'Quitlink': Outcomes of a randomised controlled trial of peer researcher facilitated referral to a tailored quitline tobacco treatment for people receiving mental health services.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a tailored quitline tobacco treatment ('Quitlink') among people receiving support for mental health conditions. METHODS: We employed a prospective, cluster-randomised, open, blinded endpoint design to compare a control condition to our 'Quitlink' intervention. Both conditions received a brief intervention delivered by a peer researcher. Control participants received no further intervention. Quitlink participants were referred to a tailored 8-week quitline intervention delivered by dedicated Quitline counsellors plus combination nicotine replacement therapy. The primary outcome was self-reported 6 months continuous abstinence from end of treatment (8 months from baseline). Secondary outcomes included additional smoking outcomes, mental health symptoms, substance use and quality of life. A within-trial economic evaluation was conducted. RESULTS: In total, 110 participants were recruited over 26 months and 91 had confirmed outcomes at 8 months post baseline. There was a difference in self-reported prolonged abstinence at 8-month follow-up between Quitlink (16%, n = 6) and control (2%, n = 1) conditions, which was not statistically significant (OR = 8.33 [0.52, 132.09] p = 0.131 available case). There was a significant difference in favour of the Quitlink condition on 7-day point prevalence at 2 months (OR = 8.06 [1.27, 51.00] p = 0.027 available case). Quitlink costs AU$9231 per additional quit achieved. CONCLUSION: The Quitlink intervention did not result in significantly higher rates of prolonged abstinence at 8 months post baseline. However, engagement rates and satisfaction with the 'Quitlink' intervention were high. While underpowered, the Quitlink intervention shows promise. A powered trial to determine its effectiveness for improving long-term cessation is warranted.

Relationships between sensory reactivity and occupational performance in children with paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS).

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children's performance in a fluctuating manner. This study investigates the relationship between sensory reactivity and occupational performance in children with PANS during exacerbation phases. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing tailored interventions and managing the condition effectively. METHODS: This study is part of a larger project in which a two-period bidirectional case-crossover design was employed to assess sensory reactivity and occupational performance in children with PANS. The current study used data from exacerbation phases only. Parents of children aged 4.6 to 13.1 years with PANS were recruited globally, and data were collected via online surveys. The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (VABS) evaluated occupational performance, and the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) assessed sensory reactivity. Analysis utilised Pearson correlation to determine the relationships between sensory reactivity and occupational performance domains. RESULTS: Data from 60 participants who completed the SPM and 21 who completed the VABS showed moderate to strong negative correlations between the SPM total and several domain scores (vision, hearing, body awareness, balance, and motion) and the VABS Communication and Daily Living Skills scores, indicating that increased sensory reactivity is associated with decreased occupational performance during exacerbations. No significant correlation was found between sensory reactivity and socialisation skills. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the significant relationship between sensory reactivity and occupational performance during PANS exacerbations, particularly in communication and daily living skills domains. Further research is needed to examine factors influencing socialisation skills and to assess the effectiveness of sensory interventions in improving occupational performance. CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT STATEMENT: Although there was no direct consumer and community involvement, two researchers on our team have family members with PANS. Their personal experiences provided vital insights into the challenges faced by children with PANS, deeply influencing our study's design, focus, and interpretation, ensuring it reflects the realities of those affected. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: We examined the relationship between children's daily activities and their sensory reactivity during PANS symptom flare-ups. Parents of children aged 4.6 to 13.1 years completed surveys measuring sensory reactivity and their children's performance of daily tasks. Our findings showed that during symptom flare-ups, children experienced significant difficulties with communication and daily living skills. These challenges were directly related to heightened sensory reactivity during flare-ups. This highlights the importance of providing targeted occupational therapy during these times to help children manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning.

