Claire Treadgold, Erika Fortunati, Rob Doyle, Jo Dann, Aunty Kerrie Doyle
Objective: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, particularly those in remote Australia, face disproportionately higher rates of preventable health conditions and disability. Early intervention is considered particularly important for this demographic, but previous attempts have had limited success.
Design: In response to a need identified by the Cherbourg Health Service, Starlight Children's Foundation Australia (Starlight) partnered with them to host a unique "third birthday party" event in Cherbourg, Queensland.
Setting and participants: The event aimed to provide health checks and a culturally sensitive, positive healthcare experience for three-year-old children and the Cherbourg community, incorporating key health service providers and Starlight "Captains" to facilitate the health checks and activities/games.
Main outcome measure(s): To evaluate the third birthday party health initiative, the main outcome measures were the strengths and future considerations and improvements of the event.
Result: The quantitative and qualitative data highlighted the event's success in promoting an effective and positive community-led healthcare experience by employing a unique, prevention-focused methodology, with benefits extending from the community to health staff and students.
Conclusion: Overall, the Cherbourg third birthday party serves as a model for culturally appropriate early health interventions in Australia, offering valuable insights to enhance healthcare promotion, access, and engagement for Indigenous children and communities.
{"title":"Cake, Checkups, and Captain Starlight: Evaluating the Cherbourg Third Birthday Party Health Initiative for Children in Rural Australia.","authors":"Claire Treadgold, Erika Fortunati, Rob Doyle, Jo Dann, Aunty Kerrie Doyle","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70082","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, particularly those in remote Australia, face disproportionately higher rates of preventable health conditions and disability. Early intervention is considered particularly important for this demographic, but previous attempts have had limited success.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>In response to a need identified by the Cherbourg Health Service, Starlight Children's Foundation Australia (Starlight) partnered with them to host a unique \"third birthday party\" event in Cherbourg, Queensland.</p><p><strong>Setting and participants: </strong>The event aimed to provide health checks and a culturally sensitive, positive healthcare experience for three-year-old children and the Cherbourg community, incorporating key health service providers and Starlight \"Captains\" to facilitate the health checks and activities/games.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measure(s): </strong>To evaluate the third birthday party health initiative, the main outcome measures were the strengths and future considerations and improvements of the event.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The quantitative and qualitative data highlighted the event's success in promoting an effective and positive community-led healthcare experience by employing a unique, prevention-focused methodology, with benefits extending from the community to health staff and students.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, the Cherbourg third birthday party serves as a model for culturally appropriate early health interventions in Australia, offering valuable insights to enhance healthcare promotion, access, and engagement for Indigenous children and communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":"e70082"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12330202/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144796207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rural populations were particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. However, willingness to comply with health advice varied across population groups and was influenced by perceptions of risk.
Objective
This study aimed to identify the characteristics of the population (e.g., age, gender, First Nations status, perceived vulnerability, efficacy and levels of fear) associated with variations in compliance with health advice in rural Australia to inform health communication strategies for future pandemics.
Methods—Design, Setting and Participants
The study used a cross-sectional online survey of Australian residents aged 18 years and over (n = 701) residing in western NSW, Australia. Both bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted, including multinomial logistic regression modelling.
Results
The characteristics that predicted both intention to comply with health advice and actual behaviour were gender (being female), First Nations status (Aboriginal) and age (older). The lower the perceived risk to the individual, the more likely they were to have limited or no intention to comply with preventative measures. A bivariate correlation analysis determined that there was a small (r = 0.265) significant (p < 0.001) correlation between intention to comply with preventative measures and the frequency with which people engaged in good hygiene practices.
Conclusions
The results provide a means to identify groups in rural areas that need tailored health communications to encourage compliance with health advice. The members of the community who were less vulnerable to illness, particularly young men, were less likely to comply. In future pandemics, governments could take both a geographic and population group segmented approach to health communications instead of a blanket approach.
