Redefining brain fog in menopause
A new clinical definition that recognises brain fog as a menopausal symptom and distinguishes it from other conditions like dementia has been proposed by Australian researchers. The neuroscientists from Monash University, the University of Melbourne and University College London are also calling for clinical studies to understand the causes of brain fog in menopause and […]
Real-time prescription monitoring linked to drop in high-risk medication prescribing
Victoria’s prescription drug monitoring program, SafeScript, has helped significantly reduce patients being prescribed high-risk medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines by multiple doctors, new research has found. The Monash University study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, analysed over 6.7 million prescriptions for over 810,000 patients across 562 general practices in Victoria between 2017 […]
Q&A: Michael Whaites, NSWNMA General Secretary
As workforce challenges and cost-of-living issues intensify across the professions, Michael Whaites, General Secretary of the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), speaks to the ANMJ about his journey and the key issues facing nurses, midwives and carers. Take us back to the beginning — what inspired you to become a nurse and […]
‘We’re more than flu shots’: GP nurse says fair pay long overdue
As the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) pursues its landmark Nurses and Midwives Work Value Case before the Fair Work Commission (FWC), general practice nurse Adama Luminous-Akazua says the push for long-overdue wage increases is about far more than money – it’s finally recognising the value and complexity of the work nurses, midwives and […]
New guidelines for incontinence medicines for World Continence Week
Australia’s first co‑designed resources to support the safe use of urinary incontinence medicines for people living with dementia have been released to mark World Continence Week, 15–21 June. While medications to manage urinary incontinence are routinely prescribed, they carry hidden dangers for people with dementia, increasing the risk of side effects such as worsening memory loss. Despite these risks, the healthcare sector has previously […]
When menopause and night shift collide: New study seeks answers
In one of the first studies of its kind, Adelaide University researchers are investigating how menopause and shift work interact, and whether women working night shifts, rotating rosters and other irregular schedules face additional health and wellbeing challenges. The study will compare women’s experiences of sleep, fatigue, health, wellbeing and workplace performance across perimenopause, menopause […]
UTS to make VR violence prevention training mandatory for nursing students
In an Australian first, the University of Technology Sydney will make immersive virtual reality training in aggression and violence prevention mandatory as part of preparation for clinical placements. From 2027, all first‑year nursing students at UTS will undertake mandatory VR training in violence-prevention before they go on placement. The decision comes amid growing concern about the frequency of violence in healthcare settings. A recent report from the NSW Nurses and […]
Egg allergy rates declining in Australia
Australian guidelines recommending egg be introduced into a child’s diet in the first year of life have seen the number of children with egg allergy drop by 17%. When Brisbane child health nurse Sarah McKenzie meets new parents in her clinic, one question comes up again and again: “When should we start eggs?” For years, the advice was […]
Stretch your salary further – without working extra shifts
As a nurse or midwife, you spend your time caring for others – but your income doesn’t always stretch as far as you need it to. With salary packaging for nurses, you may be able to increase your take‑home pay by paying for everyday expenses using your pre‑tax income. That means you could reduce the tax you pay and keep more […]
Medicare Mental Health Check In: Free digital mental health support
Australians can now access free, confidential, high-quality mental health support online, with no referral or diagnosis needed, to help deal with life’s ups and downs. The federal government, in partnership with St Vincent’s Health Australia, has launched Medicare Mental Health Check In, a free national service providing practical support for people aged 16 and over […]