Health Services In Australia Research Articles

Reproductive coercion and abuse among pregnancy counselling clients in Australia: trends and directions

BackgroundReproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) interferes with a person’s reproductive autonomy and can be classified into behaviours that are pregnancy promoting or pregnancy preventing (including coerced abortion). However, prevalence data are lacking, and little is known about whether particular forms of RCA are more or less common. The aims of our study were to explore how frequently people seeking pregnancy counselling reported RCA, the proportions reporting the different forms of RCA, and whether there were different trends based on a range of demographic factors.MethodsData were collected from 5107 clients seeking counselling support for their pregnancy between January 2018 and December 2020 from two leading providers of pregnancy counselling and sexual and reproductive health services in Australia, Marie Stopes Australia and Children by Choice. Counsellors identified and recorded the presence of RCA and whether the behaviour was pregnancy promoting and/or pregnancy preventing. Demographic factors included age, and whether the person identified as being from a migrant or refugee community or as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.ResultsRCA was identified in 15.4% of clients, with similar proportions disclosing RCA towards pregnancy (6%) and towards pregnancy prevention or abortion (7.5%), and 1.9% experiencing RCA towards pregnancy and abortion concurrently. There were no differences based on age or whether the person identified as being from a migrant or refugee background, though people who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander experienced RCA that was significantly more likely to be pregnancy promoting.ConclusionsRCA is commonly disclosed by people seeking support in a pregnancy counselling context, and coercion and abuse is equally likely to be towards pregnancy promotion or pregnancy prevention/abortion. Given the prevalence and negative impacts of RCA, regardless of age and background, we recommend sensitive and culturally respectful enquiry around experiences of RCA be embedded in healthcare, health education, and health research.

Ngaaminya (find, be able to see): summary of key findings from the Which Way? project.

Ngaaminya (find, be able to see): summary of key findings from the Which Way? project.

High occurrence of food insecurity in young people attending a youth mental health service in regional Australia.

AimDespite the relationship between food insecurity and poor mental health, food insecurity in young people attending mental health services in Australia remains understudied. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and predictors of food insecurity, and the relationship with dietary factors in young people attending a mental health service.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was conducted in a sample of young people (15–25 years) who attended a mental health service in Launceston, Australia. The survey utilised a single‐item food insecurity screening tool and eight demographic, health and service use questions. Five questions determined self‐reported intake of fruit, vegetables, breakfast, water, sugar‐sweetened beverages and takeaway foods. Binary logistic regression determined predictors of food insecurity. Cross‐tabulations determined differences in dietary intake according to food security.ResultsOf survey respondents (n = 48; 68% female), 40% (n = 19) were food insecure. Respondents living out of home or in unstable accommodation were at significantly higher risk of food insecurity (odds ratio [OR]: 4.43; SE: 0.696; 95% CI: 1.13–17.34; p = 0.032) compared to those living with their parents. Those receiving government financial assistance (OR: 5.00; SE: 0.676; 95% CI: 1.33–18.81; p = 0.017) were also at significantly higher risk of food insecurity. Regardless of food security status, self‐reported intake of fruits, vegetables and breakfast were low, and respondents regularly consumed takeaway foods and sugar‐sweetened beverages.ConclusionsThere was a high occurrence of food insecurity and poor dietary intake in young people attending a youth mental health service demonstrating that initiatives to support access to healthy food in this group should be a priority, with potential benefits for mental health outcomes.

Allied health assistants' perspectives of their role in healthcare settings: A qualitative study.

