bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of the Forecasting Model DOWNCAST for Determination of Downy Mildew Epidemics of Oilseed Poppy in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Scott J. B. , Hay F. S. , Wilson C. R.
Published: March 2008

Peronospora cristata, causing downy mildew, has become an economically important pathogen of oilseed poppy (Papaver somniferum) since its first record in Tasmania in 1996. DOWNCAST, originally developed for downy mildew of onion, was evaluated for its ability to predict sporulation and infection of poppy by P. cristata. To assess the influence of the parameters within DOWNCAST, two modifications (POPCAST1 and POPCAST2) of the standard DOWNCAST model were also developed and tested. Initial accuracy of determination of sporulation events by DOWNCAST was 75%, while POPCAST1 (but not POPCAST2) was a significantly more accurate predictor of sporulation events (86%) than DOWNCAST (χ2 = 5.74, P = 0.025). This increase in accuracy was attributed to increasing both the rainfall threshold inhibitory to sporulation from 0.2 to 3.0 mm, and the relative humidity threshold for induction and development of sporulation from 95% to 96%. While DOWNCAST, POPCAST1 and POPCAST2 had accuracies of infection determination of 65%, 80% and 75%, respectively, chi‐squared analysis indicated no significant difference between models. Preliminary field evaluation indicated that POPCAST1 and POPCAST2 were more sensitive in detecting early infection events than DOWNCAST. Field observations indicated that conditions are frequently conducive for downy mildew spread, therefore the ability to predict early season infection events would allow growers to reduce initial infection rates, and thus inoculum loads later in the season. POPCAST1 and POPCAST2 represent a significant step towards the development of a predictive model for downy mildew in poppy crops.
Identification of AFLP markers linked to the epistatic suppressor gene of a recessive genic male sterility in rapeseed and conversion to SCAR markers
Authors: Xie Y. Z. , Hong D. F. , Xu Z. H. , Liu P. W. , Yang G. S.
Published: March 2008

A recessive epistatic genic male sterility (REGMS) two‐type line, 9012AB, has been used for rapeseed hybrid seed production in China. The male sterility of 9012AB is controlled by two recessive duplicate sterile genes (ms1 and ms2) interacting with one recessive epistatic suppressor gene (esp). Homozygosity at the esp locus (espesp) suppresses the expression of the recessive male sterility trait in homozygous ms1ms1ms2 ms2 plants. In this study, we used a combination of bulked segregant analyses and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) to identify markers linked to the suppressor gene in a BC1 population. From the survey of 1024 AFLP primer combinations, eight markers tightly linked to the target gene were identified. The two closest markers flanking both sides of Esp, P9M5370 and S16M14780, had a genetic distance of 1.4 cM and 2.1 cM, respectively. The AFLP fragment from P4M8190, which co‐segregated with the target gene was converted into a sequence characterized amplified region marker. The availability of linked molecular markers will facilitate the utilization of REGMS in hybrid breeding in Brassica napus.
Development of two multiplex PCR assays targeting improvement of bread‐making and noodle qualities in common wheat
Authors: Zhang X. K. , Liu L. , He Z. H. , Sun D. J. , He X. Y. , Xu Z. H. , Zhang P. P. , Chen F. , Xia X. C.
Published: March 2008

Wheat quality properties are genetically determined by the compositions of high and low molecular weight glutenin subunits, grain hardness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and starch viscosity. Two multiplex PCR assays were developed and validated using 70 cultivars and advanced lines from Chinese autumn‐sown wheat regions. Multiplex PCR I includes molecular markers for genes/loci ω‐secalin, Glu‐B1‐2a (By8), Glu‐D1‐1d (Dx5), Glu‐A3d, Glu‐B3 (for non‐1B·1R type) and Pinb‐D1b targeting improved gluten parameters and pan bread quality. Multiplex PCR II comprises markers for genes/loci Ppo‐A1, Ppo‐D1 and Wx‐B1b targeting improved noodle quality. The results were consistent with those achieved by SDS‐PAGE and RP‐HPLC, indicating that the two multiplex assays were highly effective, with good repeatability and low costs enabling their use in wheat breeding programmes. In total, nine alleles (subunits) at locus Glu‐B1, four at Glu‐D1 and five at Glu‐A3 locus were identified, and the alleles (subunits) Glu‐B1b (7 + 8), Glu‐B1c (7 + 9), Glu‐D1a (2 + 12), Glu‐D1d (5 + 10), Glu‐A3a, Glu‐A3c and Glu‐A3d were most frequently present in the cultivars and lines tested. The 1B·1R translocation was present in 28 (40.0%) lines, whereas the Wx‐B1 null allele for better noodle quality was present in only seven (10.0%) cultivars and advanced lines, and 37 (52.9%) lines had Pinb‐D1b associated with hard grains. The allele Ppo‐A1b on chromosome 2AL associated with lower PPO activity was present in 38 (54.3%) genotypes, whereas the less effective allele Ppo‐D1a on chromosome 2DL, also associated with low PPO activity was present in 45 (64.3%) of genotypes. These two multiplex PCR assays should be effective in marker assisted selection targeting improved pan bread‐making and noodle qualities.
