Aust Fam Physician
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The best use of diagnostic imaging is a challenge for many health professionals and the health system. Potential hazards of inappropriate imaging include exposure to ionising radiation, false positive and negative results, unexpected incidental findings, overdiagnosis and cost. ⋯ While normal imaging results can reassure a patient, abnormal incidental findings can sometimes cause harm. When serious disease is very unlikely, verbal reassurance may be more appropriate than imaging. We remind doctors of the risks of ionising radiation, including how to access resources to estimate these risks and the need to ensure that the potential benefit of the test outweighs the risk - the process of justification. We point readers to imaging guidelines to help guide decision-making, such as the 'Diagnostic imaging pathways' resource. We look forward to relationships between radiologists and general practitioners characterised by collaboration and consultation, rather than just ordering and reporting.
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Closing the gap in health and welfare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an ongoing challenge. ⋯ A successful cultural mentorship model is multi-level and safe, and requires mutual trust and respect, time and resources. Potential benefits include equitable access to, and use of, safe quality care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in general practice.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is generally the worst of any population group in Australia. Inaccessibility to health services is one possible cause of this. Shared medical appointments (SMAs) appear to be a culturally competent and appropriate way of improving access to, and the quality of, primary healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ⋯ The results, though not generalisable, suggest that SMAs may offer a culturally safe and appropriate tool to enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' access to primary care.
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Otitis media (OM) is one of the most common infections in children. The cause can be viral, but is most often bacterial. It remains one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescribing for children. Many episodes of acute OM are self-limiting and resolve without treatment, but antibiotics are often prescribed because these infections can develop into serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.
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The Medicare-rebated Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (Medicare Benefits Schedule [MBS] item number 715) has been progressively implemented across Australia since 1999. ⋯ The low uptake of MBS item number 715 in some metropolitan areas is of particular concern given the known gaps in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Targeted action is required to address the barriers to uptake and re-evaluate the use of MBS item number 715 as a key performance indicator.