bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NADPH Oxidase Genes from Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and Curly‐Leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
Authors: Amicucci Enrica , Gaschler Katja , Ward J. M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The oxidative burst is an integral component of plant resistance to pathogens. There is accumulating evidence that the oxidative burst is catalyzed by an enzyme with similarities to the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. We have cloned a full length homolog of the gp91 (phox) subunit of the plasma membrane NADPH oxidase complex from tomato named LeRBOM. The predicted protein contains 989 amino acids. The large N‐terminal domain contains two EF hand calcium binding motifs and one conserved glycosylation site. Six putative membrane spans are present in the C‐terminal half of the predicted protein. Extensive homology with the human gp91 (phox) subunit was found including conservation of amino acid residues important for heme coordination and substrate binding. We have also isolated partial genomic clones from tomato and from the aquatic plant Potamogeton crispus. These species serve as models for studies of signal transduction leading to NADPH oxidase activation. In tomato, LeRBOH1 expression was too low to be detected on Northern blots. RT‐PCR indicated that LeRBOH1 was expressed in all tissues tested.
Molecular Systematics and Evolution of Arabidopsis and Arabis
Authors: Koch M. , Bishop J. , Mitchell‐Olds T. , Koch M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: We provide a phylogenetic analysis of the genera Arabidopsis and Arabis based on nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences. We show that traditional taxonomical concepts within tribe Ara‐bideae, which includes these genera, are highly artificial. Arabis and Arabidopsis are paraphyletic and consist of several different independent lineages. The genus Capsella, originally placed in tribe Lepideae, is related to North American Arabis and the Arabidopsis thaliana lineage. Other genera, including East Asian Yin‐shania, North American Halimolobus, cosmopolitan Barbarea and Cardamine, and European Aubrieta are positioned among different Arabis lineages. One Arabis species, Arabis pauciflora, is only distantly related to tribe Arabideae. Base chromosome number reduction from n = 8 to n = 5 to 7 occurred several times, suggesting that lower base chromosome numbers than n = 8 are derived in tribe Arabideae. Current knowledge on the evolution and systematics of the genera Arabis and Arabidopsis and relationships within the mustard family are summarized and discussed in the light of convergent evolution and transfer of knowledge from Arabidopsis thaliana as a molecular model plant to other species of the Cruciferae.
Bat Pollination of Weberocereus tunilla, an Epiphytic Rain Forest Cactus with Functional Flagelliflory
Authors: Tschapka M. , von Helversen O. , Barthlott W.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: We studied the pollination of the epiphytic cactus Weberocereus tunilla (Weber) Britton and Rose at the La Selva Biological Station in the Atlantic lowland rain forest of Costa Rica. The large, night‐blooming, unpleasantly‐smelling flowers were suspended on elongated main stems that hang down as much as 2 m below canopy tree branches, resulting in a unique form of flagelliflory. The only visitors to flowers were three species of glossophagine bats: Glossophaga commissarisi, Hylonycteris underwoodi and Lichonycteris obscura. Patterns of nectar secretion and concentration were found to be typical for bat‐pollinated flowers. Flowering phenology and the occurrence of pollen on bats were recorded during a 1‐yr period. Preliminary observations suggest that at least two other Costa Rican species of Weberocereus, W. biolleyi and W. trichophorus and possibly other species of the tribe Hylocereeae, are also pollinated by glossophagine bats.
The Cost of Floral Attractants in Achillea ptarmica (Asteraceae): Evidence from a Ray Removal Experiment
Authors: Andersson S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The present study of Achillea ptarmica, a perennial in which the basic attraction units are inflorescences (heads) rather than single flowers, examines whether the production of attracting organs (rays) entails a cost in terms of fruit and flower production. To test for such tradeoffs, I subjected plants to ray removal and compared the reproductive success of these plants with the reproductive success of unmanipulated controls. Hand‐pollinated plants on which all rays were removed at the bud stage had a significantly higher percent fruit set than hand‐pollinated plants in the control group, suggesting that the investment in attractive structures is made at the expense of fruit maturation. Ray removal did not significantly affect the number of heads initiated. Given these observations and the lack of tradeoffs between fruit set and other yield components, I hypothesize that the optimal ray size is a compromise between pollinator‐mediated selection for larger displays and tradeoffs with fruit production.