{"title":"Willingness to Comply With Health Advice on COVID-19 in Rural Australia: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey","authors":"Jodie Kleinschafer, Julaine Allan, Teesta Saksena, Azizur Rahman","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70078","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Rural populations were particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. However, willingness to comply with health advice varied across population groups and was influenced by perceptions of risk.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to identify the characteristics of the population (e.g., age, gender, First Nations status, perceived vulnerability, efficacy and levels of fear) associated with variations in compliance with health advice in rural Australia to inform health communication strategies for future pandemics.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods—Design, Setting and Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study used a cross-sectional online survey of Australian residents aged 18 years and over (<i>n</i> = 701) residing in western NSW, Australia. Both bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted, including multinomial logistic regression modelling.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The characteristics that predicted both intention to comply with health advice and actual behaviour were gender (being female), First Nations status (Aboriginal) and age (older). The lower the perceived risk to the individual, the more likely they were to have limited or no intention to comply with preventative measures. A bivariate correlation analysis determined that there was a small (<i>r</i> = 0.265) significant (<i>p</i> < 0.001) correlation between intention to comply with preventative measures and the frequency with which people engaged in good hygiene practices.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results provide a means to identify groups in rural areas that need tailored health communications to encourage compliance with health advice. The members of the community who were less vulnerable to illness, particularly young men, were less likely to comply. In future pandemics, governments could take both a geographic and population group segmented approach to health communications instead of a blanket approach.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajr.70078","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rex Prabhu, Kerina Princi, Catherine Keniry, Karan Varshney, Rachel Rossiter
Objective
To examine the impact of an individualised registrar training programme on final year General Practitioner (GP) trainees' experiences and decisions to remain in a rural setting.
Methods
This pilot study utilised a concurrent three-phase mixed methods triangulation design to collect quantitative and qualitative data derived from surveys and interviews.
Setting
A healthcare service in a priority GP area of regional Australia.
Participants
Overseas-born GP trainees and supervisors.
Main Outcome Measures
Demographic factors and aspects of rural retention pertaining to Whole-of-Person Retention Improvement Framework, such as remuneration, opportunities for training, connectedness to the community, and job satisfaction.
Results
Seven individuals (five registrars and two supervisors) participated in this study. All trainees agreed that final year remuneration impacts their decision to stay in a location on completion of their training. Intention to remain in the same location was also influenced by a range of other factors, including stage of life, social isolation, limited opportunities for partners and children, feelings of being treated differently, and access to additional training.
Conclusions
To enhance recruitment and retention in rural settings, future research should utilise the three interrelated components of the Whole-of-Person Retention Improvement Framework: community/place, role/career, and workplace/organisational environment.
{"title":"Enhancing Rural Retention of General Practitioner Registrars: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study","authors":"Rex Prabhu, Kerina Princi, Catherine Keniry, Karan Varshney, Rachel Rossiter","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70077","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To examine the impact of an individualised registrar training programme on final year General Practitioner (GP) trainees' experiences and decisions to remain in a rural setting.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This pilot study utilised a concurrent three-phase mixed methods triangulation design to collect quantitative and qualitative data derived from surveys and interviews.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A healthcare service in a priority GP area of regional Australia.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Overseas-born GP trainees and supervisors.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Outcome Measures</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Demographic factors and aspects of rural retention pertaining to Whole-of-Person Retention Improvement Framework, such as remuneration, opportunities for training, connectedness to the community, and job satisfaction.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Seven individuals (five registrars and two supervisors) participated in this study. All trainees agreed that final year remuneration impacts their decision to stay in a location on completion of their training. Intention to remain in the same location was also influenced by a range of other factors, including stage of life, social isolation, limited opportunities for partners and children, feelings of being treated differently, and access to additional training.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To enhance recruitment and retention in rural settings, future research should utilise the three interrelated components of the Whole-of-Person Retention Improvement Framework: community/place, role/career, and workplace/organisational environment.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajr.70077","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144716504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To explore factors that enable and encourage GP Obstetricians (GPOs) to remain in their role providing perinatal care and delivery services in rural and remote locations.
Setting
Rural and remote locations in North and Far North Queensland.
Participants
Participants were GPOs providing maternity care and delivery services. They were invited to be interviewed for the study via hospital email and snowballing.
Design
We conducted 11 semi-structured interviews with GPOs from July to August 2023. Interview data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis into themes and subthemes.
Results
We identified two overarching themes as enablers: job satisfaction and support. Job satisfaction was composed of enjoyment arising from an interest in the field and procedural work, and feelings of fulfilment deriving from serving the community. Support centred around constant, supportive interactions with midwifery and medical colleagues in the workplace, medical colleges, and staff at regional referral centres.
Conclusion
As GPOs who remain in rural and remote areas identify support as a key enabler, establishing strategies to improve service delivery and retention involves expanding and supporting the current system as well as implementing new approaches to support practitioners both at work and home. Skill maintenance should be tailored toward individual needs, referral centres need to have a fostering and inclusive mindset toward their rural practitioners, review systems should be inquisitive and constructive rather than punitive, and colleges should foster and support their fellows.
