Unmet healthcare needs, access to services and experiences with health providers among persons with spinal cord injury in Australia.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. OBJECTIVES: Appropriate and timely lifelong access to healthcare following a spinal cord injury (SCI) is critical, yet unmet healthcare needs in this population are common. Poor experiences with healthcare providers can be a barrier to health-seeking behaviour, and we hypothesised that there would be an association between unmet healthcare needs and care experiences. This study aimed to: (1) describe healthcare provider utilisation in the past year, unmet care needs and satisfaction with healthcare services; (2) explore the association between experiences with healthcare providers and unmet healthcare needs; and (3) explore the association between healthcare provider utilisation and participant characteristics, including unmet healthcare needs. SETTING: Community. METHODS: Analysis of data for 1579 Australians aged ≥ 18, who were ≥ 1-year post-SCI and living in the community. Bayesian penalised regression was used to model six binary outcomes: unmet healthcare needs; the use of general practitioners (GPs), allied health practitioners, rehabilitation specialists; medical specialists; and hospitalisations in the past 12-months. RESULTS: Unmet needs were reported by 17% of participants, with service cost the common deterrent. There was evidence of an effect for provider experiences on unmet healthcare needs, but no evidence that unmet healthcare needs was associated with the use of GPs, allied health practitioners, and rehabilitation or medical specialists. CONCLUSIONS: Unmet healthcare needs were reported in the context of high healthcare use and large proportions of secondary conditions in a cohort with long-term SCI. Improved health access for people with SCI include better primary-secondary care collaboration is needed.

Practical cooling interventions for preventing heat strain in indoor factory workers in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Occupational heat stress, exacerbated by factors such as climate change and insufficient cooling solutions, endangers the health and productivity of workers, especially in low-resource workplaces. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of two cooling strategies in reducing physiological strain and productivity of piece-rate workers over a 9-h work shift in a southern Thailand sawmill. METHODS: In a crossover randomized control trial design, 12 (33 ± 7 y; 1.58 ± 0.05 m; 51 ± 9 kg; n = 5 females) medically screened sawmill workers were randomly allocated into three groups comprising an established phase change material vest (VEST), an on-site combination cooling oasis (OASIS) (i.e., hydration, cold towels, fans, water dousing), and no cooling (CON) across 3 consecutive workdays. Physiological strain was measured via core temperature telemetry and heart rate monitoring. Productivity was determined by counting the number of pallets of wood sorted, stacked, and stowed each day. RESULTS: Relative to CON, OASIS lowered core temperature by 0.25°C [95% confidence interval = 0.24, 0.25] and heart rate by 7 bpm [6, 9] bpm, compared to 0.17°C [0.17, 0.18] and 10 [9,12] bpm reductions with VEST. It was inconclusive whether productivity was statistically lower in OASIS compared to CON (mean difference [MD] = 2.5 [-0.2, 5.2]), and was not statistically different between VEST and CON (MD = 1.4 [-1.3, 4.1]). CONCLUSIONS: Both OASIS and VEST were effective in reducing physiological strain compared to no cooling. Their effect on productivity requires further investigation, as even small differences between interventions could lead to meaningful disparities in piece-rate worker earnings over time.

The prognostic and potentially immunomodulatory role of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in patients with gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a novel regulator of the tumor microenvironment. Studies in colon cancer and pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma have revealed COMP expression to be associated with decreased infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, the expression of COMP was investigated in gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma with particular reference to its the relationship with the immune microenvironment. METHODS: COMP expression was evaluated in tissue microarrays representing primary tumors from 159 patients with chemo- and radiotherapy naïve esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma and 67 matched samples of lymph node metastases using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, collagen fibers were stained with Sirius Red and evaluated with the FIJI macro TWOMBLI algorithm. RESULTS: The expression of COMP in cancer cells in the entire cohort was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.013) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.029), while COMP expression in the stroma was correlated with shorter RFS (p = 0.042). Similar correlations were found for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, whereas COMP expression was not prognostic in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Further, in the entire cohort, the expression of COMP in the stroma was correlated with exclusion of different populations of immune cells (CD8+, CD3+, FoxP3+, CD20+) from the tumor microenvironment. Finally, higher density and alignment of collagen fibers were correlated with the expression of COMP in the stroma. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of COMP in gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma was correlated with shorter OS and RFS. A reduced number of immune cells infiltrated the tumor microenvironment when COMP expression was detected. This phenomenon could be attributed to the denser collagen deposits, a hallmark of tumor fibrosis observed in COMP-expressing tumors.

