bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of the Liverpool University neuroleptic side‐effect rating scale (LUNSERS) in clinical practice
Authors: Morrison Paul , Gaskill Deanne , Meehan Tom , Lunney Paul , Lawrence Gayle , Collings Paul 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTForty‐four mental health clients completed the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side‐Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS)—a self‐rating scale to assess the prevalence and intensity of neuroleptic side‐effects. In the month prior to the study, 50% of the clients surveyed had experienced more than half of the side‐effects outlined on the 41‐item scale. A prevalence profile allowed us to rank the frequency of individual side‐effects across the sample. Some side‐effects such as ‘difficulty concentrating’, ‘difficulty remembering’, ‘tiredness’ and ‘restlessness’ were experienced by most of the clients in the study while ‘unusual skin marks’, ‘difficulty passing water’, ‘rashes’ were experienced by a few. A prevalence profile may be a useful guide in developing strategies for managing side‐effects more effectively in small groups of clients. In addition, the use of the LUNSERS in clinical practice would enable case managers to establish baseline measures for individual clients and evaluate changes in medication and other non‐medical strategies for reducing unwanted side‐effects. The identification and assessment of antipsychotic side‐effects is an important area for client and professional carer education.
Best practice in psychogeriatric care
Authors: Orb Angelica , Davis Philip , Wynaden Dianne , Davey Margaret 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT This paper presents a best practice model for psychogeriatric care. Best practice is becoming one of the most common expressions used in the area of health care, and is often referred to in government reports and documents. The definition of ‘best practice’, however, is still evolving. What then, is best practice? And how can the principles of best practice be applied and integrated into the clinical speciality of psychogeriatrics? The article emphasizes the importance of evidence‐based interventions and the need to focus on the pragmatic aspects of providing best practice in the clinical area of psychogeriatrics; that is, what works best in practice? The position taken by the authors of this paper is that the conceptualization of a best practice model in psychogeriatrics is necessary in order to describe and explain the different components involved in the service provided. This conceptualization also communicates and articulates the role of the major stakeholders, and the key players in the achievement of best practice. A psychogeriatric service may become more coherent, more goal‐orientated and more efficient if a model is utilized. This paper outlines a proposed model of best practice in psychogeriatrics, and discusses the potential implications for achieving desirable clinical outcomes.
Mental health nurses’ beliefs about likely outcomes for people with schizophrenia or depression: A comparison with the public and other healthcare professionals
Authors: Caldwell Tanya M. , Jorm Anthony F. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: This paper explores mental health nurses’ beliefs about prognosis, long‐term outcomes and discrimination in response to vignettes describing a person with either schizophrenia or depression. Mental health nurses were added to previous research describing the beliefs of professionals (psychiatrists, general practitioners and clinical psychologists) and the public. This study used a self‐ completion, postal survey procedure. Mental health nurses tended to be more negative than the community but more positive than the other professional groups (particularly the medical professions) about long‐term outcomes and prognosis. Nurses were similar to the medical professional groups in believing that considerable discrimination occurs within the community. Given the potential impact on consumers and the public, all practitioners need to be aware of their own beliefs and those of their professional colleagues.
Coping with everyday reality: Mental health professionals’ reflections on the care provided in an acute psychiatric ward
Authors: Hummelvoll Jan Kåre , Severinsson Elisabeth 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: There is little research evidence about how the mental health professionals are coping with the complexity of everyday practice in psychiatric acute care. The aim of this study was to explore mental health professionals’ reflections on their work on an acute psychiatric ward. Data were collected using participant observation and interview methods. Three core themes were identified from a qualitative hermeneutic analysis. The first core theme, coping with uncertainty, uncovered a dialectical pattern of the factors contributing to thriving and strain in the working situation. The second core theme, caring for the patient, included the caring process, patients’ pathway to acute psychiatric care, as well as the patients’ needs and roles on the ward. The third core theme, coping strategies, included five different methods the primary nursing system, concealing versus integrating, milieu therapy, seclusion and the medical orientated model. It was concluded that good mental health care is a result of collaboration between health professionals and the health services. This study highlights the need for support to professionals and for establishing structures that will enable collaboration to take place. Taken together, this may contribute to enhancing the care of the patient and their families.
