Australian Primary Care Research Articles

Telehealth's future in Australian primary health care: a qualitative study exploring lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth emerged as a means of safely providing primary healthcare (PHC) consultations. In Australia, changes to telehealth funding led to the reconsideration of the role of telehealth in the ongoing provision of PHC services. To investigate GPs', registered nurses' (RNs), nurse practitioners' (NPs), and allied health (AH) clinicians perceptions of the sustainability of telehealth in PHC post-pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 33 purposively selected clinicians, including GPs (n = 13), RNs (n = 5), NPs (n = 9), and AH clinicians (n = 6) working in PHC settings across Australia. Participants were drawn from responders to a national survey of PHC providers (n = 217). The thematic analysis approach reported by Braun and Clarke was used to analyse the interview data. Data analysis revealed that the perception of providers was represented by the following two themes: lessons learnt; and the sustainability of telehealth. Lessons learnt included the need for rapid adaptation to telehealth, use of technology, and the pandemic being a catalyst for long-term change. The sustainability of telehealth in PHC comprised four subthemes around challenges: the funding model, maintaining patient and provider safety, hybrid service models, and access to support. Providers required resilience and flexibility to adapt to telehealth. Funding models must reward providers from an outcome focus, rather than placing limits on telehealth's use. Hybrid approaches to service delivery will best meet the needs of the community but must be accompanied by support and education for PHC professionals.

Type 2 diabetes remission in Australian primary care: Protocol for an implementation study of the DiRECT-Aus trial

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions managed in Australian general practice. DiRECT-Aus is replicating the UK Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) in general practices across NSW. The aim of thestudy will be to explore the implementation of DiRECT-Aus to informfuture scale-up and sustainability. This is a cross-sectional qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of patients, clinicians and stakeholders in the DiRECT-Aus trial. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) will be used to guide the exploration of the implementation factors, and the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework to report on implementation outcomes. Interviews will be conducted with patients and key stakeholders. Initial coding will be based on the CFIR, with inductive coding used to develop the themes. This implementation study will identify factors to be considered and addressed so that future scale-up and national delivery will be equitable and sustainable.

Barriers and enablers to structured care delivery in Australian rural primary care.

The primary aim of this study was to explore the barriers and enablers to structured care delivery in rural primary care, reflecting on Australian research findings. CINAHL and Scopus databases were searched in August 2021. Inclusion criteria included English language, full-text studies, published since 2011, reporting on the barriers and enablers to the delivery of structured care within rural and remote primary care. Structured care was conceptualised as care that was organised, integrative and planned. A total of 435 studies were screened. Thirty-four met the inclusion criteria. Barriers to the provision of structured care related to workforce shortages, limited health care services and health care professional capacity, cultural safety and competency, limited resourcing, insufficient knowledge and education, geographical isolation, inadequate care coordination, unclear roles and responsibilities and poor health professional-patient relationships. Health care system and geographical barriers and enablers encountered in rural areas are complex and multidimensional. Identification of the specific challenges to structured care delivery highlights the need for a focussed review of workforce supply and distribution challenges as well as the investigation of system integration, leadership, governance and funding reform that would be required to support rural primary care.

Embedding digital sleep health into primary care practice: A triangulation of perspectives from general practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists.

While digital health interventions (DHIs) can potentially address the unmet needs for sleep health services, little is known about their implementation in practice. The current study aimed to explore primary care health providers' attitudes and beliefs towards DHIs for sleep and implementation into practice. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to Australian primary care health professionals: general practitioners (GPs), community nurses, and community pharmacists. Semi-structured interviews were conducted within a sub-sample of participants exploring their experiences with DHIs and perceived barriers/facilitators for embedding DHIs into primary care. Semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed using the framework approach to contextualise survey findings. Ninety-six surveys were returned (GPs = 36, nurses = 30, and pharmacists = 30) and 45 interviews conducted (GPs = 17, nurses = 14, and pharmacists = 14). From the survey, GPs were more likely to endorse familiarity (p = 0.009) and use (p < 0.001) of sleep DHIs in clinical practice than pharmacists and nurses. GPs were more interested in utilising the diagnostic features within a sleep DHI (p = 0.009) compared to other professionals. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed three major themes, contextualised by profession: (1) Scope for DHIs in Current Practice, (2) Practice Gaps and Training Needs, and (3) Envisioning a Model of Care Using Sleep DHIs. While DHIs can potentially improve care, greater clarity of care pathways and reimbursement structures are needed for integration into practice. Primary care health professionals highlighted the training, care pathway and financial models required to realise the potential for translating findings from efficacy studies for DHIs into primary care to optimise sleep health.