{"title":"Factors Positively Influencing GP Obstetricians to Remain in Rural and Remote Obstetric Practice","authors":"Beth Exell, Anna Vnuk","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70076","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To explore factors that enable and encourage GP Obstetricians (GPOs) to remain in their role providing perinatal care and delivery services in rural and remote locations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Rural and remote locations in North and Far North Queensland.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Participants were GPOs providing maternity care and delivery services. They were invited to be interviewed for the study via hospital email and snowballing.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted 11 semi-structured interviews with GPOs from July to August 2023. Interview data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis into themes and subthemes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We identified two overarching themes as enablers: job satisfaction and support. Job satisfaction was composed of enjoyment arising from an interest in the field and procedural work, and feelings of fulfilment deriving from serving the community. Support centred around constant, supportive interactions with midwifery and medical colleagues in the workplace, medical colleges, and staff at regional referral centres.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>As GPOs who remain in rural and remote areas identify support as a key enabler, establishing strategies to improve service delivery and retention involves expanding and supporting the current system as well as implementing new approaches to support practitioners both at work and home. Skill maintenance should be tailored toward individual needs, referral centres need to have a fostering and inclusive mindset toward their rural practitioners, review systems should be inquisitive and constructive rather than punitive, and colleges should foster and support their fellows.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajr.70076","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144717039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joseph N. Hewitt, Thomas J. Milton, Christopher Dobbins, Markus I. Trochsler
Objective
General surgeons perform emergency laparotomies on a heterogeneous patient population. Scoring tools have been developed to quantify the risk of mortality after EL, but the uptake of these tools is poor. We aimed to characterise the attitudes of surgeons to risk assessment tools.
Setting
Australia.
Participants
General surgeons, registrars and residents.
Design
Semi-structured interviews with participants, analysed using Framework Method.
Results
Fifteen participants were interviewed. Barriers identified included perceived lack of utility, competing priorities, unit or hospital culture, individual surgeon attitudes, lack of funding, junior medical staff turnover, and lack of familiarity. Potential strategies for improvement identified included education, integration with electronic health records, and prompting at time of theatre booking.
Conclusion
Our findings will be of interest to those undertaking quality improvement work with risk assessment. This is important given recommendations for universal risk assessment but the low uptake of risk assessment in practice.
{"title":"Emergency Laparotomy Risk Assessment: A Qualitative Study of General Surgeons and Trainees","authors":"Joseph N. Hewitt, Thomas J. Milton, Christopher Dobbins, Markus I. Trochsler","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70075","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>General surgeons perform emergency laparotomies on a heterogeneous patient population. Scoring tools have been developed to quantify the risk of mortality after EL, but the uptake of these tools is poor. We aimed to characterise the attitudes of surgeons to risk assessment tools.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Australia.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>General surgeons, registrars and residents.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Semi-structured interviews with participants, analysed using Framework Method.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fifteen participants were interviewed. Barriers identified included perceived lack of utility, competing priorities, unit or hospital culture, individual surgeon attitudes, lack of funding, junior medical staff turnover, and lack of familiarity. Potential strategies for improvement identified included education, integration with electronic health records, and prompting at time of theatre booking.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings will be of interest to those undertaking quality improvement work with risk assessment. This is important given recommendations for universal risk assessment but the low uptake of risk assessment in practice.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajr.70075","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144695862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
(2025), Correction to ‘Experiences and impact of a rural Australian high-risk foot service: A multiple-methods study’. Aust J Rural Health, 33: e70072. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70072
The following apology from the Editor-in-Chief should be added to the above article:
Apology from the Editor-in-Chief
As noted in the above correction notice, the original article went through the AJRH review process without appropriate Indigenous ethics approval. This was an oversight on my part and was further exacerbated by the article remaining online for several months without correction. I wish to record my sincere apologies for this oversight and express my regret for any offence caused.
At the Australian Journal of Rural Health, we remain committed to ensuring culturally safe, ethical and methodologically sound Aboriginal health research publications. We now have a number of extra measures in place to reinforce such processes.