Unearthing the conflicts between carer and custodian: Implications of participation in Section 16 hearings under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act (1992)
Authors: Fishwick Michael , Tait Bryan , O'Brien Anthony J. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: Mental health nursing occurs within a legal and ethical framework that presents conflicts between a paternalistic custodial role and an ethical commitment to autonomy. This paper considers the ethical conflict for nurses posed by acting as second health professional at judicial reviews under Section 16 of the Mental Health (Compulsory Treatment and Assessment) Act. Issues of advocacy and paternalism are discussed in light of the conflict between therapeutic and legislated roles. Strategies aimed at protecting the therapeutic relationship are outlined as a response to the current lack of guidelines in this area. Participation in legal processes of committal requires that nurses reflect carefully and critically on the ethical issues raised.
The Tasmanian children’s project: The needs of children with a parent/carer with a mental illness
Authors: Handley Christine , Farrell Gerald A. , Josephs Angela , Hanke Annabel , Hazelton Michael 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:This paper presents some of the key findings and recommendations of the report The Tasmanian Children’s Project (TCP): The Needs of Children with a Parent/Carer with a Mental Illness, October, 1999. The TCP, a collaborative venture between the University of Tasmania’s School of Nursing and the Mental Health Services – South, Tasmania (Department of Health and Human Services), is the first study in Tasmania to formally examine the needs of children where the parent/carer has a mental illness. The study is a modified replication and extension of the 1993/94 Victorian Children’s Project. Extension aspects of the TCP included interviews with children (in addition to parents and service providers), the inclusion of data on both maternal and paternal mental illness and a broad definition of mental illness (beyond psychotic illness and major affective disorder). The report highlights the need to provide a range of programs that encourage the development of personal competency among children, parents, and other family members and those that emphasize interagency collaboration. Implications of this research for mental health nursing education and practice are also addressed.
GENERAL PRACTITIONERS LEAVING RURAL PRACTICE IN WESTERN VICTORIA
Authors: MacIsaac Peter , Snowdon Tere , Thompson Rob , Crossland Lisa , Veitch Craig 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe West Vic Division of General Practice, working with the Department of General Practice, The University of Queensland conducted a qualitative study of GPs who had left western Victoria over the previous 10 years to examine issues relating to the decision to leave rural practice. This study was conducted as part of a project to explore the role of rural Divisions in assisting with general practitioner recruitment and retention. The study supported the conclusions of a similar study in North Queensland and proposed a model that regards rural retention as an interplay of influences both positive and negative with acute trigger factors that can precipitate the decision to leave. Conflict and dissatisfaction with aspects of rural GP hospital work appeared to be a relatively frequent trigger factor that is immediately amenable to intervention from Divisions of general practice and through improvement in negotiation and conflict resolution skills for rural general practitioners.
HOW DEFINITION OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN INFLUENCE HELP SEEKING IN RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES
Authors: Fuller Jeff , Edwards Jane , Procter Nicholas , Moss John 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe present study sought to understand the rural and remote influences on people’s identification of, and response to, mental health problems. Twenty‐two key informants living in northern and western South Australia were interviewed. They included mental health and generalist health professionals, other human service workers and mental health consumers. Three themes are reported here: reluctance to acknowledge mental health problems and the avoidance of appropriate help; stigma and the avoidance of mental health services; and the influence of rural and remote circumstances. Most informants considered that many mental health problems were amenable to help from generalist workers, with backup support from mental health specialists. Informants thought this intervention to be appropriate because a common view of mental health problems as ‘insanity’ and a culture of self‐reliance created a reluctance to seek help from a mental health specialist. These themes need to be taken into account when designing mental health interventions for rural and remote communities.
DEVELOPMENT OF ORAL HEALTH TRAINING FOR RURAL AND REMOTE ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKERS
Authors: Pacza Tom , Steele Lesley , Tennant Marc 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Research data exists that highlight the discrepancy between the medical/dental status experienced by Aboriginal people compared with that of their non‐Aboriginal counterparts. This, coupled with a health system that Aboriginal people often find alienating and difficult to access, further exacerbates the many health problems they face. Poor oral health and hygiene is an issue often overlooked that can significantly impact on a person’s quality of life. In areas where Aboriginal people find access to health services difficult, the implementation of culturally acceptable forms of primary health care confers significant benefits. The Aboriginal community has seen that the employment and training of Aboriginal health workers (AHW), particularly in rural and remote regions, is significantly beneficial in improving general health. In the present study, an oral health training program was developed and trialed. This training program was tailored to the needs of rural and remote AHWs. The primary objective was to institute a culturally appropriate basic preventative oral health delivery program at a community level. It is envisaged that through this dental training program, AHWs will be encouraged to implement long‐term preventive measures at a local level to improve community dental health. They will also be encouraged to pursue other oral health‐care delivery programs. Additionally, it is considered that this project will serve to strengthen a trust‐based relationship between Aboriginal people and the health‐care profession.
