Search

An editorial is presented on World Health Assembly Resolution. Emergency Care (EC) systems are poorly developed in a majority of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and there is a significant unmet need for acute care. To facilitate global EC capacity development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has devised a framework to describe the essential functions of EC systems.

Aim: To clarify the status of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) in the Asia/Oceania region. Methods: Survey questionnaires were sent out to the representative of AOFOG countries. They consisted of questions on the general status of MIGS, the clinical indication of MIGS, cost coverage, company support, training and certification for MIGS, patient preference for MIGS and requirements for the AOFOG. Results: Developmental stage of MIGS in this region was roughly divided into three categories: fully developed countries, countries in the developmental stage and countries in the rudimentary stage. Clinical indication of MIGS and training opportunity of young doctors were correlated with the developmental stage. Conclusion: Support by AOFOG should be considered according to the developmental stage of each country. Collecting updated information on MIGS in each member country is important to provide adequate support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the risk of diabetes complications requires the delivery of accurate and constructive information for people with diabetes to make informed self-management choices. This article reports on a study assessing the language and framing of risk messages about long-term complications featured in publications produced by North American and Australasian diabetes organizations. Findings highlight problems with the language, content, and framing of messages about risk of long-term diabetes complications presented by diabetes-specific media. These poorly communicated messages may be contributing to distorted perceptions of complications risk and diabetes distress and may interfere with optimal self-management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To provide practical clinical guidance for the treatment of adults with panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder in Australia and New Zealand. Method: Relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials were identified by searching PsycINFO, Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases. Additional relevant studies were identified from reference lists of identified articles, grey literature and literature known to the working group. Evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations were formulated by synthesising the evidence from efficacy studies, considering effectiveness in routine practice, accessibility and availability of treatment options in Australia and New Zealand, fidelity, acceptability to patients, safety and costs. The draft guidelines were reviewed by expert and clinical advisors, key stakeholders, professional bodies, and specialist groups with interest and expertise in anxiety disorders. Results: The guidelines recommend a pragmatic approach beginning with psychoeducation and advice on lifestyle factors, followed by initial treatment selected in collaboration with the patient from evidence-based options, taking into account symptom severity, patient preference, accessibility and cost. Recommended initial treatment options for all three anxiety disorders are cognitive–behavioural therapy (face-to-face or delivered by computer, tablet or smartphone application), pharmacotherapy (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor together with advice about graded exposure to anxiety triggers), or the combination of cognitive–behavioural therapy and pharmacotherapy. Conclusion: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder provide up-to-date guidance and advice on the management of these disorders for use by health professionals in Australia and New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent financialisation of Aotearoa/New Zealand's tertiary education sector has resulted in a situation where students are increasingly encouraged to view themselves as 'fully financialised subjects' in which tertiary education is considered an 'investment' into one's future self. This has led directly to the reconfiguration of tertiary education's value in relation to its purely financial terms, with this being encouraged and adopted by both the government and tertiary education providers. The adherence to a fully-financialised mindset and the continued reliance on traditional funding models has resulted in the differentiation in value of specific subjects over others, with tertiary education providers necessarily favouring those in accordance to their apparent ability to provide future financial returns. The corresponding failure of successive governments to provide adequate levels of resources towards tertiary education has resulted in cumulative funding shortfalls that, when taken alongside the differentiation in perceived value of subjects that a financialised mindset elicits, has precipitated the erosion of particular departments within tertiary education institutions at the expense of others. By evoking Alain Badiou's (2006; 2012) understanding on the concept of 'truth', acknowledging the inherent problem that it poses for the financial mindset, this article ultimately argues that alternative ways of valuing tertiary education are possible and, indeed, necessary if the university is to continue to fulfil its public role as critic and conscience of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To report on a descriptive survey on the availability, regulation and funding issues of assisted reproductive technology (ART) activities in member countries of the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG). Methods: A survey questionnaire was initially sent out to representatives of the 28 member national societies of AOFOG in 2015, and final verification and compilation of data were completed in November 2017. Results: A response was received from 24 countries. Artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization treatments were available in 23 and 22 of them respectively. Of the 23 responding countries where ART activities were carried out, these were governed by legislation or national regulations in 12 of them, and 15 had a national registry, to which reporting was compulsory in 11 of them. Only Australia, Nepal, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia allowed ART treatment for both single men and women, while only Australia and New Zealand allowed ART treatment for homosexual couples. In Vietnam, ART treatment was allowed only for single women (but not men) from the same country. In Israel, only single or homosexual women but not men were allowed to receive ART treatment. Government subsidy was available for artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization treatments in 10 and 9 responding countries respectively. Compensation to gamete donors and surrogate mothers were allowed in some countries, mostly on the basis of covering the medical treatment cost and compensation for leave from work. Conclusion: There is great diversity in the availability of various forms of ART treatments, their regulations and data‐monitoring mechanisms, as well as funding issues, among Asian‐Oceanic countries. Availability of ART activities involving donor gametes or surrogacy, or those for nonheterosexual unions, is still limited in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the improved diplomatic relations between New Zealand and North Korea. Topics discussed include history of hostility between the countries during Korean War, as New Zealand did not consider Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea as a legitimate country, role of memorandum of understanding between universities Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) and Kim Hyung Jik University, Korea, and the frequent visitors due to friendship society of language students.

