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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Social distancing was the predominant strategy used to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ The incidences of streptococcal bacteraemia and bacteraemia of organisms transmitted through respiratory secretions were lower when there were social distancing restrictions. Adopting measures of social distancing may decrease the morbidity from bacteraemia caused by oropharynx and respiratory bacteria.
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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
Hospitalisation and associated costs of gastrointestinal bleeding from primary prevention aspirin use in South Australia: a retrospective case series analysis.
We assessed hospitalisations for gastrointestinal bleeding directly related to primary prevention aspirin in lower risk patients for a 6-month period in three South Australian hospitals. Those with related underlying pathology or concurrent causative medication were excluded. ⋯ Mean hospital admission cost was $6769 (95% confidence interval $5198-$8340), with projected state and national annual costs of $0.57 and $8.12 million respectively. In light of recent guideline changes, clinicians need to vigorously assess the need for primary prevention aspirin.
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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.