Occupational performance patterns in children with paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is a neuroimmune condition characterised by episodic exacerbations and remissions. This study investigates the impact of PANS on children's occupational performance during these phases, using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (VABS). Understanding these variations is crucial for developing tailored interventions and managing the condition effectively. METHODS: A two-period bidirectional case-crossover design was employed to assess occupational performance in children with PANS at exacerbation (T-E) and remission (T-R) phases. Parents of children aged 4.6-13.1 years with PANS were recruited globally, with data collected via online surveys and monthly updates. The VABS evaluated occupational performance, with analysis using linear mixed models and Least Squares Means (LSMeans) for accurate representation. RESULTS: Data from 27 participants showed significantly lower scores in the Adaptive Behaviour Composite and socialisation domain of the VABS at T-E compared with T-R, indicating a decline in occupational performance and social skills during exacerbations. During remission, participants demonstrated typical performance across all domains. CONCLUSION: The study highlights a marked decline in occupational performance and socialisation during PANS exacerbations, with improvements to typical levels during remission. These findings emphasise the need for targeted interventions to address occupational and social challenges in children with PANS during exacerbations, underscoring the episodic nature of the condition and the risk of misinterpreting behaviours if assessed during exacerbations. Multidisciplinary allied health support may benefit children with PANS. CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Although there was no direct consumer and community involvement, two researchers on our team have family members with PANS. Their personal experiences provided vital insights into the challenges faced by children with PANS, deeply influencing our study's design, focus, and interpretation, ensuring it reflects the realities of those affected. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Our study looked at how PANS affects the things children do in their daily lives. We asked parents of children ages 4.6-13.1 years old to complete surveys measuring this at two times: once during a symptom flare-up and once during a period of wellness. Our results showed that during symptom flare-ups, children's social skills and general ability to do daily tasks were much lower compared with periods of wellness. When children were well, their abilities were similar to those of typically developing children of the same age. This highlights the need for occupational therapy during flare-ups to help improve the lives of children with PANS.

Sensory processing in children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research indicates that children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) experience sensory reactivity differences that impact occupational performance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in sensory reactivity in these children across two different time points; during exacerbation and during remission, using the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) Home-Form. The study also sought to investigate whether children with PANS experience sensory differences during remission periods, when compared with SPM Home-Form norms. METHODS: A two-period bidirectional case-crossover design was used, and an online assessment was conducted to measure sensory reactivity. Parents of children aged 4.6 to 13.1 years with a diagnosis of PANS were recruited from various sites across Australia, USA, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand. The SPM Home-Form was used to measure sensory reactivity at two time points, when PANS was in remission (T-R) and in exacerbation (T-E). Study entry was permitted at either T-E or T-R. Participant exacerbation status was monitored over a maximum 12-month period, and a follow-up SPM Home-Form was sent when a change in exacerbation status was indicated. A linear mixed model was used to assess the difference between SPM Home-Form norm-referenced scores during exacerbation and remission. RESULTS: The study included 82 participants, with 80 providing data at study entry, and 27 providing data at follow-up. Results showed a statistically significant decline in performance across the SPM Home-Form domains of Hearing, Social Participation, Planning and Ideas, and Total Sensory Systems T-scores during exacerbation when compared with remission data. Results also demonstrated atypical sensory reactivity across Vision, Hearing, Touch, Balance and Motion, and Total Sensory Systems domains during periods of remission compared with SPM Home-Form norms. CONCLUSION: This study found that children with PANS experience significant sensory reactivity differences during exacerbation and remission across multiple sensory domains, with a decline in performance during exacerbation. Where there are occupational performance challenges, occupational therapists should consider administering sensory assessments so that effective intervention plans addressing the unique sensory reactivity needs of children with PANS can be developed.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Access to and Interest in mHealth: National Web-based Cross-sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Health programs delivered through digital devices such as mobile phones (mobile health [mHealth]) have become an increasingly important component of the health care tool kit. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age are likely to be caring for children and family members and needing health care, but little is known about their access to and interest in mHealth. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's ownership of digital devices, access to the internet, current mHealth use, and interest and preferences for future mHealth. We examined the factors (age, remoteness, caring for a child younger than 5 years, and level of education) associated with the ownership of digital devices, use of internet, and interest in using a mobile phone to improve health. This study also examines if women are more likely to use mHealth for topics that they are less confident to talk about face-to-face with a health professional. METHODS: A national web-based cross-sectional survey targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age (16-49 years) was performed. Descriptive statistics were reported, and logistic regressions were used to examine the associations. RESULTS: In total, 379 women completed the survey; 89.2% (338/379) owned a smartphone, 53.5% (203/379) a laptop or home computer, 35.6% (135/379) a tablet, and 93.1% (353/379) had access to the internet at home. Most women used social media (337/379, 88.9%) or the internet (285/379, 75.2%) everyday. The most common modality used on the mobile phone for health was Google (232/379, 61.2%), followed by social media (195/379, 51.5%). The most preferred modality for future programs was SMS text messaging (211/379, 55.7%) and social media (195/379, 51.4%). The most preferred topics for future mHealth programs were healthy eating (210/379, 55.4%) and cultural engagement (205/379, 54.1%). Women who were younger had greater odds of owning a smartphone, and women with tertiary education were more likely to own a tablet or laptop. Older age was associated with interest to use telehealth, and higher educational attainment was associated with interest for videoconferencing. Most women (269/379, 70.9%) used an Aboriginal medical service and overall reported high rates of confidence to discuss health topics with a health professional. Overall, women showed a similar likelihood of selecting a topic in mHealth whether they were or were not confident to talk to a health professional about that. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were avid users of the internet and had strong interest in mHealth. Future mHealth programs for these women should consider utilizing SMS text messaging and social media modalities and including content on nutrition and culture. A noteworthy limitation of this study was that participant recruitment was web-based (due to COVID-19 restrictions).