Allied health assistants (AHAs) are important members of the health workforce and key to meeting population health needs. Previous studies exploring the role and utility of AHAs from multiple stakeholder perspectives suggest AHAs remain poorly utilised in many healthcare settings. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of AHAs working in healthcare settings to determine the contextual factors influencing their role, and mechanisms to maximise their utility. We conducted semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling with 21 AHAs, from one regional and three metropolitan health services in Australia, between February and July 2021. We used a team-based framework approach to analyse the data. Four major themes were identified: 1) AHAs' interpersonal relationships, 2), clarity and recognition of AHA roles and role boundaries, 3) AHAs accessing education and professional development, and 4) the professional identity of the AHA workforce. Underpinning each of these themes were relationships between AHAs and other healthcare professionals, their patients, health services, and the wider AHA workforce. This study may inform initiatives to optimise the utility of AHAs and increase their role in, and impact on, patient care. Such initiatives include the development and implementation of guidelines and competencies to enhance the clarity of AHAs' scope of practice, the establishment of standardised educational pathways for AHAs, and increased engagement with the AHA workforce to make decisions about their scope of practice. These initiatives may precede strategies to advance the AHA career structure.

Working with People Presenting with Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder: The Attitudes, Knowledge and Confidence of Mental Health Nurses in Crisis Response Roles in Australia

Many people diagnosed with or presenting with borderline personality disorder (BPD) attend the emergency department (ED) when in crisis, and are often referred to mental health nurses for further assessment, and to arrange appropriate follow-up (MHNs). Little is known about the knowledge, skills, confidence and competence of MHNs working with this group in these specialist roles. This study sought to describe the attitudes of MHNs working in EDs and crisis services towards people who present with symptoms characteristic of BPD and to explore their knowledge of the diagnostic criteria of BPD. A descriptive survey tool comprised of 23 questions was adapted from a previously used survey with clinicians in a mental health service in Australia. Fifty-four nurses who identified as MHNs and were currently employed in EDs or crisis settings completed the survey online. These MHNs were found to hold positive attitudes towards people with BPD including being optimistic about recovery and treatment. The experience and education of MHNs now employed in EDs may have contributed to positive attitudes and self-reported confidence relative to other nurses. Further research ought to focus on how MHNs assist people with a diagnosis of BPD who present in crisis meet immediate needs and facilitate access to effective ongoing care and treatment.

National Mental Health Performance Framework: Descriptive analysis of state and national data for 2019-2020.

To compare key performance indicators for public state and territory specialist mental health services in Australia. A descriptive analysis of the publicly-available National Mental Health Performance Framework key performance indicators (KPI), hosted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for 2019-2020, at the national level and for states and territories. The real-world performance of public mental health services varied across the eight states and territories of Australia. Western Australia had the longest acute hospital stays and the lowest rates of involuntary admissions. Queensland (QLD) had the shortest acute hospital stays at the lowest cost. While the Australian Capital Territory had the highest rates of community treatment at the lowest cost, the Northern Territory had highest hospital and community costs with the most involuntary admissions. Victoria (VIC) had the lowest population percentage receiving specialised mental health services, the highest readmission rates after 28 days, and highest physical and mechanical restraint rates. The KPIs indicate that some states and territories show deviations from national benchmarks that may be important for consumers, carers and clinicians. For further improvement in quality and efficiency, more detailed contextual information is required, including detailed mapping of services.

Paracetamol dosing in hospital and on discharge for older people who are frail or have low body weight.

AimsTo describe paracetamol dosing and liver function test (LFT) monitoring in older hospital inpatients who are frail or have low body weight.MethodsRetrospective observational study, at a 790‐bed metropolitan public health service in Australia. Patients aged ≥70 years, with body weight <50 kg or frailty index based on laboratory data (FI‐Lab) score ≥0.3, who were administered paracetamol during an admission with length‐of‐stay >72 hours, were included. Data were extracted from electronic medical records. Paracetamol doses administered in hospital, and doses prescribed on discharge, were compared against consensus guidelines that recommended ≤60 mg/kg/d for older people weighing <50 kg, and ≤3000 mg/d for frail older people.ResultsIn total, 240 admissions (n = 229 patients, mean age 84.7 years) were analysed. During 150 (62.5%) admissions, higher than recommended paracetamol doses were prescribed. On 138 (57.5%) occasions, patients were prescribed paracetamol on discharge, and 112/138 (81.2%) doses were higher than recommended. Most discharge prescriptions (97/138, 70.3%) were for regular administration. The median daily dose on discharge for patients <50 kg was 83.7 mg/kg (interquartile range 73.6–90.9 mg/kg). For frail patients ≥50 kg, the median daily discharge dose was 3990 mg (interquartile range 3000–4000 mg). LFTs were measured in hospital for 151/200 (75.5%) and 93/166 (56.0%) patients who received paracetamol for >48 hours and >5 days, respectively.ConclusionMajority of paracetamol doses prescribed for frail or low‐weight older patients in hospital and on discharge were higher than recommended in consensus guidelines. LFTs were not measured for 44% patients who received paracetamol regularly for >5 days. Further studies are needed to explore long‐term outcomes of this practice.

