Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2024
Use of glucose sensors for post-discharge care triaging of insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes: a feasibility study.
The use of glucose sensors to triage post-discharge follow-up was investigated among hospital inpatients with type 2 diabetes. Feasibility, utility and patient satisfaction with this model of care were studied. ⋯ Follow-up plans were altered in 76.3% of the patients able to use the sensor technology. Patient satisfaction was high and was improved on follow-up after 6 months.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2024
Observational StudyReal-world experience of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with solid tumours in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Australia from 2016 to 2021: a retrospective observational cohort study.
Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is growing, but clinical trial data may not apply to Indigenous patients or patients living in remote areas. ⋯ Rates of irAE in our cohort are comparable to those in the published literature. There was no significant difference in any-grade or severe irAE incidence observed between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2024
Identify, screen and treat via electronic pathway: a semiautomated approach to retriaging a liver clinic waitlist.
Long specialist outpatient waiting lists are a source of clinical risk. Triage assignment is based on subjective assessment of referrals and fails to account for dynamic changes in disease status while patients await clinical review. ⋯ This study successfully implemented a semiautomated strategy that prioritises patients with probable advanced liver disease or active HCV, demonstrating enhanced patient engagement with LCG support. It highlights the burden of patients referred for specialist care and the need for innovative strategies for monitoring and objective risk stratification.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2024
Navigating high-cost medicines: summary of the Guiding Principles for the governance of high-cost medicines in Australian hospitals.
High-cost medicines (HCMs) can be clinically impactful for individual patients but are also subject to variable funding mechanisms. Public hospitals and health services are often asked to fund HCMs, but inconsistent processes frequently create large variations in care. CATAG (Council of Australian Therapeutic Advisory Groups) is the Australian peak national advisory body for the quality use of medicines in hospitals and health services, with all states and territories collaborating to support Drug and Therapeutics Committees (DTCs). ⋯ The final version was approved by the EAG and CATAG members. This document represents a summary of the seven Guiding Principles developed, covering the areas of governance, application and assessment, communication, training and resourcing. Although many outstanding priorities still exist, including the development of national coordination regarding HCM assessment, these Guiding Principles offer a basis to navigate this complex area.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2024
Early coronary angiography in NSTEMI: a regional Victorian perspective.
Current guidelines highlight a paucity of evidence guiding optimal timing for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in high-risk and non-high-risk cases. ⋯ Higher MACE rates in the delayed intervention group suggest further investigation is needed. Randomised control trials would be well suited to assess the role of early invasive intervention across all NSTEMI risk groups.