The article discusses a study that aims to understand how people with multiple sclerosis and their spouses use common support services and other external resources to deal with their condition. Study highlights include the use of interpretative phenomenological analysis in the study, interview of the person with multiple sclerosis and their significant other, and four themes that explained the influence of external factors on the ways couples coped.

Abstract: Report from the Editor as I start a second term. I outline success and otherwise in the first term and encourage authors to engage in the local research conversation when they are writing their papers. I point out that all methodological approaches are welcome including qualitative, survey, systematic literature reviews and experiments. I point out the hot points that Editors now are looking for so that you can pay particular attention to them in advance of submission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst adult organ donation is widely accepted within the realms of the adult intensive care environment in Australia, paediatric donation appears to be a more reluctant partner. In 2014, the donation specialist nursing coordinators (DSNCs) in South Australia (SA) acknowledged that paediatric donation was a low-frequency event and attempts to source paediatric-specific promotional information proved to be non-existent. A small working party was formed to review the position of paediatric organ donation in Australia and to understand some of the barriers to organ donation in this specialty area. Following a review of available information, it became clear that reasons for the lack of paediatric-specific material is multifactorial and DSNCs could potentially influence these factors and effect change. A question was posed: "Could we promote the unthinkable -- that a child may die and donate organs for transplantation?". This article was the subject of a poster that was presented in 2015 at the 8th Paediatric Symposium of the International Paediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) in San Francisco, USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A speech delivered by Dame Sian Elias, Chief Justice of New Zealand, at Australasian Law Teachers Association (ALTA) 2016 Conference in Wellington, New Zealand on July 7, 2016, is presented. In speech he shares his personal and deep reflections on law education and the special responsibilities its teachers hold in keeping the learning of the law within its wider context.

Background Smartphone health applications (apps) and other mobile health (mHealth) technologies may assist dietitians in improving the efficiency of patient care. The present study investigated the use of health apps and text messaging in dietetic practice and formulated intervention recommendations for supporting app uptake by dietitians based on the behavioural ' COM-B' system, where interactions between capability, opportunity and motivation influence behaviour. Methods A 52-item online survey tool, taking 20 min to complete, was developed and piloted, with questions exploring the use of health apps and text messaging in dietetic practice, types of apps dietitians recommended and that patients used, and barriers and enablers to app use in dietetic practice. The Australian, New Zealand and British dietetic associations distributed the survey to their members. Results A 5% response rate was achieved internationally, with 570 completed responses included for further analysis. Health apps, namely nutrition apps, were used by 62% of dietitians in their practice, primarily as an information resource (74%) and for patient self-monitoring (60%). The top two nutrition apps recommended were MyFitnessPal® (62%) and the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet® (44%). Text messaging was used by 51% of respondents, mainly for appointment-related purposes (84%). Conclusions Although the reported use of smartphone health apps in dietetic practice is high, health apps and other mHealth technologies are not currently being used for behaviour change, nor are they an integral part of the nutrition care process. Dietetic associations should provide training, education and advocacy to enable the profession to more effectively engage with and implement apps into their practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of studies to be presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of The Australian & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine in May 2017. Topics include primary care for older people in New Zealand, community living in advanced age, and community services for older people in England.

