bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RURAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE: A SURVEY OF RURAL PRACTICE AND CLINICAL SUPERVISION IN RURAL QUEENSLAND AND NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES
Authors: Elliott‐Schmidt Rachael , Strong Jenny
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A survey of rural occupational therapists in Queensland and northern New South Wales was undertaken to obtain descriptive information on rural practice and attitudes to encourage student fieldwork experience in rural settings. Thirty eight occupational therapists working in rural practice responded to a questionnaire survey. A quarter of these were originally from a rural upbringing. Forty two per cent of these occupational therapists had experience of clinical supervision and 87% of the survey sample indicated that a rural student placement would encourage students to consider rural practice after graduation. A majority of respondents (84%) indicated a need for more occupational therapy services in their rural community. The willingness of respondents to offer student placements was related to the belief that more occupational therapy services were needed in the area. A rural upbringing and returning to the country to work were issues related to the belief that encouraging students to experience rural fieldwork would attract more occupational therapists to rural practice.
THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON WAMI PROGRAM: 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH MANPOWER SHORTAGES IN RURAL AREAS
Authors: Hunt D. Daniel , Norris Tom , Ballweg Ruth
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The University of Washington is the only United States medical school serving the health care education needs of Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WAMI) and has evolved a unique set of partnerships to address this predominantly rural region of the United States. Three specific aspects of this program are relevant to Australia's rural health needs: (i) ‘pipeline’ efforts that groom rural and minority students long before medical school in order to keep them in the potential applicant pool; (ii) a decentralized medical school curriculum that provides repetitive training opportunities in rural and community‐based settings; and (Hi) special residency rotations, physician assistant programs and rural hospital support all of which train and maintain health care providers in rural remote settings.
INTERPRETING X‐RAYS OF ACUTE SKELETAL INJURIES
Authors: Price Jeremy
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Practical advice on the use of plain X‐rays in skeletal injuries is presented. This advice is aimed at the medical practitioner who lacks expert assistance in the acute setting. Clinically important abnormalities are reviewd and some potential pitfalls are highlighted.
ON THE FARM: CHILDREN'S SAFETY
Authors: Preece Jenny
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This article will identify the high risk areas of child safety on farms, and the recommended safe practice strategies in the form of an analytical review. It will highlight the shortfalls in the practicality of some of these guidelines, and provide suggestions for change. For the purpose of this discussion, a child is a person aged less than 15 years.
TEN SKILLS IMPORTANT TO A COUNTRY GP
Authors: Cussons Andrea , Williams Brian , Power Ray
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A simple and effective way of enhancing the chance of medical students to choose rural practice as a vocation is to encourage them to contribute to their education about rural practice and to support those who demonstrate such commitment. This prize winning response to an essay competition, describing the 10 skills important to a country general practitioner, is linked with a discussion of ways that the outlined ideals may be met.
EVALUATION OF A CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM TO PREVENT AND TREAT ANAEMIA IN ARNHEMLAND
Authors: Fraser John
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Iron deficiency anaemia is a common condition in rural Aboriginal children. Poor nutrition and helminth infections are the common causes of this morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of annual single dose mebendazole 300–500 mg (albendazole unavailable) in preventing anaemia and the impact of iron and mebendazole in treating anaemia in a population of remote Aboriginal children in Arnhemland.
RURALISING THE UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL CURRICULUM THROUGH CONSULTATION WITH KEY STAKE HOLDERS
Authors: Hays Richard B. , Price David , Jelbart Margarat , Saltman Deborah
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper describes the approach taken at the University of Queensland to broaden the scope of curriculum design to involve rural general practitioners, medical students and rural health care consumers. A form of nominal group process in serial telephone teleconferences was used, with a group of rural general practitioners, to develop and pilot curriculum content, learning strategies and assessment methods. Medical students assisted in the evaluation of the curriculum and representatives of rural organisations were consulted about the value of hosting medical students in rural communities. The three groups made significant contributions to the project. The results will be trialed for the entire year 6 cohort (240 students) in 1995 and will form the basis of the planned rural practice term in the new graduate course.
KETAMINE: THE FORGOTTEN ANAESTHETIC?
Authors: Radford Peter
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Ketamine has many properties that are advantageous to the practitioner in a rural setting, particularly if solo. The personal experience of the author is recounted, and a technique for using ketamine is outlined.
THE RHSET SERVICE AS A REGIONAL RESOURCE: WHAT PRICE SUPPORT?
Authors: Goncalves Virgil , Munn Peter , Blue Ian
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The Rural Health Support, Education and Training (RHSET) advisory service has been a valuable tool for rural and remote organisations wishing to submit applications for health and human service grants. It has enhanced the concept of access and equity for groups in rural and remote areas. Support and networking have been strong factors in the service, which has overcome the limitations of inadequate travel and time resources for part‐time project officers providing assistance to organisations seeking grants. Intending grant applicants need to be motivated and enthused to keep working on applications, particularly as there is no guarantee of an affirmative outcome. It needs to be recognised that the positive results likely to arise from a fulltime regional service should not be thwarted by the lack of a small Commonwealth funding investment. There is considerable potential for the development of support services in terms of the breadth and depth of services offered to rural and remote health workers.
VIOLENCE AND REMOTE AREA NURSING
Authors: Fisher Jacklin , Bradshaw Julie , Currie Beth Anne , Klotz Jeanette , Robins Patricia , Serle Kerry Reid , Smith Janie