Acceptability and feasibility of telehealth outpatient video-link consultations: A national cross-sectional survey of surgeons prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored use and perceived barriers to the use of post-operative video-link telehealth among a sample of Australian surgeons shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: During 2019-2020, a survey was mailed to RACS or RANZCOG Fellows. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 907 surgeons practising in Australia completed the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study-specific survey assessed telehealth use in the last 3 months and the perceived barriers and enablers to the use of post-operative teleconsultations, across the domains: quality of care; convenience and efficiency; legal/regulatory issues; financial issues and technological issues. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of eligible surgeons returned the survey, with n = 763 pre-pandemic responses included in analyses. Approximately one-quarter (26%) of surgeons had used telehealth post-operatively with patients in the last 3 months. The most frequently endorsed barriers to use related to quality of care: 'I cannot undertake a patient examination' and 'I cannot provide the same level of care as during an in-person consultation'; and convenience and efficiency: 'Teleconsultations are more difficult to arrange'. Surgeons who had recently used telehealth were less likely to endorse most barriers. Younger age, awareness of Medicare telehealth reimbursement and working in neurosurgery, urology, paediatric surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery (compared to general surgery) were associated with recent telehealth use by surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Some surgeons' perceived barriers to telehealth pre-COVID may be overcome by COVID-19-related telehealth uptake and familiarisation. However, many barriers will need to be addressed to ensure that telehealth adoption is sustained beyond the pandemic.

NSW Cannabis Medicines Advisory Service preliminary survey results: enquirer perceptions and patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In 2018, an innovative, State government-funded cannabis medicines drug information service was established for health professionals in New South Wales (NSW). The NSW Cannabis Medicines Advisory Service (CMAS) provides expert clinical guidance and support to medical practitioners considering prescribing a cannabis medicine to their patient(s). AIMS: This research examines quality assurance and patient outcomes related to enquirers' experience with NSW CMAS. METHODS: Data collection involved an online, anonymous survey with two components. Following a health professional enquiry, quality assurance data were collected about the enquirers' experience with NSW CMAS. The second survey focussed on patient outcomes and provides real-world observational data about cannabis medicines safety and effectiveness across a wide range of indications. RESULTS: Data collection occurred between January 2020 and June 2021. Preliminary analyses were based on 68 quality assurance and 50 patient outcomes survey responses. General practitioners represented the highest proportion of survey responses (n = 33; 49%). The most common enquiry involved 'patient-specific advice' (n = 50; 74%). Patient-specific information provided by the service was mainly used for prescribing decision support (n = 45; 90%). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings highlight the impact of an innovative cannabis medicines drug information service in supporting health professional clinical practice in an area of rapid knowledge translation. Quality assurance data indicate that the service is perceived well by the majority of enquirers. Patient outcomes data across a wide range of indications suggest some effectiveness and a reasonable safety profile for prescribed cannabis medicines for most patients.