Characterizations and molecular mapping of a novel dominant semi‐dwarf gene Sdd(t) in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Liu B. M. , Wu Y. J. , Fu X. D. , Qian Q.
Published: March 2008

By nitrogen ion implanting, we obtained a semi‐dwarf mutant from a japonica rice cultivar Y98148, designated as Y98149. The genetic analysis of Y98149 indicated that the semi‐dwarf phenotype was controlled by a single dominant gene, Sdd(t). We show that Y98149 reduced plant height mainly via inhibiting the first, second and third internode elongation. Based on this dwarfing pattern, the mutant could be grouped into dn‐type dwarf defined by Takeda [Gamma Field Symp. (1977) Vol. 16, PP. 1–18]. In addition, the Sdd(t) gene was sensitive to gibberellin (GA) based on the response to extraneous GA3 and the quantitative determination of endogenous GA1 and GA4. To map the Sdd(t) gene, we tested molecular markers by bulk segregant analysis. The Sdd(t) gene was localized to a 6.4 cM‐interval on the short arm of chromosome 6, flanked by two sequence‐tagged site markers S9 and S13.
Dissection of genetic variance of fibre quality in advanced generations from an interspecific cross of Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense
Authors: He D. H. , Lin Z. X. , Zhang X. L. , Zhang Y. X. , Li W. , Nie Y. C. , Guo X. P.
Published: March 2008

The interspecific genetic introgression approach has been shown to facilitate the detection and dissection of quantitative trait loci (QTL). A population consisting of 121 F6 recombinant inbred lines was developed by crossing Gossypium hirsutum cv. ‘Handan 208’ and G. barbadense cv. ‘Pima 90’ via single‐seed descent. Genotyping indicated that the mean ‘Pima 90’ allele frequency at each locus was 21%. Phenotyping and phenotypic distribution indicated a trend of return of individual lines’ characters to ‘Handan 208’ coupled with a wide variance for each trait. Significant loci influencing fibre quality were detected by one‐way analysis of variance (anova; P < 0.005) and association analysis [−log10(P) ≥ 3]: five and three markers for fibre length, four and one marker(s) for uniformity, two and one marker(s) for micronaire, 13 and 15 markers for strength, six and 10 markers for elongation, respectively. Two‐way anova based on genotypes of all marker loci combination showed that 807 two‐locus combinations were significant, and two‐way anova based on marker genotypes of QTL markers combination showed five significant digenic interactions (P < 0.01).
Association analysis of fibre traits in Gossypium arboreum accessions
Authors: Kantartzi S. K. , Stewart J. McD.
Published: March 2008

Advances in the use of diploid Asiatic species in cotton breeding require an understanding of the relatedness and ancestry of diploid cotton accessions, and identification of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with agronomically important phenotypic traits, for example, fibre quality. Fifty‐six Gossypium arboreum germplasm accessions introduced from nine regions of Africa, Asia and Europe were evaluated for eight fibre characters (lint percentage, lint colour, elongation, micronaire, strength, 50% span length, 2.5% span length and maturity%) and genotyped with 98 SSR markers. When viewed across all accessions most of the SSR markers were polymorphic. Population structure analysis identified six main clusters for the accessions which corresponded to different geographic regions, indicating agreement between genetic and predefined populations. The general linear model method was used to disclose marker–trait associations. Marker–trait associations were investigated by fitting single marker regression models for phenotypic traits on marker band intensities with correction for population structure. This paper illustrates the potential of association mapping in diploid cotton, because existing phenotypic data, a modest number of SSR markers, and a pioneering statistical analysis, identified interesting associations.
An Historical Perspective of Continuing Nurse Education in Rural South Australia
Authors: KNOX CHRISTINE
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Over the last decade, the delivery of continuing education to nurses in rural and remote South Australia has undergone considerable change. Historically, nurses in these areas have been professionally isolated in carrying out their chosen career through the ever present distance factor. Until recent times, continuing education programs have not been as accessible to rural nurses as they have been to their metropolitan colleagues. This paper takes a light hearted look at the development of continuing nurse education in rural and remote South Australia over the last decade, highlighting some of the ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ of keeping travelling nurse educators ‘on the road’, ‘in the air’, or just ‘flat out on the ground’. At the same time, the concept and significance of such an educational program in this region of the state will be addressed by the writer, from the experiences of two different educational institutions.
