Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Mar 2023
A longitudinal population-based study of progression rates for borderline TSH abnormalities.
Current guidelines recommend thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) for initial biochemical evaluation of thyroid function, with borderline TSH abnormalities a common finding. The likelihood of a borderline TSH progressing to overt abnormality is not well characterised at the population level. ⋯ Follow-up intervals for patients with borderline TSH abnormalities should take into account patient age as a progression risk factor.
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Internal medicine journal · Mar 2023
Central venous access device practice across haematology and oncology centres in Australia and New Zealand: a cross-sectional survey.
Central venous access devices (CVADs) are commonly used in malignancies. We conducted an online, anonymous cross-sectional survey of practice regarding CVAD management in haematology centres among clinicians in Australia and New Zealand. We identified variation in clinical practice regarding CVAD selection, insertion, management and removal. These findings highlight research gaps in CVAD care.
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Internal medicine journal · Mar 2023
Inpatient Cardiac Care for Acute Coronary Syndromes in the Top End of Australia.
Disparities in cardiovascular outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians persist. This has previously been attributed to a combination of differences in burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors, and inpatient access to guideline-recommended care. ⋯ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients received similar inpatient ACS care and secondary prevention medication at discharge, with similar short-term mortality outcomes as non-indigenous patients. While encouraging, these outcomes may not persist long term. Further outcomes research is required, with differences compelling consideration of other primary and secondary prevention contributors.
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Internal medicine journal · Mar 2023
LetterSociodemographic determinants of telehealth utilisation in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.
This analysis assessed the sociodemographic characteristics of telehealth utilisation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from March 2020 to August 2021 in Australia. Drawing on 860 general practice providers among 3 161 868 patients, 24 527 274 consultations were recorded. Telehealth accounted for 37.6% of the consultations, with 2.4% through videoconferencing and 35.2% through phone consultations. Our multivariate regression analyses indicated low utilisation of videoconferencing compared with phone consultations among older adults, those living in rural communities and migrants from non-English speaking countries.