Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association
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To explore the potential effects of the global financial crisis (GFC) on the market for general practitioner (GP) services in Australia. ⋯ The GFC is likely to increase activity in the GP market and potentially to reduce fee levels relative to the pre-GFC trends. Net effects on average GP incomes are likely to be small at current unemployment levels.
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The trend, in the last few years, of shorter working hours for junior doctors has been driven by the need for safer working conditions. This has led to the loss of continuity of care and the introduction of shift work for residents and registrars, resulting in up to three handovers per 24-h period. Many sentinel events occurring in hospitals can be attributed to a breakdown in communication. ⋯ A survey of resident staff confirmed the morning handover as important in both patient care and education. There was a marked improvement in tertiary trauma survey completion rates after the introduction of the morning handover. It is now an accepted and important part of the working day in the surgical unit of the hospital.
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This case study describes the implementation of a zero tolerance of bullying and harassment program and its outcomes in an ACT hospital. The significance of bullying and harassment within this hospital workplace and its impact became apparent in the 2005 employee satisfaction survey. ⋯ After nearly 3 years the program has had a positive impact, including contributing to an overall increase in staff satisfaction and improvements in the bullying and harassment section of the latest employee satisfaction survey. Additional initiatives have been implemented and improved employee satisfaction results are expected in 2010-11.