The National Conference of Rural Health Training Units
Authors: STRASSER ROGER
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Following the establishment of Rural Health Training Units in most States and the Faculty of Rural Medicine (RACGP), a National Conference of Rural Health Training Units was held on 11 and 12 December 1992, at Moe. Primary focus of the conference was on vocational training for rural general practice, with a secondary focus on development of a multidisciplinary approach in Rural Health Training Unit curricula. It was very much a business meeting in which those actively involved in development and implementation of rural practice training came together and worked through a range of important issues. Recommendations from the conference cover the roles and responsibilities of Rural Health Training Units, curricula and accreditation of rural general practice training, and the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary teamwork approach in developing training programs. The conference recommended formation of a National Association of Rural Health Training Units, which subsequently held its inaugural meeting at the National Rural Health Conference at Armidale in February 1993.
Selection of medical students and the maldistribution of the medical workforce in Queensland, Australia
Authors: CRAIG MARK L. , JACKEL CHERYL A. , GERRITS PETRA B.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The relative shortage of both general practitioners and specialists providing medical services to rural areas disadvantages people living in the country. This maldistribution of the medical workforce is due in part to the medical education system. The selection and socialisation of medical students, the adequacy of training for rural practice and the continuing support of rural doctors must all be addressed. While progress is being made in vocational training and continuing support of rural practice, aspects of undergraduate education continue to contribute to the shortage of rural practitioners.

The school and home addresses of 1991 school leavers in the 1992 intake into first year medicine at the University of Queensland were analysed and compared with those previously reported. Results indicated that students from rural backgrounds remain underrepresented despite previous recommendations to redress the disproportionately low number of rural students entering medical school. Changes to the selection of medical students aimed at increasing the number of rural students entering the course are discussed. This issue needs to be addressed in conjunction with many other factors contributing to the maldistribution of general practitioners if the shortage of rural medical practitioners is to be ultimately corrected.
Agricultural occupational health and safety: farming families presenting a challenge to wellness
Authors: HEGNEY DESLEY
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Occupational health and safety has become the right of all workers. This right was recognised formally in New South Wales and other Australian States by the introduction of legislation in the form of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Farm (agricultural) occupational health and safety differs from other workplace issues, in that the farm is also the home. Thus occupational exposure affects not only the farmer, but the family living on the farm. This article examines the current state of agricultural occupational health and safety (farm safety) in Australia. Farm hazards such as agricultural chemicals, dusts and zoonoses are discussed in an attempt to examine whether farmers are aware of these health hazards, and whether the introduction of workplace legislation has had the same effect on the health, safety and welfare of farmers.
Being sued in rural practice? A perspective from the USA
Authors: BUSHY ANGELINE , RAUH J RANDALL
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Information about the human dimension of medical litigation, better known as being sued, is sparse, particularly as it relates to physicians who arc in rural practice in the USA. Stemming from demographic, cultural and socioeconomic factors, physician‐community dynamics in rural areas differ from those in more populated settings. Those dynamics probably are similar in rural communities worldwide. This article focuses on the impact of litigation on rural physicians who practise in the USA. However, the information may also be applicable to physicians in other countries, in this case Australia. The information herein is based on the literature, observing and talking with rural physicians and other health care providers who have been involved in some way with the legal or court systems, interviews with lawyers, personal experiences while living and working in rural environments, as well as having served as expert witnesses for cases involving rural health care providers.
Establishing a basis for the prevention, of nutrition‐related disease in the bush
Authors: HUGHES ROGER
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: There is a nutrition paradox in Australia. Nutrition‐related disease continues to be the main cause of mortality and morbidity, yet Australians enjoy one of the world's best food supplies. A regional Community Nutrition Program based in the Orana & Far West Region of New South Wales, using the content knowledge of dietitians in conjunction with the methodological expertise of a Health Promotion Unit, has been developed to address the relatively greater burden of nutrition‐related disease in the region, compared with NSW standards. The basis of this multi‐strategy program has been focused on research of the factors that contribute to dietary intake specific to the regional population, in particular, socioeconomic, environmental and cultural factors.