Lung cancer stigma is a predictor for psychological distress: A longitudinal study. Lung cancer stigma is a predictor for psychological distress.

OBJECTIVES: To examine if baseline stigma predicts psychological distress at 3 and 6 months follow-up among patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer. METHODS: This longitudinal study was nested within a larger randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were recruited via respiratory and oncology out-patient clinics in Australia (n = 194). Consenting participants were asked to complete surveys at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-recruitment. Measures included lung cancer stigma (Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12 [GHQ-12]). RESULTS: One-hundred and ninety-four participants were included for analysis. Most were male (57.7%) with a mean age of 68 years (SD = 8.8). A significant relationship between baseline lung cancer stigma and psychological distress at 6 months was found, where a one unit increase in lung cancer stigma increases psychological distress by 0.044 when adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, baseline GHQ-12 scores and intervention allocation (as part of the larger trial; p = 0.001; ß = 0.044, 95% CI = 0.010, 0.079). CONCLUSION: Temporal links between lung cancer stigma and psychological distress was found at 6 months, suggesting stigma-related experiences may have a delayed impact. Development of routine lung cancer stigma assessments is recommended to identify those at risk of psychological distress.

Feasibility of a Mobile Health App for Routine Outcome Monitoring and Feedback in SMART Recovery Mutual Support Groups: Stage 1 Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Mutual support groups are an important source of long-term help for people impacted by addictive behaviors. Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) and feedback are yet to be implemented in these settings. SMART Recovery mutual support groups focus on self-empowerment and use evidence-based techniques (eg, motivational and behavioral strategies). Trained facilitators lead all SMART Recovery groups, providing an opportunity to implement ROM. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this stage 1 pilot study is to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a novel, purpose-built mobile health ROM and feedback app (SMART Track) in mutual support groups coordinated by SMART Recovery Australia (SRAU) over 8 weeks. METHODS: SMART Track was developed during phase 1 of this study using participatory design methods and an iterative development process. During phase 2, 72 SRAU group participants were recruited to a nonrandomized, prospective, single-arm trial of the SMART Track app. Four modes of data collection were used: ROM data directly entered by participants into the app; app data analytics captured by Amplitude Analytics (number of visits, number of unique users, visit duration, time of visit, and user retention); baseline, 2-, and 8-week follow-up assessments conducted through telephone; and qualitative telephone interviews with a convenience sample of study participants (20/72, 28%) and facilitators (n=8). RESULTS: Of the 72 study participants, 68 (94%) created a SMART Track account, 64 (88%) used SMART Track at least once, and 42 (58%) used the app for more than 5 weeks. During week 1, 83% (60/72) of participants entered ROM data for one or more outcomes, decreasing to 31% (22/72) by the end of 8 weeks. The two main screens designed to provide personal feedback data (Urges screen and Overall Progress screen) were the most frequently visited sections of the app. Qualitative feedback from participants and facilitators supported the acceptability of SMART Track and the need for improved integration into the SRAU groups. Participants reported significant reductions between the baseline and 8- week scores on the Severity of Dependence Scale (mean difference 1.93, SD 3.02; 95% CI 1.12-2.73) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10 (mean difference 3.96, SD 8.31; 95% CI 1.75-6.17), but no change on the Substance Use Recovery Evaluator (mean difference 0.11, SD 7.97; 95% CI -2.02 to 2.24) was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of SMART Track. Given that sustained engagement with mobile health apps is notoriously difficult to achieve, our findings are promising. SMART Track offers a potential solution for ROM and personal feedback, particularly for people with substance use disorders who attend mutual support groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619000686101; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377336. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/15113.