Meta-analysis prediction intervals are under reported in sport and exercise medicine.

AIM: Prediction intervals are a useful measure of uncertainty for meta-analyses that capture the likely effect size of a new (similar) study based on the included studies. In comparison, confidence intervals reflect the uncertainty around the point estimate but provide an incomplete summary of the underlying heterogeneity in the meta-analysis. This study aimed to estimate (i) the proportion of meta-analysis studies that report a prediction interval in sports medicine; and (ii) the proportion of studies with a discrepancy between the reported confidence interval and a calculated prediction interval. METHODS: We screened, at random, 1500 meta-analysis studies published between 2012 and 2022 in highly ranked sports medicine and medical journals. Articles that used a random effect meta-analysis model were included in the study. We randomly selected one meta-analysis from each article to extract data from, which included the number of estimates, the pooled effect, and the confidence and prediction interval. RESULTS: Of the 1500 articles screened, 866 (514 from sports medicine) used a random effect model. The probability of a prediction interval being reported in sports medicine was 1.7% (95% CI = 0.9%, 3.3%). In medicine the probability was 3.9% (95% CI = 2.4%, 6.6%). A prediction interval was able to be calculated for 220 sports medicine studies. For 60% of these studies, there was a discrepancy in study findings between the reported confidence interval and the calculated prediction interval. Prediction intervals were 3.4 times wider than confidence intervals. CONCLUSION: Very few meta-analyses report prediction intervals and hence are prone to missing the impact of between-study heterogeneity on the overall conclusions. The widespread misinterpretation of random effect meta-analyses could mean that potentially harmful treatments, or those lacking a sufficient evidence base, are being used in practice. Authors, reviewers, and editors should be aware of the importance of prediction intervals.

Clinical decision support systems for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in hospitals: A systematic review.

Objectives: To synthesise the literature on clinical decision support (CDS) systems for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to (1) describe existing COPD CDS systems that have been designed, developed or are being used in practice, (2) describe the impact of COPD CDS systems on outcomes and (3) identify barriers and facilitators to implementation of COPD CDS systems. Methods: Five databases were searched to identify relevant studies. All studies in English that described clinician-facing COPD CDS systems designed for, or implemented in, hospitals and hospital-in-the-home settings were included. A qualitative narrative synthesis was undertaken, guided by the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance). Results: Twelve studies reporting the use of CDS in hospital (n = 7) and hospital-in-the-home (n = 5) settings were included. Implementation efforts to reach target users were scantly reported, and low-to-medium adoption rates were observed. The reported effectiveness of the CDS systems was mixed. Only one study reported facilitators to the implementation of CDS systems, none reported on barriers to the implementation of CDS systems, and none reported any information on successful strategies to maintain implementation of CDS systems. Conclusion: The use of CDS systems in the management of patients with COPD in hospital-related settings is an important emerging field of research. Evidence suggests that the field has largely focused on systems targeted at physicians, often with incomplete descriptions and limited evaluations. Many opportunities to optimise and evaluate the implementation and use of COPD CDS systems in hospital settings remain, including robust evaluation of their impact on patient, clinician and health service outcomes.

Is requiring Research Integrity Advisors a useful policy for improving research integrity? A census of advisors in Australia.

Research Integrity Advisors are used in Australia to provide impartial guidance to researchers who have questions about any aspect of responsible research practice. Every Australian institution conducting research must provide access to trained advisors. This national policy could be an important part of creating a safe environment for discussing research integrity issues and thus resolving issues. We conducted the first formal study of advisors, using a census of every Australian advisor to discover their workload and attitudes to their role. We estimated there are 739 advisors nationally. We received responses to our questions from 192. Most advisors had a very light workload, with an median of just 0.5 days per month. Thirteen percent of advisors had not received any training, and some advisors only discovered they were an advisor after our approach. Most advisors were positive about their ability to help colleagues deal with integrity issues. The main desired changes were for greater advertising of their role and a desire to promote good practice rather than just supporting potential issues. Advisors might be a useful policy for supporting research integrity, but some advisors need better institutional support in terms of training and raising awareness.

