Suzanne McEvoy - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Suzanne McEvoy
Improving healthcare for Aboriginal Australians through effective engagement between community an... more Improving healthcare for Aboriginal Australians through effective engagement between community and health services: guide to evaluation questions. (DOCX 23 kb)
Medical Journal of Australia, 2021
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2020
19 had tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by PCR. A... more 19 had tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by PCR. All 6 passengers had disembarked from cruise ships that had recently docked in Sydney. In the subsequent 2 weeks, several other cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified among passengers on that flight. Although the role of cruise ships in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is well documented (1), information regarding potential flight-associated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (2,3) is limited. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission associated with a 5-hour domestic flight by analyzing epidemiologic and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. Ethics approval was not required for this investigation, conducted as part of the public health response to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak under the Western Australia Public Health Act 2016. Methods Public Health Response to Coronavirus Disease in Australia In Australia, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an urgently notifiable disease (4); laboratory-confirmed cases and close contacts are investigated and managed according to national guidelines produced by the Communicable Disease Network of Australia (4). Details for flights with SARS-CoV-2 infectious persons on board are published at https://www. healthywa.wa.gov.au/coronavirus. Airlines are responsible for the management of crew and are notified of potential in-flight exposure by the National Incident Room (https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-incident-room).
Medical Journal of Australia, 2007
Women and Birth, 2017
Pregnancy, labour and neonatal health outcomes for Australian Aboriginal women and their infants ... more Pregnancy, labour and neonatal health outcomes for Australian Aboriginal women and their infants are frequently worse than those of the general population. Provision of culturally competent services may reduce these differences by improving access to timely and regular antenatal care. In an effort to address these issues, the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program commenced in south metropolitan Perth, Western Australia, in 2011. The program employed Aboriginal Grandmothers, Aboriginal Health Officers and midwives working in a partnership model with pre-existing maternity services in the area. To identify elements of the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program that contributed to the provision of a culturally competent service. The Organisational Cultural Competence Assessment Tool was used to analyse qualitative data obtained from surveys of 16 program clients and 22 individuals from partner organisations, and interviews with 15 staff. The study found that the partnership model positively impacted on the level of culturally appropriate care provided by other health service staff, particularly in hospitals. Two-way learning was a feature. Providing transport, team home visits and employing Aboriginal staff improved access to care. Grandmothers successfully brought young pregnant women into the program through their community networks, and were able to positively influence healthy lifestyle behaviours for clients. Many elements of the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program contributed to the provision of a culturally competent service. These features could be considered for inclusion in antenatal care models under development in other regions with culturally diverse populations.
BMC health services research, Jan 7, 2016
Effectively addressing health disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians is lo... more Effectively addressing health disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians is long overdue. Health services engaging Aboriginal communities in designing and delivering healthcare is one way to tackle the issue. This paper presents findings from evaluating a unique strategy of community engagement between local Aboriginal people and health providers across five districts in Perth, Western Australia. Local Aboriginal community members formed District Aboriginal Health Action Groups (DAHAGs) to collaborate with health providers in designing culturally-responsive healthcare. The purpose of the strategy was to improve local health service delivery for Aboriginal Australians. The evaluation aimed to identify whether the Aboriginal community considered the community engagement strategy effective in identifying their health service needs, translating them to action by local health services and increasing their trust in these health services. Participants were recruited usin...
Proceedings of the 2006 Australasian Road Safety Research Policing and Education Conference, 2006
Young drivers are over-represented in crash statistics. While the reasons are multifactorial, the... more Young drivers are over-represented in crash statistics. While the reasons are multifactorial, the role of driver distraction in crashes involving young drivers has been largely neglected. A representative driver survey of 1347 drivers aged 18 to 65 years was conducted in New South Wales and Western Australia. Data were weighted to reflect the corresponding driving population and were analysed to determine the effect of driver age group on the reported frequency and types of distracting activities while driving, drivers' perceptions about the danger conferred by these activities, and crashes resulting from driver distraction. Young drivers (18-30 years) were significantly more likely to report distracting activities during the most recent driving trip including mobile phone use, handling of in-vehicle equipment, outside distractions and lack of concentration. Young drivers rated most distracting activities as significantly less risky compared with older drivers. Young drivers were significantly more likely to report a crash resulting from a distraction during the last three years. This study shows that young drivers are more likely to engage in distracting activities while driving and are more likely to have crashed as a result. Education targeting young drivers, enforcement and engineering initiatives are needed to limit exposure and reduce injury. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E215375.
