Services In Queensland Research Articles

“Hotch Potch or High Performance”—Aeromedical Services in Queensland, Australia

“Hotch Potch or High Performance”—Aeromedical Services in Queensland, Australia

The establishment of the Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia in Queensland (1996–2002)

IntroductionFor chiropractors and osteopaths after graduation, the learning process continues by way of experience and continuing education (CE). The provision of CE and other vocational services in Queensland between 1996 and 2002 is the subject of this paper.MethodsThe Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia (COCA) implemented a plan, which involved continuing education, with speakers from a broad variety of health provider areas; and the introduction of the concepts of evidence-based practice. The plan also involved building membership.ResultsMembership of COCA in Queensland grew from 3 in June 1996 to 167 in 2002. There were a total of 25 COCA symposia in the same period. Evidence-based health care was introduced and attendees were generally satisfied with the conferences.DiscussionThe development of a vocational body (COCA) for chiropractors and osteopaths in Queensland was achieved. Registrants in the field have supported an organisation that concentrates on the vocational aspects of their practice.

Child protection services in Queensland post-Forde Inquiry

There have been major developments in child protection services in Queensland since the 1999 Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions (the ‘Forde Inquiry’). This article discusses the nature of the changes that have occurred against the backdrop of a major debate in contemporary child protection research and practice – balancing forensic/legalistic and family support approaches to protecting children. Based upon an analysis of departmental annual reports, budget documents, policy statements and child protection administrative data, the article examines developments in policy directions, service provision, client trends and performance during the period. It shows that significant investment has increased the quantity of services available, but policy and program developments are yet to show an impact upon service quality and outcome indicators for children and families.

Spinal cord injury and family caregivers: A description of care and perception of service need

As survival rates and life expectancies of individuals experiencing acquired disabilities such as spinal cord injury improve, greater demands are placed on health, rehabilitation and long-term care services. Further, family caregivers are assuming much of the caring responsibilities. This paper examines family caregiving in relation to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in an Australian context. The paper is based on a descriptive survey conducted with 206 individuals with SCI, referred to a specialist SCI outreach service in Queensland, and 179 family caregivers. The survey collected social and demographic information and details of the type of care provided by family caregivers. It also explored family caregivers' perceptions of the types of services they require to assist them in their caring roles. Family caregiving typically involved physical, practical, and emotional support, and in many cases this occupied in excess of three hours a day, with no additional source of caregiving provided. The most frequently reported service types required by family caregivers included respite, personal support, information services, and health professional services. Mapping caregiver needs in this area establishes a critical basis for service planning and more importantly provides a guide for the development of a range of services dedicated to maintaining the health and well-being of family caregivers of individuals with SCI.

Paediatric telecardiology services in Queensland: A review of three years’ experience

Videoconferencing at 384 kbit/s for the transmission of echocardiograms has proved useful for the assessment of children with suspected cardiac disease, in regional areas of Queensland. A retrospective review of patient and management outcomes was conducted on cardiac teleconsultations performed at two regional hospitals during the period November 2000 to February 2004, inclusive. There were 106 echo studies. A subset of 72 cardiac teleconsultations performed between May 2001 and February 2004 was reviewed in detail. The median age of patients at the time of consultation was 3 months (range 1 day-17 years). Sixteen per cent of teleconsultations were classified as urgent and were conducted on the same day as referral. Following the videoconference, 90% of patients could be managed locally and reviewed by the paediatrician or visiting paediatric cardiologist during an outreach clinic. Six children (8%) had significant cardiac lesions that were initially managed locally, with subsequent elective transfer at the appropriate time for treatment. Only one child (1%) required urgent transfer to the tertiary centre for specialist care and surgery. Telecardiology was effective in accurately identifying congenital heart disease. Paediatric telecardiology is an evolving modality of assessment and communication, and is likely to result in continued improvements in patient care, patient outcomes and parental satisfaction, in provincial centres removed from the tertiary cardiac centre.