{"title":"Correction to “Correction to ‘Experiences and impact of a rural Australian high-risk foot service: A multiple-methods study’”","authors":"","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70074","url":null,"abstract":"<p>(2025), Correction to ‘Experiences and impact of a rural Australian high-risk foot service: A multiple-methods study’. Aust J Rural Health, 33: e70072. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70072</p><p>The following apology from the Editor-in-Chief should be added to the above article:</p><p>Apology from the Editor-in-Chief</p><p>As noted in the above correction notice, the original article went through the AJRH review process without appropriate Indigenous ethics approval. This was an oversight on my part and was further exacerbated by the article remaining online for several months without correction. I wish to record my sincere apologies for this oversight and express my regret for any offence caused.</p><p>At the Australian Journal of Rural Health, we remain committed to ensuring culturally safe, ethical and methodologically sound Aboriginal health research publications. We now have a number of extra measures in place to reinforce such processes.</p><p>Associate Professor Pim Kuipers</p><p>Editor in Chief</p><p>The online article has been amended.</p>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajr.70074","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144705614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To determine the recent incidence of paediatric Acute Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis in Far North Queensland and associated co-occurring clinical conditions.
Setting
Paediatric inpatient unit.
Participants
Patients admitted to Hospital under 14 years of age meeting diagnostic criteria for APSGN between January 2015 and January 2020.
Design
Single centre, retrospective observational analysis. Data and clinical information was extracted from electronic medical records. Case definitions were as specified in the Northern Territory guidelines for APSGN.
Results
APSGN (n = 61) or probable APSGN (n = 4) was found in 65 of the 86 identified cases. Fifty-five APSGN cases were identified as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, with the remaining 10 cases identifying as other ethnic groups. Mean annual incidence (0–14 years) was 27/100 000 person years. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander population incidence was 104/100 000 person years. Recurrent skin infection was noted in the majority of cases. Nineteen cases were lost to follow up; of these, 15 were from rural regions.
Conclusions
A high incidence of childhood APSGN is present in Far North Queensland, with First nation's children overrepresented. This further adds to the national body of data on the disease, highlighting the necessity of an amplified response addressing the disease burden of group A Streptococcus and its main drivers, social disadvantage and remoteness. There is a need for enhanced surveillance and monitoring of the chronic sequelae of APSGN. Opportunities exist to amalgamate follow-up practices across the region, and there is a need to enact reporting of the disease in Queensland.
{"title":"Childhood Acute Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis in Far North Queensland","authors":"Mercy Nderitu, Emma McDougall, Thomas Volkman","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70069","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To determine the recent incidence of paediatric Acute Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis in Far North Queensland and associated co-occurring clinical conditions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Paediatric inpatient unit.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Patients admitted to Hospital under 14 years of age meeting diagnostic criteria for APSGN between January 2015 and January 2020.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Single centre, retrospective observational analysis. Data and clinical information was extracted from electronic medical records. Case definitions were as specified in the Northern Territory guidelines for APSGN.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>APSGN (<i>n</i> = 61) or probable APSGN (<i>n</i> = 4) was found in 65 of the 86 identified cases. Fifty-five APSGN cases were identified as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, with the remaining 10 cases identifying as other ethnic groups. Mean annual incidence (0–14 years) was 27/100 000 person years. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander population incidence was 104/100 000 person years. Recurrent skin infection was noted in the majority of cases. Nineteen cases were lost to follow up; of these, 15 were from rural regions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A high incidence of childhood APSGN is present in Far North Queensland, with First nation's children overrepresented. This further adds to the national body of data on the disease, highlighting the necessity of an amplified response addressing the disease burden of group A Streptococcus and its main drivers, social disadvantage and remoteness. There is a need for enhanced surveillance and monitoring of the chronic sequelae of APSGN. Opportunities exist to amalgamate follow-up practices across the region, and there is a need to enact reporting of the disease in Queensland.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144666564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rebecca Jarrott, Judy Ranka, Melissa Nott, Robyn Williams
Objective
Explore perspectives of occupational therapists on the use of the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform Assessment (PRPP-A) to assess functional cognition when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Setting
Health services in the Northern Territory.
Participants
Thirteen occupational therapists trained in the use of the PRPP-A and experienced in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Design
A qualitative, exploratory research design was adopted. Data were collected via focus groups, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Each transcript was systematically reviewed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach and inductively coded. Shared meaning was identified and analysed across the data to develop themes.
