Psychosocial Complexity Research Articles

Postpartum contraceptive planning of women with substance abuse disorders.

Women with substance abuse disorders have lower use of contraception. Unplanned pregnancies increase risk of fetal exposure to addictive and teratogenic substances. Postpartum inpatient periods for these women can be challenging times to facilitate contraception planning. To explore postnatal contraceptive planning practices, patient preferences for contraception, and supply challenges, and to identify how clinical pharmacists may best provide care in this context. A tertiary maternity referral hospital in metropolitan Victoria, Australia (January 2015-December 2018). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on postnatal women with substance abuse disorders. Patients were excluded if they had delivered at another health service, had inadequate documented evidence of a substance abuse disorder, or had incomplete or unavailable medical records. Records were reviewed for demographic data, admission details, and documented contraceptive planning. Documented contraceptive planning, patient contraception preferences and identified supply challenges. Ninety-three women were included. Seventy-one (76.3%) had psychiatric disorders or impairments, and 92 (98.9%) had identifiable follow-up challenges (eg. Homelessness). Nine (9.7%) self-discharged/absconded. Eighty-seven (93.5%) had documented postnatal contraception discussions. Sixty-two of 87 (71.3%) considered a medicine/device, three (3.4%) preferred condoms, 10 (11.5%) considered sterilisation, 2 (2.3%) preferred no contraception, and 16 (18.4%) undecided. Etonogestral 68mg implants were most commonly prescribed (28 of 42; 66.7%). Inpatient postpartum periods for this cohort were characterised by psycho-social complexities, inconsistent contraceptive planning documentation, and patients seemingly unprepared to consider contraception. This study highlights a need for an earlier decision-making process and pragmatic counselling with antenatal pharmacists.

Where to from Here? Contemplating the Impact of COVID-19 on South African Students and Student Counseling Services in Higher Education

ABSTRACT The unprecedented magnitude and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have rendered it a highly disruptive and traumatic phenomenon. This paper considers the impact of Covid-19 on South African students and Student Counseling Services in Higher Education. The paper specifically reflects on shifts in student mental health and psycho-social vulnerability as a consequence of the pandemic, and the increased demand for the student counselor advocacy role. The inevitable need for technological shifts to traditional student counseling practice is considered, as well as the transformational dilemma or “double-edged sword” inherent in such change, given the historical, psycho-social, and economic complexities of South African society which impact on student access and participation in Higher Education. The paper lastly considers the adoption of a customized or “blended” student counseling approach that incorporates traditional and technological-based elements, and that can accommodate student personal and mental health needs, preferences as well as contextual peculiarities and challenges.

‘We do what we can as soon as we can’ Alcohol and Other Drug workforce perspectives on preventing and responding to prenatal alcohol exposure

Evidence based strategies are needed to enhance the ability of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and harms including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In Australia FASD prevention research has largely focused on primary care and child development sectors, while little research has been conducted with AOD services providing comprehensive support to high risk women. This study interviewed 26 staff from 18 organizations involved in referral and co-ordination, case management, or treatment and support services for women with (or at high risk of) PAE in the Greater Newcastle region in Australia. Interviews with service workers indicated a significant appreciation of the psychosocial complexities related to substance misuse in pregnancy, a highly skilled approach to harm reduction, and a sector going to extraordinary lengths to overcome the disadvantages faced by women including gaps in service provision. These results are discussed in light of recommendations to support AOD services to reduce the harms of PAE.

Using a Social Worker Transition Coach to Improve Hospital-to-Home Transitions for High-Risk Nonelderly Patients.

High-risk hospitalized younger adults (age ≤60) have 30-day readmission rates comparable to Medicare fee-for-service patients. This younger cohort has a high incidence of comorbid mental health and substance use disorders, which increases the complexity of their postdischarge care. Although few care transition studies have enrolled younger adult patients, findings from our previous work suggest that these patients have postdischarge needs requiring different approaches than those serving elderly patients. Our current pilot study, situated in a safety-net system, targets this younger population, employing a social worker as the Transition Coach (TC). Social workers are explicitly trained to address psychosocial complexities, and we evaluated whether our TC intervention could improve hospital-to-home transitions by assisting patients with medication management, attending follow-up appointments, and addressing medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial needs. Primary outcomes were Patient Activation Measure scores on admission and 30-days postdischarge; outpatient follow-up at 7 and 30 days; and all-cause, in-network 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions. At 30 and 60 days, no differences were observed in the primary outcomes; at 90 days, intervention patients demonstrated a trend toward readmission reduction. A social worker-led transitional care program shows promise in reducing readmissions over 90 days among high-risk, lower socioeconomic, nonelderly adult patients.