Impact of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy on the Completion Rate of the Perioperative Chemotherapy Regimen in Gastric Cancer: A Swedish Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: Omission of prescheduled chemotherapy following surgery for gastric cancer is a frequent clinical problem. This study examined whether laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) had a positive impact on compliance with adjuvant chemotherapy compared with open (OG). METHODS: Patients with cT2-4aN0-3M0 adenocarcinoma treated with gastrectomy and perioperative chemotherapy between 2015 and 2020 were identified in the Swedish national register. Additional information regarding chemotherapy was retrieved from medical records. Regression models were used to investigate the association between surgical approach and the following outcomes: initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, modification, and time interval from surgery to start of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 247 patients were included (121 OG and 126 LG, conversion rate 11%), of which 71.3% had performance status ECOG 0 and 77.7% clinical stage II/III. In total, 86.2% of patients started adjuvant chemotherapy, with no significant difference between the groups (LG 88.1% vs OG 84.3%, p = 0.5). Reduction of chemotherapy occurred in 37.4% of patients and was similar between groups (LG 39.4% vs OG 35.1%, p = 0.6), as was the time interval from surgery. In multivariable analysis, LG was not associated with the probability of starting adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 1.36, p = 0.4) or the need for reduction (OR 1.29, p = 0.4). Conversely, major complications had a significant, negative impact on both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study demonstrated a high rate of adjuvant chemotherapy initiation after curative intended surgery for gastric cancer. A beneficial effect of LG compared with OG on the completion rate was not evident.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the breast after bilateral breast reduction.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare infection that rapidly progresses through fascial planes. Due to the latter, diagnosis in a timely manner is imperative to ultimately decrease morbidity and mortality. Such a disease process can occur anywhere in the body; however, necrotizing fasciitis of the breast is extremely rare and not well documented in the available literature. This is a case report about a 49-year-old woman who developed severe necrotizing fasciitis of both breasts following elective bilateral breast reduction. The patient developed a severe soft tissue infection leading to destruction of local tissue and required management in a surgical high dependency unit. This case report outlines the immediate management and the ensuing steps in reconstruction. Necrotizing fasciitis of the breast is a rare complication of breast reduction surgery. Early recognition and aggressive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, hyperbaric therapy and repeated debridement are essential for successful management. The use of Integra Bilayer Wound Matrix and skin grafting can result in satisfactory outcomes. It is important to obtain tissue samples for culture and sensitivity testing to identify the offending organism in patients with suspected necrotizing fasciitis. This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and management of necrotizing fasciitis to prevent morbidity and mortality.

The bias for statistical significance in sport and exercise medicine.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the bias for statistical significance using published confidence intervals in sport and exercise medicine research. DESIGN: Observational study. METHODS: The abstracts of 48,390 articles, published in 18 sports and exercise medicine journals between 2002 and 2022, were searched using a validated text-mining algorithm that identified and extracted ratio confidence intervals (odds, hazard, and risk ratios). The algorithm identified 1744 abstracts that included ratio confidence intervals, from which 4484 intervals were extracted. After excluding ineligible intervals, the analysis used 3819 intervals, reported as 95 % confidence intervals, from 1599 articles. The cumulative distributions of lower and upper confidence limits were plotted to identify any abnormal patterns, particularly around a ratio of 1 (the null hypothesis). The distributions were compared to those from unbiased reference data, which was not subjected to p-hacking or publication bias. A bias for statistical significance was further investigated using a histogram plot of z-values calculated from the extracted 95 % confidence intervals. RESULTS: There was a marked change in the cumulative distribution of lower and upper bound intervals just over and just under a ratio of 1. The bias for statistical significance was also clear in a stark under-representation of z-values between -1.96 and +1.96, corresponding to p-values above 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: There was an excess of published research with statistically significant results just below the standard significance threshold of 0.05, which is indicative of publication bias. Transparent research practices, including the use of registered reports, are needed to reduce the bias in published research.

Evaluating the costs and consequences of computerized clinical decision support systems in hospitals: a scoping review and recommendations for future practice.