Rhetoric, Reality and Racism: The Governance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers in a State Government Health Service in Australia.

In northern Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers (A&TSIHWs) are unique members of nominally integrated teams of primary care professionals. Spurred by research documenting ongoing structural violence experienced by Indigenous health providers and more recent challenges to recruitment and retention of A&TSIHWs, this study aimed to explore whether the governance of the A&TSIHW role supports full and meaningful participation. The qualitative study was co-designed by a team of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous collaborators. Data collection comprised document review and interviews with A&TSIHWs (n=51), clinicians (n=19) community members (n=8) and administrators (n=5) in a north Queensland health district. We analysed governance at multiple levels (regulatory, organisational, and socio-cultural) and used critical race theory to deepen exploration of the role of race and racism in shaping it. Governance of the A&TSIHW role occurs within a health system where racism is built into, and amplified by, formal and informal rules at all levels. Racially discriminatory structures such as the previous but long-standing relegation of A&TSIHW into the same career stream as cleaners were mirrored in discriminatory rules and managerial practices such as an absence of career-specific corporate support and limited opportunities to participate in, or represent to, key leadership groups. These interacted with and helped perpetuate workplace norms permissive of disrespect and abuse by non-Indigenous professionals. Ongoing resistance to the structural violence required of, and demonstrated by A&TSIHWs speaks to the gap between rhetoric and reality of governance for A&TSIHWs. Strengthening governance to support A&TSIHWs requires critical attention be given to the role of race and racism in regulatory structures, organisational practice, and inter-professional relationships. Addressing all domains will be essential to achieve systemic change that recognises, supports and embeds the unique knowledge, skills and functions of the A&TSIHW role.

Barriers and enablers to nurses' use of harm prevention strategies for older patients in hospital: A cross-sectional survey.

Preventable harms during hospitalization pose a major challenge for health systems globally. Nurse-led strategies provide comprehensive harm prevention to keep the most vulnerable patients safe in hospital, but gaps in care are common. Nursing roles and activities to prevent harm to patients during acute hospitalization are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify nurses' perceived enablers and barriers to the implementation of comprehensive harm prevention for older people admitted to an acute hospital setting. Anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey. The adapted Influences on Patient Safety Behaviours Questionnaire (IPSBQ) was used to collect data from nurses working on five general medicine wards across three hospitals of a single tertiary health service in Australia in 2019. Participants also rated their perceptions of overall quality of care, missed care and awareness of strategies for an eight-factor framework for comprehensive harm prevention. The STROBE reporting checklist was used. Ward response rates between 35% and 58% resulted in 132 complete questionnaires for analyses. High mean scores for behavioural regulation (3.28), beliefs about capabilities (2.96) and environmental context and resources (2.73) indicated these domains were perceived by nurses as enablers. Low mean scores for the domains of intentions (1.65), beliefs about consequences (1.69), optimism (1.72) and professional role and identity (1.85) indicated these were barriers to comprehensive harm prevention by nurses. High perceived quality of care (scored 9-10/10) (p=.024), and awareness of strategies for the eight-factor framework (p=.019) were significant enablers of comprehensive harm prevention. Targeted evidence-based strategies that include education, persuasion, incentivization, coercion and modelling would be most useful for promoting comprehensive harm prevention by nurses. However, to be most effective the harm prevention strategy may need to be tailored for each ward.