The views and experiences of bisexual people regarding their psychosocial support needs: a qualitative evidence synthesis.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Bisexual people experience significantly poorer mental health and higher rates of self-harm and suicidality than their gay, lesbian or heterosexual counterparts. Although little is understood about why these disparities exist, bisexual people have been found to have unique life experiences that separate them from other sexual minority groups. Despite these health disparities and unique experiences, in research and in clinical settings, bisexual people are often incorporated under the LGBTQI+ umbrella and their needs are not seen as being different to those of other sub-groups. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper brings together the findings of the small but growing body of literature reporting on the psychosocial support needs of bisexual people. The findings reported on herein provide novel insights, collated and synthesized that will prove valuable to policy makers, service providers and researchers. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: This paper clearly illustrates that bisexual people experience significant barriers to accessing the support services they need and that current competent service provision for this population is severely limited. The findings presented in this paper shed light on the unique psychosocial needs of bisexual people and highlight the need for practice change to reduce barriers to service access and ensure inclusive and culturally competent care for this community. ABSTRACT: Introduction Despite consistent evidence of poor mental health among what is a relatively large population group, research examining bisexual mental health remains sparse. Aim To identify the psychosocial needs of people who are bisexual and establish factors that may support or inhibit access to appropriate psychosocial interventions and supports. Method A qualitative evidence syntheses of the empirical evidence. Results A total of 15 papers were included in the review. The PRISMA process was used. Following data analysis, four main themes emerged that were (a) experiences of being bisexual, (b) mental health experiences and concerns, (c) service access and responses and (iv) communities and supports. Discussion Bisexual people have unique and specific psychosocial support needs that relate to, but are also different from, the needs of the broader LGBTIQ+ community. This study provides valuable insights into how future policy, practice, education and training and research can better address the needs of this highly vulnerable group. Implications for Practice This study highlights the psychosocial complexities associated with bisexuality and provides evidence for the need for improvement in current support services to ensure inclusivity and culturally competent care.

Developing a consensus definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients using Delphi methods.

Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges of our times, affecting all the personal areas of a patient. The interrelationships between these areas and the need for multidisciplinary care require the assessment of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients. The main aim of this study was to reach a consensus on the general definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer and its main elements according to the experts in the field. A Delphi study was performed, which first involved a comprehensive review of the literature to create a questionnaire that was validated by two expert panels. The first panel consisted of intra-institutional experts, while the second included extra-institutional experts in the field. The study included three more rounds: (1) validation of the questionnaire by the internal panel, (2) discussion of the results and resolving discrepancies, and (3) validation of the questionnaire by the external panel. After the four-round Delphi process, we obtained a consensus definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients, as well as of its main factors: medical-physical, social-family, psychological, and spiritual. A 21-indicators list and its 8-indicators brief version were also proposed as indicators of psychosocial complexity. We present a definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients that has been agreed by experts, also establishing its four factors: medical-physical, social-family, psychological, and spiritual. This has led to the development of a list of indicators (and its brief version) that, after a validation process, could help health professionals to identify patients with high psychosocial complexity to provide them an optimal care.

Narcolepsy in children and young people in Ireland: 2006–2017

To describe the population of young people in Ireland diagnosed with narcolepsy with regards to vaccine exposure, symptomatology, investigation results and experience of medical treatment. Retrospective review of medical records at the single tertiary referral centre for young people with narcolepsy in Ireland. Sixty-seven patients were diagnosed with narcolepsy between July 2006 and July 2017. Sixty-one (91%) of these developed symptoms after receiving the Pandemrix vaccine. The population was largely homogeneous with low hypocretin (87.5%), HLA DQB1∗0602 positivity (95%) and unremarkable findings on MRI Brain (100%). 77.6% experienced cataplexy; we also measured high levels of obesity, school non-attendance and psychosocial complexity. Symptoms often continued despite treatment, with multiple medications prescribed in 76.1% of patients. Prescription of sodium oxybate was associated with a significant reduction in BMI standard deviation scores at 6 months, with improved IOTF obesity scores seen at 36 month follow-up. This paper describes the experience of narcolepsy in children and young people in Ireland from 2006 - 2017at the national tertiary referral centre. Narcolepsy in children and young people in Ireland carries a significant burden of illness, with impact on participation in education as well as physical and mental health. Symptoms can be refractory to medical treatment. Referral to tertiary centres for prompt treatment and multidisciplinary input is essential.

