The triage and management of pregnant women in a Queensland emergency department: an action research study

[Extract] This study assessed the triage and management of pregnant women in a north Queensland emergency department (ED). Anecdotal evidence from midwives and emergency nurses indeated that pregnant women were not managed in a consistent manner when treated in the department and staff believed that pregnant women could be better managed

The triage and management of pregnant women who present to the emergency department

[Extract] A number of different models of midwifery care are available to women in Queensland, including midwifery led care, shared care arrangements and care by an obstetrician. Nevertheless, pregnant women may still need to attend the Emergency Department for reasons of convenience and availability (open 24/7), finance (free), and for emergency complaints which need immediate attention

Teaching professionalism through simulation

Professionalism in Medicine - Professionalism must be defined and measureable - Medical schools require their own definition and expectations of professionalism - Professionalism guide, university policies, guide, university policies, professional organisation guidelines - Professional attributes – honesty, integrity, respect, compassion and accountability - Must be taught, expected, promoted and evaluated using a variety of explicit and consistent strategie

Professional development of mental health educators through peer learning

Introduction/background: The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition teach students to use the ventrogluteal (VG) site as the preferred site for intramuscular injections. While on clinical placement, third year nursing students enrolled in a mental health subject identified that clinical preceptors and educators were not familiar with the VG site and felt uncomfortable when supervising students performing this task, and preferred instead for the student to use the dorsogluteal site for intramuscular administration of antipsychotic medications. In response to this identified theory-practice gap a practical educational intervention was developed by staff at James Cook University, in collaboration with mental health educators at the hospital, for hospital clinicians

Are we doing enough to help students manage their stress?

Introduction/background: High levels of stress in young people studying medicine is a problem that appears to be increasing in severity. Unfortunately it is not uncommon to see unhelpful or harmful coping strategies being employed by students to manage their study/life stress. The Australian Medical Students Association cite that medical students are three times more likely to commit suicide than the rest of the general population in their age range. Purpose/objectives: The purpose of the session is to discuss the widening issue of stress and self-harm amongst the student population, specifically medical students, and glean from each other what support strategies have been successful. Discussing responsibility, support, service and strategies with other expert healthcare educators will help illuminate and address the impact of student mental health and the serious impact this may have on their progression through the course. Issues/questions for exploration or ideas for discussion: •What level of responsibility should Universities have in managing young people's stress/anxiety issues? •Many Universities have reduced access to free counselling services for students – should these services be reinstated/increased? •Should colleges/healthcare facilities be doing more to support students, rather than relying on the University to offer services? •What support strategies have been the most effective at your College/School/University/Health facility? •Should mindfulness/meditation be compulsory components embedded in healthcare courses? If so, when should they be introduced and how often should they been revisited? •Should more or a different type of support be available for students who are on clinical placements

Orientation strategies that prepare postgraduate students for online study

Introduction/background: Despite the increasing popularity of online university courses, high non-completion rates are common. An effective orientation program can assist students to prepare for online study. Aim/objectives: The focus of this research was to gain an understanding of students' perceptions of: (i) the skills needed for online study; (ii) which skills HPE students feel least confident about at the commencement of their course; and (iii) orientation activities and resources that students find useful when preparing for online study. Methods: A mixed methods study, including online surveys and telephone interviews, was used. Results: Students were confident about their computer skills but were less confident about using the learning management system, in particular, the discussion board and webinar tools. Rusty academic skills, such as writing and referencing, were a challenge for many. Responses to suggested orientation sessions indicate students desire a wide variety of activities and resources to help them transition to online learning including: study tips from experienced online learners; staying motivated in off-campus study, and tips for organising and managing files. Discussion and Conclusions: Orientation activities should be delivered in an incremental way so students can progress at their own pace through a structured, but flexible, program that does not overwhelm the novice. Self-evaluation of the skills required for postgraduate online study, flexibility to tailor the orientation program to suit personal learning needs, and time to practise required skills, should underpin the orientation program. Lastly, opportunities for students to connect with other students and faculty should be provided

Family planning in Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs): a scoping review

The use of contraceptives for family planning improves women’s lives and may prevent maternal deaths. However, many women in low and middle-income countries, including the Pacific region, still die from pregnancy-related complications. While most health centres offer family planning services with some basic contraceptive methods, many people do not access these services. More than 60% of women who would like to avoid or delay their pregnancies are unable to do so. This scoping review identifies and analyses evidence about family planning service provision in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), with the aim of better informing family planning services for improved maternal health outcomes in the Pacific. We used Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review guidelines, supported by Levac, Colquhoun and O’Brien to identify gaps in family planning service provision. Selected studies included peer-reviewed publications and grey literature that provided information about family planning services from 1994 to 2019. Publication data was charted in MS Excel. Data were thematically analysed and key issues and themes identified. A total of 45 papers (15 peer-reviewed and 30 grey literature publications) were critically reviewed. Five themes were identified: i) family planning services in the Pacific; ii) education, knowledge and attitudes; iii) geographical isolation and access; iv) socio-cultural beliefs, practices and influences; and v) potential enabling factors for improved family planning, such as appropriate family planning awareness by health care providers and services tailored to meet individual needs. While culture and religion were considered as the main barriers to accessing family planning services, evidence showed health services were also responsible for limiting access. Family planning services do not reach everyone. Making relevant and sustainable improvements in service delivery requires generation of local evidence. Further research is needed to understand availability, accessibility and acceptability of current family planning services for different age groups, genders, social and marital status to better inform family planning services in the Pacific

People with diabetes in Indonesia learning about their disease: sharing with others

The Study Gap: Diabetes education is important, but there is little known about the process of health education of people with diabetes in Indonesia. Aim: To generate a theory about the process of providing health education for people living with diabetes mellitus in Indonesia. Question: How do people living with diabetes mellitus in Indonesia learn about the disease. Methodology: Grounded theory influenced by symbolic interactionism and constructivism

People with diabetes in Indonesia: exploring diabetes care

Background Case: 8.5 million people living with diabetes in Indonesia Rate: 5.7% to 6.9% diabetes prevalence rate in 2008 and 2013. Effect: Diabetes is a major cause of death

Contribution of simulation-based medical education to work-readiness of JCU graduates

The College of Medicine and Dentistry (CMD) at James Cook University (JCU) was established in regional north Queensland in 1999 with the mandate to select and educate medical graduates to work in underserviced areas, specifically rural, remote, and tropical locations. In 2006, the second graduating cohort at JCU were surveyed to determine if they felt ‘work ready‘. Results showed only 66% of students felt well or very well prepared for their first week of internship, and 13% of students felt inadequately prepared. The need for more CS activities within the curriculum was identified when the College underwent course accreditation in 2006