Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Emma Hack, Barbara Hayes, Nicholas Radcliffe, Sally Monda, Paul Yates
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on elderly residents and their next-of-kin/carers in residential aged care facilities. The findings identify the challenges faced by both the residents and their loved ones, highlighting the importance of access to palliative care and bereavement support, which have been made more difficult during the pandemic.
INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Janet K. Sluggett, Max Moldovan, David J. Lynn, Lito E. Papanicolas, Maria Crotty, Craig Whitehead, Steve L. Wesselingh, Geraint B. Rogers, Maria C. Inacio
Summary: This study examined changes in prevalence and consumption of antibiotics in Australian residential aged care facilities between 2005-2006 and 2015-2016. The results showed substantial increases in both prevalence of use and total consumption of antibiotics during the study period, indicating a concerning trend of widespread antibiotic use in this setting.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wendy Newton, Tania Signal, Jenni A. Judd
Summary: Animals are frequently seen in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF), but there are few policies or guidelines to assist managers in developing RACF animal policies, posing risks to both residents and animals. A survey and interview with RACF managers revealed that while there were some existing policies, they lacked details on handwashing, infection prevention, and animal welfare. The inclusion of unregulated family pets in RACF was also identified as an unexpected risk factor. National guidelines tied to aged care policies are needed, along with training and educational resources for RACF and AAI providers.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jinfeng Ding, Claire E. Johnson, Kirsten Auret, Dianne Ritson, Carolyn Masarei, David Chua, Sharon Licqurish, Geoffrey Mitchell, Angus Cook
Summary: This study compared end-of-life care between home settings and residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and found that patients living at home were more likely to end their lives in hospital. GPs' perceived roles and involvement in care were similar in both settings, but discussions about end-of-life care were more frequent with home residents compared to RACF residents.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eliza Watson, Leslie Dowson, David Dunt, Karin Thursky, Leon J. Worth, Janet K. Sluggett, Amanda Appathurai, Noleen Bennett
Summary: The study identified barriers to participation in aged care infection surveillance programs, such as time-consuming data collection, competing tasks, limited understanding among some staff, difficulty engaging clinicians, and staff fatigue post-COVID-19. Enablers included previous experience with surveillance, sharing responsibilities, educational materials, and using data for benchmarking and practice improvement.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Steven A. Trankle, Jennifer Reath
Summary: The aged care system in Australia is facing pressure as residential aged care facilities and general practitioners struggle to provide necessary care, especially after hours. To address this issue, the MyEmergencyDoctor (MED) service was implemented in six aged care facilities as a 12-month program, offering afterhours telehealth care. The service successfully reduced ambulance usage and hospital admissions, and received support from healthcare professionals.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Riona Mc Ardle, Karen Sverdrup, Silvia Del Din, Sue Lord, Ngaire Kerse, Lynn Rochester, Lynne Taylor
Summary: The review found that ARC residents participated in low volumes and intensities of PA across different care levels, with limited variation in patterns of PA. Findings were limited by lack of consistency in methodological approaches and PA outcomes. Recommendations include focusing on total volume or low-light intensity PA as interventional outcomes and considering most useful methodology and PA outcomes to quantify PA in ARC residents.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shruti Premshankar Nair, Ashley L. Quigley, Aye Moa, Abrar Ahmad Chughtai, Chandini Raina Macintyre
Summary: This study aimed to monitor and report the burden of COVID-19 in residential aged-care facilities across Australia and the impact of hospital transfer policies on resident hospitalisation. The study found that the incidence rate of COVID-19 infections among aged-care residents in Australia was 10 times higher than the general population, but the hospitalisation rate was relatively low.
