The New Zealand medical journal
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In a region with high rates of immunisation refusal, we examine whether refusing an immunisation at 6 weeks (the first scheduled immunisation) predicts the pattern for subsequent scheduled immunisations, and the characteristics of those who declined these immunisations. ⋯ Increasing Northland's immunisation coverage may require primary care providers to more actively engage with declining caregivers prior to the 3-month and 5-month vaccinations. Immunisation information and decision-making programmes targeted at parents and providers in the antenatal and prenatal period may also be of benefit, in addition to considering regulatory and incentive strategies.
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Curative treatments of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers carry significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, accurate pre-treatment staging is important. PET-CT scan is an expensive modality, and not readily available in New Zealand. The aim of this study was to describe how PET-CT scan influences management in UGI cancer. ⋯ Our study confirms the value of PET-CT scan in pre-operative staging of UGI cancer. It had a greater impact on patients with intermediate lesions on staging CT.
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The aims of this audit were to collect the Minimum Data Set outlined by the Australia New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR), assess patient characteristics, analyse process of care, and evaluate how this compares to NICE guidelines for hip fracture care, as well as to Auckland Hospital data from 2007. ⋯ Compared to 2007, Auckland City Hospital has demonstrated a significant improvement in the rate of provision of timely surgery for hip fracture patients. Most patients are receiving the guideline recommended fracture-specific surgical interventions. The assessment and treatment of osteoporosis needs further attention.