Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Aug 2023
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice for oxygen therapy among medical staff at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Fiji.
Oxygen therapy (OT) is a commonly prescribed essential medicine for people of all ages in the management of hypoxia. The adverse effects of inappropriate OT supplementation may be underestimated by health professionals and lead to poor health outcomes among hospitalised patients. Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) assessments of medical staff members to OT guidelines are essential to ensure optimal patient care. ⋯ Good KAP scores were obtained for medical staff in Fiji regarding OT administration. Ongoing professional education activities should include updated training of OT contraindications and optimal oxygen saturation levels for special patient groups.
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Internal medicine journal · Aug 2023
Effect of insertion site on tunnelled haemodialysis catheter outcomes: an observational study of 967 catheters.
The right internal jugular vein is the preferred approach to tunnelled haemodialysis catheter placement. However, the effect of the insertion site on long-term catheter outcomes remains uncertain. ⋯ This study identified no statistically significant relationship between tunnelled haemodialysis catheter insertion site and catheter survival. The contemporary approach to dialysis vascular access should be tailored to specific patient circumstances.
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Internal medicine journal · Aug 2023
'We are somehow fixated on this being a diabetes drug': a qualitative study exploring the views of cardiologists and nephrologists about sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor initiation.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are now indicated for heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD), irrespective of the presence of diabetes. Hence, cardiologists and nephrologists have an important role in initiating these drugs. ⋯ Our findings highlight the complex transition from the perception of SGLT2i as diabetes drugs to cardiometabolic and reno-protective agents. Interdisciplinary collaboration may enable greater confidence amongst specialists to initiate SGLT2i, including in patients with CKD. Additionally, there is a need for clear and detailed guidance about SGLT2i prescription in patients with renal dysfunction and renal function monitoring following SGLT2i initiation.
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Internal medicine journal · Aug 2023
Hepatitis B genotypes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: correlation with clinical course and implications for management.
The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in Far North Queensland (FNQ) is greater than twice that of the general Australian population. CHB is common in Torres Strait Islanders diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) - and in Aboriginals with HCC living in the Northern Territory - however, Aboriginals diagnosed with HCC in FNQ very rarely have CHB. The explanation for this apparent disparity is uncertain. ⋯ HBV genotypes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in FNQ differ markedly, which could explain the significant differences in the clinical phenotype in the two populations and might be used to inform cost-effective CHB care in the region.
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Internal medicine journal · Aug 2023
Effects of an outpatient exercise programme for Australians with cancer-related fatigue: an unmet need.
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common debilitating condition. International evidence supports an exercise prescription for CRF. The majority of Australians with cancer do not meet recommended exercise targets. ⋯ The outcomes of this programme contribute to exercise guidelines in Australia. Currently only position statements exist on the subject, but there are no programme guidelines. An exercise prescription is critical to cancer outcomes. This programme is likely to benefit cancer survivors experiencing CRF across private and public hospitals in Australia.