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The Federal government and others have accepted that violence is a problem in rural and remote communities across Australia. The issue of personal safety for Remote Area Nurses (RANs) living in remote areas has been mentioned in a number of State and Regional reports. However, to the knowledge of this research group, no systematic attempt to gather data on the incidence of violence experienced by RANs and other remote health workers has occurred. This study aims to redress the lack of data on the experience and description of violence against remote area nurses. Results indicate that remote area nurses are living with frequent threats to their personal safety while on duty, on call and off duty, and that violent incidents are often handled badly by employers, the community and remote area nurses themselves. Twenty‐four‐hour call is an employment requirement for 82% of respondents. Those required to be on call 24 hours experience episodes of violence more frequently. Despite nearly all of the respondents experiencing episodes of violence within the 12 months prior to the study, there was a tendency for remote area nurses, except in the case of physical violence, to perceive both the frequency and the severity of their experiences with violence as low and not personally directed.
THE FEBRILE CHILD
Authors: Prebble Jeff
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The child with a fever is a common but sometimes difficult problem. The recognition of a serious bacterial infection is usually possible with careful clinical assessment. Occult bacteraemia may be missed, and apian of examination, investigation and management is outlined. The use of antibiotics and antipyretic treatment is discussed.
IMPLEMENTING A COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FOR THE PREVENTION OF INJURY ON FARMS IN NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Barnett Pauline , Houghton Ruth , Broad Alison
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Among New Zealand occupational injuries, farm‐related injuries are second only to forestry in importance. A three‐year Farm Safety Study, funded by the Accident Rehabilitation and Compensation Insurance Corporation, researched the epidemiology of farm injury in New Zealand, the safety behaviour and attitudes of people living on farms and the international literature on farm safety strategies. The Farm Safety Study made funds and regional injury information available to a local farm women's network in Southland to initiate work on farm safety through a series of workshops. Evaluation indicated effective coverage of farm types and localities. Outcomes included increased safety awareness, suggestions for a range of individual, community and institutional strategies and proposals for a local fieldworker. Over half the women responding to an evaluation questionnaire reported taking specific action to make their own farm safer. This project indicates that linking integrated, locally based research with action by community groups can be an effective mechanism to advance change.
PROMOTING BREASTFEEDING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES: BREAST IS BEST AND BOTTLE IS A LAST RESORT
Authors: Hughes Roger
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: ‘Breast is best and bottle is a good second best’ has been a common infant nutrition axiom in Australia in recent times. The impact of the widespread recognition of breastfeeding as the most appropriate form of infant nutrition for the first six months of life has been softened by this almost favourable premise about the suitability of artifical feeding. The promotion of breastfeeding becomes that much more difficult if bottle feeding is seen to be, and promoted as, a comparable alternative to breastfeeding by health professionals and the broader community. There is accumulating evidence to suggest that this is not the case, and that infant feeding with artificial formulas increases the risk of short‐ and long‐term morbidity and mortality. This review of breastfeeding promotion challenges health professionals in rural Australia to adopt the more appropriate axiom that ‘breast is best and bottle is a last resort’.
STRESS IN THE RURAL EMERGENCY ROOM
Authors: Dwver Terence M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This study identifies stress‐producing factors reported by registered nurses (RNs) attending serious incidents in an Australian rural hospital's emergency room. A Delphi approach was used to determine the six most significant stress‐producing factors, and these factors were then ranked by two groups of nurses. The rankings were compared using the Spearman Rank Order Coefficient of Correlation and were found to be dependent on years of nursing experience of the RNs taking part in the study. The more experienced group nominated ‘anxiety about nursing a family member or close friend’ as the most significant stress‐producing factor, while the less experienced group reported ‘concerns about nursing a child’ as the most important stress‐producing factor. Possible reasons for the variation in rankings are discussed, and recommendations are made in the light of the study's findings.
BUILDING COMMUNITY NETWORKS: A ROAD TRAUMA EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM FOR RURAL AREAS
Authors: Willis Karen , Cameron Prue , Igoe Pat
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The work of the Road Trauma Support Team highlights the ongoing impact of road trauma on rural communities. Small population size and close social networks mean that road trauma can have a negative effect on social relations across the whole community. Much of the ‘flow‐on’ effect of road trauma, in the form of community distress, can be alleviated by increased skills, information about responding to road trauma, and the establishment of supportive community networks. This paper reports on the implementation and evaluation of a project that addressed knowledge, skills and awareness of road trauma in rural communities. Funded by the Rural Health Support Education and Training (RHSET) program and conducted by the Road Trauma Support Team, the project focused on the impact of traumatic events in small communities and strategies to maximise effective participation of community members and health workers in response to trauma. Piloted in six rural communities in northern Tasmania, the project has developed an educational resource package.
HEALTH STATUS, TREATMENT AND DRUG USE IN RURAL BANGLADESH: A CASE STUDY OF A VILLAGE
Authors: Roy Jiben
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In Bangladesh, the government healthcare system remains a very minor source of health care for rural households. The availability of registered physicians is scarce in rural areas, and the people, the majority of whom are underweight as indicated by body mass index measurement, have to depend on pharmacy salespersons, quacks and herbal or spiritual healers. Unlike Australia, almost every pharmacy salesperson illegally recommends and sells prescription medicines. In addition, there are also unqualified village ‘doctors’ who do not own a pharmacy shop but provide written prescriptions. However, the treatments provided by these village ‘doctors’ remain open to question, with instances of maltreatment or inadequate treatment. The treatments are mostly symptomatic and polypharmacy is common, with antibiotics and vitamins prescribed widely. On the other hand, rural people sometimes do not buy all the drugs that are prescribed for them, partly because of financial constraint. In addition, self medication is common. While family planning and immunisation are slowly becoming popular among rural families, general health knowledge is still poor. Public healthcare campaigns as well as proper training for the rural prescribes could be helpful in improving the present poor rural healthcare system.