Nurses' perspectives of recognising and responding to unsafe practice by their peers: A national cross-sectional survey.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify behaviours and cues that nurses recognise as indications of unsafe practice, perceived factors that contribute to unsafe practice and actions nurses take in response. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: National cross-sectional survey of a random sample of registered nurses (n = 231) in New Zealand, in 2017-2018. The STROBE Checklist was used to report this study. RESULTS: Nurses reported a high rate of episodes of unsafe practices and recognised a range of behaviours and cues that alerted them to the potential for unsafe practice. Several organisational issues were perceived to contribute to unsafe practice occurring. The reporting of episodes of unsafe practice and perceived organisational support was low for nurses compared with managers. CONCLUSION: Failure to recognise and respond to unsafe practice may indicate a tolerance for substandard practice by individual nurses, or by the organisation. Nurses who recognise unsafe practice must be supported by the organisation.

Feasibility of Online Haemodiafiltration in Sleep Apnoea: A Randomized Crossover Study.

BACKGROUND: Sleep apnoea is prevalent in dialysis patients. Previous studies identified excessive inflammation in -patients with sleep apnoea. Online haemodiafiltration -(OL-HDF) may reduce systematic inflammation through better clearance of middle molecules. We aimed to determine the feasibility of OL-HDF in sleep apnoea management. METHODS: Eligible dialysis patients were screened for risk of sleep apnoea by nocturnal oximetry followed by a diagnostic sleep study to assess apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI). Patients with AHI ≥15/h were invited to a randomized crossover trial. The intervention was 2-month high-flux haemodialysis (HF-HD) followed by 2-month OL-HDF or vice versa with 1-month washout via HF-HD. Feasibility was assessed by patient recruitment and the primary outcome, severity of sleep apnoea (AHI). Secondary outcomes were pro-inflammatory cytokines, patient-reported daytime sleepiness, quality of sleep and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Of 65 participants at risk of sleep apnoea, only 15 were consented and randomized (mean age 70 years, 80% male, mean AHI 42.2/h). AHI was not statistically different between OL-HDF versus HF-HD (55.6/h vs. 48.3/h, p = 0.134); however, when sleep apnoea was stratified into obstructive and central apnoea, patients had less obstructive episodes after treated by OL-HDF (23.2/h vs. 18.6/h, p = 0.178); a sensitivity analysis was performed excluding outliers, and the treatment effect for obstructive episodes was found to be statistically significant (11.1 vs. 18.2/h, p = 0.019). Pro-inflammatory biomarkers and patient-reported outcomes were similar between OL-HDF and HF-HD. CONCLUSION: Patient recruitment was a major challenge in this feasibility study. OL-HDF may reduce obstructive sleep apnoea; however, the result needs to be confirmed by larger studies.

A Pilot Longitudinal Study of 3-Dimensional Head and Neck Kinematics During Functional Tasks in Individuals With Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain Either Wait-Listed for or Receiving Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Exercise.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between pain and movement kinematics during functional tasks, evaluated over time, in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain. METHODS: Ten participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain performed 2 functional tasks (overhead reach to the right and putting on a seatbelt) while evaluated using 8 Oqus 300+ cameras. Kinematic variables included joint angles and range of motion (ROM) (°), head segment relative to neck segment (head-neck [HN]); and head/neck segment relative to upper thoracic segment (head/neck-trunk), velocity (m/s), and time (% of movement phase). Pain was quantified using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Linear mixed effects regression models were used to analyze associations between pain and kinematic variables adjusting for treatment group. RESULTS: For overhead reach, higher pain was associated with less HN peak rotation at baseline (ß = -0.33; 95% CI -0.52 to -0.14, P = .003) and less HN total rotation ROM at 6 months (ß = -0.19; 95% CI -0.38 to -0.003, P = .048). For the seatbelt task, higher pain was associated with less HN peak rotation (ß = -0.52; 95% CI -0.74 to -0.30 to -0.74, P < .001) and less HN total rotation ROM at baseline (ß = -0.32; 95% CI -0.53 to -0.10, P = .006). No other movement variables demonstrated meaningful relationships with pain for the reach or seatbelt tasks. CONCLUSION: Higher pain is associated with less HN peak and total rotation during functional reaching tasks requiring head rotation. Recognizing altered functional kinematics in individuals with chronic neck pain may assist patient management.