The use of online health techniques to assist with the delivery of specialist paediatric diabetes services in Queensland.

We have tested an alternative method of delivering health services to regional areas of Queensland. By integrating telepaediatrics into an existing outreach programme for children with diabetes and endocrine conditions, we were able to reduce travel for specialist hospital staff while maintaining (and sometimes increasing) the contact patients had with the specialist team. In the first 28 months, we facilitated 160 patient consultations and 10 education sessions via videoconference through the telepaediatric service. By the end of the study, site visits were taking place annually and routine videoconference clinics were scheduled quarterly for the review of new patients and follow-up. Telepaediatric services in endocrinology and diabetes were established at three levels: the coordination of routine specialist clinics via videoconference; ad hoc patient consultations for collaborative management during acute presentations and at times of urgent clinical need; and the delivery of education to staff and patients throughout the state. The net result was improved access to specialist services from rural and remote areas of Queensland.

When Rolls Royce and Holden Justice Collide: An Analysis of the Operations of the Federal Magistrates Service in Queensland in the Family Law Arena

This research investigates claims by the Commonwealth Attorney-General that the Federal Magistrates Service (FMS) is providing a quicker, cheaper, less formal option for litigants than the Family Court. Qualitative research was undertaken in Queensland from February 2001 and November 2001. A purposive sample of twenty-five family law practitioners, nine Family Court and four Federal Magistracy judicial and management staff from around Queensland were interviewed. Although the small number of practitioners interviewed does not allow the researcher to draw conclusions as to trends across Queensland, the findings can be compared with the results of national research conducted by consultants on behalf of the Federal Magistrates Service. This project represents the first independent research into the efficacy of the FMS in achieving the goals set for it by the Attorney-General.

Evaluation of a rural community-based disability service in Queensland, Australia

The article outlines the evaluation framework devised for a semi-formal disability service project in central Queensland, Australia, which was implemented using a community-based, participatory model. Utilising a service framework known as Community-Based Rehabilitation and an implementation strategy adapted from Participatory Rural Appraisal, this model is presented as a potential alternative for rehabilitation and disability services in the light of concerns that such services are poorly tailored and inadequate in remote and rural areas of Australia. In recognition of the difficulty of evaluating such participatory and community-based initiatives, this evaluation was based on the analysis of large amounts of qualitative data from multiple sources, which were categorised against key themes drawn from the literature, using a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). It is suggested that this innovative and multifaceted evaluation methodology may have broader application. Findings of the service evaluation indicated positive informal, community and social outcomes. Formal structural and organisational outcomes were found to be limited with a possibility of compromising the long-term viability of the initiative. Suggestions are made regarding the process of implementing similar research initiatives. The model may have application in similar rural community-based initiatives internationally.

Intradermal Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine for Healthcare Workers Who Fail to Respond to Intramuscular Vaccine

To study the humoral immune responses, safety, and tolerability of intradermal recombinant hepatitis B vaccination in healthcare workers (HCWs) nonresponsive to previous repeated intramuscular vaccination. An open, prospective, before-after trial. A tertiary referral hospital and surrounding district health service in Queensland, Australia. Hospital and community HCWs nonresponsive to previous intramuscular hepatitis B vaccination. Intradermal recombinant hepatitis B vaccine was administered every second week for a maximum of 4 doses. Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) responses were assessed 2 weeks after each dose. Protective anti-HBs levels developed in 17 (94%) of 18 study subjects. Three doses resulted in seroconversion of all responding subjects and the highest geometric mean antibody concentration. The vaccine was well tolerated. More than 90% of previously nonresponsive HCWs responded to intradermal recombinant hepatitis B vaccine with protective anti-HBs levels.

Programme quality in Australian early special education: an example of participatory action research.

A study of programme quality of early intervention in a large governmental early special education service in Queensland, Australia employed a collaborative methodology of participatory action research. The approach has been encouraged strongly for disability-focused research, but the approach is demanding and few examples have been reported. In this multistage 4-year project, indicators of programme quality were generated from staff and parents in the service, validated throughout the service, and generalized across the nation. Examples of the implementation of this methodology across these stages are reported, and benefits and compromises are examined.

