Virtual reality to improve mealtimes for people with dementia
A virtual reality experience to assist health workers in caring for patients with dementia at mealtimes has been recently released by Dementia Australia. Dementia Australia’s Dine with Ted allows participants to engage in a dining experience from the perspective of a person living with dementia. The three-hour virtual reality program uses avatar technology to educate […]
Coffee during pregnancy may be safe, research shows
New research has failed to find strong links between drinking coffee during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental difficulties in children. However, researchers are advising expectant mothers to follow current medical guidelines on caffeine consumption. University of Queensland researchers conducted an in-depth genetic analysis of data from tens of thousands of families in Norway. “Scandinavians are some […]
The value of the union workplace rep
ANMF Tasmanian Branch member Monica Werner has been a member of the union since she started nursing in 1981. She talks with the ANMJ about the role of the workplace delegate and the value of unions in not just the work setting but the broader community. Q: How did you get involved in being a […]
Daylight savings time starts this weekend: Check your award and prioritise sleep
It’s that time again – adjusting clocks in most of Australia’s eastern states to enjoy longer evening sunlight during summer. Nurses and midwives in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria will lose an hour when the clocks are moved forward at 2am (to 3am) this Sunday 6 October. If […]
Queensland’s historic 10 days paid reproductive health leave takes effect
Queensland public sector nurses and midwives are now able to access 10 days paid reproductive leave, with the state setting the bar for the rest of the country to follow. Announced on Labour Day in May, the historic access to 10 days per annum (non-cumulative) paid reproductive health leave came into effect on Monday. More than […]
Contraceptive and medical abortion model of care in rural areas
An innovative co-designed model of care has been developed to help elevate the role of nurses in contraceptive and medical abortion care in rural and regional areas. The model has been developed as part of the landmark ORIENT study which involves nurses gaining the knowledge and skills to insert contraceptive devices and support delivery of […]
Humour a primary health initiative, says nurse comedian
Lucy Downey, a nurse from NSW, has been telling stories all her life, but her journey into stand-up comedy began at a rather unexpected moment—her father’s wake. “He always said I was a good storyteller and that I should get up and share them. I thought, what better time than now, in front of over […]
AI to help address aggression in the ED
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into an immersive virtual reality enhanced computer simulation program to train frontline healthcare workers in de-escalating aggression in patients. Developed by researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU), ‘Barry’ is an AI computer-based model that allows clinicians and students to verbally interact with him in a hospital setting. Users have […]
World Sepsis Day: Ask ‘Could it be sepsis?’
On a seemingly ordinary day in 2023, Laura Remy’s life took a dramatic turn. What started off as a mild cough and fever, quickly escalated into life-threatening sepsis. “I initially continued to work and dismissed my symptoms as minor. However, the symptoms worsened dramatically overnight, with chest pain, severe chills, and vomiting. I had an […]
Proposed paid parental leave changes to worsen women’s financial security
Proposed amendments by the Coalition to the government’s legislation on superannuation for Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave (PPL) have been slammed by unions, including the ANMF. The Coalition’s proposals would see workers, mostly women, tap into their retirement savings by cashing out of super on Commonwealth PPL through taking a lump-sum or extra leave. The federal […]