Results
Five themes were identified: (1) challenges and tensions assessing cognition (knowing); (2) effectiveness of the PRPP-A in practice (doing); (3) embedding the PRPP-A in practice (doing); (4) facilitating meaningful assessment of functional cognition (being) and (5) valuing the occupational therapy role (being). Occupational therapists described a sense of knowing more about cognition after completing PRPP-A training. They described how the process of doing cognitive assessment using the PRPP-A informed clinical reasoning processes, facilitated collaboration with clients and family members, and supported the negotiation of culturally safe practice. This culminated in their occupational therapy roles being more satisfying as participants described improved alignment between their roles and their sense of occupational therapy core values.
Conclusion
The PRPP-A was found to have clinical utility and supported clinical reasoning for occupational therapists when assessing cognition with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Northern Territory.
{"title":"Exploring Occupational Therapists Use of the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform Assessment When Working With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Northern Territory","authors":"Rebecca Jarrott, Judy Ranka, Melissa Nott, Robyn Williams","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70073","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Explore perspectives of occupational therapists on the use of the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform Assessment (PRPP-A) to assess functional cognition when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Health services in the Northern Territory.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Thirteen occupational therapists trained in the use of the PRPP-A and experienced in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A qualitative, exploratory research design was adopted. Data were collected via focus groups, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Each transcript was systematically reviewed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach and inductively coded. Shared meaning was identified and analysed across the data to develop themes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Five themes were identified: (1) challenges and tensions assessing cognition (<i>knowing</i>); (2) effectiveness of the PRPP-A in practice (<i>doing</i>); (3) embedding the PRPP-A in practice (<i>doing</i>); (4) facilitating meaningful assessment of functional cognition (<i>being</i>) and (5) valuing the occupational therapy role (<i>being</i>). Occupational therapists described a sense of <i>knowing</i> more about cognition after completing PRPP-A training. They described how the process of <i>doing</i> cognitive assessment using the PRPP-A informed clinical reasoning processes, facilitated collaboration with clients and family members, and supported the negotiation of culturally safe practice. This culminated in their occupational therapy roles <i>being</i> more satisfying as participants described improved alignment between their roles and their sense of occupational therapy core values.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The PRPP-A was found to have clinical utility and supported clinical reasoning for occupational therapists when assessing cognition with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Northern Territory.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajr.70073","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144666495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tehan PE, Donnelly H, Martin E, Peterson B, Hawke F. Experiences and impact of a rural Australian high-risk foot service: A multiple-methods study. Aust J Rural Health. 2024; 32: 286–298. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.13087
The above article included an interview with an Aboriginal Health Worker, for which specific ethics approval was not sought. To rectify this omission, revisions have been made to the online article to exclude data from the Aboriginal Health Worker participant.
We apologise for this error.
Tehan PE, Donnelly H, Martin E, Peterson B, Hawke F.澳大利亚农村高风险足部服务的经验和影响：一项多方法研究。[J]农村卫生。2024；32: 286 - 298。https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.13087The上述文章包括对一名土著卫生工作者的采访，没有为此寻求具体的伦理批准。为了纠正这一遗漏，已对在线文章进行了修订，以排除土著卫生工作者参与者的数据。我们为这个错误道歉。
{"title":"Correction to ‘Experiences and impact of a rural Australian high-risk foot service: A multiple-methods study’","authors":"","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Tehan PE, Donnelly H, Martin E, Peterson B, Hawke F. Experiences and impact of a rural Australian high-risk foot service: A multiple-methods study. <i>Aust J Rural Health</i>. 2024; 32: 286–298. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.13087</p><p>The above article included an interview with an Aboriginal Health Worker, for which specific ethics approval was not sought. To rectify this omission, revisions have been made to the online article to exclude data from the Aboriginal Health Worker participant.</p><p>We apologise for this error.</p>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajr.70072","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144551259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matt Thomas, Justine Summers, Sherryn Honeywood, Alyssa Fitzgerald, Donna Ambler, Kylie Falciani, Amanda Cook, Kelly Smith, Dean Bright, Michelle Lindsay, Catherine Sanford