Diverse and vulnerable: experiences of private allied health practices managing through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Implications for the financial viability of Australian primary care.

Background The majority of allied health services are delivered by small, private practices in the primary care setting with limited government funding. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns these practices were subject to the same health orders as any other private business with only 'essential services' permitted to remain open. Research aim We set out to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated public health measures, on the financial viability of private allied health practices. Methods Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary care allied health practice owners and managers in Sydney. Data were analysed thematically. Findings All of the interviewees reported experiencing the stress of balancing precarious finances caused by reduced and/or fluctuating patient demand. Patients' reluctance to seek care was compounded by ambiguity around whether allied health services were 'essential'. Manual therapies were particularly vulnerable to financial stress because their capacity to transition to telehealth and access to government funding were limited. Conversely, psychologists reported demand for their services exceeded what they could provide. Study implications The findings are indicative of primary care allied health's peripheral status in Australia's primary care landscape. Greater priority to the funding and integration of primary care allied health is needed in primary care policy.

Increasing the availability of long-acting reversible contraception and medical abortion in primary care: the Australian Contraception and Abortion Primary Care Practitioner Support Network (AusCAPPS) cohort study protocol

IntroductionAlthough primary care practitioners are the main providers of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and early medical abortion (EMA) in Australia, few provide these services. A professional community of practice (CoP)...

Foot, ankle, and leg problems in Australian primary care: consultation patterns, management practices, and costs.

To explore consultation patterns, management practices, and costs of foot, ankle, and leg problems in Australian primary care. We analyzed data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health program, April 2000 to March 2016. Foot, ankle, and leg problems were identified using the International Classification of Primary Care, Version 2 PLUS terminology. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics examining general practitioner (GP) and patient characteristics associated with a foot, ankle, or leg problem being managed. Cost to government was estimated by extracting fees for GP consultations, diagnostic imaging, and pathology services from the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) database. Costs for prescription-only medicines were extracted from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule and for nonprescribed medications, large banner discount pharmacy prices were used. GPs recorded 1,568,100 patient encounters, at which 50,877 foot, ankle, or leg problems were managed at a rate of 3.24 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 3.21-3.28) per 100 encounters. The management rate of foot, ankle, or leg problems was higher for certain patient characteristics (older, having a health care card, socioeconomically disadvantaged, non-Indigenous, and being English speaking) and GP characteristics (male sex, older age, and Australian graduate). The most frequently used management practice was the use of medications. The average cost (Australian dollars) per encounter was A$52, with the total annual cost estimated at A$256m. Foot, ankle, and leg problems are frequently managed by GPs, and the costs associated with their management represent a substantial economic impact in Australian primary care.

Evaluation of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced scale and exploration of coping among primary health care nurses during COVID-19.

AimTo explore primary health care nurses’ coping strategies and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brief COPE scale.BackgroundPrimary health care nurses are experiencing significant COVID‐19‐related psychological impacts. Beyond understanding the impacts, there is a need to explore coping strategies.MethodsThis online cross‐sectional survey was completed by 359 Australian primary health care nurses between October and December 2020.ResultsFactor analysis revealed seven factors (support, disengagement and venting, humour, positive reframing, acceptance, substance use, and spiritual/religious beliefs)(Cronbach’s alpha >0.69). There was an association between age, years of nursing and years of primary health care nursing and the factors of ‘support’, ‘disengagement and venting’ and ‘positive reframing’. Years of experience were also associated with the factor ‘humour’. Urban respondents had higher scores for the ‘support’ factor.ConclusionsThe Brief COPE scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing primary health care nurses' coping. As demographic characteristics impact the coping strategies that nurses use, supports need to be tailored to optimise their impact.Implications for nursing managementNurse managers need to consider the workforce demographics when designing and implementing support strategies. The Brief COPE can identify current coping strategies and inform interventions to build coping capacity.

