The prevalence of psychological distress in adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes: Data from the Australian 3D case-series study.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: This cross-sectional analysis of the Australian 3D study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and describe its associated characteristics in adults recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Adults (aged 18 years and over) who were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (<6 months prior) were recruited through the Australian National Diabetes Services Scheme in 2018-2019. Demographic and health data were collected via interview-administered telephone surveys. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse whether demographic, self-care and clinical characteristics were associated with psychological distress, as measured by the K10 questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the participants (n = 223), 26.3% presented with psychological distress, with 8.4% reporting mild, 8.4% reporting moderate and 9.5% reporting severe psychological distress. Neither age, sex, body mass index or taking anti-depressant medications were associated with the presence of psychological distress (p > .05). Being a smoker, living situation, less physical activity and poorer healthy eating beliefs and intentions were significantly associated with psychological distress in those not taking anti-depressant medications (p < .05). Being female was significantly associated with psychological distress in those taking anti-depressant medications (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The study found that psychological distress is highly prevalent in adults recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Behavioural factors such as smoking and low physical activity, as well as psycho-social factors such as living situation, poor healthy eating beliefs and intentions were significantly associated with psychological distress. This has implications for the management of people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. SO WHAT?: Psychological distress is highly prevalent in Australian adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced psychological care to support this group.

Aligning the logics of inquiry and action to address the biodiversity crisis.

Despite an abundance of research reaffirming biodiversity's importance to the health of the planet and society, species continue to go extinct at an alarming rate. Why has continued research on the value of biodiversity not had the intended effect and what can be done about it? We considered biodiversity loss as a public value failure and the result of a misalignment between the logic of inquiry (which guides scientists) and the logic of action (which guides practitioners). We drew lessons from our own research to propose the creation of a national biodiversity strategy designed to link the logic of inquiry with the logic of action and coordinate the production of actionable conservation science and informed conservation action.

Alineación de la lógica de la investigación y de la acción para abordar la crisis de la biodiversidad Resumen Aunque abundan los estudios que reafirman la importancia de la biodiversidad para la salud del planeta y la sociedad, la tasa de extinción de las especies es alarmante. ¿Por qué no han tenido el efecto previsto los estudios continuos sobre el valor de la biodiversidad y qué se puede hacer al respecto? Consideramos la pérdida de la biodiversidad como un fracaso del valor público y como el resultado del desajuste entre la lógica de la investigación (que guía a los científicos) y la lógica de la acción (que guía a los practicantes). Sacamos lecciones de nuestros propios estudios para proponer la creación de una estrategia nacional de biodiversidad diseñada para conectar ambas lógicas y coordinar la producción de ciencia práctica para la conservación y de acciones de conservación informadas.

Five approaches to producing actionable science in conservation.

The knowledge produced by conservation scientists must be actionable in order to address urgent conservation challenges. To understand the process of creating actionable science, we interviewed 71 conservation scientists who had participated in 1 of 3 fellowship programs focused on training scientists to become agents of change. Using a grounded theory approach, we identified 16 activities that these researchers employed to make their scientific products more actionable. Some activities were more common than others and, arguably, more foundational. We organized these activities into 3 nested categories (motivations, strategies, and tactics). Using a co-occurrence matrix, we found that most activities were positively correlated. These correlations allowed us to identify 5 approaches, framed as profiles, to actionable science: the discloser, focused on open access; the educator, focused on science communication; the networker, focused on user needs and building relationships; the collaborator, focused on boundary spanning; and the pluralist, focused on knowledge coproduction resulting in valuable outcomes for all parties. These profiles build on one another in a hierarchy determined by their complexity and level of engagement, their potential to support actionable science, and their proximity to ideal coproduction with knowledge users. Our results provide clear guidance for conservation scientists to generate actionable science to address the global biodiversity conservation challenge.

