The Australian journal of rural health
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Aust J Rural Health · Apr 2019
Comparative StudyQuality of acute stroke care in a regional Victorian hospital, Australia.
The quality of acute stroke care in a regional Victorian hospital (study hospital) was assessed by comparing with selected standard indicators of Acute Stroke Clinical Care. ⋯ The timeliness of brain imaging and thrombolysis was comparable in the study hospital to that of the national standard, while other stroke management indicators still require improvement. Continuing efforts for improvement and revisiting possible areas of delay are warranted.
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Aust J Rural Health · Feb 2019
Diabetes screening in pregnancy failing women in rural Western Australia: An audit of oral glucose tolerance test completion rates.
To quantify screening rate for gestational diabetes mellitus and completion of oral glucose tolerance test in rural and remote Western Australia. ⋯ Adherence to oral glucose tolerance test screening in rural Western Australia is inadequate for effective screening for gestational diabetes mellitus. Screening was not acceptable or available for a significant proportion of women at risk. Efforts to improve oral glucose tolerance test adherence and exploration of alternative gestational diabetes mellitus screening strategies are required.
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Aust J Rural Health · Feb 2019
Comparative StudyAcute circulatory complications in people with diabetes mellitus type 2: How admission varies between urban and rural Victoria.
To identify the extent to which rurality influences the admission and mortality rates for acute circulatory complications among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ⋯ Victorian admission and mortality rates for acute circulatory complications are greatest in rural areas; yet, there is considerable heterogeneity in the admission rates within both rural and metropolitan areas. Furthermore, socioeconomic status is more influential than remoteness in determining emergency admissions. Further research needs to investigate the particular variables that lead to poorer outcomes rurally, investigate socioeconomic disadvantage in rural areas and have greater emphasis on peripheral vascular disease prevention.
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Aust J Rural Health · Feb 2019
Service providers' experience of methamphetamine and the portrayal of the 'ice epidemic' in remote Australia.
To contrast service providers' perceptions about crystalline methamphetamine (henceforth, ice) use and harm with information communicated in media reports and politicians' statements. ⋯ The respondents questioned the notion of an 'ice epidemic' and the use of federal funding for ice-related initiatives in remote communities, especially while general alcohol and other drug services were under-resourced.
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Aust J Rural Health · Dec 2018
Comparative StudyMortality after emergency abdominal surgery in a non-metropolitan Australian centre.
Emergency abdominal surgery has poorer outcomes and higher mortality rates, compared with elective surgery. Serious morbidity or mortality occurs in up to 40% of patients. No information is available with regard to the outcome of patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery in rural Australia. ⋯ Emergency abdominal surgery can be safely provided in non-metropolitan Australian centres, with a low 30-day mortality rate of 3.8% and a 90-day mortality rate of 5.1%. This compares well with results published by other national and international investigators.