The health service needs of small rural communities
Authors: STRASSER ROGER P. , HARVEY DAVID , BURLEY MOLLIE
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT:In recent years econometric models used in health service planning have tended to encourage the downgrading or closure of small rural hospitals with the effect of reducing access to services and transferring costs from health authorities to consumers. These changes have occurred despite mounting evidence that people in rural communities have specific health service needs which require special attention. This study aimed to identify the perceptions of community members, health professionals and administrators regarding the health service needs in their small rural communities as a basis for developing a more comprehensive model of rural health service planning. Focus groups were held in three selected towns in Gippsland, exploring participants' perceptions of the meaning of health, health service needs, impact of health services, and the best set‐up for health services. Consistent with previous research, key findings include: a broad conceptualisation of health; the perceived overwhelming importance of doctors, hospitals and chemists; the economic and social importance of a rural hospital; and a preference for all health services being provided under the one roof, funding and program flexibility, and local involvement in health service planning and implementation.
The thoughts of the late Fred Hollows on the provision of specialist services to rural and remote Australians
Authors: HARRIS MARY G.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper consists of the late Professor Fred Hollows' responses to questions concerning the provision of specialist services to remote communities. In December 1991, Professor Hollows was invited to meet with a Research Advisory Committee assisting me as I gathered and analysed data concerning the provision of specialist services. Throughout the interview he emphasised three criteria essential for the provision of effective specialist services, namely: credible and competent service providers, regular services, and good liaison and communication with the local community. In addition, he spoke about the role of the specialist in upgrading the skills of general practitioners and the need for medical audits to assess the extent to which local primary care practitioners are able to accurately identify illnesses requiring specialist attention. Finally, Professor Hollows made comment on the importance of empowering local health professionals, specialists and generalists, through skill and knowledge enhancement so that they are able to advocate on behalf of their constituencies.
Patient Classification Systems and Casemix Funding: Implications for Rural Nursing Practice
Authors: KEYZER DIRK MITCHELL
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The focus of this article is the demand for nurses to demonstrate that they have specific skills which produce tangible outcomes and which can be shown to provide ‘good’ value for money services. This article provides an overview of a recent study commissioned by the Department of Health and Community Services in the introduction of the ‘Omaha’ system devised by Martin and Scheet for community nursing in the USA, to the District Nursing Services of south western Victoria.
Expanding the Role of the Nurse: Nurse Practitioners and Case Managers
Authors: KEYZER DIRK MITCHELL
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the impact of health trends on the structure of nursing organisations and the function and education of the professional nurse. It is argued that these changes are promoting a demand for autonomous nursing practice in the form of nurse practitioners and nurse case managers. The challenge to the profession is viewed in terms of making current health policies work for the achievement of professional goals, rather than against them.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY RURAL CAREERS PROJECT: A NURSING PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Murphy Barbara , McEwen Ellen , Hayes Richard B.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper describes the nursing involvement in the University of Sydney Rural Careers Project. Funded by the Rural Health Support Education and Training (RHSET) programme, the project was initiated to stimulate the awareness of undergraduate healthcare students to the professional opportunities within the rural setting. During 2 years of operation meetings have been convened for interested students to learn about working and living conditions in a rural community. Speakers from a variety of healthcare settings have provided a wide range of insights into rural working and social conditions. Scholarships are offered to cover travel and accommodation costs for students to attend placements in rural areas and annual excursions to rural communities provide students with experience of rural life and health‐care practice. Although the limitations of such activities are acknowledged, it is believed that students who have several positive experiences of rural professional life may be more likely to try a longer period after graduation.
UNRESOLVED HEALTHCARE ISSUES IN RURAL AND REMOTE AUSTRALIA: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM A NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH UNIT SURVEY
Authors: Harvey David , Sandhu Gurpal , Strasser Roger
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A preliminary analysis of a survey answered by 317 health practitioners with interests in heath in rural and remote Australia is described. The most important unresolved issues in rural health were service delivery problems, difficulties experienced with attracting and retaining staff, continuing education, Aboriginal health and shortage of finance.
MEN'S HEALTH IN RURAL NEW SOUTH WALES
Authors: Fletcher Richard
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper describes three developing approaches to men's health: (i) locally‐based clinics and programs targeting men; (ii) large scale campaigns directed at males by special interest groups and; (iii) an epidemiological approach found in national public health policy documents. The women's health movement does not provide for an effective model for the establishment of alternative male health centres. However, two important areas that concern women are relevant to men: a social view of health, and representation in health decision making. The implications for rural health workers are to involve established male organisations, such as the New South Wales Farmers' Association to promote the health of men and boys.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S REORGANISATION OF COUNTRY HEALTH SERVICES
Authors: Blackwell Jon
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The South Australian Health Commission is currently implementing the regionalisation of health services in country areas within a Funder Owner Purchaser Provider model. This arrangement is one of the first of its kind in Australia and is unique in that one organisation, the Country Health Purchasing Unit, is to be established with the responsibility of purchasing all health services for rural South Australians. Health services will be provided through seven rural regions, by public and private health providers in the Adelaide metropolitan area, and statewide services. This reorganisation of health services in South Australia is designed to bring about better co‐ordination and integration of rural health services and improvements in community participation and involvement in the provision of health services.
