Best evidence changes lives
The best evidence available should be accessible to all and is key to tackling poor practice that can do more harm than good, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), based in South Australia. The institute, which has recently been recognised for improving health for disadvantaged communities, is fulfilling a critical role, assisting health professionals […]
Snacks better than large meal during nightshifts
Shift workers including nurses and midwives who eat a small snack during a nightshift perform better than those who opt for a large meal, new research has revealed. Investigating the impact of eating during the night on work performance, the study found having a small snack such as an apple or muesli bar helps shift […]
Aged care under the microscope
After examining the experiences of residents and relatives within the aged care system, independent public health researcher Dr Sarah Russell is expanding her study by focusing on staff currently working in an Australian aged care home. Her new survey targets all staff ranging from nurses and managers to carers and cleaners, calling on them to […]
Study examines advance care directive uptake
Researchers are collating data from a range of healthcare organisations to determine whether older Australians are receiving suitable advance care planning that aligns with the medical care they want and their personal values and preferences. General practice clinics, aged care facilities and hospitals are among organisations taking part in the ground-breaking study about Advance Care […]
Work environment impacts job performance
On-the-job training and performance is significantly impacted by the work environment in hospitals, research shows. Charles Sturt University research analysed work environment, attitude towards organisational change, training effectiveness, organisation citizenship behaviour, non-mandatory training and intention to quit and how these influenced nurses’ job performance. The study involved 486 participants from public hospitals in the ACT, […]
Engaging nurses and midwives with evidence based healthcare
At the February 2018 Australian Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting, state and territory leaders met to discuss future national public hospital funding and healthcare reform. Key strategic areas were focussed upon including the need to drive best practice and performance in healthcare using data and research. It is widely recognised that safe, effective, affordable, […]
Risk of breast cancer greater for night nurses
Nurses in North America and Europe who work night shift long-term have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, according to a study to come out of China. The study’s findings showed female nurses who worked the night shift had an increased rate of breast cancer by 58%, gastrointestinal cancer by 35% and lung cancer […]
Medicinal cannabis leads research agenda
Medicinal cannabis may not be as effective in relieving chronic pain according to one of the world’s longest community studies, however other research has shown the drug beneficial for children with epilepsy. . The research published in Lancet Public Health showed there was no clear evidence that cannabis led to reduced pain severity or pain interference or […]
Keeping the legacy of Gayle Woodford alive
Associate Professor Sue Lenthall was waiting to board a plane at Sydney Airport when news filtered through that the body of her friend and colleague, remote area nurse Gayle Woodford, had been found in a shallow grave. The nurse on duty at the health clinic in the remote South Australian town of Fregon, Gayle went […]
Keeping the legacy of Gayle Woodford alive
Associate Professor Sue Lenthall was waiting to board a plane at Sydney Airport when news filtered through that the body of her friend and colleague, remote area nurse Gayle Woodford, had been found in a shallow grave. The nurse on duty at the health clinic in the remote South Australian town of Fregon, Gayle went […]