The Medical journal of Australia
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To determine the prevalence of trachoma and blindness in the Aboriginal population in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara and Yalata lands of South Australia. ⋯ Although trachoma is still endemic in the "traditional" Aboriginal population of SA, its prevalence and severity appear to be less than previously recorded. However, the prevalence of blindness is comparable with that found in developing countries and the causes are still largely preventable. Further effort is required to reduce trachoma and preventable or treatable blindness in these communities.
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To evaluate the effectiveness of policies intended to decrease unnecessary packed red cell transfusions. ⋯ The transfusion policies have succeeded in curtailing unnecessary transfusion practices. They included the lowering of "transfusion-triggering" haemoglobin levels, registrar or consultant approval of transfusions and enforcement of patient consent and chart documentation of transfusion indications, verified by the laboratory. The surgical blood ordering schedule was reviewed under the overall direction of the transfusion committee. A strong institutional commitment is required to lift the profile of blood transfusion.
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To determine the approximate point prevalence of psychiatric disorders among elderly patients in a general hospital and to ascertain the frequency of mental state examination on admission, psychotropic drug use and documentation of psychiatric disorder in discharge summaries. ⋯ Screening for psychiatric disorders in this setting is not routine. The frequency of such disorders makes it desirable to conduct prospective evaluation of the use of brief cognitive and depression screening instruments on admission to hospital.