The Medical journal of Australia
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Observational Study
ADHD medication overdose and misuse: the NSW Poisons Information Centre experience, 2004-2014.
To describe Australian trends in overdoses with medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ⋯ NSWPIC data show a dramatic increase in intentional exposures to ADHD medications between 2004 and 2014, mainly to methylphenidate. Further, the data suggest that illicit use of these substances is increasing. The potential harm related to misuse of prescription stimulants and the close correlation between these exposures and the prescribing of these drugs causes concerns about their diversion, and highlights the importance of the quality use of medicines (ie, ensuring that they are used safely, appropriately and in an evidence-based manner, including considering non-medical or non-stimulant alternatives) and of risk assessment for misuse when prescribing ADHD drugs.
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Comparative Study
Comparing colorectal cancer treatment and survival for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in New South Wales.
Our aim was to compare surgical treatment rates and survival rates for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in New South Wales with colorectal cancer, and to describe the medical treatment received by a sample of Aboriginal people with colorectal cancer. ⋯ Aboriginal people with colorectal cancer had poorer survival rates than non-Aboriginal people, although rates of surgical treatment, complications and follow-up colonoscopy were similar. More work is needed to identify and understand why outcomes for Aboriginal people with colorectal cancer are different from those of other New South Wales residents.
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To survey emergency department (ED) clinical staff about their perceptions of alcohol-related presentations. ⋯ Verbal and physical aggression by alcohol-affected patients is commonly experienced by ED clinical staff. This has a negative impact on the care of other patients, as well as on staff wellbeing. Managers of health services must ensure a safe environment for staff and patients. More importantly, a comprehensive public health approach to changing the prevailing culture that tolerates alcohol-induced unacceptable behaviour is required.
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To estimate the number of regular and dependent methamphetamine users in Australia. ⋯ There is an increasing need for health services to engage with people who have developed problems related to their methamphetamine use.