Supporting the Medically Fragile: Individualized Approach to Empowering Young Adults With Chronic Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Young adults with chronic and complex diseases face systemic barriers, care fragmentation, and increased vulnerabilities. Novel coronavirus pandemic has proven to further complicate care coordination for young adult patients with medical and psychosocial complexities. The BRIDGES Young Adult Program at Boston Children's Hospital has 6 years of experience advocating for and empowering young adults with chronic medical conditions, and their families, through outpatient consults aimed to assist with subspecialty guidance and defragmentation of care during the time of transition from pediatric to adult care. Recently, the BRIDGES consult team developed a pandemic-responsive approach to facilitate individual emergency planning and empowerment of self-management for these high-risk patients. Through the use of a virtual platform, consults were conducted with a multidisciplinary team to support patients and families with system navigation, advance care planning, emergency preparedness, chronic care management, and coping during this time of crisis. BRIDGES aimed to equip patients and families with knowledge and resources, within a rapidly changing environment, to allow for optimal self-care and self-advocacy.

Effects of a high-intensity psychosocial intervention among child-parent units in pediatric oncology.

To compare the efficacy of a high-intensity psychosocial intervention with standardized usual care in countering psychosocial complexity among child-parent units in a pediatric oncology setting. Two hundred pediatric oncology patients and their parents were recruited from Italian hospitals. A total of 81 child-parent units were assigned to the high-intensity psychosocial intervention and 119 child-parent units to standardized usual care. Psychosocial factors were assessed before and 1 year after intervention to measure efficacy. More improvements over time were observed in the high-intensity intervention group of child-parent units compared to the standard intervention group. An intensive, structured, and tailored high-intensity intervention positively affects the psychosocial factors of child-parent units. Patients and families should have access to intensive psychosocial support throughout the cancer trajectory.

Feasibility of narrative exposure therapy in an outpatient day treatment programme for refugees: improvement in symptoms and global functioning

ABSTRACT Background Refugees are at high risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an evidence-based treatment of PTSD, designed for patients exposed to (multiple) traumatic events and recommended for patients with culturally diverse backgrounds. In clinical practice, adherence to the NET-protocol has been challenged because of psychosocial complexities and comorbid disorders. Objective: The current study investigated the feasibility of NET embedded in an outpatient day treatment programme for refugees and examined reduction in PTSD symptoms and improvement of global functioning as well as correlates of change. Method Participants were patients who consecutively entered an outpatient daytreatment programme from 2013-2017. The majority had a history of prior unsuccessful treatment. PTSD was assessed with the Clinically Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) before and after finishing NET. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) was used to examine changes in functioning. Changes in PTSD scores and functioning were analyzed using paired t-tests and reliable change indices. Patients showing significant improvement were compared to those who did not, on patient and treatment characteristics, including sex, age, region of origin, childhood trauma and treatment duration and dosage of NET. Results: Of 97 patients, 76 (78.4%) completed NET. Completers had a longer residency and were more likely to have a partner. Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in global functioning were observed. Twenty-eight percent showed reliable improvement with large effect sizes. Four patients did no longer meet the criteria for PTSD. No strong moderators for changes were found. Patients who did not improve more often had a history of childhood trauma. Conclusions NET embedded in an outpatient day treatment programme appears to be feasible. In those who improved, a substantial decline in symptoms and improvement of functioning were observed. The findings suggest that a socially supportive living environment enhances acceptability of trauma-focused treatment in refugees.

Using a group medical visit model to promote healthy behaviour change with an underserved population.

Models of care are needed to address physical activity, nutrition promotion and weight loss in primary care settings, especially with underserved populations who are disproportionately affected by chronic illness. Group medical visits (GMVs) are one approach that can help overcome some of the barriers to behaviour change in underserved populations, including the amount of time required to care for these patients due to socio-economic stressors and psychosocial complexities (1). GMVs have been shown to improve care in coronary artery disease and diabetes, but more evidence is needed in underserved settings. This project sought to evaluate a GMV incorporating a physical activity component in an underserved patient population, measuring biometric and motivation outcome measures. This project used a pre-post intervention study design through patient surveys at baseline and 12 weeks. We included validated motivational measures along with self-reported demographic information. A GMV intervention promoting physical activity and nutrition to promote weight loss was delivered by an interdisciplinary primary care team and community partners in a Federally Qualified Health Center in Rochester, NY. The intervention consisted of six, 2-hour sessions that occurred every other week at the clinic site. Participants lost a significant amount of weight and maintained the weight loss at 6 months. In addition, there was a significant improvement in motivation measures. This study provides preliminary evidence that our GMV model can improve weight loss and autonomous motivation in an underserved population. This project has potential for scalability and sustainability.