Cinco estrategias para producir ciencia práctica en la conservación Resumen El conocimiento producido por los científicos de la conservación debe ser práctico para poder abordar los obstáculos urgentes que enfrenta la conservación. Entrevistamos a 71 científicos de la conservación que participaron en uno de los tres programas de becas enfocados en la formación de científicos como agentes de cambio para entender el proceso de creación de la ciencia práctica. Usamos una estrategia de teoría fundamentada para identificar 16 actividades empleadas por estos investigadores para hacer más prácticos sus productos científicos. Algunas actividades fueron más comunes que otras y, probablemente, más fundamentales. Organizamos estas actividades en tres categorías anidadas: motivaciones, estrategias y tácticas. Con una matriz de co-ocurrencia, encontramos que la mayoría de las actividades estaban correlacionadas positivamente. Estas correlaciones nos permitieron identificar cinco estrategias, encuadradas como perfiles, para la ciencia práctica: la reveladora, enfocada en el acceso abierto; la educativa, enfocada en la comunicación de la ciencia; la interconectora, enfocada en las necesidades del usuario y en construir relaciones; la colaborativa, enfocada en la expansión de las fronteras; y la pluralista, enfocada en la coproducción del conocimiento como el origen de resultados valiosos para todas las partes. Estas estrategias se apoyan entre sí en una jerarquía determinada por su complejidad y el nivel de compromiso, su potencial para apoyar la ciencia práctica y su proximidad a la coproducción ideal con los usuarios del conocimiento. Nuestros resultados proporcionan directrices claras para que los científicos de la conservación generen ciencia práctica para abordar los retos de conservación que enfrenta la biodiversidad mundial.

Patient and clinician perspectives of factors that influence the delivery of alcohol brief interventions in Australian primary care: a qualitative descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Brief interventions (BIs) delivered in primary care can reduce harmful alcohol consumption. Yet, clinicians do not routinely offer BIs to reduce harmful alcohol use. OBJECTIVE: We explored the perspectives of clinicians and patients about the use of alcohol BIs during consultations in Australian primary care. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups (face-to-face and virtual) were undertaken with 34 general practitioners, eight practice nurses and 17 patients. Field notes were made from audio-recordings and themes were identified using a descriptive qualitative approach with the field notes as the point of data analysis. RESULTS: Participants identified barriers within the consultation, practice setting and wider healthcare system plus across the community which reduce the delivery of BIs in primary care including: Australian drinking norms; inconsistent public health messaging around alcohol harm; primary care not recognized as a place to go for help; community stigma towards alcohol use; practice team culture towards preventive health, including systems for recording alcohol histories; limitations of clinical software and current patient resources. CONCLUSION: Multiple layers of the healthcare system influence the use of BIs in primary care. Identified facilitators for embedding BIs in primary care included: (i) raising community and clinician awareness of the health harms of alcohol, (ii) reinforcing a primary care culture that promotes prevention and, (iii) supportive resources to facilitate discussion about alcohol use and strategies to reduce intake. Alcohol BIs in primary care could be further supported by community public health messages about alcohol use.

Alcohol is a major source of harm in the community and primary care (including family doctor and general practice settings) can play a role in reducing harmful alcohol use. When clinicians talk to their patients about alcohol use, research has shown they can reduce how much they drink each week. We spoke with general practitioners, nurses and patients in Australia to work out what is getting in the way of conversations about alcohol in primary care. We found that both clinicians and patients think we need to raise community awareness about the health harms of alcohol, that there are health system barriers, and there could be better resources to use in consultations. Low-income patients are particularly disadvantaged by financial costs associated with alcohol and counselling services when they seek help. To increase conversations about alcohol in primary care, it could be more helpful to target the broader community, the health system and primary care.