Amalgamation and collaboration in rural general practices: early experience with the gp links program in rural south australia
Authors: Wilkinson David , Symon Brian 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:The GP Links program aims to promote the amalgamation of smaller general practices into larger group practices and is one of several strategies being used to modernise Australian family practice. GP Links provides financial incentives to practices willing to amalgamate. The focus of the program has been on urban practices to date and indeed some of the requirements of the program mean that rural practices are less likely to access the scheme. We report our positive and negative experiences of practice amalgamation through the GP Links program in a regional setting of South Australia. From our experience we suggest that for rural practices, a staged approach of increasing collaboration that may lead to amalgamation, which focuses on rural practices developing a supportive network and alliances with others such as Divisions and University Departments of Rural Health might be a positive way ahead.
SERVING RURAL AUSTRALIA WITH REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EXPERTISE
Authors: Mirza Tanjina , Kovacs Gabor T. , Kinfu Yohannes 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to review the use of reproductive health services in Family Planning clinics by women from rural (non‐metropolitan) Australia through a retrospective analysis of data collected at clinics of seven state/territory Family Planning Organisations (FPO). From a total of 146 157 client visits to FPO clinics between July 1998 and June 1999, 42 497 (29.1%) were by clients who lived outside metropolitan areas. Some 97% of clients were women. Our results show the use of reproductive health services by women from rural areas was different from the services used by women from metropolitan areas. There were fewer male clients, more women over 40 years of age, and fewer clients from a non‐English speaking background. More of the attendees had pension cards and fewer were privately insured. We concluded there is considerable demand for reproductive health services among the rural population and reproductive health care needs to be expanded to reach rural women.
PLANNING OF A COMMUNITY‐BASED APPROACH TO INJURY CONTROL AND SAFETY PROMOTION IN A RURAL COMMUNITY
Authors: Loos Colleen , Oldenburg Brian , O'Hara Lily 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:This paper describes the planning of a community‐based approach to injury control and safety promotion, the Kolan Injury Prevention Program. The process involved the establishment of a local steering committee, 11 months of injury surveillance, a critical review of the evidence base, community consultations and assessment of community resources. There were 412 recorded injury cases during the surveillance period, with higher rates among men, manual workers, those aged 15–34 years, sport/leisure activities and around the home and farm. Salient issues for residents included a lack of access to safety information and skills, particularly with regard to first aid and bush fire for isolated residents and rurally inexperienced new residents. While injury prevention was identified as an important issue for the community, the rapidly changing size and nature of the community and its infrastructure made this a particularly challenging issue. Challenges included limited availability of volunteers from key sectors, lack of formal data collection systems, difficulties in mobilising support for a broad issue like injury, limited communication networks and the negative impact of distance and role uncertainty on community ownership of the program. This case study illustrates the steps involved in an effective community‐based needs assessment addressing injury prevention. Such an approach, if carried out systematically, will help ensure that the strategies and programs developed will be both appropriate and likely to obtain the support of the local community.
FARM INJURY IN TASMANIA
Authors: Mather Carey , Lower Tony 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:The aim of the study was to provide information about the type and severity of farming injury. Data were collected from industrial members of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, using a valid and reliable self administered retrospective questionnaire covering the previous 2 years. A total of 506 responses were obtained, with 38% indicating there had been at least one injury sustained on their farm during this period. Of those reporting an injury, 18% were admitted, 30% attended an Emergency Department, 43% of injuries were seen by GPs at their surgery, 4% received first aid on the farm, 4% reported no treatment and 2% utilised another source. The results suggest that the sheep industries bear a disproportionate amount of the injury burden (30.5%) within Tasmanian agriculture. Information from this study can be used by other agricultural and health stakeholders to provide direction about the development of appropriate farm injury prevention strategies within rural communities in Tasmania.