Are Medicare Funded Multidisciplinary Care Policies Being Claimed in accordance to Rehabilitation Needs in Patients with Stroke?

Australian Primary Care Practitioners are incentivised through Medicare funded policies to provide chronic disease management and facilitate multidisciplinary care. Little is known about how these policies are claimed in the long-term management of stroke. The objective of this study was to describe the use of funded primary care policies for people with stroke by impairment status. Linked Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2010-2014) and Medicare data from adults with 90-180 days post-stroke EQ-5D health status survey data and admitted to one of 26 participating Australian hospitals were analysed. Medicare item claims for Primary Care Practitioner led chronic disease management and multidisciplinary care coordination policies, during the 18 months following stroke are described. Registrants were classified into impairment groups using their EQ-5D dimension responses through Latent Class Analysis. Associations between impairment and use of relevant primary care policies were explored using multivariable regression. 5432 registrants were included (median age 74 years, 44% female, 86% ischaemic), 39% had a chronic disease management claim and 39% a multidisciplinary care coordination claim. Three latent classes emerged representing minimal, moderate and severe impairment. Compared to minimal, those with severe impairment were least likely to receive chronic disease management (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.49, 0.75) but were most likely to receive multidisciplinary care coordination. Podiatry was the commonest allied health service prescribed, regardless of impairment. Less than half of people living with stroke had a claim for primary care initiated chronic disease management, with mixed access for those with severe impairments.

Diet, Fertility and the Australian Primary Health Care Setting — A Review

Background: The relationship between diet and fertility continues to emerge, yet interventions underutilise this evidence within Australian primary health care (PHC). Infertility affects approximately 9% of the world’s population and 16% of Australian couples trying to conceive naturally. Current PHC practices do not address nor encourage improved diet for sperm and oocyte quality, ovulation and sperm production. Due to a lack of resources and training, general practitioners typically refer these individuals to fertility clinics for medical management. As a result, Australia ranks as the 6th highest global utiliser of assisted reproductive technology, with annual costs to treat infertility exceeding $46,000,000. Aim: To synthesise current evidence for the diet-fertility relationship and identify suitable PHC interventions for improving fertility related lifestyle risk factors. Method: A database search for published peer reviewed articles using MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Global Health was carried out, and narratively synthesised. Results: Poor diet, central adiposity and unhealthy weight are modifiable risk factors impacting fertility, and common amongst the Australian adult population. There are opportunities to address these risk factors by modifying existing lifestyle modification programs to improve the overall fertility profile of this demographic within PHC. Conclusion: It is possible to optimise fertility through lifestyle interventions that encompass dietary modification. Health and fertility treatment costs can potentially be improved if changes to diet and lifestyle are consistently addressed as first line management for infertility within PHC for appropriate individuals. Understanding evidence for interventions have importuning implications for policy and practice. Further work needs to describe how fertility lifestyle interventions can successfully translate into PHC practice.

Healthcare services use by patients with heart failure in Australia: Findings from the SHAPE study.

General practitioners (GPs) play a central role in healthcare, serving as the first point of contact, makingappropriate referrals and coordinating care for chronic conditions such as heart failure (HF). We sought to determine healthcare use by people with HF in primary care. In this Study of Heart failure in the Australian Primary carE setting (SHAPE), we analysed records of 1.93million adult patients who attended a total of 43 practices between 1July 2013 and30 June 2018. We identified and examined the data of 20,219 patients with HF to describe the frequency of visits and use of Medicare Benefits Schedule items. Patients with HF saw GPs 14.4 times per annum on average; 59.5% had a General Practice Management Plan (GPMP), 2.9% of GPMPs were reviewed annually or more frequently, and 46.8% of patients had been referred to a cardiologist. A total of 3761 had coexisting anxiety or depression, and of these 37.1% had a mental health plan. Patients with HF visit their GP frequently, with many not reaching guideline therapy nor referred to cardiologists. Low use of care planning and reviews presents an opportunity for GPs to improve care.

Prevalence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in Australian primary care patients: only part of the story?