Factors contributing to the mental health outcomes of carers during the transition of their family member to residential aged care: a systematic search and narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: The transition of an older family member into a residential aged care facility (RACF) is often challenging for both the person being admitted and their family carer. This review aimed to identify the protective and contributing factors to adverse mental health outcomes among family carers following the decision to move a family member to a RACF. METHOD: A search of CINAHL, PubMed and PsycINFO was conducted for empirical papers published in English between 2004 and 2019, exploring the mental health or quality of life (QoL) of family carers of those recently admitted, or considering admission, to a RACF. Articles were reviewed by two authors for inclusion. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Pre-existing depressive symptoms and poor subjective health were related to adverse mental health outcomes following admission. Information from the facility, support to change roles, and factors related to carer's health and demographics, were associated with changes in the mental health outcomes of carers during the transition of their relative to a RACF. Key protective factors of carer's mental health outcomes following the transition of their relative to a RACF are flow and transparency of information between carer and the facility staff, and staff efforts to involve carers in providing emotional support to their relative, in monitoring care, and advocating for their quality of life. CONCLUSION: There is evidence to suggest factors such lack of flow and transparency of information between carer and the facility staff may predispose carers to poor mental health and QoL following the transition of a relative to a RACF. Key protective factors of carer's mental health following admission are staff efforts to involve carers in providing emotional support to their relative, in monitoring care, and advocating for their quality of life. This review also indicates that the combination of factors that puts family carers more at risk of poor mental health and lower quality of life throughout the transition period. Policy and practice should follow recommendations that consider a combination of the above factors when addressing the needs of family carers before and after admission of an older person to RACF.

General practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices surrounding the prescription of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation: a mixed-methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: General practitioners (GPs) play an important role in providing patients who smoke with health information, support and treatment to encourage them to quit smoking. Despite conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as a smoking cessation aid, there is growing interest in the role e-cigarettes might play as an alternative to smoking tobacco. This systematic review aims to synthesise evidence from qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies of the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and social norms of GPs with respect to the use of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids. METHODS: This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies from MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, EMBASE and grey literature were searched. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full-text articles to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. A data extraction form was used to extract relevant data from included papers and were quality appraised using the MMAT checklist. A PRISMA flow diagram was used to record the flow of papers and reasons for exclusion. Studies were included if they collected quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods data to determine knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and social norms of GPs for use of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids. RESULTS: A total of 4056 abstracts were screened and 25 articles were included. Our findings showed that GPs had mixed views on recommending e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid. Some GPs were optimistic and had recommended e-cigarettes to their patients. Others were reluctant and disagreed that e-cigarettes are an effective method to quit smoking. Most GPs lacked knowledge and confidence in having discussions with patients around e-cigarette safety and efficacy as smoking cessation alternatives. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows there are mixed views on e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids. Clear guidance on the role of e-cigarettes is needed to inform and upskill GPs about e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021227612.

Oral corticosteroids stewardship for asthma in adults and adolescents: A position paper from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used for asthma treatment. This medication is highly effective for both acute and chronic diseases, but evidence indicates that indiscriminate OCS use is common, posing a risk of serious side effects and irreversible harm. There is now an urgent need to introduce OCS stewardship approaches, akin to successful initiatives that optimized appropriate antibiotic usage. The aim of this TSANZ (Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand) position paper is to review current knowledge pertaining to OCS use in asthma and then delineate principles of OCS stewardship. Recent evidence indicates overuse and over-reliance on OCS for asthma and that doses >1000 mg prednisolone-equivalent cumulatively are likely to have serious side effects and adverse outcomes. Patient perspectives emphasize the detrimental impacts of OCS-related side effects such as weight gain, insomnia, mood disturbances and skin changes. Improvements in asthma control and prevention of exacerbations can be achieved by improved inhaler technique, adherence to therapy, asthma education, smoking cessation, multidisciplinary review, optimized medications and other strategies. Recently, add-on therapies including novel biological agents and macrolide antibiotics have demonstrated reductions in OCS requirements. Harm reduction may also be achieved through identification and mitigation of predictable adverse effects. OCS stewardship should entail greater awareness of appropriate indications for OCS prescription, risk-benefits of OCS medications, side effects, effective add-on therapies and multidisciplinary review. If implemented, OCS stewardship can ensure that clinicians and patients with asthma are aware that OCS should not be used lightly, while providing reassurance that asthma can be controlled in most people without frequent use of OCS.

