approach and consensus on POD prevention and management in older people. This can be achieved by creating more awareness and education through professional development related to POD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few men who experience a common mental disorder access any mental healthcare from a health professional. E-mental health (eMH; online) interventions may facilitate men's access to mental healthcare and reduce inequities in access via assistance in a format that aligns with their preferences and needs. Recent reviews show that men who have used these programmes generally find them useful and satisfactory; however, data on their effectiveness and factors impacting effectiveness in men's use are limited. Few eMH interventions have been designed specifically to suit men's preferences and circumstances, and little is known about the eMH-related experiences and needs of men from vulnerable and marginalized backgrounds. Despite their potential, Australian men's health, digital mental health, preventive health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional well-being policies—and men's health policies from Malaysia, Ireland, and South Africa—make no specific mention to progressing the use or evaluation of eMH for men. We present a series of policy recommendations, aiming to improve men's access to effective and acceptable mental health assistance via eMH and increase health professional confidence to recommend and support these programmes. These include (i) the need for specific, connected health policy actions and targeted funding; (ii) policy priorities for intervention development, dissemination and evaluation; and (iii) for the experiences of men, particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable backgrounds, to be centred in policy. eMH for men should be promoted alongside interventions to reduce systems and social-level determinants of men's mental health inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into the critical role of allied health professionals in dementia care, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches beyond clinical responses. Topics discussed include the undervaluation of allied health roles, the importance of early intervention, and the necessity of reframing perceptions to focus on individuals rather than solely on medical conditions.

We investigated the experiences of Australian autism early intervention service providers, including the professional development they receive on the job and how they translate research evidence into their practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 providers drawn from three locations. Participants described the crucial role of paraprofessionals in early intervention services, and indicated that, within multidisciplinary teams, allied health professionals, and teachers are the ones who select intervention practices and upskill paraprofessionals. Furthermore, participants reported using practices supported by research evidence, but also some emerging and unsupported practices. The use of unsupported practices is examined in light of the daily challenges faced by centers. Results may inform further professional development in early intervention services for children on the autism spectrum, to support the best possible outcomes for this population. The findings highlight the potential need for job-embedded hands-on professional development conducted in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine practitioners', coaches', and athletes' perceptions of evidence-based practice (EBP) in professional sport in Australia. Methods: One hundred thirty-eight participants (practitioners n = 67, coaches n = 39, and athletes n = 32) in various professional sports in Australia each completed a group-specific online questionnaire. Questions focused on perceptions of research, the contribution of participants' own experience in implementing knowledge to practice, sources, and barriers for accessing and implementing EBP, preferred methods of feedback, and the required qualities of practitioners. Results: All practitioners reported using EBP, while most coaches and athletes believed that EBP contributes to individual performance and preparation (>85%). Practitioners' preferred EBP information sources were "peer-reviewed journals" and "other practitioners within their sport," while athlete sources were "practitioners within their sport" and "other athletes within their sport." As primary barriers to accessing and implementing research, practitioners highlighted "time constraints," "poor research translation," and "nonapplicable research." Practitioners ranked "informal conversation" as their most valued method of providing feedback; however, coaches prefer feedback from "scheduled meetings," "online reports," or "shared database." Both athletes and coaches value "excellent knowledge of the sport," "experience," and "communication skills" in practitioners disseminating EBP. Conclusion: Practitioners, coaches, and athletes believe in the importance of EBP to their profession, although practitioners reported several barriers to accessing and implementing research as part of EBP. Athletes place a high value on experienced practitioners who have excellent knowledge of the sport and communication skills. Collectively, these findings can be used to further stakeholder understanding regarding EBP and the role of research to positively influence athlete health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Fostering a research culture and enhancing research capacity within the workforce is essential for any health service aiming to provide evidence-based care. This study aims to explore the research culture and capacity in a community health service setting and provide a comparison to previous published research in other health service settings. Methods. Participants were invited to complete a survey consisting