BackgroundME/CFS is a disorder characterized by recurrent fatigue and intolerance to exertion which manifests as profound post-exertional malaise. Prevalence studies internationally have reported highly variable results due to the 20 + diagnostic criteria. For Australia, the prevalence of ME/CFS based on current case definitions is unknown.ObjectivesTo report prevalence of ME/CFS in patients aged ≥ 13 years attending Australian primary care settings for years 2015–2019, and provide context for patterns of primary care attendance by people living with ME/CFS.MethodologyConducted in partnership with the Patient Advisory Group, this study adopted a mixed methods approach. De-identified primary care data from the national MedicineInsight program were analyzed. The cohort were regularly attending patients, i.e. 3 visits in the preceding 2 years. Crude prevalence rates were calculated for years 2015–2019, by sex, 10-year age groups, remoteness and socioeconomic status. Rates are presented per 100,000population (95% confidence intervals (CI)). Qualitative data was collected through focus groups and in-depth 1:1 interview.ResultsQualitative evidence identified barriers to reaching diagnosis, and limited interactions with primary care due to a lack of available treatments/interventions, stigma and disbelief in ME/CFS as a condition.In each year of interest, crude prevalence in the primary care setting ranged between 94.9/100,000 (95% CI: 91.5–98.5) and 103.9/100,000 population (95%CI: 100.3–107.7), equating to between 20,140 and 22,050 people living with ME/CFS in Australia in 2020. Higher rates were observed for age groups 50-59 years and 40-49 years. Rates were substantially higher in females (130.0–141.4/100,000) compared to males (50.9–57.5/100,000). In the context of the qualitative evidence, our prevalence rates likely represent an underestimate of the true prevalence of ME/CFS in the Australian primary care setting.ConclusionME/CFS affects a substantial number of Australians. Whilst this study provides prevalence estimates for the Australian primary care setting, the qualitative evidence highlights the limitations of these. Future research should focus on using robust case ascertainment criteria in a community setting. Quantification of the burden of disease can be used to inform health policy and planning, for this understudied condition.

Telehealth for Australian general practice: The present and the future

In March 2020, 56 temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule telehealth item numbers were introduced for Australian general practitioners (GPs) in response to COVID-19. Telehealth is now a permanent part of Australian primary care and, as such, an adequate understanding of the benefits, barriers and facilitators is essential for GPs. The aim of this article is to examine the use of telehealth in general practice in Australia and to explore the benefits, barriers and facilitators to performing telehealth consultations. A narrative review was performed. Benefits of telehealth include increased access to healthcare and reduced risk of COVID-19 transmission. Barriers can include lack of technological infrastructure, limitations to performing physical examination and concerns regarding privacy and confidentiality. Facilitators include tailored GP training and sustainable funding models. Further research and training are needed to ensure that telehealth is used optimally and equitably in Australia.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on hepatitis C testing in Australian primary care services providing care for people who inject drugs.

In 2020, the Australian state of Victoria experienced the longest COVID‐19 lockdowns of any jurisdiction, with two lockdowns starting in March and July, respectively. Lockdowns may impact progress towards eliminating hepatitis C through reductions in hepatitis C testing. To examine the impact of lockdowns on hepatitis C testing in Victoria, de‐identified data were extracted from a network of 11 services that specialize in the care of people who inject drugs (PWID). Interrupted time‐series analyses estimated weekly changes in hepatitis C antibody and RNA testing from 1 January 2019 to 14 May 2021 and described temporal changes in testing associated with lockdowns. Interruptions were defined at the weeks corresponding to the start of the first lockdown (week 14) and the start (week 80) and end (week 95) of the second lockdown. Pre‐COVID, an average of 80.6 antibody and 25.7 RNA tests were performed each week. Following the first lockdown in Victoria, there was an immediate drop of 23.2 antibody tests and 8.6 RNA tests per week (equivalent to a 31% and 46% drop, respectively). Following the second lockdown, there was an immediate drop of 17.2 antibody tests and 4.6 RNA tests per week (equivalent to a 26% and 33% drop, respectively). With testing and case finding identified as a key challenge to Australia achieving hepatitis C elimination targets, the cumulative number of testing opportunities missed during lockdowns may prolong efforts to find, diagnose and engage or reengage in care of the remaining population of PWID living with hepatitis C.

Characterisation of the Australian Adult Population Living with Asthma: Severe - Exacerbation Frequency, Long-Term OCS Use and Adverse Effects.