Development of Frost Tolerance in Winter Wheat as Modulated by Differential Root and Shoot Temperature
Authors: Windt C. W. , van Hasselt P. R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Winter wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Urban), grown in nutrient solution, were exposed to differential shoot/root temperatures (i.e., 4/4, 4/20, 20/4 and 20/20 d̀C) for six weeks. Leaves grown at 4d̀C showed an increase in frost tolerance from ‐ 4d̀C down to ‐ 11 d̀C, irrespective of root temperature. In 4/20 d̀C plants, high root temperature decreased the rate of hardening of the leaves, but did not influence the final level of frost tolerance. In roots grown at 4d̀C frost tolerance increased from ‐ 3 d̀C down to ‐ 4 d̀C, independently of shoot temperature. An accumulation of soluble sugars in the leaves was only observed when both shoot and root were grown at 4d̀C and was not correlated with final frost tolerance achieved. However, the rate of hardening was correlated with the soluble sugar concentration. An increase in root soluble sugar concentration was exclusively observed in roots exposed to a temperature of 4d̀C, irrespective of shoot temperature. Proline concentration only increased in plant parts exposed to a temperature of 4d̀C. The present results indicate that the importance of root temperature in low‐temperature hardening of winter wheat is limited, even though exposure to differential root and shoot temperatures brought about pronounced changes in growth, soluble sugar concentration, insoluble sugar concentration and proline concentration in roots and leaves.
The Role of Women in Agriculture and Rural Settings
Authors: DALLOW ROBYN
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Women in rural Australia fill many roles, some of which are influenced by the mandate of tradition, the effects of isolation, or change in the economic and social environments. This paper presents a review of literature pertaining to the role of women in agriculture and rural settings. Three groups of women are considered ‐ those on the land; women who live in small towns; and those who live in mining and construction camps. Discussion will reveal that women in rural Australia are not afforded the recognition they deserve and strive for. The traditional perception of the woman in rural Australia as a subservient, domestic being is eroded to be replaced by the notion of a versatile, capable person whose contribution to society is unrecognised as it is often ‘out of sight out of mind’.
A Perspective from the US on the Assessment of Quality of Care in Small Hospitals: Considerations for Australian Nurses in Rural Practice
Authors: BUSHY ANGELINE
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Stemming from geographic remoteness and sparse population density, rural communities throughout the world have comparable demographic profiles, similar interpersonal dynamics and share common concerns regarding access to health care services. Because of the number of commonalities among rural environments, health care providers around the world can learn from each other about effective ways to provide services to their clients. Likewise, by sharing experiences nurses can become sensitive to cultural, social and economic variations of rural people.
How Can We Attract More Doctors to the Country?
Authors: STRASSER ROGER
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Drawing on findings from an extensive survey of rural general practitioners in Victoria, this article explores proposals for improving the recruitment, training and retention of rural doctors. The study which included metropolitan comparison groups achieved a 75 per cent response rate, providing information representative of most GPs in Victoria. Main barriers to entering rural practice identified by rural doctors were spouse problems; lack of skills; city background and training; ignorance of country practice; lack of self confidence; and inadequate remuneration. Negative attitudes towards the country and general practice plus ‘learned helplessness’ picked up in medical school were rated by rural doctors as being of significant importance. Of 14 suggestions for improving recruitment, training and retention of rural GPs the following were rated as top priority; substantial clinical experience in rural hospitals and practices; reciprocal links between the country and medical schools; extra financial reward for isolated rural practice; establishment of Rural Medical Education Centres; and a program to meet the needs of the rural practitioner's spouse.
Multiskilling: What Does It Mean For Rural Allied Health?
Authors: HODGSON LYNETTE
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The apparent negativity of allied health professionals towards the term ‘multiskilling’ can be explained by examining its emotive connotations. Many allied health professionals fear that multiskilling implies one of the following: extension of an already overutilised allied health professional's duties and allied health skills are subsumed and performed at an unsatisfactory level by other health workers; or proposals to train substandard multipurpose practitioners. Allied health professionals need to establish a personally relevant, positive definition of multiskilling which is cognisant of acceptable service delivery models and the advanced competencies required for effective rural practice. Appropriate training must advance alongside continuing agitation for an improved, integrated infrastructure of personnel and services.