of demographics and the Research Capacity and Culture (RCC) tool. Median and interquartile ranges were calculated for each RCC item and compared to three Australian and one international comparison. Results. A total of 73 staff members from Metro North Community and Oral Health service participated. The team-level scores for the RCC were overall the lowest. Comparison to previously published research using the RCC indicated marginally higher scores for individual-level items in our study across all domains. Individual-level items were very weak to weakly correlated with the team and organisation-level RCC items. Strong to very strong correlations were found between a majority of the team and organisation-level items. Conclusions. Team-level scores were substantially lower when compared to individual and organisational levels. The item 'team leaders that support research' was positively correlated with various organisation-level items, indicating that if the respondent perceived the team leader as a low supporter of research the respondent perceived several organisation items also poorly. As an important stakeholder in enabling research in a health service, organisations should investigate the challenges experienced by team leaders in facilitating research and the support or training they may need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic implementation of evidence-based, clinical practice guidelines for management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in primary care physiotherapy in Australia is embryonic. Clinical practice guidelines have been implemented in the public healthcare sector at a State-level for physiotherapists in the form of multidisciplinary programs, but the reach of physiotherapy-led OA management programs is grossly inadequate in the private sector. To provide a snapshot of the management of people with knee OA in private physiotherapy practice in an Australian setting. Primarily the aim was to determine the alignment between the treatment provided and guideline-based management. Secondary aims included the capture of both patient-reported improvement after 3-months and patient satisfaction with treatment. Whether patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) were routinely used was also ascertained. A prospective, observational study enrolling adults >=45 years with knee OA across nine primary care physiotherapy practices. Knee injury OA Outcome Score (KOOS) and Routine Assessment Patient Index 3 (RAPID3) were collected (baseline; 3 months) by researchers along with satisfaction with treatment. Treatment details and use of PROMS were obtained from physiotherapy record audit and patient interview. The treatment provided was compared to the minimum core elements of management stipulated in OA management guidelines. Twenty-six adults (58% female, mean age 60 (9) years, 54% overweight or obese) participated. 100% were prescribed ≥1 appropriate exercise(s); 42% received OA education; 12% received weight management advice. Mean improvement (95%CI) in KOOS Pain was 9.8 (3.4 to 16.1) and RAPID3 was −3.4 (−5.5 to −1.3). Satisfaction with treatment was high (8.3/10). No PROMs were used for assessment or monitoring. Primary care physiotherapy treatment of knee OA did not meet minimum criteria per clinical practice guidelines. However, participant improvement at three months reached minimally important change thresholds for patient-reported measures and satisfaction was high. The data provide useful insights about areas that are deficient, thus, should inform future implementation strategies designed to improve care delivery and the uptake of routine measurement of patient-reported outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research suggests that physiotherapists frequently engage with patients who experience psychological distress (e.g. feelings of depression and anxiety) and that physiotherapists find supporting these patients challenging. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Australian physiotherapists with patients they perceived were experiencing psychological distress. A 'Big Q' qualitative research approach was used. Twenty-three interviews with physiotherapists were conducted. The data were then analyzed using iterative thematic inquiry. The analysis produced four interrelated themes: 1) encounters with patients in distress are common and varied; 2) becoming emotionally attuned with their patients meant that distress could invoke empathetic distress; 3) physiotherapists use emotional shields to protect themselves; and 4) physiotherapists found frequent encounters with patient distress to be emotionally exhausting. Viewed together, the themes highlight how patient distress can invoke transient empathetic distress in a physiotherapist; repeated experiences of empathetic distress may lead to empathetic distress fatigue. While physiotherapists are sometimes viewed as 'physical' health professionals, the experiences of these physiotherapists suggest that patient psychological distress is highly relevant to physiotherapy practice. We recommend future research explores the relationships between patient distress, physiotherapists' empathy, and physiotherapists' wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the current utilisation of the clinical framework for delivery of health services to manage compensable musculoskeletal injuries from the perspectives of insurer case managers and clinical panel members. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of key organisations including WorkSafe Victoria and Transport Accident Commission Victoria. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Four over-arching themes were identified: (i) current use of the framework and principles is suboptimal leading to several problems including lack of evidence-based treatment by clinicians; (ii) barriers to optimal use of the framework include lack of adequate training of healthcare professionals on the framework principles and financial aspects of the compensation system; (iii) utilisation of the framework could be improved with training from peak associations, insurers, and regulating bodies; and (iv) optimal use of the framework will result in better health and work outcomes. The current use of the framework and its principles is suboptimal but can be improved by addressing the identified barriers. Rehabilitation of compensable musculoskeletal injuries is often complex. Implementing the "Clinical Framework for Delivery of Health Services" can lead to provision of time and cost effective, evidence-based rehabilitation for compensable injuries, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Clinicians can enhance the implementation of the framework principles by integrating evidence-based practice and recommendations from clinical practice guidelines in treatment of compensable musculoskeletal injuries. Implementation of the framework principles may be enhanced by reviewing the compensation funding model to allow the healthcare practitioners adequate time and remuneration to adopt the framework principles when treating persons with compensable injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Several controversies in the optimal treatment of femoral neck fractures persist, together with large variations in clinical practice. Methods: A narrative literature review covering 4 current controversies in the surgical management of femoral neck fractures (total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus hemiarthroplasty (HA), cemented versus uncemented HA, internal fixation versus arthroplasty, operative versus non-operative) was performed. Available literature was balanced against annual trends in the management of femoral neck fractures from the public domain of several national registries (Sweden, Norway, The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand). Results: For most controversies, the literature provides stronger evidence than is reflected by variations encountered in daily practice. Implementation of clinical evidence tends to lag behind and important differences exist between countries. Conclusions: Trends of clinical practice from national registries indicate that implementation of available clinical evidence needs to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand advocates the safe, effective and evidence‐based use of botulinum toxin type A for spasticity management. The process requires appropriate training, alongside considerable knowledge and skills, to maximise efficacy. The processes before and after injection contribute to effectiveness. The gold standard of managing spasticity is for assessment by a multidisciplinary specialist team, deriving patient‐centric goals, and designing an injection protocol to match these goals. The patient and/or carers are considered part of the decision‐making team. Postinjection therapy and measurement of goal achievement are highly recommended as part of the wider holistic approach to management. The Society believes treatment failures can be minimised by following clear clinical guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holistic nursing care, which has been discussed a lot recently, provides better quality and more effective patient care. This study was planned to analyze the studies conducted on holistic care, by using the bibliometric method and to reveal which types of studies are needed to increase the effectiveness of holistic nursing care and to make it more widespread. The study has the potential to guide scientists who would like to work on this subject. This study describes the current published evidence about holistic nursing between January,1, 1979 and March 18, 2023. The study’s data obtained from the Web of Science (WOS) database were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative measures. The Excel program was used to analyze the study’s data, and VOSviewer was used to visualize it. A total of 3887 publications (reviews and articles) obtained in the search for holistic nursing have been published. A total of 2716 (69 875%) of all publications on holistic nursing were published since 2013, and these publications were cited 45 843 times, and 77.832% of all citations were cited to publications published since 2013. The top 5 countries that made the highest number of contributions were the United States (1259 documents), England (457 documents), Australia (380 documents), Canada (253 documents), and Sweden (183 documents). The University of London in England was the top institute focused on holistic nursing. Holistic nursing is a growing and developing subject, especially considering the number of citations and publications in the last 10 years. Most research and cooperation has occurred in a few developed nations: America, Australia, and European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian providers of mental health services and support for young people include private and public allied health providers, government initiatives (eg, headspace), nongovernment organizations (eg, Kids Helpline), general practitioners (GPs), and the hospital system. Over 20 years of research has established that many young people prefer to seek mental health support online; however, clear client pathways within and between online and offline mental health services are currently lacking. The authors propose a Digital Mental Health Practice model of care for youth to assist with digital mental health service mapping. The proposed model offers accessible pathways for a client to engage with digital mental health services, provides clear navigation to access support for individual needs, and facilitates a seamless connection with offline mental health services using a transferable electronic health records system. This future-looking model also includes emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the metaverse, which must be accounted for as potential tools to be leveraged for digital therapies and support systems. The urgent need for a user-centered Digital Mental Health Practice model of care for youth in Australia is discussed, highlighting the shortcomings of traditional and existing online triage models evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the complex challenges that must be overcome, such as the integration of diverse mental health care providers and establishment of a robust electronic health records system. Potential benefits of such a model include reduced pressure on emergency rooms, improved identification of immediate needs, enhanced referral practices, and the establishment of a cost-efficient national digital mental health care model with global applicability. The authors conclude by stressing the consequences of inaction, warning that delays may lead to more complex challenges as new technologies emerge and exacerbate the long-term negative consequences of poor mental health management on the economic and biopsychosocial well-being of young Australians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cough is the most common symptom leading to medical consultation. Chronic cough results in significant health care costs, impairs quality of life, and may indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition. Here, we present a summary of an updated position statement on cough management in the clinical consultation. Main recommendations: Assessment of children and adults requires a focused history of chronic cough to identify any red flag cough pointers that may indicate an underlying disease. Further assessment with examination should include a chest x‐ray and spirometry (when age > 6 years). Separate paediatric and adult diagnostic management algorithms should be followed. Management of the underlying condition(s) should follow specific disease guidelines, as well as address adverse environmental exposures and patient/carer concerns. First Nations adults and children should be considered a high risk group. The full statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and Lung Foundation Australia for managing chronic cough is available at https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/cicada‐full‐position‐statement. Changes in management as a result of this statement: Algorithms for assessment and diagnosis of adult and paediatric chronic cough are recommended.High quality evidence supports the use of child‐specific chronic cough management algorithms to improve clinical outcomes, but none exist in adults.Red flags that indicate serious underlying conditions requiring investigation or referral should be identified.Early and effective treatment of chronic wet/productive cough in children is critical.Culturally specific strategies for facilitating the management of chronic cough in First Nations populations should be adopted.If the chronic cough does not resolve or is unexplained, the patient should be referred to a respiratory specialist or cough clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of people diagnosed with cancer in Australia continues to rise, with more than 1 in 22 Australians now living with a history of cancer. This increase is occurring in parallel with a growing body of evidence about the psychological problems faced by patients with cancer, and the beneficial effects of interventions specifically designed to address these needs. Despite this evidence, research suggests that many psychologists feel underequipped for the unique issues encountered in cancer settings. In light of the profound effects of the COVID−19 pandemic on people living with cancer, it is timely to reflect on the complex needs related to cancer, with the aim of ensuring that psychologists are equipped to enhance the wellbeing of patients. In this commentary we provide an overview of: (a) the key issues that can arise across the cancer continuum, and (b) the existing evidence-based resources and tools for the screening and management of these presenting concerns. This commentary concludes with a discussion of the emotional impact for psychologists working with cancer patients, and consideration of how access to professional training in this area might be enhanced. What is already known about the topic: Cancer is highly prevalent and rates of distress associated with cancer are high. People with cancer have clear psychological needs, but psychologists often report feeling underequipped and lacking in confidence to work with this population. Equipping psychologists to address these issues could improve quality of life and clinical outcomes for cancer patients and reduce health-system burden. What this topic adds: We outline some of the most commonly experienced issues, as reported by people with cancer. We summarise the evidence-based interventions that address the unique issues faced by this population. We describe how psychologists can manage their own emotional wellbeing in working with people with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Police members can be exposed to morally transgressive events with potential for lasting psychosocial and spiritual harm. Through interviews with police members and police chaplains across Australia and New Zealand, this qualitative study explores the current role that police chaplains play in supporting members exposed to morally transgressive events. The availability of chaplains across police services and the close alignment between the support they offer, and the support sought by police, indicates they have an important role. However, a holistic approach should also consider organizational factors, the role of leaders, and access to evidence-based treatment in collaboration with mental health practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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