A pilot randomised controlled trial of abrupt versus gradual smoking cessation in combination with vaporised nicotine products for people receiving alcohol and other drug treatment

BackgroundVaporised nicotine products (VNPs) may be a potential quit smoking strategy. Most research has permitted participants to use VNPs ad libitum. This is the first study to examine combining the use of a VNP with a gradual or abrupt cessation guideline. This study aims to test the potential feasibility of a quit smoking strategy (abrupt verses gradual cessation) in combination with vaporised nicotine products among people in AOD treatment. MethodsWe conducted a pilot randomised controlled trial between April 2018 and July 2019. Participants were recruited from AOD programs located within one area health service in Australia. Participants were provided with two VNPs, a 12-week supply of nicotine e-liquid and randomised to either the abrupt (assigned a quit date the day they were provided their VNP) or gradual quit smoking strategy (reduce baseline number of cigarettes per day by 25% over a 4 week period), no further behavioral support was provided. Feasibility was assessed through successful recruitment rates, retention, and adherence to study conditions. Participant perceived helpfulness and satisfaction assessed acceptability. ResultsAmong 80 interested individuals, 66 were eligible and consented (100% recruitment rate). From the 66 participants that consented and completed the baseline survey, 60 received the intervention assigned at a 1:1 ratio with 30 in the gradual cessation and 30 in the abrupt cessation group. Retention was 86.4% (n = 52) at 12-weeks post-intervention commencement. Ninety-six percent (n = 25) of participants in the gradual and 95.8% (n = 23) of participants in the abrupt group were using the VNPs at 12-weeks (p = 0.66). There was no difference in adherence to the assigned quit plan between gradual cessation 44% (n = 11) and abrupt cessation 71% (n = 17) groups (p = 0.117). Median perceived helpfulness of VNPs was high for both gradual (10/10) and abrupt (9/10) groups (p = 0.813). Similarly, median perceived satisfaction of VNPs was high for both gradual (9 /10) and abrupt (8/10) groups (p = 0.414). ConclusionsAOD participants found an intervention that involved VNPs to be satisfying and helpful. Future large scale trials are needed to elucidate whether a gradual or abrupt cessation guideline is more beneficial in main a quit attempt with a VNP.

More than three times as many Indigenous Australian clients at risk from drinking could be supported if clinicians used AUDIT-C instead of unstructured assessments

BackgroundAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (‘Indigenous’) Australians experience a greater burden of disease from alcohol consumption than non-Indigenous peoples. Brief interventions can help people reduce their consumption, but people drinking at risky levels must first be detected. Valid screening tools (e.g., AUDIT-C) can help clinicians identify at-risk individuals, but clinicians also make unstructured assessments. We aimed to determine how frequently clinicians make unstructured risk assessments and use AUDIT-C with Indigenous Australian clients. We also aimed to determine the accuracy of unstructured drinking risk assessments relative to AUDIT-C screening. Finally, we aimed to explore whether client demographics influence unstructured drinking risk assessments.MethodsWe performed cross-sectional analysis of a large clinical dataset provided by 22 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in Australia. We examined instances where clients were screened with unstructured assessments and with AUDIT-C within the same two-monthly period. This aggregated data included 9884 observations. We compared the accuracy of unstructured risk assessments against AUDIT-C using multi-level sensitivity and specificity analysis. We used multi-level logistic regression to identify demographic factors that predict risk status in unstructured assessments while controlling for AUDIT-C score.ResultsThe primary variables were AUDIT-C score and unstructured drinking risk assessment; demographic covariates were client age and gender, and service remoteness. Clinicians made unstructured drinking risk assessments more frequently than they used AUDIT-C (17.11% and 10.85% of clinical sessions respectively). Where both measures were recorded within the same two-month period, AUDIT-C classified more clients as at risk from alcohol consumption than unstructured assessments. When using unstructured assessments, clinicians only identified approximately one third of clients drinking at risky levels based on their AUDIT-C score (sensitivity = 33.59% [95% CI 22.03, 47.52], specificity = 99.35% [95% CI 98.74, 99.67]). Controlling for AUDIT-C results and demographics (gender and service remoteness), clinicians using unstructured drinking risk assessments were more likely to classify older clients as being at risk from alcohol consumption than younger clients.ConclusionsEvidence-based screening tools like AUDIT-C can help clinicians ensure that Indigenous Australian clients (and their families and communities) who are at risk from alcohol consumption are better detected and supported.