OBJECTIVE: Sustainable investment in computerized decision support systems (CDSS) requires robust evaluation of their economic impacts compared with current clinical workflows. We reviewed current approaches used to evaluate the costs and consequences of CDSS in hospital settings and presented recommendations to improve the generalizability of future evaluations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review of peer-reviewed research articles published since 2010. Searches were completed in the PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases (last searched February 14, 2023). All studies reported the costs and consequences of a CDSS-based intervention compared with current hospital workflows. Findings were summarized using narrative synthesis. Individual studies were further appraised against the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation and Reporting (CHEERS) 2022 checklist. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies published since 2010 were included. Studies evaluated CDSS for adverse event surveillance (5 studies), antimicrobial stewardship (4 studies), blood product management (8 studies), laboratory testing (7 studies), and medication safety (5 studies). All studies evaluated costs from a hospital perspective but varied based on the valuation of resources affected by CDSS implementation, and the measurement of consequences. We recommend future studies follow guidance from the CHEERS checklist; use study designs that adjust for confounders; consider both the costs of CDSS implementation and adherence; evaluate consequences that are directly or indirectly affected by CDSS-initiated behavior change; examine the impacts of uncertainty and differences in outcomes across patient subgroups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Improving consistency in the conduct and reporting of evaluations will enable detailed comparisons between promising initiatives, and their subsequent uptake by decision-makers.

An immune score reflecting pro- and anti-tumoural balance of tumour microenvironment has major prognostic impact and predicts immunotherapy response in solid cancers.

BACKGROUND: Cancer immunity is based on the interaction of a multitude of cells in the spatial context of the tumour tissue. Clinically relevant immune signatures are therefore anticipated to fundamentally improve the accuracy in predicting disease progression. METHODS: Through a multiplex in situ analysis we evaluated 15 immune cell classes in 1481 tumour samples. Single-cell and bulk RNAseq data sets were used for functional analysis and validation of prognostic and predictive associations. FINDINGS: By combining the prognostic information of anti-tumoural CD8+ lymphocytes and tumour supportive CD68+CD163+ macrophages in colorectal cancer we generated a signature of immune activation (SIA). The prognostic impact of SIA was independent of conventional parameters and comparable with the state-of-art immune score. The SIA was also associated with patient survival in oesophageal adenocarcinoma, bladder cancer, lung adenocarcinoma and melanoma, but not in endometrial, ovarian and squamous cell lung carcinoma. We identified CD68+CD163+ macrophages as the major producers of complement C1q, which could serve as a surrogate marker of this macrophage subset. Consequently, the RNA-based version of SIA (ratio of CD8A to C1QA) was predictive for survival in independent RNAseq data sets from these six cancer types. Finally, the CD8A/C1QA mRNA ratio was also predictive for the response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. INTERPRETATION: Our findings extend current concepts to procure prognostic information from the tumour immune microenvironment and provide an immune activation signature with high clinical potential in common human cancer types. FUNDING: Swedish Cancer Society, Lions Cancer Foundation, Selanders Foundation, P.O. Zetterling Foundation, U-CAN supported by SRA CancerUU, Uppsala University and Region Uppsala.

Intrinsic motor neuron excitability is increased after resistance training in older adults.

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity resistance training on estimates of the motor neuron persistent inward current (PIC) in older adults. Seventeen participants (68.5 ± 2.8 yr) completed a 2-wk nonexercise control period followed by 6 wk of resistance training. Surface electromyographic signals were collected with two 32-channel electrodes placed over soleus to investigate motor unit discharge rates. Paired motor unit analysis was used to calculate delta frequency (ΔF) as an estimate of PIC amplitudes during 1) triangular-shaped contractions to 20% of maximum torque capacity and 2) trapezoidal- and triangular-shaped contractions to 20% and 40% of maximum torque capacity, respectively, to understand their ability to modulate PICs as contraction intensity increases. Maximal strength and functional capacity tests were also assessed. For the 20% triangular-shaped contractions, ΔF [0.58-0.87 peaks per second (pps); P ≤ 0.015] and peak discharge rates (0.78-0.99 pps; P ≤ 0.005) increased after training, indicating increased PIC amplitude. PIC modulation also improved after training. During the control period, mean ΔF differences between 20% trapezoidal-shaped and 40% triangular-shaped contractions were 0.09-0.18 pps (P = 0.448 and 0.109, respectively), which increased to 0.44 pps (P < 0.001) after training. Also, changes in ΔF showed moderate to very large correlations (r = 0.39-0.82) with changes in peak discharge rates and broad measures of motor function. Our findings indicate that increased motor neuron excitability is a potential mechanism underpinning training-induced improvements in motor neuron discharge rate, strength, and motor function in older adults. This increased excitability is likely mediated by enhanced PIC amplitudes, which are larger at higher contraction intensities.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Resistance training elicited important alterations in soleus intrinsic motor neuronal excitability, likely mediated by enhanced persistent inward current (PIC) amplitude, in older adults. Estimates of PICs increased after the training period, accompanied by an enhanced ability to increase PIC amplitudes at higher contraction intensities. Our data also suggest that changes in PIC contribution to self-sustained discharging may contribute to increases in motor neuron discharge rates, maximal strength, and functional capacity in older adults after resistance training.

