The Australian journal of rural health
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Aust J Rural Health · Apr 2007
ReviewDisadvantage and discontent: a review of issues relevant to the mental health of rural and remote Indigenous Australians.
To provide an overview of the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents of rural and remote Australia and to identify associated factors. ⋯ Indigenous residents of rural and remote Australia experience high levels of mental disorder. Although addressing the predisposing social disadvantage will demand significant whole-of-government investment, ensuring equitable access to effective mental health services is an immediate priority.
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Aust J Rural Health · Apr 2007
ReviewInternet-based mental health programs: a powerful tool in the rural medical kit.
To discuss, using two case examples, the potential utility of Internet-based depression information and automated therapy programs in rural regions. ⋯ Depression self-help and information programs can be delivered effectively by means of the Internet. As accessibility of face-to-face mental health services in rural areas is poor and as there is a strong culture of self-reliance and preference for self-managing health problems among rural residents, the Internet might offer an important platform for the delivery of help for depression in rural regions. Consideration should be given to developing programs tailored to rural settings and future research should evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of such programs in rural settings.
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Aust J Rural Health · Apr 2007
Reviewheadspace: National Youth Mental Health Foundation: making headway with rural young people and their mental health.
Mental health is the number one health issue affecting young people in Australia today, yet only one in four of these young people receive professional help. Approximately 14% of 12- to 17-year-olds and 27% of 18- to 25-year-olds experience mental health problems each year. ⋯ The communities of youth services will build the capacity of local communities to identify early, and provide effective responses to, young people aged 12-25 years with mental health and related substance use disorders. Specific approaches in rural, regional and remote areas will be developed as well as specific programs to involve young Indigenous people.
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Aust J Rural Health · Apr 2005
ReviewSouth African Red Cross Flying Doctors Service quality and safety in the rural and remote South African environment.
The South African Red Cross Air Mercy Service and its Flying Doctors Service provides health care to far flung and disadvantaged communities in South Africa. ⋯ The South African Red Cross Air Mercy Service plays a crucial role in delivering specialised health care to disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
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Aust J Rural Health · May 1999
ReviewThe role of ultrasound in the assessment of the trauma patient.
Ultrasound assessment of the patient with blunt abdominal trauma will enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate decision making about the need for urgent surgery. Numerous studies have reported the role of ultrasound in the assessment of the trauma patient. Focused ultrasound has been shown to compare in sensitivity to diagnostic peritoneal lavage and is helpful in assessing the need for a laparotomy. ⋯ The technique is not difficult to learn. Advances in technology are likely to make portable ultrasound increasingly appropriate to rural clinical practice. Detection of haemoperitoneum will be more accurate when ultrasound is available in the early care of trauma on a 24 hour basis and, to achieve this, clinicians managing trauma will need to become competent in the application of the focused ultrasound exam.