Transition to Parenthood and Bipolar Disorder

The birth of the first child - often referred to as transition to parenthood - is an important and often joyful life event, however, for women with pre-existing severe mental illnesses (such as bipolar disorder) and their partners, it can also be a time of heightened psychosocial distress and complex decision-making. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the decision-making process, information and support needs as experienced by women with bipolar disorder and their partners in each stage of their journey from pre-conception to the early postnatal period. Data will be collected and analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach. Up to 20 interviews will be conducted in the UK with women diagnosed with bipolar disorder before becoming mothers (up to n=10) and/or their partners (up to n=10) with a first child under 5 years old. Findings of this project, guided by the voices of those with lived experiences, would provide additional information for future service design, perinatal mental health policy, and clinical practice suited to the needs of the individuals who use them.

P006 AFTER-HOURS PATIENT PHONE CALLS TO GI FELLOWS WITHIN AN IBD MEDICAL HOME

Abstract Objective The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Medical Home is a care delivery model that provides a comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated care environment, previously shown to lead to an approximate 50% reduction in unplanned care. However, the frequency and nature of IBD medical home patient phone calls to gastroenterology (GI) fellows after-hours, and the contribution to unplanned care from these encounters, is unknown. Methods We included all patients that were seen in the IBD medical home between 7/1/2015 to 6/30/2016 (n = 293) and examined all phone call activity in the subsequent year: 7/1/2016 to 6/30/2017. After-hours phone calls were defined as documented calls that were routed to on-call GI fellows when the clinic is closed. The details of each after-hours encounter were reviewed, and were categorized by the reason for call, training year of the GI fellow, advice given to patient, and unplanned care outcomes. For comparison, we also tracked frequency of patient calls for symptoms during clinic hours. Demographic information, disease type, disease activity index, quality of life (QoL), and depression/anxiety scores documented most recently to the start of the observation period were included in the analysis. Comparisons were made using Chi-square, T-tests and non-parametric median tests. Results 259 of 293 patients (86.7%) had any documented phone interaction. Only 36 patients (12.3%) placed a total of 63 after-hours phone calls to GI fellows, with calls for symptoms representing the majority (71.4%). Among calls for symptoms (n = 45), patients were advised by GI fellows to present to the emergency department (ED) 44.4% of the time. There was no significant difference in ED recommendations by fellow training level (p = 0.17). Of the 20 ED encounters advised by fellows, 9 (45%) did not result in admission; and 2 patients had new cross-sectional imaging. Of the 11 admissions, 10 also had new cross-sectional imaging, with generation of 10 inpatient IBD consults, as well as 1 surgery for seton placement. After-hours callers were more likely to have Crohn’s disease and higher GAD-7 scores, with trends towards lower SIBDQ scores and higher PHQ-9 scores, but similar disease activity index scores, number of clinic visits, and demographics, compared to patients who called with symptoms during clinic hours (Table 1). Conclusions Among patients established within an IBD medical home model, a small population of patients called after hours resulting in frequent recommendation to present to the ED from GI fellows, however it is unknown if these encounters meaningfully changed their IBD care. Higher psychosocial complexity may influence this care behavior. Further studies of triage processes and educational initiatives aimed at GI fellows may help minimize unplanned ED and inpatient care in this patient population.

Estimating the Prevalence of Advanced Fibrosis in Homeless Adults with Hepatitis C in Boston.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent among homeless individuals, but the scope of HCV-associated liver fibrosis in this population is poorly understood. Using the FIB-4 Index, we describe the prevalence and correlates of advanced fibrosis among a retrospective cohort of all homeless-experienced adults with HCV seen at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) over a one-year period. Of 832 BHCHP patients with HCV, 15.8% had advanced fibrosis. In multivariable regression analysis, alcohol use disorder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-3.81) and having unknown or poorly characterized housing circumstances (aOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.02-8.14, relative to housed patients) were independently associated with advanced fibrosis. The prevalence of advanced fibrosis in this cohort of homeless adults with HCV appears similar to national estimates among housed individuals, but their psychosocial complexity is greater, especially among those who are older.

