Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2022
NSW Cannabis Medicines Advisory Service preliminary survey results - Enquirer perceptions and patient outcomes.
In 2018, an innovative, State government-funded cannabis medicines drug information service was established for health professionals in New South Wales (NSW). The NSW Cannabis Medicines Advisory Service (CMAS) provides expert clinical guidance and support to medical practitioners considering prescribing a cannabis medicine to their patient(s). ⋯ Preliminary findings highlight the impact of an innovative cannabis medicines drug information service in supporting health professional clinical practice in an area of rapid knowledge translation. Quality assurance data indicate that the service is perceived well by the majority of enquirers. Patient outcomes data across a wide range of indications suggest some effectiveness and a reasonable safety profile for prescribed cannabis medicines for most patients.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2022
Proposed empiric antibiotic therapy for prosthetic joint infections: an analysis of the Prosthetic Joint Infection in Australia and New Zealand, Observational (PIANO) cohort.
Empiric antibiotic therapy in suspected prosthetic joint infection should cover likely pathogens while avoiding overly broad-spectrum antibiotics. We analysed individual patient data from a large prospective cohort study (Prosthetic Joint Infection in Australia and New Zealand, Observational (PIANO)) and found that causative organisms vary with the presentation type, with early post-operative infections more likely to be polymicrobial (41%) compared with late acute infections (10%). We thus propose empirical regimens tailored to the presentation type and presence or absence of sepsis.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2022
Prospective Study of Policies and Use of Therapies for COVID-19 Amongst Australian Health Services during 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has generated significant debate about how emerging infections can be treated in the absence of evidence-based therapies to combat disease. In particular, the use of off-label therapies outside of a clinical trial setting has been controversial. ⋯ Our results reflect the reactive nature of prescribing of therapies for COVID-19 and highlight the importance of evidence-based guidelines to assist prescribers.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2022
Survey study of trends in adult nephrology advanced training in Australia and New Zealand.
There has been considerable growth in nephrology advanced trainee numbers in Australia and New Zealand, with uncertain effects on clinical experience, competence and employment outcomes. ⋯ Trainees and nephrologists in Australia and New Zealand are currently satisfied with their training in most aspects of nephrology; however, some clinical experiences are perceived as inadequate and early career paths after advanced training are increasingly diverse.