Journal of paediatrics and child health
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2014
Review Case ReportsInvasive group A streptococcal infection in the Northern Territory, Australia: case report and review of the literature.
The increasing incidence of invasive group A streptococcus has been well documented in the temperate climates of North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. Studies also suggest that there are high rates of invasive group A streptococcus infection within the indigenous population of Northern Australia. This review article presents the case of infant Aboriginal twins with invasive group A streptococcal infection complicated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, highlighting both the severity and high transmissibility of invasive group A streptococcal disease. We review the epidemiology of group A streptococcal infection and suggest a potential role for chemoprophylaxis of household contacts to reduce the burden of disease within the indigenous population of Northern Australia.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2014
Post-implementation review of pulse oximetry screening of well newborns in an Australian tertiary maternity hospital.
Despite there being evidence that pulse oximetry screening is better than clinical examination alone in early detection of CHD, implementation has been slow. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the practice after its implementation into routine care at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 2008. ⋯ These post-implementation data confirm that pulse oximetry screening increases early diagnosis of major CHD as well as other important pathology with a very low false positive rate and minimal requirement for extra echocardiograms. Pulse oximetry screening of apparently well newborns should become a standard of care.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2014
Development and feasibility of a child obesity prevention intervention in general practice: the Healthy 4 Life pilot study.
Approximately 20% of Australian pre-school children are overweight. Primary care providers have a crucial role in identifying children at risk of unhealthy weight gain and to offer advice and suggestions to parents. The Healthy 4 Life pilot study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of a practice nurse (PN)-led brief intervention into a healthy kid's check in general practice. ⋯ The provision of a brief training workshop and resources can equip nurses in general practice to offer an obesity prevention intervention to parents of young children. Further research is required to examine the impact of such an intervention on parent and child behaviours and the sustainability of such practices for PNs.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Oct 2014
Comparative Study Observational StudyPredicting patient disposition in a paediatric emergency department.
The aim of this study is to directly compare published prediction tools with triage nurse (TN) predictions within a defined paediatric population. ⋯ When compared with validated prediction tools, the TN is the most accurate predictor of need to admit. This study provides valuable information in planning efficient flow of patients through the ED.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Oct 2014
Comparative StudyImproving junior doctors' confidence in paediatric musculoskeletal assessment.
Musculoskeletal symptoms are a common cause for presentation of children and adolescents to health-care settings. Junior doctors report lack of confidence in assessment of the paediatric musculoskeletal system. Our aim was to assess the confidence of junior medical officers (JMOs) working in the emergency department (ED) with paediatric musculoskeletal assessment and determine if a readily available teaching module would improve confidence. ⋯ A clinical examination teaching intervention resulted in a trend towards an increase in confidence for JMOs in paediatric musculoskeletal assessment. Formal evaluation of a teaching module was feasible within the ED.