Toward mainstream nursing roles specialising in the care of people with intellectual and developmental disability

Problem There is international evidence that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience barriers to health care and inequalities in health. Nurses are well placed to assist in reducing these inequalities, but countries differ in the way they prepare nurses to meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Concerns have been expressed regarding a lack of appropriate educational preparation and the impact that this has on the health of this population. Aim This discussion paper describes and explores the model of specialist nursing in Wales, UK with a specific focus on the role of community nurses and the hospital liaison nurse. This is then compared with the current situation in Australia which, it is argued, is fragmented and uncoordinated. Discussion Although some promising developments are noted, it is argued that to effectively identify and meet the health needs of Australians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a transformation is required to the educational preparation and recruitment of nurses. Conclusion Models of care that are widespread in Wales, UK, offer insights into how mainstream health services in Australia can accommodate specialist intellectual and developmental disability roles for nurses.

Preoperative Imaging Continues to Lower Negative Appendicectomy Rates (NAR)-A Retrospective Analysis of a Tertiary Health Service in Australia

Preoperative Imaging Continues to Lower Negative Appendicectomy Rates (NAR)-A Retrospective Analysis of a Tertiary Health Service in Australia

Clinician perspectives of pregnant women's participation in antiemetic decision-making: A qualitative study.

This study explored clinician perceptions of women's participation in decision-making about antiemetic treatments during pregnancy, and the suitability of the five Choosing Wisely questions to increase women's involvement. The qualitative interpretive descriptive design used semi-structured interviews to capture data. Participants were six obstetricians and six midwives experienced in providing care for pregnant women seeking support for nausea and vomiting at a single private, obstetrician-led maternity health service in Australia. Thematic analysis revealed four themes that captured clinician perspectives about women's participation in decision-making about antiemetic treatments: (i) information gathering; (ii) developing an understanding; (iii) using knowledge; and (iv) making decisions. Clinician attitudes and perspectives, as well as their self-reported styles of communication and negotiation, influenced how they engaged with women during decision-making. While unfamiliar with the five Choosing Wisely questions, almost all participants considered them potentially useful, but for other clinicians. Strategies to actively involve women in decision-making about antiemetics were inconsistently used. The five Choosing Wisely questions may provide a useful tool for clinicians, but further research is needed to better understand women's perspectives and clinician-related barriers to shared decision-making.

Inequities in vulnerable children's access to health services in Australia.

IntroductionChildren born into families at risk of becoming or remaining poor are at significant risk of experiencing childhood poverty, which can impair their start to life, and perpetuate intergenerational cycles of poverty. This study sought to quantify health service utilisation, costs and funding distribution amongst children born into vulnerable compared to non-vulnerable families.MethodsThis study used a large linked administrative dataset for all women giving birth in Queensland, Australia between July 2012 and July 2018. Health service use included inpatient, emergency department (ED), general practice, specialist, pathology and diagnostic imaging services. Costs included those paid by public hospital funders, private health insurers, Medicare and out-of-pocket costs.ResultsVulnerable children comprised 34.1% of the study cohort. Compared with non-vulnerable children, they used significantly higher average numbers of ED services during the first 5 years of life (2.52±3.63 vs 1.97±2.77), and significantly lower average numbers of specialist, pathology and diagnostic imaging services. Vulnerable children incurred significantly greater costs to public hospital funders compared with non-vulnerable children over the first 5 years of life ($16 053 vs $10 247), and significantly lower private health insurer, Medicare and out-of-pocket costs.ConclusionThere are clear inequities in vulnerable children’s health service utilisation in Australia. Greater examination of the uptake and cost-effectiveness of maternal and child services is needed, as these services support children’s development in the critical first 1000 days of life.