The author reflects on the social life in New Zealand and trying to identify the unique features that characterize this society, identified by sociology Professor Jim Robb. Author also mentions the degree to which New Zealand sociology has developed a holistic conception of New Zealand society. The article also reflects the need of discussion of topics including educational advantages, place of the arts, and the appeal of sport.

The article discusses New Zealand's potential regional and global roles in refugee protection. Topics discussed include United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) data on global refugees status as of 2015, and New Zealand's three-way entry path for refugees. Also mentioned is New Zealand's potential role in supporting global diplomacy and bilateral talks to end child detention under statures of the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

As the term ‘social licence to operate’ gains more traction in New Zealand, a plethora of meanings and understandings have been attributed to it. Many of these meanings and understandings, however, only tell a partial story that is often only economically beneficial to a particular industry or industry actor. This article surveys academic, industry, government and media writing about social licence across industries in New Zealand over the past 5 years, distilling out key messages, meanings and understandings that are being created and delivered. The article further compares these meanings and understandings to the original intent of the term as well as the meanings being generated from the extensive research on social licence being carried out in Australia and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

INTRODUCTION: Previous surveys have revealed a New Zealand rural medical generalist workforce that is mainly male, older and dependent on international medical graduates (IMGs). AIMS: To provide a snapshot of the New Zealand rural medical generalist workforce in 2014 and to make comparisons with the urban medical generalist workforce. To assess future workforce losses and find ways to address them. METHODS: In March/April 2014, a survey of members of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners used the SurveyMonkey tool. A comparative analysis was undertaken of self-identified rural and urban respondents. RESULTS: The response rate was 55.9% (2525/4514). Of the 2203 working respondents, 17.1% self-identified as rural, working in rural general practice or rural hospital medicine. Compared with urban respondents, more rural generalists were male (57.5% rural vs 45.5% urban; P < 0.01), aged ⩾ 55 years (38.2% rural vs 32.6% urban; P = 0.04) and involved in teaching (53.0% rural vs 30.0% urban; P < 0.01). IMGs were an integral part of the rural generalist workforce (52.8% rural vs 38.7% urban; P < 0.01). More rural generalists worked ⩾ 36 h per week (66.8% rural vs 50.4% urban; P < 0.01) and they were more likely to retire within the next 10 years (40.4% rural vs 34.7% urban; P = 0.0417). DISCUSSION: The rural medical generalist workforce continues to be mainly male, older and consist of a high proportion of IMGs. Findings confirm the fragility of this workforce and highlight the need for renewed efforts to improve recruitment and retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jenkins B. 2016. Sustainability analysis of the management approach for six New Zealand lakes. Lake Reserv Manage. 32:101–115. This paper describes a methodology for sustainability analysis based on failure pathways that can lead to the loss of system sustainability. For these failure pathways, critical variables can be identified by threshold values that define when the system changes from its sustainable state. The methodology also considers any management interventions being undertaken to address failure pathways and whether the extent of intervention is adequate to ensure the critical variables for the failure pathways remain below their threshold values. This methodology was then applied to the current management approaches for 6 New Zealand lakes: Lake Taupo, Lake Brunner, Lake Rotorua, Lake Omapere, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, and Waituna Lagoon. Although diffuse nutrient pollution from land use intensification is affecting water quality of all of the lakes, the analysis identifies different failure pathways and different critical variables, implying the need for different management interventions to achieve desired water quality outcomes. Overall findings were (1) that all lakes will require reductions in land use intensification in their catchments to achieve sustainable water quality; (2) there is evidence of positive innovations that could potentially improve water quality; and (3) the level of management intervention is insufficient to achieve the desired water quality objectives for the lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents the keynote address by Sir Geoffrey Palmer (Queen's Counsel) QC to the Annual Conference of New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) on April 12, 2016. He opines that insufficient research, deficient law making methods lead to confusion and overlapping of major policies. He cites the example of three major policies on similar subjects which are up for review. He talks about the insufficiencies in the Resource Legislation Amendment Bil,l and changes proposed for the same.