An online cross-sectional survey of the health risk behaviours among informal caregivers.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Informal caregivers may experience unique barriers to engaging in healthy lifestyles, consequently increasing their risk of chronic disease. Among a convenience sample of informal caregivers, this study aimed to: (a) assess the self-reported health risk behaviours of low fruit and vegetable consumption, low physical activity, current smoking and hazardous alcohol consumption; (b) examine the demographic, caree condition and country of residence variables associated with each health risk behaviour; and (c) report the engagement in multiple health risk behaviours. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey among caregivers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States was conducted. Self-reported health risk behaviours were assessed and compared to key Australian healthy living guidelines. Logistic regression modelling identified participant factors associated with each health risk behaviour. RESULTS: Overall, 384 caregivers were included in the analysis. Hazardous alcohol consumption was the only self-reported health risk behaviour which was much higher than in the general population (60.0%). Caregiver age (P = .018) and country of residence (P = .015) were associated with hazardous alcohol consumption. A majority of caregivers reported engaging in three health risk behaviours (55.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers are engaging in a range of health risk behaviours; however, rates of hazardous alcohol consumption among the sample were high. Health promotion interventions targeted to address alcohol consumption should consider caregiver age and country of residence. SO WHAT?: This study highlights the health risk behaviours caregivers engage in across a number of countries, and suggests that caregivers require further support to manage alcohol consumption in particular.

Therapeutic Alliance Between Dietitians and Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: The Effect of Training in a Health Behavior Change Intervention.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between a clinician and their client-the "therapeutic alliance" is a robust predictor of outcome in healthcare settings; yet, few interventions to improve alliance have been tested. Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that embodies many principles and strategies consistent with a strong therapeutic alliance. PURPOSE: To examine whether alliance is enhanced by training dietitians to deliver a motivational interviewing informed health behavior change intervention ("Eating as Treatment"; EAT) as part of routine consultations with patients with head and neck cancer. The predictive ability of motivational interviewing techniques was also assessed. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the EAT stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy (n = 307) were treated by radiotherapy dietitians (n = 29) during the control (Treatment as Usual) or intervention (EAT) phase. Alliance was rated during the first and final weeks of radiotherapy, and again 4 and 12 weeks post-radiotherapy. Dietetic sessions were audiotaped. Week one sessions were objectively rated for dietitians' use of motivational interviewing techniques. RESULTS: Generalized linear-mixed effects regressions found no effect of EAT on dietitian-rated alliance (p = .237). After excluding outliers, patient-rated alliance was 0.29 points lower after EAT training (p = .016). Post hoc analyses revealed lower patient ratings on perceived support and dietitian confidence. Hierarchical multiple regressions found that no specific motivational interviewing techniques predicted patient-rated alliance. Dietitian acknowledgment of patient challenges was related to dietitian-rated alliance (ß =.15, p =.035). CONCLUSIONS: Patient and dietitian ratings of alliance were high after EAT training, but not significantly improved. Further research is needed to better understand the differential impact of intervention training and delivery on patient and clinician ratings of therapeutic alliance. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: Trial registration number ACTRN12613000320752.

Internet-Based Programs Incorporating Behavior Change Techniques Are Associated With Increased Smoking Cessation in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background and aims: This study aims to (i) examine the effectiveness of internet-based smoking cessation programs; (ii) describe the number and type of behavior change techniques (BCTs) employed; and (iii) explore whether BCTs included in internet-based smoking cessation programs are related to program effectiveness. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials were included if they described the study of a smoking cessation program delivered via the internet; included current adult tobacco smokers from the general population; and were written in English. Random effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were used to examine program effectiveness (pooled odds ratios, by outcome measure, i.e., 7 day point prevalence abstinence [PPA], 30 day PPA, other abstinence measure) in short- and long-term outcomes, and examine the associations between BCT number and type (individual BCTs and BCT domain) and program effectiveness. Results: Results from 45 studies were included (n = 65,736). Intervention effectiveness was found in the short term for all outcome measures (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.12, 1.50, p = .001), for "prolonged abstinence" (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.09, 1.87, p = .009), and "30 day PPA" (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.13, 2.72, p = .013). Internet-based programs were effective in the long term for all outcome measures (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.35, p = .004) and for "prolonged abstinence" (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.19, 1.63, p < .001). On average, interventions used more BCTs than comparison groups (6.6 vs. 3.1, p = .0002). The impact of specific individual BCTs and BCT domains on effectiveness was examined and is reported. Conclusions: Internet-based smoking cessation interventions increased the odds of cessation by 29 per cent in the short term and by 19 per cent in the long term. Internet-based smoking cessation intervention development should incorporate BCTs to increase effectiveness. Registration: CRD42015014676.