Childhood adversity and clinical and psychosocial outcomes in psychosis.

Associations between childhood abuse and various psychotic illnesses in adulthood are commonly reported. We aim to examine associations between several reported childhood adverse events (sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and interpersonal loss) among adults with diagnosed psychotic disorders and clinical and psychosocial outcomes. Within a large epidemiological study, the 2010 Australian National Survey of Psychosis (Survey of High Impact Psychosis, SHIP), we used logistic regression to model childhood adverse events (any and specific types) on 18 clinical and psychosocial outcomes. Eighty percent of SHIP participants (1466/1825) reported experiencing adverse events in childhood (sexual abuse, other types of abuse and interpersonal loss). Participants reporting any form of childhood adversity had higher odds for 12/18 outcomes we examined. Significant associations were observed with all psychosocial outcomes (social dysfunction, victimisation, offending and homelessness within the previous 12 months, and definite psychosocial stressor within 12 months of illness onset), with the strongest association for homelessness (odds ratio (OR) = 2.82). Common across all adverse event types was an association with lifetime depression, anxiety and a definite psychosocial stressor within 12 months of illness onset. When adverse event types were non-hierarchically coded, sexual abuse was associated with 11/18 outcomes, other types of abuse 13/18 and, interpersonal loss occurring in the absence of other forms of abuse was associated with fewer of the clinical and psychosocial outcomes, 4/18. When adverse events types were coded hierarchically (to isolate the effect of interpersonal loss in the absence of abuse), interpersonal loss was associated with lower odds of self-reproach (OR = 0.70), negative syndrome (OR = 0.75) and victimisation (OR = 0.82). Adverse childhood experiences among people with psychosis are common, as are subsequent psychosocial stressors. Mental health professionals should routinely enquire about all types of adversities in this group and provide effective service responses. Childhood abuse, including sexual abuse, may contribute to subsequent adversity, poor psychosocial functioning and complex needs among people with psychosis. Longitudinal research to better understand these relationships is needed, as are studies which evaluate the effectiveness of preventative interventions in high-risk groups.

Assessing the impacts of daily Cannabis versus alcohol and methamphetamines on young Australians in youth AOD treatment

BackgroundCannabis is the most widely used illicit substance by Australian young people, including those engaged with youth alcohol and other drug (AOD) systems. While recreational cannabis use in young people may be a developmental activity for some, for others, this usage becomes regular and be associated with poorer long term outcomes. This study reports on the rates of cannabis use and co-existing psychosocial complexity factors in the Youth Needs Census (2013 and 2016) where workers report on all clients in the youth AOD system, a cohort considered highly vulnerable.MethodsData was examined for two rounds of data collection for the Youth Needs Census, including 823 youth AOD service engaged young people in 2016 and 1000 AOD service engaged young people in 2013, to identify usage rates, psychosocial outcomes, and changes over time.ResultsDaily use of cannabis alone significantly exceeded daily usage rates for methamphetamines, alcohol, and cannabis used alongside other substances. Daily cannabis use was significantly associated with mental health problems, employment problems, education problems, family problems, and housing problems. Daily cannabis use was associated with most psychosocial complexity factors to the same extent as daily methamphetamine use and daily alcohol use, with daily cannabis users only showing lower incidence of the drug-related harm measure. Notably, daily cannabis use also increased from 2013 (47.5%) to 2016 (54.2%).ConclusionsIt is imperative that the number of individuals using cannabis is considered alongside the severity of harm when assessing the social impact of this substance. Within cannabis users engaged with the youth AOD system, who often have high levels of psychosocial complexity, cannabis is used daily by a large proportion of these youths and may play a role in negatively impacting their lives.

Delayed prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections by GP registrars: a qualitative study.

Antibiotic prescribing for acute self-limiting respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in Australia is higher than international benchmarks. Antibiotics have little or no efficacy in these conditions, and unnecessary use contributes to antibiotic resistance. Delayed prescribing has been shown to reduce antibiotic use. GP registrars are at a career-stage when long-term prescribing patterns are being established. To explore experiences, perceptions and attitudes of GP registrars and supervisors to delayed antibiotic prescribing for ARTIs. A qualitative study of Australian GP registrars and supervisors using a thematic analysis approach. GP registrars and supervisors were recruited across three Australian states/territories, using maximum variation sampling. Telephone interviews explored participants' experience and perceptions of delayed prescribing of antibiotics in ARTIs. Data collection and analysis were concurrent and iterative. A total of 12 registrars and 10 supervisors were interviewed. Key themes included the use of delayed prescribing as a safety-net in cases of diagnostic uncertainty or when clinical review was logistically difficult. Delayed prescribing was viewed as a method of educating and empowering patients, and building trust and the doctor-patient relationship. Conversely, it was also seen as a loss of control over management decisions. Supervisors, more so than registrars, appreciated the psychosocial complexity of ARTI consultations and the importance of delayed antibiotic prescribing in this context. Better awareness and understanding by GP registrars of the evidence for delayed antibiotic prescription may be a means of reducing antibiotic prescribing. Understanding both registrar and supervisor usage, uncertainties and attitudes should inform educational approaches on this topic.