The opioid-prescribing practices of Australian general practice registrars: an interview study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately half of the opioids prescribed by Australian GP and GP registrars are for chronic non-cancer pain-despite limited therapeutic benefit, and serious risks of harm. Understanding the factors driving non-evidence-based opioid prescribing may improve GP training and education. OBJECTIVE: To explore attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and self-reported factors influencing the opioid-prescribing decisions of Australian GP registrars. METHODS: Telephone interviews were undertaken with 20 GP registrars in 2018-19. Interviews were 30-60 minutes in duration, audio-recorded and de-identified. Braun and Clarke's 6-phase framework was adopted for reflexive thematic analysis of data and managed using QSR NVivo software. RESULTS: Twenty registrars were recruited; 8 men and 12 women. Three themes were identified. SUPPORT AND SUPERVISION: Difficult chronic pain consultations negatively affected the registrar well-being. Registrars role modelled their supervisors' opioid-prescribing practices, even if they perceived it to be unsafe. CONFIDENCE: Registrars lacked confidence in initiating, prescribing and weaning opioids, recognizing drug-seeking behaviours and declining to prescribe-but felt confident in their knowledge of opioid pharmacology. SAFETY: Registrars were aware of evidence-based prescribing recommendations and risk reduction strategies but struggled to translate this into practice. CONCLUSIONS: Non-evidence-based opioid prescribing by Australian GP registrars is multifactorial. Emotionally difficult pain consultations, poor supervision and low prescriber confidence may contribute to unsafe prescribing. Improving registrar prescribing may require interventions to improve risk reduction, training in communication and role modelling by supervisors.

Impact of Glycosylation on the Comparability of the Higher-Order Structures in Idursulfase by Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry.

Characterization of the higher-order structures in idursulfase (iduronate-2-sulfatase, I2S) has been accomplished through the use of hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). The method has over 97% sequence coverage, including seven of the eight glycosylation sites, and has been used to study the impact of glycosylation on backbone proton exchange. In addition, the method adapted a well-used biophysical spectra comparison method (similarity scoring) to define quantitative acceptance criteria for analytical comparability of different batches of drug substance as well as samples with modulated glycans. Differences in the HDX profile were induced by enzymatic removal of terminal sialic and phosphate groups on negatively charged glycans. These differences were mapped to the crystal structure and demonstrated synergistic HDX changes focused around the N221 and N255 glycosylation sites, which contain mannose-6-phosphate motifs important for I2S uptake into cells.

Qualitative insights into the opioid prescribing practices of Australian GP.

BACKGROUND: Over the last three decades, Australian opioid-prescribing rates and related morbidity and mortality have dramatically increased. Opioids are frequently prescribed by general practitioners (GPs) to manage chronic non-cancer pain, despite evidence-based recommendations from the Centre for Disease Control, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and World Health Organization widely cautioning their use. Little is known about the factors influencing the opioid prescribing decisions of Australian GPs, especially when not evidence based. OBJECTIVE: To explore the opioid prescribing knowledge, attitudes and practices of Australian GPs. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 20 GPs recruited from the Monash University practice-based research network in metropolitan, southeastern Melbourne. Thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes. Data were managed using QSR NVivo. Ethics approval was granted by Monash University. RESULTS: Three key themes emerged. GP attitudes towards opioid use for chronic pain varied by age of patient and goals for therapy. Use of opioids for elderly patients was positively perceived. GPs were reluctant to use opioids in younger patients due to fears of addiction and difficulty weaning. GPs felt obliged to prescribe opioids recommended by specialists, even if they believed the opioids were unsafe. CONCLUSION: This study identified and described the patient-centred nature of GP opioid prescribing decisions. Patient age and perceived age-related opioid harm were important factors influencing prescribing decisions. Future work should inform interventions that value GP autonomy while still encouraging a collaborative inter-speciality approach to managing chronic pain patients with opioids.