Comorbid tobacco and other substance use and symptoms of anxiety and depression among hospitalised orthopaedic trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: No study has examined the prevalence of tobacco, other substance use, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and rates of comorbidities among the orthopaedic trauma population, despite the impact they have on recovery from surgery. This study aims to 1) describe the rates of symptoms and substance use; 2) compare rates of symptoms and substance use among smokers versus non-smokers; and 3) examine the relationship between symptoms and substance use with smoking status. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of orthopaedic trauma patients was conducted in two Australian public hospitals. Demographic characteristics, smoking status, alcohol consumption, recent cannabis use, and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression were examined. Differences between current and non-smokers were compared using Pearson Chi2 tests. Multivariate logistic regression explored variables related to tobacco smoking. RESULTS: Eight hundred nineteen patients participated. Over one-fifth (21.8%) identified as a current smoker, half (51.8%) reported consuming alcohol at hazardous levels in the last 12 months, and about 10% stated that they had used cannabis in the last 30 days (9.7%), or experienced symptoms of either anxiety (12.4%), or depression (12.9%) in the last two weeks. Over one-fifth of current tobacco smokers (21.8%) reported drinking heavily in the last 12 months and using cannabis recently. Males, with a lower educational attainment, who were unmarried, had used cannabis recently, and report drinking heavily were more likely to be current smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Health behaviour interventions addressing comorbidities are warranted among the orthopaedic trauma population given the high rate of comorbidity and impact these may have on recovery.

Eligibility for anti-fibrotic treatment in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis depends on the predictive equation used for pulmonary function testing.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Publicly funded therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) relies on percentage predicted values from pulmonary function testing, for example Australian patients must have a forced vital capacity ≥50% (%FVC), transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide ≥ 30% (%TLco) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 )/FVC ratio > 0.7. Despite defined cut-off values, no jurisdiction prescribes a reference equation for use; multiple equations exist. We hypothesized that access to subsidized treatment varies depending on the chosen equation. The %FVC and %TLco from different commonly used reference equations across general respiratory patients, and IPF-specific patients, were compared. METHODS: FVC and TLco measurements from a large general respiratory laboratory and the Australian Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry (AIPFR) database were analysed using multiple equations. Differences between %FVC and %TLco for each equation were calculated, with particular interest in classification of patients (%) at the threshold for subsidized treatment. RESULTS: A total of 20 378 general respiratory database results were analysed. The %FVC ≥ 50% increased from 86% with the Roca equation to 96% with Quanjer (European Coal and Steal Community, ECSC) and %TLco≥30% increased from 91% with Paoletti to 98% with Thompson. However, overall increase in eligibility for subsidized treatment was modest, varying from 48.2% to 49.2%. A total of 545 AIPFR database results were analysed. The %FVC ≥ 50% increased from 73% with Roca to 94% with Quanjer (ECSC) and %TLco≥30% increased from 87% with Paoletti to 96% with Miller. Overall eligibility for subsidized treatment in the AIPFR group varied from 73.6% to 82.8% between surveyed interstitial lung disease (ILD) centres based entirely on the equation used. CONCLUSION: Substantial variability exists between reference equations, impacting access to subsidized treatment. Treating clinicians should be aware of this when assessing patients around public funding thresholds.