IntroductionAsthma poses a significant burden for the Australian population. Understanding severe exacerbation rates, and steroid-related burden for adults diagnosed with asthma stands to offer insights into how this could be reduced.MethodsElectronic medical records (EMR) and questionnaires from the Optimum Patient Care Research Database Australia (OPCRDA) were utilised retrospectively. OPCRDA is a real-world database with >800,000 medical records from Australian primary care practices. Outcomes were severe asthma exacerbations in Australian adults, over a 12-month period, stratified by Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) treatment intensity steps, and steroid associated comorbidities.ResultsOf the 7868 adults treated for asthma, 19% experienced at least one severe exacerbation in the last 12-months. Severe exacerbation frequency increased with treatment intensity (≥1 severe exacerbation GINA 1 13%; GINA 4 23%; GINA 5a 33% and GINA 5b 28%). Questionnaire participants reported higher rates of severe exacerbations than suggested from their EMR (32% vs 23%) especially in steps 1, 4 and 5. Patients repeatedly exposed to steroids had an increased risk of osteoporosis (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.43–2.66) and sleep apnoea (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.30–2.46).ConclusionThe Australian population living with GINA 1, 4, 5a and 5b asthma have high severe exacerbation rates and steroid-related burden, especially when compared to other first world countries, with these patients needing alternative strategies or possibly specialist assessment to better manage their condition.

A novel perspective of Australian primary care dietetics: Insights from an exploratory study using complex adaptive systems theory

AimsEffective quality improvement strategies are essential to enhancing outcomes of dietetic care. Interventions informed by complex adaptive systems theory have demonstrated effectiveness in other healthcare settings. This study aimed to explore primary care dietetics practice using complex adaptive systems theory and to identify factors that individuals across the healthcare system can examine and address to improve the quality of dietetic care.MethodsQualitative analysis of semi‐structured interviews of healthcare consumers and professionals involved in the provision of dietetic care. Data collection and analysis was guided by a complexity‐informed conceptual framework. The Framework Method was used to code transcripts and identify themes describing primary care dietetics.ResultsTwenty‐three consumers and 26 primary care professionals participated. Participants described dietetic care as being delivered by individuals organised into formal and informal systems that were influenced by the wider environment, including legal, economic, and socio‐cultural systems. Dietitians described interactions with consumers as a learning opportunity and sought education, mentoring, or supervision to address knowledge and skill gaps. Relationships underpinned transfer of information between individuals.ConclusionComplex adaptive systems theory proved to be a useful conceptual framework for primary care dietetics. Factors identified at the macro (e.g., funding), meso (e.g., professional networks), and micro (e.g., consumer education) levels should be examined and addressed to improve the quality of dietetic care.

Identifying primary care datasets and perspectives on their secondary use: a survey of Australian data users and custodians

BackgroundMost people receive most of their health care in in Australia in primary care, yet researchers and policymakers have limited access to resulting clinical data. Widening access to primary care data and linking it with hospital or other data can contribute to research informing policy and provision of services and care; however, limitations of primary care data and barriers to access curtail its use. The Australian Health Research Alliance (AHRA) is seeking to build capacity in data-driven healthcare improvement; this study formed part of its workplan.MethodsThe study aimed to build capacity for data driven healthcare improvement through identifying primary care datasets in Australia available for secondary use and understand data quality frameworks being applied to them, and factors affecting national capacity for secondary use of primary care data from the perspectives of data custodians and users. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to disseminate a questionnaire and respondents were invited to contribute additional information via semi-structured interviews.ResultsSixty-two respondents collectively named 106 datasets from eclectic sources, indicating a broad conceptualisation of what a primary care dataset available for secondary use is. The datasets were generated from multiple clinical software systems, using different data extraction tools, resulting in non-standardised data structures. Use of non-standard data quality frameworks were described by two-thirds of data custodians. Building trust between citizens, clinicians, third party data custodians and data end-users was considered by many to be a key enabler to improve primary care data quality and efficiencies related to secondary use. Trust building qualities included meaningful stakeholder engagement, transparency, strong leadership, shared vision, robust data security and data privacy protection. Resources to improve capacity for primary care data access and use were sought for data collection tool improvements, workforce upskilling and education, incentivising data collection and making data access more affordable.ConclusionsThe large number of identified Australian primary care related datasets suggests duplication of labour related to data collection, preparation and utilisation. Benefits of secondary use of primary care data were many, and strong national leadership is required to reach consensus on how to address limitations and barriers, for example accreditation of EMR clinical software systems and the adoption of agreed data and quality standards at all stages of the clinical and research data-use lifecycle. The study informed the workplan of AHRA’s Transformational Data Collaboration to improve partner engagement and use of clinical data for research.