LEVEL OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS IN MALE AND FEMALE RURAL GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Authors: Dua Jagdish K.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: General practitioners (GPs) in five rural divisions in New South Wales completed questionnaires designed to assess the degree to which various stressors were present in their work environment; the degree to which these stressors distressed them; their general stress: and their general health. Results published in a previous paper showed that high occupational stress in doctors was associated with high general stress and poor general health. Results reported in this paper showed that male doctors were more stressed than female doctors, GPs working on a full‐time basis were more stressed than those working on a part‐time basis, GPs who were also working as visiting medical officers were more stressed than those who did not work in this capacity, and younger GPs were more stressed than older GPs. High workload, governments' interference with their work, and family and leisure concerns were the major stressors for rural GPs.
RURAL AND URBAN FEMALE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS‘ ATTITUDES TOWARDS AND USE OF PRIMARY CARE SERVICES
Authors: Stewart Fiona J. , Rosenthal Doreen A.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In light of the current and ongoing threats to young women's health of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmissible diseases (including HIV/AIDS), assured access to appropriate and sensitive health services is of paramount importance. In this article, the results of a recent Victorian study involving rural and urban female secondary school students on issues relating to sexual health are reported. Drawing upon the findings of an extensive self‐report questionnaire, young women's attitudes towards and use of health services are presented with a particular focus upon the variations that exist between the rural and urban populations. Apart from issues associated with privacy, which were found to be more crucial to rural young women's decisions to seek medical care, this study found young women's concern about the attitudes of medical and non‐medical staff alike, the atmosphere of surgery or clinic, and gender of doctor all to be important factors in their general use of health services, regardless of location.
‘THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN’: PRIVACY AND SEXUAL HEALTH ISSUES FOR YOUNG RURAL PEOPLE
Authors: Warr Deborah , Hillier Lynne
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Survey and focus group discussions examining sexual health issues for young people were conducted with 1168 year 8 and year 10 secondary school students living in small rural communities across Australia. Growing up in the country was generally perceived as a positive experience; however, many young people felt that they had little privacy. Two main areas of concern emerged in relation to sexual health issues: worries about being recognised in public venues such as doctor's surgeries and chemists, and the informal mechanisms among peer groups that appraised and regulated sexual behaviour and attitudes. There were some significant gender differences evident in the expectations and experiences attached to these concerns, with girls expressing more awareness of and concern towards their public reputations when accessing sexual health services. They also felt that their sexual reputations among peers were closely monitored by way of their behaviour and appearance. This can militate against confident and assertive safer sex strategies such as condom use, when initiating or insisting upon condom use is construed as evidence of promiscuity or a preparedness to engage in sex. Concerns around privacy may be acutely experienced by young rural women, and health services providers need to be aware of these issues and efforts need to be made to address and allay the apprehensions of young people in this sensitive area.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PRECEPTORSHIP MODEL IN POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION FOR RURAL NURSES
Authors: Smith Patsy
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a preceptor program in meeting the needs of first‐year graduate nurses employed in a large rural hospital. In particular, this project aimed to assess whether the program leads to improvement in the clinical skills of the graduate over the 12‐month period of the program: the suitability of the program to meet the graduates' needs; and the perceptions of nursing unit managers, preceptors and enrolled nurses regarding the program. Questionnaires were designed and distributed to the above categories of nurses, as well as graduates. Results indicated that the graduates considered the program to be excellent and that it met their needs to a high degree, while the clinical nurses rated the program, between adequate and good. The paper will define the strengths and limitations of the program and the effect on recruitment and retention of nurses in a rural area.
MANAGING PATIENT RECORDS AND DOCUMENTING SERVICE DELIVERY: THE RESULTS OF A ‘BEST PRACTICE’ REMOTE AREA NURSING PROGRAM
Authors: Wilks Jeffrey , Barnes Josephine , Paul Kerrie , Wood Maryann , Jones Denise
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper describes a ‘best practice’ demonstration program for monitoring nursing services in remote locations. A four‐phase project involving paper and computer‐based patient information systems was implemented at nursing climes on islands off the coast of Queensland. Patient demographics, diagnoses and details of health service provision were recorded. Results showed a marked improvement in the detail of patient records over the program period. Monitoring of services also provided useful planning and policy information for company management, while a systematic approach to maintaining patient records addressed several medico‐legal issues.
VIDEOCONFERENCING: PRACTICAL ADVICE ON IMPLEMENTATION
Authors: Gupta Tarun K. Sen , Wallace D. Alan , Clark Steve L. , Bannan Glenda
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Videoconferencing provides a useful tool for improving information flow, with clinical, educational and administrative uses being particularly relevant to rural and remote Australia. This paper describes the range of possible uses for computer‐based videoconferencing and describes the authors' experience in delivering rural medical education in North Queensland via videoconference. Principles that ensure successful videoconferencing are outlined and are applicable to a variety of formats and uses. They include the need to keep it simple, the importance of thorough preparation, and ensuring that education drives technology, rather than the converse.
CORRELATES OF CONDOM USE AND ATTITUDES TO CONDOMS AND AIDS IN A GROUP OF DARWIN WOMEN
Authors: Roberts Kathryn L.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the use of condoms, attitudes to condoms and correlates of these in women in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. A survey using a Condom Attitudes Scale was administered to a convenience sample of 160 women. With regular partners, these women had a low level of use of condoms, with a somewhat higher level of use with casual partners. Their perceived risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other sexually transmitted diseases was not strong. These women's attitude towards the condom was reasonably positive. The major factor that correlated with attitudes to condoms was the type of relationship with a partner. This paper demonstrates the need for health professionals to continue to promote condom use among women.
METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN MEDICAL WORKFORCE ANALYSIS: IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
Authors: Hays Richard B. , Veitch P. Craig , Franklin Lucy , Crossland Lisa