AUDIO‐TELECONFERENCING AS A MEDIUM FOR DISTANCE LEARNING: ITS APPLICATION FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION IN OPTOMETRY
Authors: Wildsoet Christine , Wood Joanne , Parke Jannette
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper describes a highly successful pilot program of four audio‐teleconferences that was offered in 1993 to optometrists based in rural and regional areas of Queensland. The program represents the first application of such technology for this purpose, either within Australia or overseas. It accessed the facilities of eight of a network of 38 open learning centres across Queensland and comprised an integrated package of three workshops, each of 3 hours duration, covering issues relating to the eye disease, glaucoma, and a stand‐alone workshop covering general practice/legal issues. A ‘complex directed conference model’ of audio‐teleconferencing was used, with each workshop incorporating a slide presentation and companion workbook that described individual pre‐workshop preparatory activities and was structured to provide a focus for group discussions during the workshop. The program demonstrated audio‐teleconferencing to be both a cost‐ and educationally‐effective medium for the delivery of continuing education to a widely distributed audience.
COLLABORATION IN CURRICULUM DESIGN: PREPARING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR AUSTRALIAN RURAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
Authors: Price David , Prideaux David
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Details of the process used by the authors, as curriculum design consultants, for the Rural Medicine Curriculum Design Project are presented. The process resulted in separate curricula in surgery, anaesthesia and obstetrics for use in advanced training within the Rural Training Program of the Faculty of Rural Medicine of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Key features of the design process are synthesized as a guide to projects where agreement across divergent groups is essential.
RENAL FAILURE IN ARNHEM LAND: MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Authors: McLaren Bruce
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This is a brief clinical description of a group of people from an Arnhem Land community with a population of about 1500. The community has five people on full‐time dialysis in Darwin, about 400 km away, and another four people who are being actively prepared for dialysis. Of these nine people, three come from within two generations of one clan: that is, from a group of about 40. This apparent family tendency is one of many factors producing kidney disease in Northern Territory Aboriginal people, who suffer extreme rates of end‐stage renal failure (ESRF). Our understanding of these causes is quite embryonic. Despite several years of lobbying by Aboriginal health organisations the Northern Territory government has no coherent plans for ongoing prevention and management of kidney problems, and no services outside the main urban centres. The issues involved are discussed from the perspective of our bush clinic, kilometres away from renal biopsies and formal clinical research.
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT: ROLE OF THE RURAL REGISTERED NURSE
Authors: Jones Jackie , Cooke Tracy
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper provides a human face to advanced life support (ALS) and its assention within rural nursing practice. Over the past 5 years the issue of defibrillation and who performs it has been debated. This paper will add to the discussion. It examines the history surrounding the development of ALS, education within the hospital and isolated rural setting competency testing. It questions the limited role of current nursing practice and makes recommendations for stretching the boundaries of the nursing role in ALS. Emphasis is placed on the rural perspective and its consequent implications for individuals living in a rural environment.
FOSTERING MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND APPROACHES TO RURAL HEALTH ISSUES: THE CONCEPT OF AN INTERNATIONAL SUMMER INSTITUTE
Authors: Rolley F. , Humphreys J. S. , Grogan H. , Hegney D. , Knight S. , Nichols A. , Veitch C.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The challenge of how best to provide equitable, accessible and affordable health care in rural and remote settings is an international concern. It has been acknowledged that a multidisciplinary approach to current rural health issues involving social scientists and health practitioners may be crucial in developing appropriate responses. One initiative designed to facilitate multidisciplinary research and greater collaboration between researchers and practitioners was an International Summer Institute sponsored by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada. This article outlines an Australian perspective on the rationale for, background to, and structure of this initiative, and evaluates it as one option for promoting multi‐disciplinary approaches to rural health research.
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION: PERCEPTIONS OF RURAL MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS
Authors: Wolfenden Kevin , Blanchard Peter , Probst Scott
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Recruitment and retention of professionals is a major issue in rural health care. Following a literature review and series of focus groups, a questionnaire to ascertain why professionals applied for, stayed in and would consider leaving rural mental health work was constructed. The questionnaire also included questions regarding possible initiatives that could be undertaken to improve recruitments. The questionnaire was distributed through informal networks to over 900 professionals. Four hundred and seventy eight questionnaires were returned, representing a 52% return rate. According to the response work related issues were generally more important than lifestyle/personal issues particularly as reasons for applying for rural work. Lack of organisational support and professional isolation were important detractors of rural work, with strong support being expressed for initiatives that would address these issues. The findings suggest that recruitment action might highlight the scope, variety, challenge and autonomy aspects of work, with retention focusing on professional support and contact and increased organisational support.