United We Stand — Divided We Fall
Authors: COXHEAD JILL
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In June, 1992, the NSW Health Department released their Discussion Paper on ‘The Role and Function of Nurse Practitioners in NSW’. The paper recommends legislative changes to enable nurse practitioners to initiate certain diagnostic tests, prescribe from a limited list of drugs, refer directly to specialist medical officers in certain circumstances and be reimbursed for some of the services they provide. Strict criteria for accreditation and evaluation are also recommended. Overseas literature confirms that nurse practitioners provide a safe, competent and cost effective service, which is well accepted by consumers. Opponents of the nurse practitioner concept in Australia have argued that it would be ‘dangerous practice’ and a ‘duplication of services’ to implement the Discussion Paper's recommendations. These arguments can not be substantiated. Of more concern is the attempt to divide nurses and nursing on the issue. To suggest that it is acceptable for nurse practitioners to provide services where doctors don't choose to practice or to provide service to disadvantaged groups of people, with whom doctors don't choose to work is unacceptable to nursing. Nurses provide nursing care, they do not provide medical care. Wherever nurses happen to be located, nurses are nurses and do nursing. Whether or not there is a doctor available is not the issue. Nurses do not seek to be doctors. Nurses do not seek to practice medicine. Nursing as a profession stands alone. This paper discusses the nurse practitioner concept as it is proposed for NSW, the implications for urban, rural and remote area nurses, the deliberate attempts to create division amongst nurses on the issue and the need for nurses to stand together to protect, validate and legitimise nursing practice.
Education choices a program of educational support for multidisciplinary health professionals in rural & remote areas
Authors: BLUE IAN , HOWE‐ADAMS JUDY
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Rural and remote health and welfare professionals require diversity, flexibility and recognition of individual and local education needs in the structure and content of the courses of learning they undertake. Numerous education methods have been proposed, and fewer tried, in an attempt to provide for the education and training needs of rural and remote health and welfare professionals. This article presents a pilot model of education for multidisciplinary health and welfare professionals which has been trialled and evaluated, and which responds to consumer demands, rather than those of an educational provider organisation.
Patterns of non‐fatal farm injury in New England, NSW
Authors: WOLFENDEN KEVIN , SANSON‐FISHER ROB
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The farm is known to be a dangerous place for those who work it, live there or visit. Little however is known about the patterns of injury of these groups or the influence of different farming types. This study used injury surveillance at hospital accident and emergency departments to identify and compare injury patterns by age, status of person, and farm type.

Child and adult injury patterns were similar in most regards except the level of occupational and leisure injuries. Differences existed across the various status groups, most markedly between employees/contractors and visitors. There were also marked differences in injury patterns across farm types, reflecting the predominant farm activity.

Implications of the injury patterns in developing preventive action are discussed, as is the value of injury surveillance in identifying such variations.
Effects of therapeutic massage on pre‐operative anxiety in a rural hospital: part 1
Authors: RIET PAMELA VAN DER
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In recent years massage has been the subject of increasing interest within health care, yet nursing literature reflects a lack of research in the area of massage. This paper will examine a study of the effects of massage on pre‐operative anxiety. Sixty general surgical patients and gynaecological patients from a rural hospital were selected for this research. They were between 18 and 85 years of age. Combined qualitative and quantitative methods were used. However, part one of this paper will explore only the quantitative methodology. The treatment group consisted of thirty patients who underwent a 45 minute pre‐operative massage. The aim of the quantitative method was to assess the patient's level of anxiety and to see if there was any difference in anxiety in those patients who were massaged and those who were not. The tool used to measure the patient's anxiety level was Spielberger's state and trait anxiety inventory. The amount of analgesia and the length of hospital stay were also compared in both groups. It is evident from this study that massage reduces the client's anxiety pre‐operative. However, it was difficult to substantiate the effects on analgesia and length of hospital stay.
Effects of therapeutic massage on pre‐operative anxiety in a rural hospital: part 2
Authors: RIET PAMELA VAN DER
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper will examine part two of a study on the effects of massage on pre‐operative anxiety. It includes a qualitative approach. The qualitative methodology involved tape‐recording patients' comments during the massage. At the end of the massage the patients were asked to discuss further their feelings in relation to their experience of being massaged. A number of themes have emerged from this study. However, it was found in this study that massage reduces the client's anxiety pre‐operative by providing them with a space where their vulnerability is respected. It also provides an environment where the clients feel safe to talk and they are able to experience their own subjectivity and sense of being in the world.
Development of a pilot course in applied pharmacology for nurses working in rural settings
Authors: ALDERMAN CHRISTOPHER P. , COSH DAVID G. , PETERS PETER G. , THOMPSON CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In 1991, the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) made a successful application for a seeding grant for a project entitled ‘An intensive course in applied pharmacology for nurses working in rural settings’. Funding was provided under the Rural Health Support, Education and Training (RHSET) program, and was used to conduct a pilot course in pharmacology and drug information for nurses at the North West Nurse Education Centre, Whyalla, South Australia, during August/September 1991. A total of 40 nurses attended the course and were provided with course materials which contained background information on the topics to be discussed during a two‐day seminar.

