Posts tagged as:

cochrane

Cochrane Review and Electronic Patient Management Systems

by Robbo on August 6, 2009

in Product Review,Professional Services,Remote health

In theory big improvements in patient care and their health can occur if electronic patient management systems are utilised properly. The Cochrane Review has been looking at studies involving electronic patient management systems.

This review looked at the use of “recalls” or computer reminders. 28 studies were identified. These showed an overall improvement in ‘process adherence’ of 4.2%. The medication ordering improved by 6.2%. Patient health improved by 3% (what figure is the tipping point for a patient to start ‘feeling’ much better?).

A 6.2% increase in medication may seem small but an improvement of this amount I suggest would lead to dramatically streamlined ordering and logistical processes with a reduction of urgent last minute orders in remote health services. This ensures the more timely deliveries and supply of medications out bush as well as reducing costs and freeing up staff time for other tasks such as patient care. I know because we do it.

These studies did not look at an organisation similar to a remote health service where mainly nurses (but a range of health professionals) providing care independently, by protocol and delivering specific care requested by doctors. This care is provided by different staff over a number of clinics over a large geographical area (where it is impossible to transfer paper notes) for a largely itinerant population.

I wonder how much improvement there would be in those situations? I suspect a similar review would show better more consistent care and follow-up being provided.

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Tagged as: cochrane, computer, electronic, management, patient, recall, reminders, system

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Latest Health Reading

by Robbo on October 20, 2008

in Drug Information,Indigenous,Remote health

Inhalation Information

This is a new website from the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia. It covers all – or rather more likely, most substances that are inhaled for their mind-altering effects.

I have only had a cursory look and most things seem to be covered. petrol is there, but there seems to be no easy way to find OPAL unleaded after it has been run through poly-styrene to try and give it some aromatics.

There is a newsletter available. The site will be useful for workers in the field, health workers and teachers amongst others. http://www.inhalantsinfo.org.au/

Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Needs of Indigenous People

Darren Garvey is currently a lecturer for the Aboriginal Health Unit at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin University of Technology.

His review looks at different aspects of the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australian people and places it into an Australian context. He covers major research findings and interventions with Aboriginal people. Social and Emotional wellbeing looks more at mental health, rather than mental illness. It’s a 29 page referenced review (which I am still reading). I consider this to be essential reading if you work in indigenous health, particularly mental health.
http://healthbulletin.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/sewb-review-bulletin-170908.pdf

Podcasts from the Cochrane Library

Does life get any better than this. Cochrane Reviews on the MP3 player. It beats the last poetry reading you went to hands down! I have only listened to one. I am saving them up until I pick up a new MP3 player. My last one bit the dust after a couple of years of bouncing around on dirt tracks.

There are a number of reviews available. From the site:
- Acupuncture and assisted conception
- Blood pressure lowering efficacy of angiotensin receptor blockers for primary hypertension
- Blood pressure lowering efficacy of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for primary hypertension
- Blood pressure lowering efficacy of renin inhibitors for primary hypertension
- Hospital at home versus in-patient hospital care
- Increased police patrols for preventing alcohol-impaired driving
- LHRH agonists for adjuvant therapy of early breast cancer in premenopausal women
- Mouthrinses for the treatment of halitosis
- Mupirocin ointment for preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections in nasal carriers
- Organising health care services for persons with an intellectual disability
- Platinum versus non-platinum chemotherapy regimens for small cell lung cancer
- Procaine treatments for cognition and dementia
- Regular treatment with formoterol for chronic asthma: serious adverse events
- Rehabilitation after lumbar disc surgery
- St John’s wort for major depression

You can even subscribe. http://www.cochrane.org/podcasts/

Pilbara language dictionaries

Head off to Wangka Maya to obtain free, interactive and downloadable dictionaries for the following Pilbara language dictionaries: Bayungu, Burduna, Jiwarli, Martu Wangka, Nyamal, Nyangumarta, Thalanyji, Warnman, and Yulparija (windows only).

http://acl.arts.usyd.edu.au/projects/wangkamaya

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