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Medical workforce data have a profound impact on health policy formulation, but derived doctor population ratios (DPR) are often more relevant to plotting national trends than providing a detailed regional or local workforce perspective. Regional workforce data may be more useful if national approaches are augmented by local information. In developing a detailed workforce analysis for one region of Australia, the authors encountered several challenging methodological issues, including the accuracy of medical workforce databases, clarity of definition of community boundaries, interpretation of workforce definitions and the difficulty accounting for local community needs. This paper discusses the implications for regional workforce research.
METHADONE IN RURAL GENERAL PRACTICE: ADDICTION OR REHABILITATION
Authors: Richards David
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This article presents the reflections of a rural general practitioner who has been involved in the Victorian methadone program for some years. Its object is to highlight some perceived strengths and weaknesses in the Methadone Program, particularly as it operates in rural areas, and to suggest some ways in which it could be modified to provide better for the needs of opiate‐dependent persons who live outside the major cities.
OUTCOMES IN RURAL OBSTETRICS, ATHERTON HOSPITAL 1981–1990
Authors: Cameron Bruce
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Analysis of annual obstetric audit data collected over the decade 1981–1990 from the Atherton Hospital in far north Queensland provides evidence of safe obstetric practice provided by a group of non‐specialist doctors in a rural community. During that period, there were 2883 deliveries with an overall perinatal mortality of 5.2/1000. There were 1974 public confinements (perinatal mortality 5.1/1000) and 909 private confinements (perinatal mortality 5.5/1000). By including those perinatal deaths that occurred in public patients who were transferred because of intrapartum complications, such as premature labour or neonatal problems, the corrected perinatal mortality rate for the public patients was 9.6/1000, which compares favourably with rates for Queensland and the Far North Statistical Division in 1987 of 13.5/1000 and 16.9/1000, respectively. This was achieved with low intervention, as indicated by an overall Caesarean section rate of 13.0% (public 10.6%, private 18.3%) and an antenatal referral rate of less than 2% of patients from the hospital public clinic for delivery under specialist care.
UNIVERSITY PERFORMANCE, GENDER AND THE RURAL HEALTH WORKFORCE: AN ANALYSIS OF NURSING STUDENTS
Authors: Harden T. J. , Towers P. A. , Burton M. A. , Dunn P. F.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The relationship between student gender and performance was examined in first year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing course at Charles Sturt University from 1991 to 1995. A greater proportion of female students achieved passing grades in subjects studied when compared to male students, irrespective of the subject discipline area. Furthermore, a significantly greater proportion of female than male students passed nursing subjects; however, no statistically significant differences in performance were detected in the proportion of male or female students in either science or humanities subjects.
THE MARITIME ENVIRONMENT: A COMPARISON WITH LAND‐BASED REMOTE AREA HEALTH CARE
Authors: Bull Rosalind M. , Boyle Anthony J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The sea is not often considered when discussing remote area health care; however, when a comparison is made of the challenges posed by this and land‐based remote areas and the experiences of people providing health care in both settings, the similarities are striking. Like people living in land‐based remote areas, seafarers live in isolated communities, are often in remote geographical locations, and are required to be self‐sufficient in the provision of health care, utilising limited medical resources and training in conjunction with radio medical advice. Given the large numbers of small, isolated floating communities that characterise the world shipping industry, some consideration of the quality of and access to health care needs to be made. This paper introduces the marine environment as a remote area, drawing comparisons between it and land‐based environments. Issues pertinent to the people providing health care in both environments are discussed. These issues include limited educational preparation, sparse resources and the problems related to distance, isolation, communication, accessibility and weather.
EVIDENCE‐BASED PRACTICE AND RURAL NURSING: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: McCarthy A. , Hegney D.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This literature review is an exploration of issues related to evidence‐based practice and rural nursing. Given the contribution that nursing research can make to improved client care in rural areas, it is important that nurses' awareness and understanding of evidence‐based practice be enhanced, and that strategies for fostering the development of clinically relevant programs of nursing research be identified for rural health services. The review highlights the deficiencies in the current metropolitan‐based approaches to evidence‐based practice that may disadvantage rural clients and nursing practitioners, because they do not accommodate the inherent differences in rural and metropolitan healthcare cultures. It emphasises the need to seek approaches to research‐based practice that arise from the specific needs of the rural setting.
CLIENT PERCEPTIONS OF A RURAL‐BASED CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM: A GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH
Authors: Thornhill M. , Stevens J. A.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A grounded theory approach was used in an attempt to generate theory about client perceptions and experiences of a cardiac rehabilitation program conducted in a rural community. A series of interviews was conducted with a selection of people who had experienced a life‐threatening cardiac event. The cohort was divided into two groups: those who attended a cardiac rehabilitation program and those who did not. The findings, though not generalisable, allowed the generation of a number of theories (which may come to be the genesis of future research) regarding the differences in the physiological, psychological, sociological and vocational well‐being between the groups. The findings also suggested that location of the program, the times it was conducted, and the communication skills of significant healthcare workers who recruited participants were important factors affecting attendance.
A PICTURE OF LOCATIONAL‐OCCUPATIONAL DIVERSITY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEEDS OF RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTHCARE WORKERS WHEN WRITING RHSET APPLICATIONS
Authors: Wood Ruth , Malko‐Nyhan Kristina
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Methods for meeting the research needs of rural/remote health workers have been assessed on the assumption that these workers form a seemingly homogeneous group. This paper provides a picture of locational‐occupational diversity not previously considered when addressing the needs of rural health workers writing research and project grant submissions. Rural/remote health workers and researchers were surveyed about their needs when seeking assistance with the development, implementation and evaluation of funded project/program proposals. New South Wales respondents were differentiated according to five geographical locations and 10 occupational categories. The results suggest that geographical location and occupational category are major factors in determining research requirements for rural/remote health workers and researchers, and should be considered when identifying barriers to the development and implementation of research projects in rural/remote health care issues. Those health workers most isolated required access to resource information and research and grant writing skills development, while researchers in metropolitan areas were more inclined to seek funding information and general assistance. Those in occupational categories who do not generally receive research and grant writing skills training are less likely to attract funding than their more ‘academic’ counterparts.
