Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
Substance use among vocational trainees in Australia: differences between medical specialties.
There have been few large-scale nationally representative studies on the prevalence of substance use among doctors. In addition, the association of different medical specialties with the use of different substances requires further research. ⋯ While rates of substance use and hazardous alcohol use in VT are similar, if not lower, than the general population, it poses a concern that there are higher rates of alcohol use in certain medical specialties.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
Changes in inpatient medicine prescribing during Covid-19 lockdown.
New Zealand went into lockdown March 2020 successfully eliminating the circulation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus. During lockdown there were reduced rates of respiratory infections and hospital admission numbers were low. At the time, rumours of benefit and harm of medicines for COVID-19 were widespread in the lay and medical media. ⋯ Acute medical admissions decreased 20% during lockdown for COVID-19, with a proportional decrease in prescriptions. Reduced rates of respiratory tract infections did not lead to decreased prescribing of antibacterial medicines. Rumour-based prescribing did not eventuate.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
Epidemiological study of multiple sclerosis in Illawarra region.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease that causes significant disabilities. Latest MS epidemiological data in Australia reveal rising prevalence. No epidemiological study of MS has been conducted so far in the Illawarra region. ⋯ The calculated MS prevalence in the Illawarra region is higher than New South Wales and the Australian average MS prevalence. Further epidemiological studies focussing on MS risk factors and other factors bearing on MS prevalence in the Illawarra region are required.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
Review Case ReportsCulture-negative Capnocytophaga canimorsus meningitis diagnosed by 16s ribosomal RNA polymerase chain reaction in an immunocompetent veterinarian and a review of the literature.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a fastidious, capnophilic and facultative anaerobic Gram-negative rod found commonly in the oral flora of dogs that may cause zoonotic infections such as cellulitis and eye infections. In immunocompromised patients, it may cause fulminant sepsis. Meningitis due to C. canimorsus is, however, a rare manifestation. This is the first reported case of C. canimorsus meningitis in Australia in an immunocompetent veterinarian diagnosed by 16s ribosomal RNA polymerase chain reaction.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2023
Uncovering healthcare staff attitudes to the rapid deployment of telehealth in Victoria, 2020-2021: a 12-month telehealth experience.
Telehealth was widely adopted in health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unknown what the attitudes and ongoing needs of healthcare staff are after a rapid implementation of telehealth. ⋯ Despite training and having support from colleagues to implement telehealth, ongoing needs were identified that may promote uptake in specific health settings.