Review
Gerontology
Kristiana Ludlow, Kate Churruca, Virginia Mumford, Louise A. Ellis, Luke Testa, Janet C. Long, Jeffrey Braithwaite
Summary: This study examines the types and associated factors of unfinished care in RACFs, emphasizing that policymakers and providers can reduce unfinished care by focusing on modifiable factors such as staffing levels. Four key knowledge gaps were identified for future research directions.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Leonie Picton, Jenni Ilomaeki, Claire S. Keen, Samanta Lalic, Beverly Adams, Lisa M. Clinnick, Carl M. Kirkpatrick, Taliesin Ryan-Atwood, Justin P. Turner, J. Simon Bell
Summary: An investigation into the administration of PRN medications and nurse-initiated medications (NIMs) in Australian aged care services over a 12-month period revealed that most residents were administered PRN medications, emphasizing the need for regular clinical review to ensure safe and appropriate use.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Diana Karamacoska, Tamara Johnson, Lize Harrison, Kate Shi, Joy Akrawi, Stephanie P. D'Souza, Mark I. Hohenberg, Emma S. George, Genevieve Z. Steiner-Lim
Summary: This study assessed the use of VTE risk screening and training protocols, and VTE awareness in Australian residential aged care facilities. The results showed that most facilities do not have VTE risk screening protocols and lack awareness of the associated risks, highlighting the need for national and international guidelines in community care.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Chihiro Yamagata, Sachiko Matsumoto, Mitsunori Miyashita, Yusuke Kanno, Atsuko Taguchi, Kana Sato, Hiroki Fukahori
Summary: The study found that the EOL Care Tool showed a good preliminary effect and acceptability for improving end-of-life care in long-term care facilities, especially for nurses. However, care workers' acceptability of the tool was only moderate, with reported difficulties in using the new documents.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Karly Bartrim, Olivia R. L. Wright, Wendy Moyle, Lauren Ball
Summary: This qualitative study explored the experiences and preparedness of dietitians working in residential aged care facilities. The results revealed that dietitians face numerous challenges, including a lack of understanding of their role by staff and a lack of support for their daily activities. Improving job satisfaction and the experiences of older adults require structural reform beyond the dietitians' control.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Lindsey Brett, Emre Ilhan
Summary: This study investigated the type, scope, and funding of physiotherapy in Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs). The findings suggest that the expertise of physiotherapists in these facilities is under-utilised, possibly due to limited availability of public funding, equipment, and therapy spaces. Public health policies should prioritize evidence-based physiotherapy that supports the reablement and independence of older adults living in RACFs.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Colleen Doyle, Sunil Bhar, Christina Bryant, Briony Dow, David Dunt, George Mnatzaganian, Daniel O'Connor, Julie Ratcliffe, Emily You, Anne-Marie Bagnall, Georgia Major, Robin Harper, Marcia Fearn
Summary: This ongoing study in Australia aims to investigate the impact of befriending on depression, anxiety, and loneliness in older people living in residential aged care facilities. Through a pragmatic RCT, the effectiveness of befriending intervention in reducing the severity of depression symptoms among older people in residential aged care is expected to be evaluated.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
F. M. Boyle, D. Horey, D. Siassakos, C. Burden, D. Bakhbakhi, R. M. Silver, V Flenady
Summary: Although most healthcare professionals are aware of regular mortality review meetings in their facilities, only a small percentage reported parent engagement. Establishing parent involvement in perinatal mortality reviews may provide valuable insights for stillbirth prevention and care, but understanding barriers is crucial.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Dell Horey, Frances M. Boyle, Jillian Cassidy, Paul Richard Cassidy, Jan Jaap H. M. Erwich, Katherine J. Gold, Mechthild M. Gross, Alexander E. P. Heazell, Susannah Hopkins Leisher, Margaret Murphy, Claudia Ravaldi, Dimitrios Siassakos, Claire Storey, Alfredo Vannacci, Aleena Wojcieszek, Vicki Flenady
Summary: This study surveyed over three thousand parents who experienced stillbirth in 40 countries and found that women in high-income countries were more likely to have the opportunity to see and hold their baby among nine bereavement care practices compared to women in middle-income countries. The differences in bereavement care practices between countries suggest the need for further research on the impact on parents and how to best support effective communication, decision-making, and follow-up care.
BIRTH-ISSUES IN PERINATAL CARE
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Jamuna Parajuli, Dell Horey
Summary: Researchers play critical roles in research involving vulnerable populations, necessitating the consideration and protection of participants. Appropriate research designs and strategies should be used to ensure robust findings and the safeguarding of participants' rights.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Helen C. Sherrell, Liam T. B. Dunn, Dell Horey, Vicki Flenady, Sailesh Kumar
Summary: Involving patients and consumers in research design helps ensure relevance for those affected and can optimize recruitment. Women's motivations to participate in a hypothetical RCT on screening for fetal compromise in late pregnancy included a desire to contribute to research and improve care.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Frances M. Boyle, Dell Horey, Julie H. Dean, Aditi Lohan, Philippa Middleton, Vicki Flenady
Summary: This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on perinatal bereavement care in Australia, with health care providers reporting major impacts on various aspects of care. However, some adaptations were made to minimize these impacts.