Perceptions of fatigue and neuromuscular measures of performance fatigability during prolonged low-intensity elbow flexions.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? What is the predictive relationship between self-reported scales to quantify perceptions of fatigue during exercise and gold standard measures used to quantify the development of neuromuscular fatigue? What is the main finding and its importance? No scale was determined to be substantively more effective than another. However, the number of ongoing contractions performed was shown to be a better predictor of fatigue in the motor system than any of the subjective scales. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures of performance fatigability and commonly used scales that quantify perceptions of fatigue during exercise. Twenty healthy participants (age 23 ± 3 years, 10 female) performed 10 submaximal isometric elbow flexions at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for 2 min, separated by 45 s of rest. Biceps brachii muscle electromyography and elbow flexion torque responses to single-pulse TMS were obtained at the end of each contraction to assess central factors of performance fatigability. A rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, Omnibus Resistance scale, Likert scale, Rating of Fatigue scale and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess perceptions of fatigue at the end of each contraction. The RPE (root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.144) and Rating of Fatigue (RMSE = 0.145) scales were the best predictors of decline in MVC torque, whereas the Likert (RMSE= 0.266) and RPE (RMSE= 0.268) scales were the best predictors of electromyographic amplitude. Although the Likert (RMSE = 7.6) and Rating of Fatigue (RMSE = 7.6) scales were the best predictors of voluntary muscle activation of any scale, the number of contractions performed during the protocol was a better predictor (RMSE = 7.3). The ability of the scales to predict TMS measures of performance fatigability were in general similar. Interestingly, the number of contractions performed was a better predictor of TMS measures than the scales themselves.

Use and cost of Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme services following inpatient rehabilitation for acquired disability in Australia.

Objectives This study explored publicly funded health system and patient expenditure in the post-acute phase following discharge from inpatient acquired brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. The secondary aim was to explore sociodemographic and injury characteristics associated with high costs. Methods This was a prospective cohort study. 153 patients (ABI: n = 85; SCI: n = 68) who consented to the use of their Medicare data were recruited between March 2017 and March 2018, at the point of discharge from ABI or SCI specialist rehabilitation units. The main outcome measure involved linkage of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data for the 12 months following discharge from rehabilitation. Bayesian penalised regression was used to determine characteristics associated with high costs. Results The median number of MBS items used in the 12 months after discharge was 33 (IQR: 21-52). General practitioners and allied health services were accessed by 100% and 41% of the cohort, respectively. The median MBS system cost (in Australian dollars) was $2006 (IQR: $162-$3090). Almost half (46%) of the participants had no MBS patient expenditure. The median PBS system cost was $541 (IQR: $62-$1574). For people with ABI, having a traumatic injury or one comorbidity was associated with lower PBS system costs by on average $119 and $134, respectively. We also found that hospitalisation in ABI was associated with higher PBS system costs, by on average $669. Conclusion There was evidence of high and variable MBS and PBS costs, raising concerns about financial hardship. Future research should focus on identifying any unmet service and prescription needs in the post-acute rehabilitation phase for these populations.

Evidence that heat acclimation training may alter sleep and incidental activity.