Comparison of two self-help smoking cessation booklets

OBJECTIVETo compare two self-help smoking cessation booklets distributed to callers to a Quitline telephone service in Queensland (Australia).DESIGNCallers were randomised to receive either a structured 14-day quit programme (Time to...

Telemedicine in Australia. Recent developments.

There have been a number of important developments in Australia in the area of telemedicine. At the national level, the House of Representatives' Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs has been conducting the Inquiry into Health Information Management and Telemedicine. The Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council has supported the establishment of a working party convened by the South Australian Health Commission to prepare a detailed report on issues relating to telemedicine. State governments have begun a number of telemedicine projects, including major initiatives in New South Wales and Victoria and the extensive development of telepsychiatry services in Queensland. Research activities in high-speed image transmission have been undertaken by the Australian Computing and Communications Institute and Telstra, and by the Australian Navy. The matter of the funding of both capital and recurrent costs of telemedicine services has not been resolved, and issues of security and privacy of medical information are subjects to discussion. The use of the Internet as a universal communications medium may provide opportunities for the expansion of telemedicine services, particularly in the area of continuing medical education. A need has been recognized for the coordinated evaluation of telemedicine services as cost-benefit considerations are seen to be very important.

Education in emergency nursing: a new beginning. Part I

The movement of nurse education to the tertiary sector is all but complete in Australia. Trends are changing as new partnerships are being forged and the focus of education is now responsive to economic and political factors. These factors have resulted in the regionalisation of health care facilities and the de-institutionalisation of health services in Queensland, Australia. Moreover, de-institutionalisation of services coupled with economic rationalism has pre-empted the offering of post-graduate clinical courses by university nursing facilities. This paper addresses the process of developing the content of new courses under the umbrella of the Graduate Diploma/Masters in Emergency Care Nursing offered at Griffith University Gold Coast, Australia. This initiative is the first in Queensland and has revisioned the education of emergency care nursing. This course includes a tapestry of knowledge enhancing, clinical and factual subjects presented by experienced clinicians teaching with academics, recognising the collaborative nature of nursing practice with academics and clinicians working jointly in course development, teaching and clinical placement. Strategies developed collaboratively addressed course content including logistics, time management, the critical selective selection of appropriate content, assessment criteria, registerability within Queensland and other states and clinical competence. Moreover, this process of developing the course utilised the Australian National Registering Authorities' Competencies and Benner's use of the Dreyfus model to guide the knowledge level of the clinician at course completion. In particular this paper will not only address the blending of theory and practice to consolidate the relationship inherent between the clinician and education, but will establish the fact that no gap exists.

Education in critical care nursing: a new beginning.

The movement of nurse education to the tertiary sector is all but complete in Australia. Trends are changing as new partnerships are being forged and the focus of education is now reponsive to economic and political factors. These factors have resulted in the regionalisation of health care facilities and the de-institutionalisation of health services in Queensland. Moreover, de-institutionalisation of services coupled with economic rationalism has pre-empted the offering of post-graduate clinical courses by university nursing faculties. This paper addresses the process of developing the content of new courses under the umbrella of the Graduate Diploma/Masters in Critical Care Nursing offered at Griffith University Gold Coast. This initiative is the first in Queensland and has provided new vision in education for critical care nursing. This course includes a tapestry of theoretical knowledge enhancing clinical and factual subjects presented by experienced clinicians teaching with academics. The collaborative nature of nursing practice is reflected in academics and clinicians working jointly in course development, teaching and clinical placement. Strategies which were developed collaboratively addressed course content including logistics, time management, the critical selective selection of appropriate content, assessment critera, 'registerbility' within Queensland and other states, and clinical competence will be addressed. Moreover, this process of developing the course content utilised Australian National Registering Authority (ANRAC 1990) Competencies and Benners' (1984) use of the Dreyfus model to guide the expected knowledge level of the clinician at course completion. In particular this paper will not only address the blending of theory and practice to consolidate the relationship inherent between the clinician and education, but will establish the fact that no gap exists.