In a subsequent mailing to 320 nurses currently practising in the rural south‐east region of South Australia, interest levels in a similar seminar proposed for Mount Gambier were canvassed. Keen interest was expressed by nurses working in a variety of country centres in the region, and a formal offer of complimentary use of teaching facilities in the Mount Gambier Hospital was received. A second course was conducted during July 1992, and attracted over 40 nurses from a variety of practice backgrounds. SHPA was able to conduct both courses using considerably less funding than allocated under the original budget of the RHSET grant for the initial project.

A statistically significant improvement in participants' pharmacology and drug information knowledge was demonstrated using a multiple choice assessment prior to, and immediately after the course.
The role of the registered nurse in the rural, but not remote, setting
Authors: EVANS FRANK
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The perceived limited use of extended training by the majority of registered nurses (RNs) employed in a42‐bed rural, but not remote, hospital with an established program of advanced training for RNs, was the motivation to conduct a formal study into their use. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in terms of utilisation, financial benefits, professional appropriateness and structural efficiency.
Retrieval Principles for Rural GPs
Authors: CABLE GORDON G.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The isolated rural general practitioner will, from time to time, be faced with a critically ill patient or medical emergency which requires a higher level of care than can be provided locally. These patients need to be resuscitated, stabilised and transferred to another centre and therefore may need to be escorted by medical personnel. Retrieval services aim to provide a level of expertise and equipment which can be taken to the patient so that management of the patient is optimised prior to transport and continued during transport.

The medical retrieval teams which operate from Sydney are:

• Westpac Surf Life Saving Association, based at Prince Henry Hospital;

• NRMA Careflight, based at Westmead Hospital, and

• neonatal teams from Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children and Prince of Wales Children's Hospital.

These teams utilise helicopters provided by NRMA Careflight. SLSA and Childflight and fixed wing aircraft from NSW Air Ambulance. Road ambulance retrievals are also provided within the metropolitan area.

Country areas in NSW are serviced by retrieval teams from Base Hospitals such as Orange Base Hospital and Tamworth Base Hospital. These services arc primarily by road, but distance sometimes necessitates the use of fixed or rotary wing aircraft.

This paper aims to discuss stabilisation of patients prior to transport. There is nothing more daunting than to have strange medical personnel descend on your local hospital and seemingly ‘take over’. Nursing and medical staff who have been caring for the patient, in many cases for hours, may feel pushed aside and not understand why certain things are done to their patient. This discussion will hopefully shed some light on the mysterious ‘transport environment’ so that personnel at the referring hospital can help prepare the patient appropriately and understand the needs of the retrieval team.
SEVERE EMERGENCIES IN RURAL GENERAL PRACTICE
Authors: Tolhurst Helen M. , Dickson James M. , Ireland Malcolm C.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to examine the frequency, nature, management and outcomes of life‐threatening emergencies in rural general practice in the Hunter region of Australia in order to help assess the need for training in, and provision of, emergency medical services. Emergencies seen by 18 rural general practitioners over a period of 1 month in 1988 in four different towns in the Hunter region are described. All emergency and after hours attendances during the study period were recorded by the doctors at the time. A measurement of severity validated against the opinion of specialists in appropriate fields was applied for each case. This paper undertakes detailed analysis of data for those patients with life‐threatening illness. Of the total of 1196 emergency attendances recorded, very urgent problems comprised 2.3% and life‐threatening problems comprised 6.1%. These 59 patients had a wide range of diagnoses, the most common being cardiovascular disease, abdominal pain and respiratory distress. The rural doctors treating the patients required a large range of skills, not normally needed by city general practitioners. It was concluded that severe emergencies occur frequently in rural practice and involve a wide range of diagnoses, the most common being medical problems such as cardiovascular disease. Rural doctors require adequate facilities and special skills in emergency medicine to treat these people.