JOURNAL OF PERINATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Bethany Atkins, Hannah Blencowe, Frances M. Boyle, Emma Sacks, Dell Horey, Vicki Flenady
Summary: The study found that many parents globally experience disrespectful care around stillbirth, highlighting the need for provider training and system-level support to address these issues. Some aspects of care quality need improvement, such as ensuring families have enough time with providers.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Siobhan A. Loughnan, Frances M. Boyle, David Ellwood, Sara Crocker, Ann Lancaster, Chrissie Astell, Julie Dean, Dell Horey, Emily Callander, Claire Jackson, Antonia Shand, Vicki Flenady
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of a self-guided internet-based perinatal bereavement support program, Living with Loss (LWL), in reducing psychological distress and improving the wellbeing of parents following stillbirth or neonatal death. Through a randomized controlled trial, the research seeks to provide evidence of the role digital services may play in addressing the gap in specific bereavement support resources for parents following the death of a baby.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Siobhan A. Loughnan, Rupesh Gautam, Sergio A. Silverio, Frances M. Boyle, Jillian Cassidy, David Ellwood, Caroline Homer, Dell Horey, Susannah H. Leisher, Francine de Montigny, Margaret Murphy, Keelin O'Donoghue, Paula Quigley, Claudia Ravaldi, Jane Sandall, Claire Storey, Alfredo Vannacci, Alyce N. Wilson, Vicki Flenady
Summary: This study aims to understand the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on pregnant and postpartum women and their families. It is a cross-sectional survey conducted in 15 countries, with a focus on the experiences of parents accessing maternity, neonatal, and bereavement care services. The findings will contribute to improving maternity care services in different income countries during health crises.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Dell Horey, Fernanda Nava Buenfil, Joanne Marcucci, Scott Ruddock
Summary: Teaching research methods to tertiary students is challenging due to the lack of established pedagogy, complex concepts, and varying levels of student engagement. This study reviews a five-year undergraduate health research subject to identify effective teaching strategies and develop a conceptual model for teaching undergraduate students. The results highlight the importance of promoting reflection, providing feedback and support, designing tools for problem areas, and fostering a student-focused culture. These strategies have led to improved student performance and feedback.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jane Warland, Danielle Pollock, Ashleigh Collier, Dell Horey, Frances Boyle
Summary: This study explores parents' experiences of care during labor of an antepartum stillbirth. The findings reveal that parents value detailed explanations of each step of the care process and being treated as any other parent. These findings align with current clinical practice guidelines, highlighting the importance of good communication, recognition of parenthood, shared decision making, and effective support.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Tracy Fortune, Toula Nicolacopoulos, Dell Horey
Summary: Education for global citizenship is a strategy adopted by higher education institutions, as evidenced by a qualitative study conducted at an Australian university examining the impact of setting global citizenship goals. The study found that at the macro level, universities need a better understanding of the forces within the academic educator workforce in order to achieve greater engagement and impact on academic goals. Despite implementation shortcomings, transformative educational processes were revealed.
HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alissa Knight, Danielle Pollock, Fran Boyle, Dell Horey, Jane Warland
Summary: This scoping review aims to explore and summarize the evidence for bereavement care in the context of stillborn baby labor and birthing experiences. The search strategy includes published and unpublished documents from 2000 onwards, with a focus on communication, recognition of parenthood, effective support, shared decision-making, and organizational response for bereaved parents during labor and birth. The review will categorize data into positive, negative, or neutral outcomes, identifying common issues in the care provided to parents facing the loss of a stillborn baby.
JBI EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
(2021)
Article
Religion
Rosediani Muhamad, Dell Horey, Pranee Liamputtong, Wah Yun Low, Maryam Mohd Zulkifli, Hatta Sidi
Summary: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among Malay women is high, influenced by social factors and lack of adherence to positive Islamic teachings. A culturally sensitive and comprehensive sex education programme may effectively reduce FSD.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Shinead Borkovic, Toula Nicolacopoulos, Dell Horey, Tracy Fortune
HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jamuna Parajuli, Dell Horey, Maria-Irini Avgoulas
HEALTH PROMOTION JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA
(2020)