Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Integration of mental health and quality of life screening tools in an inflammatory bowel disease-specific electronic medical record (Crohn Colitis Care): process and early outcomes.
Psychological problems are prevalent in people with inflammatory bowel diseases but are not routinely addressed. To improve recognition, three psychological screening tools were integrated into clinical management software (Crohn Colitis Care). In the first 6 months, completion rates varied between participating sites, and approximately 23-34% of respondents scored in moderate or higher ranges for psychological distress. Evaluation of the clinical utility of the module to improve patient outcomes is recommended.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Survey of medical oncologists and trainee practice on venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment in solid cancers.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has a significant adverse impact on the outcomes of patients with active solid malignancies. Prophylaxis is indicated for cancer-associated VTE (CA-VTE) using the Khorana score for risk stratification. ⋯ Regarding treatment of CA-VTE, practice was consistent with guidelines. However, regarding prophylaxis for CA-VTE, there was a high degree of uncertainty, which highlights the need for ongoing education.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Comment Observational StudyPharmacists reducing medication risk in medical outpatient clinics: a retrospective study of 18 clinics.
The role of pharmacists in hospital inpatient settings is well recognised; however, pharmacists are relatively new to outpatient clinic settings in Australia. Evidence to justify the clinical effectiveness of pharmacists, in terms of identifying and resolving medication-related problems in an outpatient setting in Australia is limited. ⋯ Clinic pharmacists in multidisciplinary outpatient clinics are effective at identifying and resolving medication-related problems. Our research demonstrated that 18% of these resolved recommendations prevented a high-risk medication-related harm event.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Casualties during Australian military operations in New Guinea 1914-1919.
Casualties during the occupation of German New Guinea by the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force starting in September 1914 were limited to six dead during a few initial armed clashes and the loss of RAN submarine AE-1, followed by a few years of tropical disease exposures. A dengue epidemic affected most soldiers within a month of their arrival in Rabaul. Subsequently, a malaria epidemic swept through the occupation forces in January 1915 infecting a majority of the soldiers and killing five. ⋯ Skin diseases were a major chronic problem of tropical service. Twenty-seven non-combat deaths over 4 years (<1%/year) were considered a 'healthy' outcome for the occupation force which consisted largely of men unfit for active service in the Australian Imperial Force. No one should under-estimate the modern requirement to protect non-immune soldiers or travellers going to Papua New Guinea for extended periods.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Patterns and rates of confirmed transfer of care of patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at a tertiary paediatric rheumatology centre.
Disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) commonly persists into adulthood. Transfer of JIA patients to adult healthcare services can be challenging, with prior studies showing poor rates of success. ⋯ Lack of confirmed transfer of care for JIA patients is common and carries a risk of suboptimal outcomes. Strategies to improve communication with adult services, the routine use of 'backstop' appointments and vigilance regarding potential loss to follow up at the time of transfer would minimise this risk.