RURAL PROCEDURALISTS: AN ENDANGERED SPECIES. REPORT OF THE QUEENSLAND RURAL INDEMNITY STUDY, 1997
Authors: Sondergeld Shane , Nichols Anna
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Surveys and interviews of a random sample of rural doctors in Queensland were undertaken to investigate the degree to which indemnity costs influence the types of practice and future plans of rural proceduralists. A survey of 135 rural doctors sought details of the procedural profiles, current indemnity status and the future plans of doctors presently undertaking procedures. Also under investigation was the degree to which concerns over indemnity related issues was likely to influence the continuing participation of these doctors in rural procedural medicine at current levels. The results indicate that the proportion of rural doctors in Queensland willing to offer procedural medicine is declining. Over the past 5 years, 52% of those surveyed had changed from procedural to non‐procedural indemnity cover and of the 48% of doctors remaining, one‐third indicated that they were considering such a change. Over 75% of current procedural doctors in the sample were able to identify an indemnity premium rate at which they would consider that procedural practice was no longer a viable option. Of the 104 respondents to the study, only 27 regard their status as totally stable with regard to long‐term procedural practice regardless of indemnity costs.
CHOICE OF GP: WHO DO YOUNG RURAL WOMEN PREFER?
Authors: Bryson Lois , Warner‐Smith Penny
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT:The demand for female medical practitioners by women in rural areas appears to be increasing and to be age related. However, the distribution of general practitioners in country Australia is heavily weighted to older men and access to a women's health centre also decreases with distance from the metropolitan areas. Data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health indicate that young women are significantly more likely than middle‐aged or older women to prefer to see a female doctor. It is argued here that it is the ‘culture of practice’ exhibited by female doctors that young women find attractive, rather than an essential appeal of the gender of the practitioner. The findings suggest that restricted access to female practitioners may affect health outcomes if young rural women are reluctant to seek medical services provided by male doctors practising in traditional modes.
AGED CARE REFORMS: POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR RURAL AND REMOTE AUSTRALIA
Authors: Lippert Noela
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In 1996, the Federal Government announced a draft of reforms in the aged care sector, including the controversial proposal to introduce upfront bonds for new nursing home residents with assets of more than $23 000. Following effective lobbying from welfare and church groups and pensioner organisations, the Prime Minister announced the axing of the bonds policy for nursing home residents in November 1997 and its replacement with an accommodation charge of $4380 per annum for 5 years. The social justice and ideological underpinnings of these Aged Care Reforms remain contentious, and have fundamental and long‐term policy implications for the provision of aged care services in rural and remote areas.
SPINAL CORD INJURY REHABILITATION OUTCOMES: A COMPARISON OF AGRICULTURAL AND NON‐AGRICULTURAL WORKERS
Authors: Young Amanda E. , Murphy Gregory C.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This study of Victorian workers who sustained a spinal cord injury aimed to: (i) define the proportion of this population who were employed in an agricultural setting prior to sustaining their injury; (ii) explore the pre‐injury characteristics and postinjury vocational achievements of agricultural workers; and (iii) compare these with those of non‐agricultural workers. Respondents were sampled from patients presenting for review at the participating spinal unit over the 9 month study period (N = 150 with a participation rate of 71%). Results indicated that while those working in agricultural occupations account for between 4 and 4.5% of Victorian workers, 13.3% of respondents reported working in agricultural occupations at the time of their injury. In spite of the physically demanding nature of their workplace many agricultural workers returned to farming postinjury. The rehabilitation experiences and return to work outcomes achieved by the agricultural workers were found to be very similar to those of other workers, despite the additional barriers they were expected to have encountered.
TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION: WHAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR RURAL AND REMOTE ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS?
Authors: Sheppard Lorraine , Mackintosh Shylie
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Recent technological advances provide exciting opportunities for the delivery of education to rural and remote allied health professionals. Distance education modes can overcome barriers of distance and cost. However, the use of technologies may allow distance education to be more interactive for rural and remote professionals. Technologies that can be used are audioconferencing, videoconferencing, electronic mail (email), CD‐ROM and the Internet. Combinations of any of these technologies and traditional forms of educational delivery are possible. The important objective is to create a learning environment that maximises interactivity and develops information literacy.
RURAL ATTACHMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS: ARE THEY WORTHWHILE?
Authors: McAllister Lindy , McEwen Ellen , Williams Vicki , Frost Natasha
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In the period 1991–96, 156 undergraduates from 14 health disciplines at the University of Sydney completed rural attachments in rural and remote areas of Australia as part of the Rural Careers Project. On return from their attachment, students were encouraged to write a brief report of their experiences. Ninety‐two available reports were analysed as one means of assessing the success of the attachments with respect to informing students about rural health issues and stimulating their interest in rural careers after graduation. A content analysis of the students' written comments about their perceptions and experiences was completed. Students were extremely positive about the value of the attachments and expressed more positive than negative comments regarding their perceptions of rural life and work. The results show that rural attachments are indeed worthwhile learning opportunities.
CONTINUOUS INFUSION OF SIVELESTAT SODIUM HYDRATE PREVENTS LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE‐INDUCED INTESTINAL PARALYSIS AND HYPOTENSION IN CONSCIOUS GUINEA‐PIGS
Authors: Hara Shunsuke , Nemoto Kayo , Ninomiya Norifumi , Kubota Minoru , Kuno Masamune , Yamamoto Yasuhiro
Published: March 2008