CONSUMER SATISFACTION IN TWO SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES: A QUICK METHODOLOGY TO EMPOWER RURAL COMMUNITIES TO ASSESS THEIR OWN HEALTHCARE NEEDS
Authors: Woodcock Rosalind , Power Ray. , Kamien Max. , Waddell Charles
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to develop a quick methodology to assess the healthcare needs of a rural community and to determine what factors make these communities ‘happy’ or ‘unhappy’ with respect to medical service provision. Two rural shires of approximately 4000 people each were chosen from different health regions of Western Australia. The methodology consisted of interviews with healthcare providers and key community informants as well as a community questionnaire. The interviewing process showed that key community informants offered no new information in addition to that already provided by the healthcare providers. Furthermore, all key points would have been covered by interviewing approximately 60% of all healthcare providers in each community. Hand delivery of the community questionnaire yielded the highest response rate. The level of community satisfaction with general practitioner (GP) and hospital services determines whether a community is medically ‘happy’ or ‘unhappy’.
PADDOCK TO CAMPUS: RURAL HIGH SCHOOL AND MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: Gill David , Tonks Jenny
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper outlines the programs that support country high school students with the potential to take tertiary health training, particularly in medicine and the details of mentor support and the transition into medical undergraduate training. Also, the establishment of rural clubs in Adelaide and Flinders Universities, together with their aims, objectives and activities are highlighted together with details of the evaluation process which has confirmed the success of rural clubs. The establishment of an effective database is described, with a summary of its objectives and scope.
NUTRITION EDUCATION IN RURAL AUSTRALIA: WHY, WHO AND HOW?
Authors: Hughes Roger
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Improving nutrition knowledge through nutrition education had been a major strategy used by nutritionists and health educators to improve the dietary intake of Australians. This approach continues to be supported by contemporary practice, and nutrition and health policy documents at a national and state level. In Australia, the delivery of nutrition education services to rural and remote populations is limited by a scarcity of nutrition specialists such as dietitian/nutritionists. This review highlights the importance of nutrition education in promoting the nutritional health of Australians in rural and remote areas, and describes a model for nutrition education service delivery based on generalists supported by specialists.
A COMPARISON OF MEDICAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES IN RURAL SPECIALTY AND METROPOLITAN TEACHING HOSPITAL PRACTICE
Authors: Kamien Max
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: One factor in solving the rural medical workforce shortage is to foster student interest by greater exposure to rural medicine. However, many medical school teachers are concerned that this may cause students to be disadvantaged by missing core lectures, tutorials and ward rounds in the setting of the high quality of teaching hospital medicine. This paper compares the rural specialty experience of 28 fifth‐year volunteers with 28 ‘pairs’ who remained in the city teaching hospitals. Rural students saw double the number of medical conditions, assisted in or performed six times as many procedures, and all but three students were sure that they had a better educational experience than their city counterparts. This is a strong academic argument for greater medical student exposure to rural specialty practice.
AUSTRALIAN FARM WORK INJURIES: INCIDENCE, DIVERSITY AND PERSONAL RISK FACTORS
Authors: Low J. M. , Griffith G. R. , Alston C. L.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Information on farm work‐related injuries was sought to assist in the design of effective farm safety prevention programs. A telephone survey was conducted using a stratified random sample of 919 sheep/wool, beef cattle and dryland broadacre cropping farms from three shires in the wheat/sheep belt of New South Wales. The adjusted response rate was 84%. There were 425 reported injuries over an 18‐month period. One in five farms reported at least one injury per year, while one in 12 farms reported at least one serious injury per year. Animal‐related injuries were the largest major category for agent of injury, while the largest category for nature of injury was sprain and strain, recording almost one‐quarter of all injuries. The farm workshop or shed was the most common location of injury, with more than 20% of all reported injuries occurring there. Personal risk factors thought to contribute to these farm work‐related injuries were examined. The statistically significant personal risk factors for injury occurrence were age (and/or experience), previous injury status, body mass index, hours of sleep, a variable measuring daytime drowsiness and a variable measuring perceived stress.
AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Frager Lyn
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Farm injury is a major problem for agriculture in Australia. Agriculture is subject to rates of work‐related deaths that are among the highest in Australia, while on‐farm injuries result in between 20 and 60 presentations to rural hospital emergency departments per 100 farms per annum. Prevention of farm injury has been constrained by: (i) lack of relevant information regarding injury causation; (ii) lack of appropriate education and training in occupational health and safety; (iii) limited applicability of previous occupational health and safety legislation; and (iv)lack of the necessary management tools for farmers to manage risk Farmsafe Australia has developed a risk management approach to assist the farming community to reduce risk of injury and death and, to reduce the costs associated with the current high injury and death rate. The Farmsafe network is maintained to varying degrees at local, State and national levels. Farmsafe organisations are comprised of members from relevant agencies and other individuals with an interest and commitment to improved safety in agriculture; namely, farmers, women, government departments and unions. Moves have been made to develop joint farm injury prevention programs between health service providers and those whose role is primarily in prevention. The challenge remains, however, to develop more effective and sustainable partnerships between these groups to minimise the impact of farm injury for those who are injured and for rural communities.
LYCRA WORKING SPLINT FOR THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIC HAND WITH MCP ULNAR DEVIATION
Authors: Murphy Donna
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Rheumatoid arthritis is described by Swanson (1995) as ‘the greatest crippler from the standpoint of severity and prolonged disability’ (p. 1307). One key factor in keeping persons with rheumatoid arthritis independent in their activities of daily living is maintaining functional use of their hands. In rural areas, where a move to assisted accommodation may require a person to leave the locality, this splint may help older citizens to remain functional and at home. The deformity and instability caused in rheumatoid arthritic hands by radial deviation of the wrist and subsequent ulnar deviation of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints can greatly affect functional use of the hands. In this article, design and fabrication instructions for a lycra working splint which is suitable for the rheumatoid arthritic hand with MCP ulnar deviation are presented. Health professionals working in rural areas will find this splint inexpensive and easy to design, either alone or, ideally, with the assistance of regional occupational therapists.
RURAL STUDENT CLUBS AND THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS
Authors: Kamien Max
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: All faculty members agree that their medical school has an academic purpose and a research purpose, but few medical faculty members agree that a medical education has a social purpose. This is one of the main reasons why there is a serious disjunction between rural societal needs and doctors' education. Rural student clubs are part of a rural counterculture within the orthodoxy of the medical school. Members of these clubs are thus potential agents of curricular change in the field of rural medicine. They are also one of the most potentially influential forces in reminding and helping medical schools to fulfil their social responsibility to the populations of rural Australia. Most rural student clubs are multidisciplinary, and the principles underlying their role in changing the direction and ethos of medical schools also apply to schools of nursing and health sciences.
EDUCATION FOR REGISTERED NURSE MIDDLE MANAGERS IN RURAL VICTORIA
Authors: Sellers Eileen T.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The Ballarat Health Education Forum, has the express purpose of identifying and responding to the educational needs of registered nurses (RNs) in western Victoria. Since the senior nurse members of the forum believed that there was a strong need for management education amongst the nurses involved in middle management in the target region, the total nursing population was surveyed to determine if that perception was shared by RNs themselves. Results of the study confirm that educative programs in management are viewed as a high priority for the professional development of nurses but that family and work commitments are dominant factors which hinder participation. It is argued that education for the managerial role into which many nurses are thrust is sporadic and bereft of appropriate content. Background to the issue of management skills and training among RNs is provided and survey methodology and outcomes are described. The paper discusses the implications of survey outcomes and makes recommendations based on findings.
HEADACHES AND NECK PAIN IN FARMERS
Authors: Scutter Sheila , Türker Kemal S. , Hall Robert
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of headache and neck pain in farmers was determined by use of a questionnaire. Information about activities which increased the symptoms and about the treatments sought was also recorded. Results showed that 77.7% of farmers experienced neck pain and 79.2% experienced headache. Driving a tractor was the activity which was most frequently described as increasing symptoms in both conditions. While driving a tractor, farmers are exposed to whole‐body vibration and assume a rotated neck posture. The contribution of these factors to the development of headache and neck pain is discussed.
MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS WITH RIGHT OF PRIVATE PRACTICE IN QUEENSLAND: PRACTICE, TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Authors: Sondergeld Shane , Nichols Anna
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: This article presents the findings of a 1993 study into the work patterns, training and support needs of Medical Superintendents with Right of Private Practice (MSRPP), in Queensland funded by the Southern Queensland Rural Division of General Practice. These doctors form a small but significant subset of the medical workforce with a diverse range of duties, and until now there has been no formal study of their professional and family circumstances. Survey and interview data indicate that MSRPPs are a group subject to considerable professional and social pressure, usually in isolated practice and therefore vulnerable to attrition. This study aimed to provide a clearer identification of what MSRPPs do, what they need and how these needs can be met; and thus to contribute to more favourable retention rates for this sub‐set of the rural medical workforce.
