Aust Fam Physician
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Many older people are participating in high-intensity activities and sports. Clinicians need to be aware of the physiology of ageing relative to the demands of higher intensity sport. Patient expectations, comorbidities and medication use are important aspects to consider when advising the ageing athlete appropriately. ⋯ Appreciating the importance of physical activity as a major public health intervention is essential for all clinicians. Ensuring that the ageing athlete is able to participate safely and optimally in higher intensity physical activity is an increasing expectation.
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The best use of diagnostic imaging is a challenge for many health professionals and the health system. Potential hazards of inappropriate imaging include exposure to ionising radiation, false positive and negative results, unexpected incidental findings, overdiagnosis and cost. ⋯ While normal imaging results can reassure a patient, abnormal incidental findings can sometimes cause harm. When serious disease is very unlikely, verbal reassurance may be more appropriate than imaging. We remind doctors of the risks of ionising radiation, including how to access resources to estimate these risks and the need to ensure that the potential benefit of the test outweighs the risk - the process of justification. We point readers to imaging guidelines to help guide decision-making, such as the 'Diagnostic imaging pathways' resource. We look forward to relationships between radiologists and general practitioners characterised by collaboration and consultation, rather than just ordering and reporting.
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Otitis media (OM) is one of the most common infections in children. The cause can be viral, but is most often bacterial. It remains one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescribing for children. Many episodes of acute OM are self-limiting and resolve without treatment, but antibiotics are often prescribed because these infections can develop into serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.
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Closing the gap in health and welfare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an ongoing challenge. ⋯ A successful cultural mentorship model is multi-level and safe, and requires mutual trust and respect, time and resources. Potential benefits include equitable access to, and use of, safe quality care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in general practice.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is generally the worst of any population group in Australia. Inaccessibility to health services is one possible cause of this. Shared medical appointments (SMAs) appear to be a culturally competent and appropriate way of improving access to, and the quality of, primary healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ⋯ The results, though not generalisable, suggest that SMAs may offer a culturally safe and appropriate tool to enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' access to primary care.