Healthcare professionals providing care coordination to people living with multimorbidity: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the healthcare professionals (HCP) experience of providing care coordination to people living with multimorbidity. BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in improving care of people living with multimorbidity who need care coordination to help manage their health. Little is known about the experiences of HCP working with people living with multimorbidity. DESIGN: Phenomenological approach to understanding the experiences of HCP. METHODS: We interviewed 18 HCP, including 11 registered nurses, working in care coordination in Melbourne, Australia. We used interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify themes from descriptions of providing care, identifying and responding to a person's needs, and the barriers and facilitators to providing person-centred care. RESULTS: We identified four themes as follows: (a) Challenge of focusing on the person; (b) "Hear their story," listening to and giving time to clients to tell their story; (c) Strategies for engagement in the programme; and, (d) "See the bigger picture," looking beyond the disease to the needs of a person. Our results are reported using COREQ. CONCLUSIONS: The HCP experienced challenges to a traditional approach to care when focusing on the person. They described providing care that was person-centred, and acknowledged that optimal, guideline-oriented care might not be achieved. They took the necessary time to hear the story and see the context of the person's life, to help the person manage their health. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: For registered nurses in care coordination programmes, focusing on the client may challenge traditional approaches to care. Providing care involves developing a relationship with the client to optimise health outcomes. Experienced registered nurses appear to use skills in reflective practice and accept the parameters of care to improve the client's health and well-being.

A state-of-the-art review of the experience of care coordination interventions for people living with multimorbidity.

AIM: To explore recent research on care coordination interventions for people living with multimorbidity, from the perspective of the person receiving care. BACKGROUND: Care coordination interventions for people living with multimorbidity show some effectiveness in improving management of their health and reducing potentially preventable hospitalisations. The experience of people enrolled in care coordination interventions requires further exploration. DESIGN: State-of-the-art review. METHODS: A review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist where five databases (The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL and MEDLINE) were searched for qualitative sources published from January 2008-March 2019. Two additional databases focused on multimorbidity and integrated care were included in the search. Titles, abstracts and full texts were screened using inclusion criteria. Reference lists of the included articles were hand-searched. Summary tables were developed for data extraction, and the data were mapped to the research question. RESULTS: Eighteen primary research articles were included. Three themes of participant experience were identified: (a) relationships built on trust, (b), a sense of safety and security and (c) feeling cared for and respected. CONCLUSION: The contribution of qualitative approaches to evaluating the experiences of care for people living with multimorbidity is growing. Participants' describe a focus on relationships formed with healthcare professionals during care coordination. Further research incorporating lived experiences of participants could illuminate these concepts further. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: People living with multimorbidity who require assistance via care coordination value trusting relationships with healthcare professionals, who respect their needs and provide a sense of security. Understanding participant experiences is important to shape care coordination interventions that incorporate person-centred approaches.

A CD80-Biased CTLA4-Ig Fusion Protein with Superior In Vivo Efficacy by Simultaneous Engineering of Affinity, Selectivity, Stability, and FcRn Binding.

Affinity- and stability-engineered variants of CTLA4-Ig fusion molecules with enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles could yield improved therapies with the potential of higher efficacy and greater convenience to patients. In this study, to our knowledge, we have, for the first time, used in vitro evolution to simultaneously optimize CTLA4 affinity and stability. We selected for improved binding to both ligands, CD80 and CD86, and screened as dimeric Fc fusions directly in functional assays to identify variants with stronger suppression of in vitro T cell activation. The majority of CTLA4 molecules showing the largest potency gains in primary in vitro and ex vivo human cell assays, using PBMCs from type 1 diabetes patients, had significant improvements in CD80, but only modest gains in CD86 binding. We furthermore observed different potency rankings between our lead molecule MEDI5265, abatacept, and belatacept, depending on which type of APC was used, with MEDI5265 consistently being the most potent. We then created fusions of both stability- and potency-optimized CTLA4 moieties with human Fc variants conferring extended plasma t1/2 In a cynomolgus model of T cell-dependent Ab response, the CTLA4-Ig variant MEDI5265 could be formulated at >100 mg/ml for s.c. administration and showed superior efficacy and significantly prolonged serum t1/2 The combination of higher stability and potency with prolonged pharmacokinetics could be compatible with very infrequent, s.c. dosing while maintaining a similar level of immune suppression to more frequently and i.v. administered licensed therapies.