INNOVATIVE INTERACTIVE MULTIDISCIPLINARY WORKSHOPS
Authors: Strasser Roger
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In the context of difficulties experienced by rural health practitioners in accessing appropriate continuing education, a pilot project was undertaken by the Monash University Centre for Rural Health and the Monash School of Health Sciences (Nursing) in association with the Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation Inc. and La Trobe University Faculty of Health Sciences in Bendigo. Two innovative interactive mental health workshops were held, one in Bendigo and the other in Traralgon. This article outlines the process followed, problems encountered and lessons learned from the project. Drawing on this experience, the article then develops a series of recommendations for successful multidisciplinary workshops. Key features include: a multidisciplinary organising committee, carefully selected topics, high profile guest speakers, an interactive format and targeted marketing of the workshop. For appropriate topics interactive multidisciplinary workshops are an effective form of continuing education for rural health professionals.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING: ROLE OF RURAL HEALTH TRAINING UNITS
Authors: Humphreys John S. , Nichols Anna
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: To improve the adequacy and appropriateness of education and training of the rural health workforce, Commonwealth and State governments have undertaken several initiatives. Foremost is the establishment of Rural Health Training Units (RHTU) in regional centres across Australia. While the structure and emphases of RHTU vary to meet the specific circumstances of regions, the recent National Association of Rural Health Training Units' Conference agreed with the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council's recognition of the need to develop a common set of principles and objectives to guide education and training for rural health workers. A national framework that identifies the role of RHTU within the broader State and Commonwealth context was outlined. This framework formed the basis for recommendations governing the future role of RHTU in achieving national health goals, and the education and training objectives of State and National Plans.
THE ALL‐WEATHER WALKING PLASTER
Authors: Shepherd Jack
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This article describes the application of an all‐weather walking plaster designed specifically to meet the needs of rural patients. It outlines the advantages of this method over traditional plaster applications.
THE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROJECT, WILCANNIA: MOVING FROM ANECDOTES TO EVIDENCE
Authors: Siegloff Lesley Hills
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: There has been much discussion and debate in the Western world, regarding the idea that some nurses, who are practising in certain contexts, should be recognised as nurse practitioners. The nursing profession and the New South Wales Department of Health have officially been involved in the debate since 1990. They have undertaken a two stage process in ascertaining the current status of the nurse practitioner in New South Wales and Australia. A recommendation from the 2nd Stage of the process was that a number of pilot projects be funded by the Department to look at the role of the nurse practitioner in New South Wales in three contexts: Area/District Health Services, General Practice Services and Remote Area Services. The implementation of these projects constitutes Stage 3 of the Project and is being jointly funded by the New South Wales and Commonwealth Health Departments. This paper describes one of these projects that has been operational since 1 September 1994. The Nurse Practitioner Pilot Project, Wilcannia will be continuing for 12 months. This paper outlines the steps taken to analyse the work undertaken by nurses working in one of New South Wales' remote hospital emergency locations. The expected outcomes will be acknowledgment, recognition, and appropriate policy and legislative change that will validate the role of nurse practitioners working in rural/remote Australia.
CATALYSING IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL HEALTH
Authors: Gregory Gordon
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The National Rural Health Alliance is the peak non‐government body working to improve rural health and health services. It has been fully operational since August 1993 and has produced submissions to government on a number of rural health issues. Through its work it has increased the public profile of rural health policy in Australia, without endangering the autonomy of the 15 national bodies which constitute the Alliance. Given the proliferation of individual bodies concerned with various aspects of rural health, and the complex and changing policy situation, the Alliance has a crucial role to play in helping to manage the interface between governments, consumers and rural health providers. The mission of the Alliance is informed by a strong philosophy of increased consumer involvement in the design, management and evaluation of local health services. The Alliance reflects the aspirations of rural and remote people for high quality and accessible health services. The chances of this mission being accomplished will be increased to the extent that individual professional bodies and local groups work in partnership with central organisations like the Alliance.
CHOOSING A CAREER IN RURAL PRACTICE IN QUEENSLAND
Authors: Hays Richard B. , Nichols Anna , Wise Anne , Adkins Peter , Craig Mark , Mahoney Mary
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: As part of a broader investigation into the training needs of rural doctors, the reasoning behind decisions of graduates to enter rural practice in North Queensland was explored. North Queensland is a growing and diverse region that is home to 500 000 people but has had no local production of medical graduates. While prior rural exposure was found to be a powerful influence on the decision of some, a small number of those interviewed entered rural practice almost by chance, liked it and stayed. Should this finding be confirmed in more formal investigation, workforce planners would need to continue initiatives to recruit graduates who have no prior connection to rural life.
REMOTE NURSING SERVICES AT ISLAND TOURIST RESORTS
Authors: Wilks Jeffrey , Walker Sue , Wood Maryann , Nicol Jennifer , Oldenburg Brian
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Based on a 6 month retrospective analysis of clinic records, the present study reports a detailed profile of nursing services provided for guests at three tropical island tourist resorts. A total of 1183 clinic visits were analysed, with presentations coded according to the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC). The main reasons for presentation were skin problems, ear disorders, respiratory, digestive and musculoskeletal complaints. Health services consisted mainly of medication, specialist nursing care and first aid. Study findings highlight the importance of using an internationally accepted classification system for primary health research, and the critical role of the nurse in tourist health services.