Sivelestat sodium hydrate (sivelestat), a neutrophil elastase inhibitor, is used to treat acute lung injury associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, but its effects have not been described for endotoxaemia. In the present study, we examined the effects of a continuous infusion of sivelestat on intestinal mechanical activity and blood pressure using an endotoxaemic model in conscious, unrestrained guinea‐pigs.

Guinea‐pigs underwent laparotomy while anaesthetized and were implanted with a force transducer sutured onto the taenia caecum. With this transducer, changes in tension in the intestinal longitudinal muscle were measured continuously via telemetry. Catheters were inserted into the carotid artery and jugular vein, were tunnelled subcutaneously and were accessed from the back of the neck. These catheters were connected to a cannula swivel and were used to monitor arterial pressure as well as to administer drugs i.v. in conscious, unrestrained guinea‐pigs. Twenty hours after surgery, guinea‐pigs received a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) 10 min after the start of a continuous 2 h i.v. infusion of sivelestat (30 mg/kg per h) or vehicle (saline). Elastase activity before and after sivelestat or vehicle administration was measured spectrometrically using a specific synthetic substrate.

We confirmed that intestinal longitudinal muscle tension decreased 2–3 h after LPS administration in the control group, with a concurrent decline in blood pressure. In guinea‐pigs treated with sivelestat, the LPS‐induced decreases in muscle tension and blood pressure were significantly reduced. In LPS‐treated control guinea‐pigs, serum elastase activity was elevated and this increase was significantly attenuated by administration of sivelestat.