Identifying cisplatin-induced kidney damage in paediatric oncology patients.

Cisplatin is one chemotherapeutic agent used to treat childhood cancer in numerous treatment protocols, including as a single agent. It is likely to remain in clinical use over the long term. However, cisplatin-related toxicities, including neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, are common, affecting treatment, day-to-day life and survival of such children. With one in 700 young adults having survived childhood cancer, patients who have completed chemotherapy that includes cisplatin can experience long-term morbidity due to treatment-related adverse reactions. A better understanding of these toxicities is essential to facilitate prevention, surveillance and management. This review article discusses the effect of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity (Cis-N) in children and considers the underlying mechanisms. We focus on clinical features and identification of Cis-N (e.g. investigations and biomarkers) and the importance of magnesium homeostasis and supplementation.

"Do they think I'm good enough?": General practitioners' experiences when treating doctor-patients.

BACKGROUND: When doctors seek medical care, there is evidence that the treating doctor can struggle to provide optimal treatment. Guidelines state that doctor-patients should be treated like any other patient, but this is challenging for the treating doctor. This study set out to explore both the positive experiences general practitioners (GPs) have when caring for doctor-patients, and the challenges they confront. It sought to identify whether GPs believe they treat doctor-patients differently to other patients and if so, in what ways, for what reasons, and how this impacts their provision of care. The study also aimed to develop a model that makes sense of GPs' experiences when caring for a patient who is also a medical doctor. METHOD: Qualitative in-depth interviews with 26 GPs were carried out, with analysis of de-identified transcripts using pragmatic grounded theory. Evolving understandings were used to develop a model to make sense of GPs' experiences caring for their doctor-patients. RESULTS: The core aspects of GPs' experiences of treating fellow doctors centred around concepts of respect and collegiality. These play a central role in mediating how a treating doctor experiences a consultation with a doctor-patient, influencing the quality of care provided. GPs shared that the use of medical language (and assumptions about the doctor-patient's knowledge/behaviours), testing, the exploration of sensitive issues, and the degree of shared decision-making were areas where their treatment might vary when treating a doctor-patient. Treating doctors often experience anxiety about errors and the likely scrutiny from the medical, and wider community. The decision to treat the doctor-patient differently was driven by a desire to maintain a sense of collegiality, to not offend, to meet their doctor-patient's expectations, and to appear competent. CONCLUSION: The professional socialisation of doctors, with its emphasis on collegiality and respect, plays a significant role in the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship when a doctor treats a doctor-patient. Current guidelines make little reference to these dynamics with the over-simplified 'keep it normal' recommendations. Treating doctors need evidence-informed training to navigate these challenges and ensure they can effectively deliver quality care to their doctor-patients.

'Why do we have to be the gatekeepers?' Australian general practitioners' knowledge, attitudes and prescribing intentions on e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid.

BACKGROUND: A significant policy change impacting the availability of nicotine for use in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in Australia took effect from October 1, 2021. This change meant that nicotine containing liquids for use with e-cigarettes would only be available by prescription from a medical practitioner as part of a smoking cessation plan. This study aimed to explore general practitioners (GPs) perceptions about the role of e-cigarettes, and understand factors informing their intentions to prescribe e-cigarettes as part of a smoking cessation plan. METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen GPs. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to classify, describe and report themes in the data. QSR NVivo was used to aid coding, thematic analysis and retrieval of quotes. RESULTS: Participants had diverse views on recommending and prescribing e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids to patients. Some participants were willing to prescribe e-cigarettes to patients if other methods of smoking cessation had not worked but there were concerns, and uncertainty, about the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. There was poor understanding of the current policy and legislation about e-cigarettes in Australia. Mostly the participants in this sample did not feel confident or comfortable to prescribe, or have discussions about e-cigarettes with patients. CONCLUSION: The participants of this study held diverse attitudes on recommending and prescribing e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. Clarity in guidelines and consumer product information are required to enable GPs to provide consistent and accurate advice to patients that wish to use e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid.