Towards an Enhanced Community Service Obligation Process

Governments have overspent. In recent times the drive for economic recovery partly brought about by this overspending has seen governments screening entire portfolios of expenditure to see what they can reduce or terminate. The review process concerns the identification of goods and services which are essential to the community and on which there is an obligation for the government to fund these projects. These goods and services have been labelled Community Service Obligations (CSOs). Valid CSOs are being examined for funding while non‐valid CSOs are being examined for their potential as candidates for funding termination. Although the principles of Community Service Obligations (CSOs) have been widely applied within various public sector organizations, there is a diversity of definition and application. This can be attributed, at least in part, to historical evolution. However, with a more formal approach to the role and funding of CSOs, it is apparent that there is a diversity of perception from government to government as to how CSOs are identified and funded. This diversity is explored and compared to the proposed CSO criteria currently being examined by the Queensland Government Treasury. These definitions and guidelines in practice are not wrong but produce some distortions brought about by applying limited criteria in the CSO identification and implementation process. These limitations are discussed with reference to case studies drawn from the organizational structure of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and from elsewhere. Focuses in particular on how the process of developing operational strategies can be limited in some instances by the exclusion from, or at least minimal input from, either the community or the line department involved. By taking the goals of equity, merit, effectiveness and efficiency of delivery of CSO products and services in Queensland, an improved process is proposed.

Paediatric Occupational Therapy Services in Queensland Part 1: Demography

A survey of paediatric occupational therapy services in Queensland was undertaken to document current distribution of paediatric therapists, to obtain data on paediatric case load size; establish proportions of time spent in direct versus indirect services; and to investigate models of service delivery. Eighty seven questionnaires, from a total of 146 distributed to full and part‐time paediatric occupational therapists, were returned. This paper reports geographic location, employment status, venue for service delivery, paediatric client groups, nature of intervention, therapist facilities, effect of school holidays and use of waiting lists.

Consumer perspectives on disability services in Queensland: The long road to new directions

This paper is based on a consumer study of twenty-four intellectually and physically disabled persons and eighteen parents of intellectually and physically disabled dependents using a range of nongovernment welfare organizations in South-East Queensland (Brown & Ringma, 1988). The consumer study is part of a policy and service delivery study. This paper will summarize the perspectives of consumers and parents of dependent consumers on the accessibility of information on services; the exercise of consumer choice in service provision; access issues; quality of service provision; inadequacies in the service delivery system; and consumer participation in decision making regarding service delivery. The paper provides some analysis of the problems in these key areas, arguing in particular that consumer perspectives on service delivery are significantly influenced by the fact that consumers operate within a narrow field of service options. The paper concludes by drawing a comparison between these consumer perspe...

CHILD GUIDANCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES IN QUEENSLAND

The distribution of population over a large area has led to the confinement of most child guidance services in Queensland to the capital city, Brisbane, though efforts are now being made to provide better services in country areas. The provision of psychological services in the field of education and health have been reviewed and particular reference made to the significant contribution of community supported agencies to the welfare of the handicapped. Copyright

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES IN QUEENSLAND

Medical Journal of AustraliaVolume 1, Issue 7 p. 302-303 Public Health SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES IN QUEENSLAND First published: 01 February 1956 https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1956.tb35315.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume1, Issue7February 1956Pages 302-303 RelatedInformation

Accuracy in Radon Work

A short account is given of the organisation of the radon service in Queensland (Australia). Using a gold seed technique for both interstitial and external application of radon, and measuring all seeds as a routine procedure, accuracy of dosage can be maintained at as high a level as factors outside the control of the radon laboratory will permit. A method of grouping seeds is described which reduces wastage to a minimum.