Internal medicine journal
-
Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Comment Observational StudyPharmacists reducing medication risk in medical outpatient clinics: a retrospective study of 18 clinics.
The role of pharmacists in hospital inpatient settings is well recognised; however, pharmacists are relatively new to outpatient clinic settings in Australia. Evidence to justify the clinical effectiveness of pharmacists, in terms of identifying and resolving medication-related problems in an outpatient setting in Australia is limited. ⋯ Clinic pharmacists in multidisciplinary outpatient clinics are effective at identifying and resolving medication-related problems. Our research demonstrated that 18% of these resolved recommendations prevented a high-risk medication-related harm event.
-
Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Casualties during Australian military operations in New Guinea 1914-1919.
Casualties during the occupation of German New Guinea by the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force starting in September 1914 were limited to six dead during a few initial armed clashes and the loss of RAN submarine AE-1, followed by a few years of tropical disease exposures. A dengue epidemic affected most soldiers within a month of their arrival in Rabaul. Subsequently, a malaria epidemic swept through the occupation forces in January 1915 infecting a majority of the soldiers and killing five. ⋯ Skin diseases were a major chronic problem of tropical service. Twenty-seven non-combat deaths over 4 years (<1%/year) were considered a 'healthy' outcome for the occupation force which consisted largely of men unfit for active service in the Australian Imperial Force. No one should under-estimate the modern requirement to protect non-immune soldiers or travellers going to Papua New Guinea for extended periods.
-
Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
ReviewPulmonary Hypertension in Remote and Disadvantaged Population: Overcoming Unique Challenges for Improved Outcomes.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common and debilitating medical condition with high mortality. PH research has traditionally focused on pulmonary arterial hypertension and its management in expert PH centres. Other forms of PH such as PH associated with cardiac or respiratory disease are more common, less well-understood and associated with higher mortality. ⋯ We propose a simple diagnostic approach, ideally suited to regions where resource allocation is scarce, using clinical skills, echocardiography, and an escalation algorithm. The brief history, epidemiology and current literature on PH are summarised to inform the busy clinicians. We highlight two case examples from the Top End to illustrate the challenges and potential solutions.
-
Internal medicine journal · Jan 2023
Comment Observational StudyEffects of a prescribed, supervised exercise program on tumour disease progression in oncology patients undergoing anti-cancer therapy: A retrospective observational cohort study.
Exercise promotes numerous advantages in both health and disease, and is increasingly being acknowledged to improve overall survival in cancer patients. Preclinical studies indicate a direct effect on tumour behaviour, but human data on the effect of exercise on tumour progression are lacking. ⋯ Supervised exercise programmes have the potential to significantly improve outcomes in cancer patients due to an effect on tumour progression.