Whole-genome sequencing of Salmonella Mississippi and Typhimurium Definitive Type 160, Australia and New Zealand

We used phylogenomic and risk factor data on isolates of Salmonella enterica serovars Mississippi and Typhimurium definitive type 160 (DT160) collected from human, animal, and environmental sources to elucidate their epidemiology and disease reservoirs in Australia and New Zealand. Sequence data suggested wild birds as a likely reservoir for DT160; animal and environmental sources varied more for Salmonella Mississippi than for Salmonella Typhimurium. Australia and New Zealand isolates sat in distinct clades for both serovars; the median single-nucleotide polymorphism distance for DT160 was 29 (range 8–66) and for Salmonella Mississippi, 619 (range 565–737). Phylogenomic data identified plausible sources of human infection from wildlife and environmental reservoirs and provided evidence supporting New Zealand–acquired DT160 in a group of travelers returning to Australia. Wider use of real-time whole-genome sequencing in new locations and for other serovars may identify sources and routes of transmission, thereby aiding prevention and control

What is the best way to evaluate social prescribing? A qualitative feasibility assessment for a national impact evaluation study in England

Objectives Despite significant investment in social prescribing in England over the last decade, we still do not know if it works, or how models of social prescribing fit within wider health and care policy and practice. This study explores current service delivery structures and assesses the feasibility of a national evaluation of the link worker model. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and September 2020, with 25 key informants from across social prescribing services in England. Participants included link workers, voluntary, community and social enterprise staff, and those involved in policy and decision-making for social prescribing services. Interview and workshop transcripts were analysed thematically, adopting a framework approach. Results We found differences in how services are provided, including by individual link workers, and between organisations and regions. Standards, referral pathways, reporting, and monitoring structures differ or are lacking in voluntary services as compared to clinical services. People can self-refer to a link worker or be referred by a third party, but the lack of standardised processes generated confusion in both public and professional perceptions of the link worker model. We identified challenges in determining the appropriate outcomes and outcome measures needed to assess the impact of the link worker model. Conclusions The current varied service delivery structures in England poses major challenges for a national impact evaluation. Any future rigorous evaluation needs to be underpinned with national standardised outcomes and process measures which promote uniform data collection

Measuring the benefits of the integration of health and social care: Qualitative interviews with professional stakeholders and patient representatives

Background: Integrated care has the potential to ease the increasing pressures faced by health and social care systems, however, challenges around measuring the benefits for providers, patients, and service users remain. This paper explores stakeholders’ views on the benefits of integrated care and approaches to measuring the integration of health and social care. Methods: Twenty-five semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with professional stakeholders (n = 19) and patient representatives (n = 6). Interviews focused on the benefits of integrated care and how it should be evaluated. Data was analysed using framework analysis. Results: Three overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) integrated care and its benefits, with stakeholders defining it primarily from the patient’s perspective; (2) potential measures for assessing the benefits of integration in terms of system effects, patient experiences, and patient outcomes; and (3) broader considerations around the assessment of integrated care, including the use of qualitative methods. Conclusions: There was consensus among stakeholders that patient experiences and outcomes are the best measures of integration, and that the main measures currently used to assess integration do not directly assess patient benefits. Validated health status measures are readily available, however, a substantial shift in practices is required before their use becomes commonplace.</p

Individual and household-level risk factors for sporadic salmonellosis in children.

To explore risk factors for sporadic salmonellosis at the individual and household level in children in tropical Darwin, where animal faeces contaminated with Salmonella is thought to be common. A 2-year community based case-control study of children aged 0-4 years residing in Darwin and Palmerston from June 2006. Variables included behaviour, health, food, family and housing characteristics. Environmental samples were taken from houses of case and control children. Of children whose parents were contacted, 59/131 cases and 95/222 controls were included. Salmonella was isolated from 41/56 (73%) case houses and 18/29 (62%) control houses (p?=?0.29). Multivariate analyses showed breastfeeding 0.16 (p?=?0.02), increasing age (months) 0.89 (p?=?0.00) and daily vacuuming 0.18 (p?=?0.06) were protective; consuming powdered formula milk 4.88 (p?=?0.02), pet ownership 4.86 (p?=?0.02), oral contact with animals 7.85 (p?=?0.05), recent antibiotic use 10.01 (p?=?0.03) and sweeping in the presence of children 3.73 (p?=?0.04) were associated with sporadic salmonellosis. Salmonellosis in children under 5 years of age is associated with potentially modifiable risk factors other than food. Breastfeeding beyond 6 months, careful hygiene when preparing formula milk and around pets, frequent cleaning of infant play areas especially quick removal of animal faeces are behaviours likely to reduce childhood sporadic salmonellosis