\u2018Grey nomad\u2019 travellers\u2019 use of remote health services in Australia: a qualitative enquiry of hospital managers\u2019 perspectives

BackgroundFor more than the last two decades, older Australians travelling domestically in self-sufficient accommodation and recreational vehicles for extended periods of time have been referred to as ‘Grey Nomads’. By 2021 more than 750,000 such recreational vehicles were registered in Australia. Tourism data for the year to September 2017 show 11.8 million domestic camping and caravanning trips in Australia, 29% of which were people aged 55 and over. As the ‘baby boomer’ generation increasingly comes to retirement, the size of this travelling population is growing. This term applies to the spike in birth rates after World War II from 1946–1964. This growing group of domestic travellers are potential healthcare consumers in remote areas but relatively little is known about their travel, healthcare needs or care seeking practices. Grey nomads have been described as reflective of the age-comparable sector of the Australian population in that many live with chronic illness. Early concerns were raised that they may “burden” already stretched rural and remote healthcare services but relatively little is known about the impact of these travellers.MethodsThe aim of this study was to explore the utilisation of healthcare services in remote locations in Australia by grey nomads including women travellers, from the perspective of healthcare professionals working in these settings. The study objective was to interview healthcare professionals to seek their experience and details of service delivery to grey nomads.In March 2020 [prior to state border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic] a field study was conducted to identify the impact of grey nomads on healthcare services in remote New South Wales and Queensland. A qualitative approach was taken to explore the perspectives of nursing healthcare managers working in remote towns along a popular travel route. With appropriate Research Ethics Committee approval, managers were purposively sampled and sample size was determined by data saturation. Thirteen managers were contacted and twelve interviews were scheduled to take place face to face in the healthcare facilities (small hospitals with acute care and aged care services) at mutually convenient times. A semi-structured interview schedule was developed in line with the research aim. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematic analysis was undertaken concurrently with data collection for ongoing refinement of questions and to address emerging issues.ResultsThese nursing managers described a strong service and community ethos. They regarded travellers’ healthcare needs no differently to those of local people and described their strong commitment to the provision of healthcare services for their local communities, applying an inclusive definition of community. Traveller presentations were described as predominantly exacerbations of chronic illness such as chest pain, medication-related attendances, and accidents and injuries. No hospital activity data for traveller presentations were available as no reports were routinely generated. Travellers were reported as not always having realistic expectations about what healthcare is available in remote areas and arriving with mixed levels of preparedness. Most travellers were said to be well-prepared for their travel and self-management of their health. However, the healthcare services that can be provided in rural and remote areas needed to be better understood by travellers from metropolitan areas and their urban healthcare providers.ConclusionParticipants did not perceive travellers as a burden on health services but recommendations were made regarding their expectations and preparedness. Australia’s national transition to electronic health records including a patient—held record was identified as a future support for continuity of care for travellers and to facilitate treatment planning. With no current information to characterise traveller presentations, routinely collected hospital data could be extracted to characterise this patient population, their presentations and the resources required to meet their care needs.

Clinician Perspectives of Barriers and Enablers to Implementing the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern in Routine Care for Coronary Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Interview Study

BackgroundPractice guidelines for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes recommend promoting the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP), which improves cardiometabolic risk markers and may prevent disease progression and complications. It is unknown to what extent the MDP is recommended in routine care for patients with these conditions, particularly in multiethnic settings. ObjectiveThe study aim was to explore multidisciplinary health care professionals’ perspectives on recommending the MDP in routine care for patients with coronary heart disease or type 2 diabetes and barriers and enablers to its implementation. DesignA qualitative description design was employed, utilizing semistructured individual interviews to collect data. Participants and settingFifty-seven clinicians (21 nurses, 19 doctors, 13 dietitians, and 4 physiotherapists) routinely managing relevant patients across hospital and community settings in a metropolitan health service in Australia participated in interviews between November 2019 and March 2020. Statistical analysis performedInterviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsFour overarching themes were identified highlighting that the MDP was not routinely recommended: current dietary practices (all clinicians perceived they had a role in dietary care but prioritization varied. There was a legacy of single nutrient-based strategies and disease silos); clinician-centered barriers to recommending MDP (limited MDP knowledge and practice skills and variable understanding and acceptance of evidence supporting its use. This was related to lack of education and training about the diet and personal interest/experience); organizational culture and resources influence dietary care (MDP not embedded in service culture or current clinic tools and resources, with limited dietary knowledge exchange within and across multidisciplinary teams); and perceived patient-centered barriers to implementation of MDP (socioeconomic challenges in a multicultural setting, and a lack of belief in patient capabilities to improve diet adherence). ConclusionsClinician and organizational factors, compounded by perceptions about patient acceptance, influence recommendations of the MDP for patients with coronary heart disease or type 2 diabetes. These factors should be addressed to improve translation of MDP evidence into practice.