This randomized cross-over study tested the hypothesis that heat acclimation training would detrimentally affect sleep variables and alter incidental physical activity compared to a thermoneutral training control condition. Eight recreationally trained males (V̇O2peak 49±4.9 mL.kg-1.min-1) completed two separate interventions separated by at least 31 days: 5 consecutive day training blocks of moderate-intensity cycling (60 min·day-1 at 50% peak power output) in a hot (34.9±0.7 °C and 53±4 % relative humidity) and a temperate (22.2±2.6 °C; 65±8 % relative humidity) environment. Wrist-mounted accelerometers were worn continuously for the length of the training blocks and recorded physical activity, sleep quality and quantity. Data were analysed in a Bayesian framework, with the results presented as the posterior probability that a coefficient was greater or less than zero. Compared to the temperate training environment, heat acclimation impaired sleep efficiency (Pr ß<0 = .979) and wake on sleep onset (Pr ß>0 = .917). Daily sedentary time was, on average, 35 min longer (Pr ß>0 = .973) and light physical activity time 18 min shorter (Pr ß>0 = .960) during the heat acclimation period. No differences were observed between conditions in sleep duration, subjective sleep quality, or moderate or vigorous physical activity. These findings may suggest that athletes and coaches need to be cognisant that heat acclimation training may alter sleep quality and increase sedentary behaviour.HighlightsFive consecutive days of heat training negatively affected some objective measures of sleep quality and incidental physical activity in recreationally trained athletes.Athletes and coaches need to be aware of the potential unintended consequences of using heat acclimation on sleep behaviours.

Perceived service adequacy and unmet need after discharge from brain injury rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to quantify the perceived needs and adequacy of realised access to post-acute services in a sample of people with acquired brain injury in the first 6-months after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. A secondary focus was the influence of access to funding and specialist transitional rehabilitation on unmet needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were 51 adults with a median age of 50 (IQR 35-57) recruited from an inpatient rehabilitation unit in an Australian tertiary hospital. The sample was those who had an acquired brain injury, including 23 who sustained a traumatic injury and 28 who sustained a non-traumatic injury. Measures were collected via telephone at 3- and 6-months, in a prospective observational cohort design using the Needs and Provisions Complexity Scale. A series of logistic regression models were used to determine the effects of participation in a transitional rehabilitation program and funding pathway on adequacy and unmet needs. RESULTS: Unmet needs for rehabilitation were most commonly reported (60%), followed by unmet needs in relation to health care (40%), social care (35%), personal care (32%) and environment-related (14%). Participants who attended transitional rehabilitation were more likely to indicate unmet health care needs (OR = 6.40, 95% CI = 1.40-29.24, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the need to look beyond functional impairment when conceptualising appropriate access. Additionally, the present research highlighted the need for greater work into an expectation of services.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe majority of people with an acquired brain injury report unmet needs at 6 months post discharge.Present findings support the utility of patient reported measures when considering treatment evaluation with people with ABI, where assessing the personal appraisal of individuals needs may prove to be a key indicator to facilitate optimal service access.There are specific services that needed and not provided including psychological, speech pathology, family carer needs and vocational rehabilitation, and therefore are a key target for ensuring appropriate support is provided.

Healthcare services for people with acquired disability in South-East Queensland, Australia: Assessing potential proximity and its association with service obstacles.

This study described access potential in South-East Queensland, to healthcare services commonly used by people with acquired disability; and investigated the association between service proximity and perceived service obstacles. First, we described accessibility by conducting a spatial analysis to create maps of potential accessibility to health services in South-East Queensland. Queensland statistical area level 2 (SA2) locations were combined with the residential locations of participants from a longitudinal cohort study involving people with ABI and SCI. The locations of selected health services of interest were identified from Health Direct's National Health Service Directory. Travel times via motor vehicle were modelled with Robust Gaussian Stochastic Process, to smoothly interpolate between the sparse time-to-service observations. Probabilistic predicted values were generated from the model and were used to construct service accessibility maps of South-East Queensland. Disability population data were used to identify SA2s with relatively low service access but a high disability population. Second, we examined perceived service obstacles, by investigating the relationship between potential access to services and perceived service obstacles was examined using data from 63 people with ABI or SCI discharged from the specialist state-wide rehabilitation services, located in South-East Queensland. Obstacles to accessing service in relation to resource availability, transportation and finances were collected three-months after discharge, using the Service Obstacle Scale. Travel times to the closest health service were computed for each individual and were compared to their Service Obstacle Scale responses. Access potential was highly variable, particularly for allied health services. We identified several low-access, high-disability population areas. These hotpots of poor access were generally to the north and west of greater Brisbane. Longer travel times to allied health services were associated with 260% higher odds of agreeing that resource availability was an obstacle to accessing services. Policy makers should be concerned with the hotspots of poor access identified.