RURAL HEALTH IN QUEENSLAND: A CHANGING FOCUS
Authors: Eyles Roslyn , Smith Bronwyn
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper describes the development of Queensland's rural health policy approach over the past 5 years. The period is marked by significant political, structural and philosophical changes at state and departmental levels. The regionalisation of Queensland's public health services and introduction of strategic management, a commitment to social justice principles and a social view of health, and the acceptance of ‘rurality’ requiring a special focus have been key factors in the rural health policy arena. Queensland's policy formulation process was also influenced by national developments in the emergence of a national rural health strategy. In addition, the recognition that outcomes for rural communities reflect decisions made by a number of agencies has seen the creation of new and influential rural policy co‐ordinating bodies with a total Government focus.
THE STATUS OF RURAL NURSING IN AUSTRALIA: A REVIEW
Authors: Hegney Desley
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: While much has been written about the practice roles of remote area nurses in Australia, less is known about the role and function of the rural nurse. The majority of rural nurses practise in rural hospitals, community health settings and nursing homes. In contrast, the remote area nurses work setting is generally involved with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care services. Rural nurses' practice setting is usually located in a larger organisation than that of the remote area nurse. There is usually at least one medical practitioner in the town or on‐call close by. Nurses who are employed in the smaller rural hospitals have what has been described as a ‘specialist generalist’ role. This means that they are required to be multi‐skilled and competent in a wide range of nursing and non‐nursing practice. In contrast, nurses who work in base/provincial hospitals, may have either a generalist or specialist role. This paper provides a summary of the literature on Australian rural nurses and develops some of the themes contained therein.
SPORT INJURY PATTERNS IN URBAN AND RURAL ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY UNITS
Authors: Lower Tony
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Sport injuries are a common yet an unwanted aspect of participation in sports. Previous studies have indicated disparities between urban and rural injury patterns. This study examines sport injuries specifically. Although similar in many features, there were major variations in the patterns of rural and urban sports injuries. Rural injuries appeared to revolve around football codes while the urban pattern reflected involvement in a wider variety of sport. The results confirm that injury data can be used to determine specific priorities within different communities. Consequently local data are seen as imperative to initiate appropriate preventive action in rural areas.
ANTHILL AND OTHER INJURIES: A CASE FOR MOBILE ALLIED HEALTH TEAMS TO REMOTE AUSTRALIA
Authors: Allen Owen
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Remote rural districts of Australia can continue to expect a loss of public services due to the low population density and migration loss. However allied health services such as physiotherapy, are cost‐effective services that are in demand in remote Australia. This paper was derived from a report to the Rural Health Policy Unit of Queensland Health that granted funds for a mobile allied health team to visit the remote western shires of the Peninsula and Torres Strait health region. By presenting an outline of an unusual group of parochial occupational injuries it can be shown that there is indeed both a considerable demand for allied health services and these services can be provided to remote communities by a mobile remote outreach service for a reasonable cost.
THE NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY
Authors: Ramsay Janine
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The National Mental Health Strategy aims to assist people with a mental illness to have access to improved services and support, with community based services as the option of first choice. The Commonwealth, State and Territory governments are working together with consumers, professionals and other key parties so that mental health services are ‘mainstreamed’ within the general health system. This will also ensure that permanent improvements are made in the way Australia responds to the needs of people with mental disorders. Access to an integrated network of different services, including those outside the health system, is an essential component of the strategy. Ensuring that residents of rural and remote areas have adequate access to mental health services is apriority of the Strategy.
DEALING WITH BORDER ISSUES THE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE WAY
Authors: Blackburn Kaye , Kemp James E.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Border issues are commonly conceptualised as concerns about inequities in health care for people living near State boundaries or borders. This paper examines how border issues have been addressed in the implementation of primary healthcare at the community level. The paper focuses on the implementation of primary healthcare principles in two towns, Wallangarra in Queensland and Jennings in New South Wales. The primary healthcare approach employed by Stanthorpe Health Services addressed border issues by providing the residents of Wallangarra and Jennings with equitable access to health service provision. The structure of health service delivery, the funding differences in each State and the impact of State policies on the residents of these two towns are discussed. The paper demonstrates how application of primary healthcare principles has reduced the impact of some of the border issues faced by the residents of Wallangarra and Jennings.