The findings from the present study suggest that sivelstat can effectively reduce intestinal dysfunction and attenuate LPS‐induced decreases in blood pressure in endotoxaemia.
LONG‐TERM EXPOSURE TO EXTREMELY LOW‐FREQUENCY MAGNETIC FIELDS IMPAIRS SPATIAL RECOGNITION MEMORY IN MICE
Authors: Fu Yu , Wang Cangkai , Wang Jianhong , Lei Yanlin , Ma Yuanye
Published: March 2008

In the present study, we investigated the short‐ and long‐term effects of extremely low‐frequency (ELF) magnetic fields on spatial recognition memory in mice by using a two‐trial recognition Y‐maze that is based on the innate tendency of rodents to explore novel environments.

Mice were exposed to 25 or 50 Hz electromagnetic fields for either 7 (short term) or 25 days (long term) and then tested in the Y‐maze.

The results indicated that neither short‐ nor long‐term exposure to magnetic fields affected the locomotor activity of mice in the Y‐maze. However, long‐term exposure to 50 Hz fields reduced recognition of the novel arm.

Our findings suggest that ELF magnetic fields impair spatial recognition memory in the Y‐maze depending on the field strength and/or duration of exposure.
DEFECTIVE INTRACELLULAR Ca2+ HOMEOSTASIS CONTRIBUTES TO MYOCYTE DYSFUNCTION DURING VENTRICULAR REMODELLING INDUCED BY CHRONIC VOLUME OVERLOAD IN RATS
Authors: Ding Yan‐Feng , Brower Gregory L , Zhong Qiao , Murray David , Holland Merrilee , Janicki Joseph S , Zhong Juming
Published: March 2008

Previous studies have demonstrated progressive ventricular hypertrophy, dilatation and contractile depression in response to chronic volume overload. Whether this decompensation was related to intrinsic myocyte dysfunction was not clear. The present study evaluated ventricular myocyte function at critical times during the progression of ventricular remodelling induced by volume overload.

Chronic volume overload was induced with an infrarenal aortocaval fistula in rats. Myocyte contraction and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were evaluated using a fura‐2 fluorescence and edge detection system. Protein levels of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ transporters were determined by western blots. Progressive ventricular dilatation developed following creation of the fistula. Although myocyte function in 5 week fistula rats was comparable to that of the control group, myocytes from rats 10 weeks post‐fistula demonstrated significant depression of cell shortening and peak [Ca2+]i. Application of isoproterenol (0.1 µmol/L) was not able to compensate for the functional deficiency in myocytes from 10 week fistula rats. Caffeine (10 mmol/L) induced SR Ca2+ release, as well as protein expression of SR Ca2+‐ATPase, and ryanodine receptors were reduced in myocytes obtained from the same group of 10 week fistula rats.

These data indicate that the transition to heart failure secondary to chronic volume overload is related to depressed myocyte contractility secondary to altered intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis.
DO WE NEED MOLECULAR TOMOGRAPHY OF A CELL AND HOW CAN IT BE ACHIEVED?
Authors: Chen Yi‐Zhang , Chen Xiao‐Ping
Published: March 2008

The spatial relationship between intracellular molecules and their local concentrations are two critical parameters required for a better understanding of protein–protein interactions in the cell.

Determination of the local concentration of proteins in individual cells using more sophisticated techniques and determination of the spatial relationship between a molecular platform and its partners is essential for allow us to obtain more convincing and concrete scientific conclusions.

