The Medical journal of Australia
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Comparative Study
Burden of disease and injury in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in the Northern Territory.
To quantify the burden of disease and injury for the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in the Northern Territory. ⋯ A comprehensive assessment of fatal and non-fatal conditions is important in describing differentials in health status of the NT population. Our study provides comparative data to identify health priorities and facilitate a more equitable distribution of health funding.
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The Austin Bowel Cancer Consortium aimed to identify drivers of clinical decision-making so as to inform a continuous practice improvement approach to the use of evidence. Strategies for engaging clinicians included a direct clinician-clinician approach, gaining the support of opinion leaders and using the clinicians' desire for patient outcome data. Interviews with clinicians identified barriers to using evidence in practice. ⋯ Interviews with patients and carers highlighted psychosocial and communication difficulties and prompted greater clinician awareness. Consumers developed patient information resources with minimal assistance from project staff. The clinical encounter is the prime site for change for putting evidence into practice, rather than trying to change individual clinicians.