Co-designing consumer and carer peer support principles to assess quality

ABSTRACT Objectives: Peer support has recently been integrated into post-discharge adult mental health services in Australia. This study establishes a consensus on the underpinning, context-specific peer support principles for both consumer and carer peer support and develops and pilot tests a scale to assess the quality of peer support. Methods: A co-design mixed methods approach was taken to iteratively develop peer support principles and to design co-responding survey items. Initial testing of the scale was undertaken with a convenience sample of 33 consumers and 35 carers who received peer support in the preceding nine months. Data were triangulated across multiple data sets for integration across consumers and carers. Scale internal reliability was assessed and comparisons between consumers and carers were investigated. Results: High rates of agreement on scale items measuring five co-designed peer support principles indicated strong service quality. Mann–Whitney U tests demonstrated no difference between consumer and carer responses and scale reliability was α = .93. Open-ended questions were filtered through the five peer support principles and on the whole showed convergence on the peer support principles by the various stakeholders. Discussion: To date, this is the first known development and application of an integrated scale for both consumers and carers in a post-discharge clinical mental health setting. Opportunity exists for further testing fidelity to peer support principles across various post-discharge peer support settings.

Optimising the delivery of sexual health services in Australia: a qualitative study.

With a rise in sexually transmitted infections in Australia, it is important to evaluate and optimise current sexual health services to reduce barriers to access and increase testing. We aimed to describe the range of sexual health services in Australia, focusing on strategies to improve testing among priority populations, and any future strategies participants believed would improve service delivery. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with key informants working in Australian sexual health services from July to December 2020, and collected data on service characteristics and strategies to improve access. We used content analysis, then coded and categorised the data into recurring themes and sub-themes. We identified two major themes: 'Expanding Traditional Service Delivery' and 'Thinking Outside the Box'. The first theme outlines strategies that build upon pre-existing service delivery models, such as express clinics and an increased focus on confidentiality. The second theme outlines new strategies introduced to fill gaps in service delivery, such as self-testing and outreach. To improve access to HIV/STI testing, there is a need for multiple access points to cater for a range of populations and their preferences. Establishing strategies to accomplish this involves utilising a combination of expanding traditional service models and implementing new approaches to service delivery.

Defining community health services in Australia: a qualitative exploration.

The Community Health Program of the 1970s was an attempt to introduce a national community health model. However, although community-based health care is an important element of the health systems of all Australian states and territories, the definition of what constitutes a 'community health service' in Australia today is not clear. A search of government websites failed to provide information about the types and characteristics of services that would be included in the term. Therefore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 key informants in roles with responsibility for primary and community health services from health departments in all Australian states and territories. Questions explored their understanding of community health services as they operated in their jurisdiction. The study adopted a blended inductive and deductive orientation within a qualitative descriptive method. There was little consistency in the way community health services were described across jurisdictions. The defining attributes of a 'community health centre' described by an international peak body did not apply to services in the majority of jurisdictions in Australia. Victoria was more aligned with the description than other jurisdictions, with organisations defined through legislation and a separate funding stream to support aspects of service delivery. Those designing and implementing national health system programs and reforms need to be aware that terms, such as 'community health', do not mean the same thing across jurisdictions; attempts to create consistency have to recognise differences that will affect new initiatives, as well as the spread of successful policies and programs from one jurisdiction to another. Without a consistent description, it is difficult to explore the current role of community-based health care across Australia in improving access to health care.