As a reasonable goal, development of molecular tomography of the cell is proposed.
SUBENDOCARDIAL VIABILITY RATIO ESTIMATED BY ARTERIAL TONOMETRY: A CRITICAL EVALUATION IN ELDERLY HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH INCREASED AORTIC STIFFNESS
Authors: Chemla Denis , Nitenberg Alain , Teboul Jean‐Louis , Richard Christian , Monnet Xavier , Le Clesiau Hervé , Valensi Paul , Brahimi Mabrouk
Published: March 2008

Increased aortic stiffness predisposes to myocardial ischaemia by increasing the systolic tension–time index and by decreasing aortic pressure throughout diastole. The tonometric subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) is a non‐invasive estimate of myocardial perfusion relative to cardiac workload. The hypothesis that SEVR is impaired in elderly hypertensives with high aortic pulse pressure (PP) was tested in the present study.

The SEVR was calculated by radial applanation tonometry in 203 subjects. In addition, diastolic time (DT), systolic time (ST) and mean diastolic and systolic aortic pressures (Pd and Ps, respectively) were calculated. First, 60 subjects matched for age and gender were analysed (20 controls, 20 hypertensives with pulse pressure (PP) ≤ 60 mmHg, 20 hypertensives with PP > 60 mmHg; mean (±SD) age 64 ± 9 years; 24 women, 36 men). The remaining 143 subjects, aged 53 ± 10 years, were analysed subsequently.

The SEVR was similar in the three elderly groups (1.39 ± 0.34, 1.39 ± 0.28 and 1.35 ± 0.25, in controls and hypertensive patients with PP ≤ 60 and > 60 mmHg, respectively). The SEVR was positively related to DT/ST (r2 = 0.89) and to DT (r2 = 0.73) and was negatively related to heart rate (r2 = 0.56; P < 0.001 each). However, SEVR was not related to ST, PP, mean Pd or mean Ps. At a given DT/ST, SEVR tended to be lower in hypertensives with PP > 60 mmHg than in hypertensives with normal PP. The positive linear relationship between SEVR and DT/ST was confirmed in the remaining 143 subjects (r2 = 0.90), with no influence of aortic pressure.

The tonometric SEVR was not impaired in elderly hypertensive patients with increased aortic stiffness. In resting elderly and middle‐aged individuals, the tonometric SEVR was mainly related to DT/ST ratio, not to aortic pressure.
PSYCHOSOMATIC STUDIES ON CHRONIC URTICARIA
Authors: Kaneko Ziro , Takaishi Noboru
Published: March 2008

1) 26 patients suffering from chronic urticaria were interviewed and given projective techniques (Rorshach Test and TAT) in order to find basic personality traits common among the patients, whereby the psychodynamics of the disease may be inferred. As a result, one of important psychodynamics of the disease was inferred as following: The frustrations often experienced in childhood led the patients to have excessive need for affection and poor abiltity to have the need gratified by establishing warm relationship with their superior. Consequently, the patients are prone to be easily frustrated and harbor aggressiveness, be it oriented outward or inward.

2) 27 patients suffering from chronic urticaria were treated with hypnosis with considerably good results.

3) In 4 p, atients urticaria was artificially produced by directly suggesting urticaria or by suggesting emotional conflicts of repressed aggression. The results are considered as a positive evidence of the relation of emotional factors to the disease.
SEASONAL FLUCTUATION OF PSYCHIATRIC ADMISSIONS, BASED ON THE DATA FOR 7 PREFECTURES OF JAPAN FOR A 7‐YEAR‐PERIOD 1955–1961, WITH A REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Authors: Abe Kazuhiko
Published: March 2008

1) The author selected 7 out of 48 prefectures of Japan, where the psychiatric admission is less likely to be delayed, and indicates the change in the “incidence” of psychoses relatively exactly. The admission in these districts show seasonal fluctuations similar to those reported by earlier investigators for European and American cities. The admission increases in spring and usually reaches the maximum sometime in between April and July, and then gradually decreases towards winter, with or without a smaller peak in autumn.

Further, the shape of these seasonal fluctuation has been analyzed statistically, and has been correlated to the latitude of the locality. The result indicates that in lower latitudes, the increase in admissions in the second trimester is faster and the maximum is earlier than in higher latitudes.

2) The admissions of manic‐depressive show generally a more marked fluctuation (larger amplitude) and reach the maximum earlier, in comparison to schizophrenics of the same locality.

Two possible explanations have been mentioned.
ON THE LINEAR MODEL OF THE BRAIN ACTIVITY IN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC POTENTIAL
Authors: Sato Kensuke
Published: March 2008

Assuming that the electroencephalographic potential fluctuation is caused by afferent stimulations to the EEG generator system in the brain, even in a resting relaxed state, its autocorrelation function and Fourier transform theoretically indicate not only the average respanse of the brain to a single superthreshold impulse in the time and frequency domains respectively. Theoretically, the crosscorrelation function of experimental stimulation and electroencephalographic potential fluctuation, and its Fourier transform have a similar physiological significance.

The above theoretical point of view, therefore, suggests that some new activities of the brain may be detected by appropriate processing of electroencephalographic data observed in various portions of the brain under manifold conditions.

It was also pointed out that one of the cause to yield the high harmonic response during a rhythmic stimulation lies in the stimulation itself.