THE GRAYING OF PRIMARY CARE: THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN GERIATRIC PRIMARY CARE

As of 2012, more than half of Veterans receiving care within a VA medical facility were age 65 or older. They have complex co-occurring medical and mental health needs, cognitive impairments, functional deficits, and psychosocial complexity. In 2015, GeriPACT emerged as a specialized geriatric primary care clinic model to serve this vulnerable population. The presence of psychologists in geriatrics has significant implications for treatment of cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial needs. This mixed methods project aimed to describe the current scope and functions of GeriPACT psychologists and differentiate their services from other PACT clinics. Twenty total GeriPACT psychologists participated. The results suggest that mental health services within GeriPACT are multifaceted and need-driven. Significant themes highlight role specific characteristics of psychologists, clinician backgrounds, team education, and referral processes to improve access to care. Recommendations for implementation, clinician training, and future policy planning will also be presented.

Describing the current state of post-rehabilitation health system surveillance in Ontario – an invited review

Context: Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents numerous physiological, psychosocial, and environmental complexities resulting in significant healthcare system resource demands.Objective: To describe the current health system surveillance mechanisms in Ontario, Canada and highlight gaps in health surveillance among adults with SCI across their lifespan.Methods: A review of administrative data sources capturing SCI-specific information took place via internet searching and networking among SCI rehabilitation and health services experts with emphasis on functionality, health service utilization, and quality of life data.Results: The review identified a distinct paucity of data elements specific to the health surveillance needs of individuals with SCI living in the community. The gaps identified are: (1) a lack of data usability; (2) inadequate linkage between available datasets; (3) inadequate/infrequent reporting of outcomes; (4) a lack of relevant content/patient-reported outcomes; and, (5) failure to incorporate additional data sources (e.g. Insurance datasets).Conclusion: Currently, SCI-specific health data is disproportionately weighted towards the first 3–6 months post injury with detailed data regarding pre-hospital care, acute management and rehabilitation, but little existing infrastructure supporting community-based health surveillance. Given this reality, the bolstering of meaningful community health surveillance of this population across the lifespan is needed. Addressing the identified gaps in health surveillance must inform the creation of a comprehensive community health dataset incorporating patient-reported outcome measures and enabling linkage with existing administrative and/or clinical databases. A future harmonized data surveillance strategy would, in turn, positively impact function, health services, resource utilization and health-related quality of life surveillance.

Unmet treatment needs in patients with chronic pelvic pain in a New Zealand gynaecology service.

Chronic pelvic pain, which carries a high burden of disability and distress, is a common presentation to gynaecology clinics. While there is increasing acknowledgment of the complexity of chronic pelvic pain, and the benefits of providing management from a multidisciplinary team within a sociopsychobiomedical framework, the mainstay of management in gynaecology outpatient clinics remains within a single clinician biomedical-focused model. This model of care is only sufficient for women who present with minimal psychosocial complexity to their pain. To estimate the proportion of women attending the gynaecology outpatient clinic at a public women's hospital in New Zealand referred with chronic pelvic pain who have needs unmet by the current biomedical model of care. Informed by international research, pain catastrophising was used as a psychosocial correlate of this complexity. An audit was undertaken of 100 consecutive pre-appointment questionnaires of women, referred to a gynaecology outpatient clinic for review of pelvic pain of duration over sixmonths, with no red flags in their referral history. An unexpectedly high level of catastrophic thoughts about pain was reported. Seventy-seven percent of the women scored in the high or severe range, with 55% endorsing clinically significant scores for helpless catastrophising. The Pain Catastrophising Scores in this cohort were found to be higher than those in similar groups in the published international literature and also than in patients referred to the local tertiary level pain management centre, further reinforcing the need for investment into appropriate services for women with chronic pelvic pain.