INDIGENOUS MEN TAKING THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN SOCIETY? A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF A PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH PROCESS WITH YARRABAH MEN'S HEALTH GROUP
Authors: Tsey Komla , Patterson David , Whiteside Mary , Baird Leslie , Baird Bradley 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: Men's groups are increasingly being accepted as an important strategy in improving health and well‐being, especially in Indigenous communities. However, it is hard to find systematic documentation and evaluation of such initiatives in the literature. This paper analyses the formative stages of a participatory action research (PAR) process which aims to engage and support the members of the Yarrabah Men's Health Group plan, implement and evaluate their activities. Data for the paper are based on a combination of a review of relevant literature, analysis of project documentation, participant observation and discussion and reflection with the participants of the men's group. The paper highlights the importance of (a) using a reflective approach, such as PAR, to engage men's support groups to clearly define the principles and values which both define them and to which they aspire and (b) personal development, education and employment, as a prerequisite for Indigenous men taking greater control and responsibility for their lives.  These types of micro‐level studies have important implications for the way community development is perceived and approached in Indigenous settings. There are also implications for the roles that academic researchers can play in supporting and adding value to community‐driven initiatives to the mutual benefit of both parties.
Contraceptive practice of women with opiate addiction in a rural centre
Authors: Harding Catherine , Ritchie Jan 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:This study aimed to explore the contraceptive practices of women in methadone treatment for opiate use in rural New South Wales and the reasons for those practices. Demographic characteristics, including age, marital status, sexual activity and contraceptive use, of all 23 women on a rural methadone program were documented. A smaller subgroup of seven women was interviewed using a semi‐structured qualitative technique and issues around contraception explored in more depth. The study found that women who did not use contraception often had a low perceived risk of pregnancy for a variety of reasons including past infertility, menstrual irregularities and effect of drugs. The women had concerns about, and often felt guilty about, the effect of drug use on their children. They also had concerns about the side‐effects of contraception. The study has implications for education and counselling of women when they enter drug treatment programs. Problems associated with opiate use are not just restricted to metropolitan areas but are part of rural health.
Therapeutic sclerokeratoplasty versus therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in refractory corneal ulcers
Authors: Panda Anita , Sharma Namrata , Angra Surender K , Singh Rajvir 
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of newer surgical technique of sclerokeratoplasty in cases of refractory corneal ulcers of the cornea and to compare it with therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Methods: A randomized, prospective clinical trial in 20 eyes with refractory corneal ulcers was undertaken. Ten eyes each underwent sclerokeratoplasty (group I) or therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (group II). Infections were considered cured if there was no evidence of corneal infiltration for 1 month following keratoplasty. Postoperative complications, visual acuity (VA), keratometry and graft status were evaluated with both the procedures after a minimum follow up of 1 year. Results: Postoperative complications included epithelial defects, shallow anterior chamber, uveitis and secondary glaucoma, which were present following both procedures, with no significant difference in the frequency of complications between the two techniques (P < 0.05). Graft clarity and VA with both procedures were comparable. Significantly reduced astigmatism of < 1 D was seen in six eyes in group II in comparison with group I, where astigmatism of > 1.5 D was present in six eyes. Two eyes in group II developed re‐infection, of which one was re‐operated on, and the other developed endophthalmitis. Conclusions: Sclerokeratoplasty is a useful alternative to therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in cases of refractory corneal ulcers with optimum clinical and useful visual outcome.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissociative Fugue and a Locator Beacon
Authors: Macleod A. D. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report an aspect of the management of a case of dissociative fugue. Clinical picture: A Vietnam veteran was suffering post-traumatic stress disorder. Treatment: Treatment involved the provision of a locator beacon worn in a neck chain. Outcome: This treatment resulted in the curtailment of the dissociative fugue episodes. Conclusion: The locator device proved a useful component of a multimodal treatment regime.
Pathological Jealousy Appearing After Cerebrovascular Infarction in a 25-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Westlake Robert J. , Weeks Sara M. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To report pathological jealousy (Othello syndrome) occurring in a young woman with a right hemisphere cerebrovascular infarction and to review diagnosis and possible organic mechanisms for the generation of this syndrome. Clinical picture: A 20-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with a right hemisphere stroke associated with a history of severe migraine and the use of oral contraceptives. The patient made a good recovery with minimal neurological deficits but 5 years later developed the syndrome of morbid jealousy with depression and a near fatal overdose. Treatment and outcome: Morbid jealousy subsided, almost completely disappearing over a 6-week period of treatment with a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI). Conclusions: Case reports of the Othello syndrome and other content specific delusions following right hemisphere cerebrovascular infarction have appeared in geriatric psychiatry literature. The occurrence of a similar association in a young patient lends support to the suggestion of a causal relationship and has implications for diagnosis, clinical care and research.