Parent hazardous drinking and their children's alcohol use in early and mid-adolescence: prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Why adolescents' drinking is associated with their parents' drinking remains unclear. We examined associations in a prospective cohort study, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and family factors. METHODS: We recruited 1927 children from grade 7 classes (mean age 13 years), and one of their parents, in three Australian states, contacted participants annually from 2010 to 2014, and analysed data from assessments at ages 13, 14, 15 and 16 years. We used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) subscale to identify hazardous drinking in parents (score ≥5) and children (score ≥3) and constructed mixed-effect logistic regression models, accounting for clustering within school and adjusting for likely confounders. We evaluated the sensitivity of estimates by imputing missing values assuming the data were missing at random vs. missing not at random. RESULTS: Parent hazardous drinking predicted mid-adolescent hazardous drinking, e.g. 15 years olds whose parents [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.00; 95% confidence interval 1.51-2.64] or parents' partners (aOR 1.94; 1.48-2.55) were hazardous drinkers had higher odds of being hazardous drinkers at age 16. The magnitude of univariate associations changed little after adjusting for covariates, and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the association, across a wide range of assumptions about the missing data. CONCLUSIONS: The associations between parents' and their adolescent children's hazardous drinking are unlikely to be due to confounding by socio-demographic and family factors. Parents should be encouraged, and supported by public policy, to reduce their own alcohol consumption in order to reduce their children's risk of becoming hazardous drinkers.

Help-seeking behaviour in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients: Assessing the role of perceived stigma.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored help-seeking behaviours, group identification, and perceived legitimacy of discrimination, and its potential relationship with perceived lung cancer stigma. METHODS: Consecutive consenting adults (n = 274) with a primary diagnosis of lung cancer within the previous 4 months were recruited at 31 outpatient clinics in Australia. A self-report survey assessed help-seeking, group identification, perceived legitimacy of discrimination, and perceived lung cancer stigma. RESULTS: Services providing assistance from health professionals (69.5%) and informational support (68.5%) were more frequently used than emotional-based support. Only a small proportion (2.6%) of participants were unlikely to seek help from anyone, with the most popular sources of help being the general practitioner (91.0%), and oncologist/treating clinician (81.3%). One-fifth (21.1%) indicated they identified with being a lung cancer patient, and most did not perceive discrimination against lung cancer patients. Higher perceived lung cancer stigma was significantly associated with greater perceived legitimacy of discrimination (P < 0.001), but not help-seeking behaviours or group identification. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between lung cancer stigma and perceived legitimacy of discrimination may guide initiatives to reduce stigma for patients. It is encouraging that perceived stigma did not appear to inhibit help-seeking behaviours. However, further research in this emerging field is needed to investigate patterns of perceived stigma and help-seeking over time to identify how and when to offer support services most appropriate to the needs of lung cancer patients.

Smoking cessation intervention delivered by social service organisations for a diverse population of Australian disadvantaged smokers: A pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: There remains a need to identify effective smoking cessation interventions in severely disadvantaged populations. This trial aimed to examine the effectiveness of an intervention (Call it Quits) developed to promote smoking cessation and delivered by community social service case-workers. METHODS: Call it Quits was a pragmatic, parallel randomised trial of a case-worker delivered smoking cessation intervention conducted in a non-government community social service organisation in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Adult smokers requiring financial assistance were randomly assigned to the five-session Call it Quits intervention or usual care control group. Of the 618 eligible individuals, 300 were randomised to the intervention group, of whom 187 (62%) consented and 318 were randomised to the control group, of whom 244 (77%) consented, resulting in 431 participants. The primary outcome measure was self-reported continuous abstinence up to 6-month follow-up with biochemical verification. Primary analysis was performed using all the available data from participants under the assumption the data is missing completely at random, followed by sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in the primary outcome were found (1.4% in the control group versus 1.0% in the intervention group, OR = 0.77, p = 0.828). CONCLUSIONS: A multi-component smoking cessation intervention delivering motivational interviewing-based counselling and free NRT by a trained case-worker within a community social service setting was not effective at achieving abstinence in a highly disadvantaged sample of smokers but increased attempts to stop and led to a reduction in number of cigarettes smoked daily.