GP Engagement: A Proposed Model to Guide Engagement Activities in Australian Primary Health Networks.

BACKGROUND: Engagement with general practice is a requirement of Australia's Primary Health Networks (PHNs). We propose a model for engagement that draws on principles of stakeholder and clinician engagement, tailored to meet the needs of PHNs and general practitioners (GPs). METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to identify components, challenges, and approaches to optimizing clinician engagement. Interviews with GPs (n = 18), other practice staff (n = 12), PHN staff, and other stakeholders (n = 15) across 3 PHN regions in Victoria, Australia, were used to identify perceived needs of GPs and opportunities for engagement with PHNs. Interview transcripts, notes, and contact summaries were collated and organized using QSR NVivo to support the process of coding and identification of common themes and perspectives. Information from the literature and interviews was synthesized to inform development of a model for GP engagement that could guide GP strategy and engagement activities undertaken by PHNs. FINDINGS: PHNs engaged with GPs for accreditation, quality improvement, data sharing, continuing professional development, commissioning, and population health initiatives, among others. GPs were motivated to engage with PHNs, however, the roles of PHNs and benefits of engagement were not always clear. A model to support PHN engagement with general practice was developed comprising: (1) Organizational values for engagement; (2) Needs of GPs; (3) Areas of engagement; (4) Stages of engagement; (5) Communication planning; and (6) Monitoring and Evaluation. CONCLUSION: The proposed model represents contemporary understanding in clinician engagement, drawing upon concepts from community and stakeholder engagement, and extending established models for engagement into the setting of general practice.

Mental health outcomes of family carers after admission to aged care: A cross-sectional survey study.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the predictors of poor mental health outcomes among family carers of residents after transitioning into residential aged care. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, five groups of variables were evaluated as predictors: caregiver demographics; caregiving load; resident-related variables; loneliness and visiting frequency; and the impact of the COVID-19 context. A total of 309 primary family contacts of all residents of two residential aged care organisations in the state of Victoria (Australia) participated in the study (response rate 19%). The K-10 and the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers were used to measure the primary outcomes. We compared psychological distress and burden outcomes between carers whose relative was admitted within the last 12 months, or longer than 12 months ago. RESULTS: Time since admission (<12 months or >12 months) did not affect the level of psychological distress (t (238) = -.08, p = .94) or subjective burden (t (245) = -.89, p = .38). Being a woman, a spouse, speaking a language other than English at home, being less satisfied with the support offered by the facility, not feeling supported in the decision to admit their relative, being lonely and providing higher levels of care preadmission were predictors of poor mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Older women with low-English proficiency who were primary carers and are socially isolated, are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes and need additional support. These findings may inform the development of screening tools and tailored interventions to support this population during and after the transition process.

Characterizing pulmonary rehabilitation referrals from primary care.

BACKGROUND: Supporting referral to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) from primary care for people with chronic lung disease could improve equity of access. Understanding who is referred to PR from primary care, and by whom, could inform development of strategies to increase awareness of and referral to PR for people with chronic respiratory disease. We aimed to quantify the proportion of patients referred to PR from primary care in an Australian metropolitan setting; and to identify characteristic features of patients and referrers. METHODS: A retrospective, single-site, audit of referrals was undertaken. Corresponding patient medical records were reviewed for referral details, patient demographics and baseline PR assessment measures. RESULTS: Between January 2020 and December 2023 658 referrals to PR were received of which 6.2 % (n = 41) originated from a primary care source (98 % general practice; 2 % allied health). People referred to PR from primary care were typically diagnosed with COPD (71 %), were female (59 %), had moderate disease severity (mean(SD) forced expiratory volume in 1 s 70(26) %predicted) and had mild symptoms (53 % modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score 0 or 1) and modest functional impairment (6-min walk distance 410(121) meters). Just 4 of 36 primary care practitioners referred more than one patient. CONCLUSION: In this audit the proportion of people referred to PR from primary care was very low. Processes to support the referral of more patients from primary care to PR, across the spectrum of chronic respiratory disease, remain a priority for improving access to this well-established treatment.