Comparing the renal outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving different oral anticoagulants

ABSTRACT Background We aimed to compare renal function changes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) prescribed different oral anticoagulants (OACs). Research design and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of Australian national primary care data. A total of 12,562 patients with AF and initiated OAC between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017 were included. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used for balancing baseline characteristics and the risks of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients prescribed each OAC were compared. Results Compared with warfarin, prescribing of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) was associated with a lower risk of renal function decline per 1000 person-years: hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.81, p < 0.001 for ≥30% decline in eGFR; HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.20–0.41, p < 0.001 for eGFR decline to ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2; and HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.35–0.58, p < 0.001 for serum creatinine doubling. Compared with dabigatran, rivaroxaban use had a significantly lowered risk of decline in eGFR to ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13–0.66, p = 0.003) and risk of doubling of serum creatinine (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40–0.95, p = 0.030). Conclusions The risk of renal function decline appeared to be lower in patients prescribed DOACs versus warfarin.

Detecting primary aldosteronism in Australian primary care: a prospective study.

To assess the identification of primary aldosteronism (PA) in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve patients with hypertension by screening in primary care. Prospective study. General practices in the South Eastern Melbourne PrimaryHealth Network with at least three general practitioners and general practices elsewhere in Victoria that had referred patients to the Endocrine Hypertension Clinic at Monash Health, 2017-2020. Adults (18-80 years) with newly diagnosed hypertension (measurements of systolic blood pressure >140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >90mmHg on at least two occasions) and not taking antihypertensive medications were screened for PA by assessing their aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR). Participants with two ARR values exceeding 70pmol/mU underwent saline suppression testing at the Endocrine Hypertension Service (Monash Health) to confirm the diagnosis of PA. Prevalence of PA (number of patients with confirmed PA divided by number screened). Sixty-two of 247 screened participants had elevated ARR values on screening (25%); for 35 people (14%; 95% CI, 10-19%), PA was confirmed by saline suppression testing. Baseline characteristics (mean age, sex distribution, median baseline blood pressure levels, and serum potassium concentration) were similar for people with or without PA. PA was diagnosed in 14% of patients with newly diagnosed hypertension screened by GPs, indicating a potential role for GPs in the early detection of an important form of secondary hypertension for which specific therapies are available.

Mixed diabetic retinopathy screening coverage results in Indigenous Australian primary care settings: A nurse-led model of integrated diabetes care.

To determine eye screening coverage and adherence to national eye screening recommendations of a nurse-led retinal image-based model of diabetes education and eye screening in Indigenous primary care clinics. A pre-post study. During January 2018-March 2020 Indigenous Australians with diabetes at three regional Australian clinics were offered eye screening by a nurse-diabetes educator/retinal imager. At the main site the nurse recruited/scheduled participants, and at satellite sites local clinic staff did so. Visual acuity was tested and digital retinal images acquired and graded. Participants were offered rescreening at or before 12-months based on baseline results. In total 203 adults with diabetes attending Indigenous primary care clinics were screened, with divergent results based on the recruitment methods. At the main clinic 135 of 172 eligible adults (79%) were screened. At the satellite sites, 15 of 85 (18%) and 21 of 77 (27%) diabetes patients were screened. Combined coverage 51%. A credentialed nurse-educator implemented a model of retinal image-based diabetes education, measured eye screening coverage and adherence to national eye screening guidelines, met the 'acceptable 75% eye screening coverage' benchmark and improved patient eye screening guideline adherence at the one site where the nurse-educator had access to patient recruitment and scheduling. This novel nurse-led primary care iDEES model of retinal image-based diabetes education can improve the currently low Indigenous diabetes eye screening coverage in Australia. Importantly, the nurse-managed iDEES model of integrated diabetes care is readily adaptable to other settings and populations where access to and/or uptake of eye care is suboptimal. ANZCTRN1261800120435.