BARRIERS TO THE USE OF URBAN MEDICAL SERVICES BY RURAL AND REMOTE AREA HOUSEHOLDS
Authors: Veitch P.C. , Sheehan M. C. , Holmes J. H. , Doolan T. , Wallace A.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: People from rural and remote areas commonly need to attend provincial and metropolitan cities for specialist care. Their decisions to make such trips ‘away’ involve a number of non‐medical considerations that include economic, emotional and social factors. This paper reports the results of two surveys that sought information about the types and importance of nonmedical considerations taken into account by rural and remote Queensland householders when faced with a trip away. In addition, the problems encountered by respondents on their last trip away are reported and discussed. The data revealed that important considerations taken into account when planning the trip were predominantly related to urgency, household organisation and the costs likely to be incurred while away. A number of avoidable problems occurring at destination were also described. Generally, remote area respondents saw these impediments as more serious barriers to seeking care than did rural area respondents. When respondents were further asked to identify major problems associated with their last trip to an urban facility, problems at the destination figured more prominently, particularly problems directly related to the lack of understanding of the transport and distance needs of rural people. With one exception, these problems were reported by similar proportions of rural and remote area respondents. These are matters that merit high priority attention in any programs to enhance access to specialist medical services by people in rural and remote areas.
THE GENERAL PRACTICE RURAL INCENTIVES PROGRAM, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION: PROGRESS TO DATE
Authors: Holub Linda , Williams Brian.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The General Rural Practice Incentives Program (GPRIP) part of the General Practice Strategy has progressively been introduced since 1992 to address a number of impediments to rural general practice. This article provides an overview of the GPRIP and an indication of its early successes.
RURAL PEOPLE UTILISING CITY HOSPITALS: ISSUES FOR SERVICE PROVISION
Authors: Keleher Helen , Ellis Julie
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The geographic distribution of health services in Australia means that rural people may need to travel long distances from their homes to obtain specialist services. Because sophisticated and expensive medical technologies are centralised, it is not uncommon for rural people to need to access metropolitan health services for many forms of treatment. This study sought to investigate the experiences of central Victorian people for whom illness or injury necessitated their admission to metropolitan hospitals. Because of distance from both metropolitan hospitals and social support structures, these people were likely to have differing experiences from city people admitted to hospital. However, it was found that not only were variables of rurality and social support significant, but socio‐economic status and family structure were also found to be important. Even though respondents identified distress and other problems associated with the metropolitan admission, they rationalised the whole experience in terms of the specialized treatment they received; treatment that was not available in country hospitals.
ASSESSING A SUPPORT AND LEARNING NETWORK FOR PALLIATIVE CARE WORKERS IN A COUNTRY AREA OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: Elsey Barry , McIntyre Janet
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Palliative care might be described as a movement within the healthcare systems of many countries which has a strong voluntary backing in the wider community. Much of the developments in Australia have taken place in the metropolitan areas with ‘cinderella’ services attempting to make provision in rural and remote parts of the country. This paper describes and reviews an action research project designed to provide a support and learning network for palliative care workers in a country area of South Australia, using the telephone and interactive video conference facilities for communication purposes. The lessons of the project have applicability for other healthcare providers in rural and remote parts of Australia.
RURAL INTERDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE TRAINING IN HAWAII: A CROSS‐CULTURAL PROJECT
Authors: Eide Phyllis
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In 1993, a federally funded project began at the University of Hawaii to educate students from a variety of health professions (nursing, medicine, dental hygiene, psychology, public health, and social work) about the challenges of working as an interdisciplinary team in rural health settings. After nine months of study, this education culminated in students participating in interdisciplinary team projects in rural areas of Hawaii. The development and funding of interdisciplinary rural health projects across the United States reflects the growing awareness that limited resources and access to health in rural areas requires resource sharing, both physical and non‐physical. Exposing students to information about rural health care, and then providing hands‐on opportunities for teamwork with fellow students in a rural setting, can serve an additional and critical function: to recruit to rural areas healthcare workers who are already aware of the challenges and rewards of this type of practice.
THE RURAL NURSE‐PRACTITIONER: CONCEPTS AND ISSUES
Authors: Roberts Kathryn L.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper reviews concepts, issues and research findings related to the role of the nurse‐practitioner; in particular, findings related to the role of the rural nurse‐practitioner are considered. Issues related to the nurse‐practitioner, including effectiveness, physician acceptance, client acceptance, models of practice, legal issues, reimbursement, licensure and educational implications are discussed. It is concluded that the nurse‐practitioner is a valuable profession.
‘IF ONLY WE HAD SOMEWHERE TO TURN …’ THE SERVICE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY IN A RURAL COMMUNITY
Authors: Fyffe Chris , McCubbery Jeffery
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This study reports the experiences of a group of people with acquired brain injury and their carers when assessing services in rural Victoria, Australia. There was a low level of professional awareness of acquired brain injury, which reduced access to information and produced poor co‐ordination and communication between and within services. The findings have specific implications for rural service providers, in particular general practitioners.