THE SHORTAGE OF RURAL GENERAL PRACTITIONERS IN NORTH‐WESTERN NEW SOUTH WALES
Authors: Alexander Christian
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to provide the Tamworth Rural Training Unit with a clear understanding and practical strategic directions for contributing to an equitable distribution of rural general practitioners in the New England Area Health Service. A survey was sent to all 139 general practitioners practising in this region. The best and worst features of rural practice, both professionally and personally, were surveyed, as well as ways to attract more general practitioners to rural areas. It was found that this region required an additional 46 full‐time general practitioners in 1995 if equity and social justice principles were to be met. Projecting to the year 2005, the total shortfall of full‐time general practitioners in the New England Area Health Service amounts to 90. It is recommended that this critical shortage of rural general practitioners be assessed within two distinct time frames, namely short‐term strategies (1996–1998) and medium‐term strategies (1999–2005).
PRIMARY MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN A RURAL COMMUNITY: PATIENT AND ILLNESS PROFILES, TREATMENT AND REFERRAL
Authors: Aoun Samar , Underwood Rod , Rouse Ian
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the extent and nature of psychosocial morbidity and patterns of treatment and referral in rural general practice in a West Australian community. The research design was a survey based on structured questionnaires completed by the general practitioners about patients consulting with mental health problems in Bunbury in the rural south west region of Western Australia. Twenty‐two general practitioners from five surgeries collected information on 428 patients, pertaining to socio‐demographic characteristics, reasons for encounter, diagnoses, social problems, chronicity, counselling, medication and use of referral services. The positive stereotype of patients (ie. most likely to be identified) consisted of a female preponderance in a ratio of 3:1, a high prevalence in the middle years (35–54), an overrepresentation of the divorced and separated, unemployed men and housewives. Neurosis was the most prevalent diagnosis at 68.5%, chronicity at 55%, and the most frequent social problems reported to the GPs related to relationship difficulties with partner, and being physically ill. Only a quarter of the patients were referred to other counselling services and social problems were an important reason for referral. Particular attention needs to be given to the negative stereotype in general practice of young people under the age of 25. With the bulk of psychosocial disorder concentrated in general practice, with the evident association of mental illness with physical illness and social problems, and with the lack of specialist resources in rural areas, innovative ways of support from other mental health professionals need to be addressed.
THE SUPPORT NEEDS OF PREGNANT AND PARENTING ADOLESCENTS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Bull Donna , Hemmings Lynn , Dunn Peter
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Pregnant adolescents and teenage mothers in rural communities face extraordinary difficulties accessing appropriate and adequate support services, despite having recognised specialist health needs and unique support requirements. The Australian Rural Health Research Institute at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, is currently engaged in a federally funded project aimed at significantly improving access to services for this disadvantaged and often neglected group, through the publication and wide dissemination of a resource booklet identifying successful aspects of service delivery across a range of rural support settings. Five existing health and welfare support services for pregnant or parenting adolescents in rural Australia have been selected for inclusion in the booklet, which is being developed for community use. Assessment is being undertaken during visits to each of the services, and, following interviews with staff, referral agencies and consumers. This paper outlines the strengths, attributes and access difficulties associated with two contrasting service models involved in the project, and stresses the importance of improving access to services for rural adolescents. A framework for establishing innovative and effective new services is also presented.
A REVIEW OF HEALTH INTERPRETER SERVICES IN A RURAL COMMUNITY: A TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT APPROACH
Authors: Giacomelli Joyce
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The current focus in health care is on total quality management (TQM), a process that involves ongoing quality improvement and benefits both internal and external customers. In order to comply with the values of TQM, the Griffith Murrumbidgee Health Service set up a team to review the use of interpreters in a healthcare setting. Staff from a number of wards/units filled out a survey sheet regarding interpreter services for each patient/client presenting for service during a 1‐month period. The results showed that (i) there was a marked tendency by staff to use non‐accredited interpreters; and (ii) staff who used non‐accredited interpreters tended to inappropriately assess patient/client interpreting needs and to be unfamiliar with the Health Care Interpreter Policy. The TQM team subsequently devised several strategies for change.
NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH POLICY AND THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH CONFERENCES
Authors: Gregory Gordon , Humphreys J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The biennial National Rural Health Conference has become an essential feature on the calendar of events for rural and remote health professionals, researchers, public servants and consumers. Since the first conference held in 1991, attendance has grown significantly, factors hindering the achievement of optimal health for all rural and remote Australia have been clearly identified, and recommendations for action have been endorsed by the broad rural health constituency. These recommendations have provided valuable input to the National Rural Health Strategy and many programs and policies of Commonwealth and State departments of health. Significantly, too, the first four conferences have facilitated greater collaboration among rural and remote health professionals and provided a major catalyst in fostering cooperation between consumers, health workers, service providers and governments.