Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2025
Observational StudyA retrospective examination of risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infections in home parenteral nutrition patients from a Queensland tertiary hospital.
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a potential complication for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients. ⋯ In this cohort of patients, regular opioid use was associated with increased risk of developing CLABSI. Based on our findings, an empiric antimicrobial regime of vancomycin, cefepime and caspofungin will provide adequate coverage for most HPN-related CLABSIs in Australian IF units with a similar antimicrobial distribution and resistance pattern.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2025
Rationale, objectives and design of a national prospective database for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: the Australian Myositis Registry.
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of autoimmune diseases characterised by inflammation of skeletal muscle and other organ systems. They have high morbidity and mortality but, in part because of their rarity and heterogeneity, improving understanding and outcomes remains challenging. To address these problems, numerous IIM registries exist globally, but no national registry yet exists in Australia. ⋯ The AMR is the first nationwide registry in Australia for patients with IIMs and one of the very few national registries for IIMs globally. It aims to provide valuable insight into the epidemiology and clinical experience of IIMs in Australia to help address multiple research agendas.
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Internal medicine journal · Jan 2025
Copying in medical documentation: developing an evidence-based approach.
Electronic medical records (EMRs) provide multiple efficiencies in communication to clinicians. The ability to copy and paste text in an EMR can be useful; however, it also conveys a risk of inaccurate documentation. Studies in international settings have described such overuse of copying to result in 'note bloat', with the dilution of relevant clinical information and potential clinical detriment. ⋯ Erroneous copying may occur in up to 8.3% of ward round notes in a variety of medical services. Automated strategies to help address this issue should be explored.