<p>There is a lack of evidence generated by health program evaluation in rural contexts [<span>1, 2</span>]. Evaluation of health programs is important for determining outcomes and impact [<span>3</span>], providing evidence for policy and funding decisions [<span>4</span>], and to drive continuous improvement of health programs that address inequalities in rural health outcomes [<span>5, 6</span>]. There are several challenges to healthcare evaluation in rural settings [<span>1, 2, 4-6</span>]. These can include resource limitations such as shortages of healthcare professionals, facilities, infrastructure, and funding, as well as geographical barriers such as vast distances and transportation issues, which may impede stakeholder engagement and data collection processes. Program evaluation must be tailored to the unique cultural and social contexts of rural communities. For example, qualitative data from interviews, video and audio recordings, and written feedback can provide useful evidence of outcomes and experiences of receiving care but may not be deemed appropriate in some communities. The views and support of Elders and other community leaders can guide the design and implementation of culturally safe and welcoming program evaluation activity. While a detailed explanation of these issues and management strategies is beyond the scope of this article, suggestions for approaching some of these issues are noted, and more information about managing these issues can be found.</p><p>Given these challenges, rural clinicians and health program managers are often well placed to lead the evaluation of health programs. However, they may not be familiar with evaluation methods. This article provides an overview of a simple step-by-step process for planning health program evaluation and demonstrates a method for developing data collection and reporting plans from a program logic document.</p><p>Evaluation of health programs is recognised as essential for providing evidence that can ultimately address inequality of health outcomes in rural communities [<span>4-6</span>]. However, this evidence is lacking for many rural health services [<span>1, 2</span>]. Our paper shares a simple introduction to operationalising a data collection and reporting plan from program logic. This method has been successfully implemented across several rural-based health and wellbeing programs, including a multidisciplinary paediatric outreach clinic, peer navigator, diabetes mentoring, Sense rugby (a rugby skill program for children with disability), as well as a school-based reading program. It may be useful to leaders in rural health who are considering program evaluation. Future research will evaluate and further develop this method with a focus on rural health programs.</p><p><b>Matt Thomas:</b> conceptualization, writing – original draft, methodology. <b>Justine Summers:</b> writing – review and editing. <b>Sherryn Honeywood:</b> writing – review and editing, methodology.
{"title":"Steps for Planning Health Program Evaluations: From Program Logic to Data Collection and Reporting Plans","authors":"Matt Thomas, Justine Summers, Sherryn Honeywood, Alyssa Fitzgerald, Donna Ambler, Kylie Falciani, Amanda Cook, Kelly Smith, Dean Bright, Michelle Lindsay, Catherine Sanford","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70068","url":null,"abstract":"<p>There is a lack of evidence generated by health program evaluation in rural contexts [<span>1, 2</span>]. Evaluation of health programs is important for determining outcomes and impact [<span>3</span>], providing evidence for policy and funding decisions [<span>4</span>], and to drive continuous improvement of health programs that address inequalities in rural health outcomes [<span>5, 6</span>]. There are several challenges to healthcare evaluation in rural settings [<span>1, 2, 4-6</span>]. These can include resource limitations such as shortages of healthcare professionals, facilities, infrastructure, and funding, as well as geographical barriers such as vast distances and transportation issues, which may impede stakeholder engagement and data collection processes. Program evaluation must be tailored to the unique cultural and social contexts of rural communities. For example, qualitative data from interviews, video and audio recordings, and written feedback can provide useful evidence of outcomes and experiences of receiving care but may not be deemed appropriate in some communities. The views and support of Elders and other community leaders can guide the design and implementation of culturally safe and welcoming program evaluation activity. While a detailed explanation of these issues and management strategies is beyond the scope of this article, suggestions for approaching some of these issues are noted, and more information about managing these issues can be found.</p><p>Given these challenges, rural clinicians and health program managers are often well placed to lead the evaluation of health programs. However, they may not be familiar with evaluation methods. This article provides an overview of a simple step-by-step process for planning health program evaluation and demonstrates a method for developing data collection and reporting plans from a program logic document.</p><p>Evaluation of health programs is recognised as essential for providing evidence that can ultimately address inequality of health outcomes in rural communities [<span>4-6</span>]. However, this evidence is lacking for many rural health services [<span>1, 2</span>]. Our paper shares a simple introduction to operationalising a data collection and reporting plan from program logic. This method has been successfully implemented across several rural-based health and wellbeing programs, including a multidisciplinary paediatric outreach clinic, peer navigator, diabetes mentoring, Sense rugby (a rugby skill program for children with disability), as well as a school-based reading program. It may be useful to leaders in rural health who are considering program evaluation. Future research will evaluate and further develop this method with a focus on rural health programs.</p><p><b>Matt Thomas:</b> conceptualization, writing – original draft, methodology. <b>Justine Summers:</b> writing – review and editing. <b>Sherryn Honeywood:</b> writing – review and editing, methodology. ","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajr.70068","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144537057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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