HEALTH RESEARCH LITERACY: A NEW APPROACH TO INVOLVING RURAL GENERAL PRACTITIONERS IN RESEARCH AND EVALUATION
Authors: Wise Anne
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Rural general practitioners (GPs) are currently involved in two concurrent and systematic programs of research/evaluation. These programs are generated, respectively, by initiatives in rural health and in general practice. This paper examines the consequences of this involvement by GPs as implementers and/or targets of components of each of these programs, and concludes that it is appropriate that they be provided in a systematic way with the knowledge and skills base they need to empower them to participate in (both developmentally and at the implementation level) and/or to appraise the research impinging on their lives. Six broad levels of involvement in rural health research are identified for rural doctors in this paper, which proposes an innovative strategy — health research literacy — to assist doctors at these various levels of involvement.
RURAL HEALTH AND THE EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION OF NURSES FOR AGED CARE
Authors: Orb Angelica
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The findings of this study indicate that a large number of nurses practising in the rural areas of Western Australia are regularly working with the elderly. Registered nurses who received some form of education specific to working with the elderly were interested in continuing their education in gerontology. Those registered nurses who did not work regularly with the elderly were the least interested in an external study course. This may be became some nurses working in rural hospitals may prefer to work in their area of expertise rather than in other nursing areas.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION: A CHALLENGE FOR RURAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
Authors: Hill Pauline , Alexander Tracey
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Health professionals in rural and remote areas of Australia are disadvantaged when accessing continuing education. Their geographical isolation influences attendance at seminars, workshops and even informal discussions with colleagues. This paper describes the strategies adopted to meet the continuing education needs of a group of health professionals working in diabetes education and discusses how other specialist areas can provide similar educational opportunities. The education programs for isolated health professionals involved in diabetes care in South Australia were created by a team, and the resources of their associated institutions. Formed working agreements were established to achieve the aim of relevant continuing education for rural health professionals and to ensure ongoing ventures. All programs have been positively received, and evaluations identify the need to develop other, related subjects. Future developments will further utilise advances in technology to extend access and add to the current modes of education delivery. It is the intention of this group to continue to develop practice‐based subjects capable of meeting rural health practitioners' needs and thus enhance the quality of care in rural and remote communities.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: AN EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS
Authors: Anderson Debra , Harris Marilyn , McCosker Heather
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to identify the educational needs of community‐based rural health professionals regarding violence against women, and was funded under the Rural Health Support, Education and Training (RHSET) program. Focus groups and teleconferences were conducted with health workers, organisations and key individuals in the Wide Bay Region, Queensland, Australia. As a result, an education package has been designed that will provide specific training in violence against women for rural and remote health professionals working in the field. Rural health community workers identified the need to enhance their intervention skills and understanding on the issue of violence against women. A distance education framework based on adult and guided learning principles has been developed to meet this need. Six areas were identified as important learning needs and included: (i) violence against women as a public health concern; (ii) The role of the community health worker; (iii) How the community health worker can empower women experiencing violence in their lives; (iv) Enhancing and developing supportive networks; (v) Building on community development action; and (vi) Where to next for community health workers.
PALLIATIVE HOME CARE IN A RURAL SETTING: REFLECTIONS ON SELECTIVE INTERACTIONS
Authors: Morgan Adrian K.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Despite the fact that terminally ill patients are approaching the end‐stage of their lives, the need for information and continuing involvement in their own care remains paramount and does not necessarily diminish as their dependency increases. This paper supports the view that nurses working in the area of rural palliative care are in an optimum position to establish the kind of relationship with patients and informal carers that augments a sense of involvement, self determination, equity and trust. This is of particular significance to rural palliative care where service provision may be under‐resourced and where domiciliary nurses are often the key provider for continuing care and support.
COMMUNITY COMPETENCE AND EMPOWERMENT: STRATEGIES FOR RURAL CHANGE IN WOMEN'S HEALTH SERVICE PLANNING AND DELIVERY
Authors: Coakes Sheridan J. , Kelly Gail J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Rural women face a variety of health‐related problems, some of which they share with their city sisters. However, the multiple responsibilities of women on the land, and their geographical isolation and lack of support, can lead to physical decline and increased mental strain. It is these factors which are often overlooked in the planning and allocation of funding and services to rural areas. This paper examines the application of community competence and empowerment measures in developing and implementing health services for women in rural Australian communities. A study conducted in the south‐west region of Western Australia illustrates the ability of women within rural communities to identify and respond constructively to health issues of concern.