Due to the myriad of treatment options available and the potential increase in the number of patients afflicted with overactive bladder (OAB) who will require treatment, the Female Urology Special Advisory Group (FUSAG) of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ), in conjunction with the Urogynaecological Society of Australasia (UGSA), see the need to move forward and set up management guidelines for physicians who may encounter or have a special interest in the treatment of this condition. These guidelines, by utilising and recommending evidencebased data, will hopefully assist in the diagnosis, clinical assessment, and optimisation of treatment efficacy. They are divided into three sections: Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment, Conservative Management, and Surgical Management. These guidelines will also bring Australia and New Zealand in line with other regions of the world where guidelines have been established, such as the American Urological Association, European Association of Urology, International Consultation on Incontinence, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines of the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Increase in intraocular pressure is a recognized complication of corticosteroid treatment via intravitreal or periocular injections for treatment of a range of conditions including macular oedema and retinal neovascularization. Design This surveillance study was designed to determine the incidence and nature of severe intraocular pressure elevation as a complication of intravitreal or periocular corticosteroid injections in Australia and New Zealand. Participants Seventeen cases meeting the defined criteria of severe intraocular pressure elevation, above 35 mmHg, following an intravitreal or periocular corticosteroid injection were included in the study. Methods Over an 18-month period, ophthalmologists were invited to report cases to the Australian and New Zealand Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit. After reporting, further demographic and clinical information was sought via a follow-up questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures Intraocular pressure elevation above 35 mmHg. Results Follow-up questionnaires were received for 20 cases of 34 initially reported to the unit. Seventeen met the defined criteria. Triamcinolone acetonide was used in all 17 cases, with 16 delivered as a 4-mg intravitreal injection. There was an absence of identified underlying risk factors in the majority of cases with personal history of glaucoma in 2 of 17 cases. No cases reported a positive family history of glaucoma. Trabeculectomy was performed in 8 of 17 patients (47%) for intraocular pressure management. Conclusions Severe intraocular pressure elevation following intravitreal or periocular corticosteroid injection can occur in the absence of risk factors such as personal and family history of glaucoma. The severe intraocular pressure elevation may ultimately require trabeculectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Competency standards for entry-level to the profession of optometry in Australia were first developed in 1993, revised in 1997 and 2000, and again in 2008, when therapeutic competency standards were introduced but differentiated from the entry-level competencies. Therapeutic competencies were an additional requirement for the purpose of endorsing optometric registration to allow prescription of medicines for conditions of the eye. Recent changes to educational and registration requirements mean that therapeutic competencies are now required at entry-level. To address this and to ensure the standards reflect current best practice, a full revision of the standards was undertaken. Methods A steering committee oversaw the review of the standards, which involved a literature review, workshops with optometrists and broad consultation with stakeholders, including the Optometry Board of Australia, individual optometrists and employers of optometrists, to identify changes needed. Representatives of the profession from Australia and New Zealand and from academia in Australia were involved. A modified document based on the feedback received was circulated to the State Divisions and the National Board of the then Optometrists Association Australia. Results The updated standards reflect the state of entry to the optometric profession in 2014; competencies for prescribing of scheduled medicines are included, new material has been added, other areas have been modified. The updated entry-level competency standards were adopted on behalf of the profession by the National Board of the then Optometrists Association Australia in March 2014. Discussion Competency standards have been updated so that they continue to be current and useful for the profession, individual optometrists and Australian and New Zealand registration authorities for the purposes of accreditation of optometric programs and assessment of overseas-trained optometrists. This paper details the revision process and presents the 2014 version of competency standards for entry-level to the profession of optometry in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its formation, the Faculty of Pain Medicine ( FPM) has grown into an organization with 369 fellows. It has 29 accredited pain medicine training units in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This article reviews the history of its birth and subsequent growth. The FPM fellowship is widely recognized as a high-quality qualification, based on a sound curriculum, excellent clinical exposure, and robust continuing professional development. But how does the Faculty position itself for the future? The Faculty's 5-year Strategic Plan (from 2013 to 2017) sets out its vision 'to reduce the burden of pain in society through education, advocacy, training and research.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because identity (language and culture) are central to Pacific knowledge and knowledge construction processes, Pacific students’ educational experiences should be viewed through a cultural lens that sees Pacific knowledge and practices as valid and valued. This study explores the relationship between culture and educational outcomes as seen in how participation in a school Polynesian club (a cultural education supplementary site) builds youth feelings of self-esteem, identity and the confidence to connect to other educational, cultural and social spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]