Internal medicine journal
-
Internal medicine journal · Dec 2023
Prescribing patterns of adjunctive therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus among Australian endocrinologists.
Many people living with type 1 diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)) do not meet glycaemic targets. Adjunctive therapies have both risks and metabolic benefits and may have a role in selected patients. ⋯ Australian endocrinologists commonly prescribe adjuncts to address cardiometabolic concerns in T1DM. DKA risk and off-label status are significant factors contributing to reluctance to prescribe.
-
Internal medicine journal · Dec 2023
Observational StudyThe epidemiology of in-hospital cardiac arrest patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in Australia - A retrospective observational study.
In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) affects approximately 3000 patients annually in Australia. Introduction of the National Standard for Deteriorating Patients in 2011 was associated with reduced IHCA-related intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and reduced in-hospital mortality of such patients. ⋯ After adjustment for the severity of illness, the likelihood of being admitted to ICU after IHCA slightly increased in the follow-up period.
-
Internal medicine journal · Dec 2023
Comparative StudyTelehealth in oncology: a cost analysis to evaluate the financial impact of implementing regional trial hubs within a phase 3 cancer clinical trial.
This cost analysis, from a societal perspective, compared the cost difference of a networked teletrial model (NTTM) with four regional hubs versus conventional trial operation at a single metropolitan specialist centre. The Australian phase 3 cancer interventional randomised controlled trial included 152 of 328 regional participants (patient enrolment 2018-2021; 6-month primary end point). The NTTM significantly reduced (AU$2155 per patient) patient travel cost and time and lost productivity.
-
Internal medicine journal · Dec 2023
Observational StudyEarly outcomes following the implementation of a specialised pleural disease service.
Pleural effusion is a common cause of hospitalisation and a poor prognostic marker that is associated with morbidity and mortality. The evaluation and management of pleural effusion may be performed more effectively by a specialised pleural disease service (SPDS). ⋯ The introduction of a SPDS was associated with increased point-of-care ultrasound utilisation for pleural procedures, shorter delays to intervention and improved standardisation of tests on pleural fluid.
-
Internal medicine journal · Dec 2023
Reduced gastrointestinal-related hospitalisation costs following rescheduling of over-the-counter codeine-containing compound analgesics in Australia: results of a single hospital audit in South Australia.
Codeine-containing compound analgesics (CCCAs) are associated with dependence and, when taken in excess, significant risks of harm. A previous audit showed significant costs related to admissions for gastrointestinal (GI) complications of CCCA. Based on this and other evidence of harm, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration changed CCCAs to prescription only in 2018. ⋯ Australian rescheduling of CCCAs in 2018 resulted in a reduction in hospital admissions and costs related to GI complications. The cost savings, even in a single hospital department, were substantial.