Medical Journal of Australia, 2015
Our study aimed to explore any differences in neonatal health outcomes that were associated with ... more Our study aimed to explore any differences in neonatal health outcomes that were associated with AMGPP participation. Methods Study design The study was a non-randomised intervention, with the intervention
Vaccine, Jan 5, 2012
In Australia, annual vaccination with trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) is recommended for health... more In Australia, annual vaccination with trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) is recommended for healthcare providers. Each year, an influenza vaccination program is run in south metropolitan area hospitals in Perth, Western Australia. In 2010, a survey to examine side effects following vaccination and subsequent significant respiratory illnesses during the influenza season was undertaken. A total of 2245 individuals vaccinated in the area-wide hospital vaccination program responded, representing 50% of consenting recipients. Data linkage was performed to ascertain additional information such as brand details. Side effects within 48 h of receipt of the influenza vaccine were reported by 387 (17.2%). Only 30 respondents (1.3%) had to seek health advice following a side effect temporally related to influenza vaccination and 10 (0.4%) required treatment. Recipients who received Fluvax®(364, 18.0%; CSL Biotherapies) were more likely to report side effects than those who received another brand...
Journal of Hospital Infection, 2009
To increase local influenza vaccination uptake among healthcare workers (HCWs), a co-ordinated, a... more To increase local influenza vaccination uptake among healthcare workers (HCWs), a co-ordinated, area-wide influenza vaccination campaign was undertaken in 2008 for five hospitals in the South Metropolitan Area Health Service of Perth, Western Australia (WA). The programme included standardised marketing and data collection, with a consent form completed by each recipient. Denominator data were obtained from the WA Department of Health's staff database. Vaccination coverage at each hospital was calculated and compared with that of 2007, with predictors for vaccination determined using a follow-up cross-sectional survey. A total of 6387 influenza vaccinations were administered. The coverage rate was above 55% in all but one hospital (range: 48.8-76.5%) whereas in 2007 no hospital achieved 55% (range: 29-51%). Allied health professionals attained the highest coverage (57.7%), followed by doctors (51.9%), nurses (49.6%) and patient support staff (48.6%). Of HCWs who worked half-time or more, 58.8% were vaccinated. The main reasons for vaccination were to prevent influenza, limit spread, and the programme's availability. The survey revealed that HCWs who perceived that they were susceptible to influenza, that it was a serious disease and that immunisation was effective and important were significantly more likely to be vaccinated. An area-wide approach to HCW influenza vaccination can substantially improve uptake. Regular working party meetings, consistent marketing, standardised data collection and analysis, and senior management support were key elements and could be used by others to attain good vaccination coverage among HCWs.
Journal of Hospital Infection, 2006
Liljequist B, et al. Near absence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci but high carriage rates of ... more Liljequist B, et al. Near absence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci but high carriage rates of quinolone-resistant ampicillin-resistant enterococci among hospitalized patients and nonhospitalized individuals in Sweden.
Injury Prevention, 2006
To quantify the prevalence and effects of distracting activities while driving. Design: Cross sec... more To quantify the prevalence and effects of distracting activities while driving. Design: Cross sectional driver survey. Setting: New South Wales and Western Australia, Australia. Participants: 1347 licensed drivers aged between 18 and 65 years. Data were weighted to reflect the corresponding driving population. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of distracting activities while driving; perceived risks and adverse outcomes due to distractions. Results: The most common distracting activities during the most recent driving trip were lack of concentration (weighted percentage (standard error, SE) 71.8% (1.4%) of drivers); adjusting in-vehicle equipment (68.7% (1.5%)); outside people, objects or events (57.8% (1.6%)); and talking to passengers (39.8% (1.6%)). On average, a driver engaged in a distracting activity once every six minutes. One in five crashes (21%) during the last three years, involving one in 20 drivers (5.0% (0.7%)), was attributed to driver distraction based on self-report. In the population under study, this equated to 242,188 (SE 34,417) drivers. Younger drivers (18-30 years) were significantly more likely to report distracting activities, to perceive distracting activities as less dangerous, and to have crashed as a result. Conclusions: Distracting activities while driving are common and can result in driving errors. Driver distraction is an important cause of crashes. Further research is needed to estimate the risk conferred by different distracting activities and the circumstances during which activities pose greatest risk. These results suggest that a strategy to minimize distracting activities while driving, with a focus on young drivers, is indicated. Key points N Driver distraction is an important cause of crashes and a range of activities can contribute. N Younger drivers are more likely to report distracting activities while driving, to perceive distracting activities as less dangerous, and to have crashed as a result of a distraction.
The scientific basis of injury prevention …, 2004
McEvoy, Suzanne <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/McEvoy,\_Suzanne.html> & Walker, Sue ... more McEvoy, Suzanne <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/McEvoy,_Suzanne.html> & Walker, Sue M. <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Walker,_Sue_M=2E.html> (2004) Trauma Scoring systems. In McClure, Roderick, Stevenson, Mark, & McEvoy, Suzanne (Eds.) The Scientific ...
The Scientific Basis of Injury Prevention …, 2004
Walker, Sue M. <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Walker,\_Sue\_M=2E.html> & McEvoy, Suza... more Walker, Sue M. <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Walker,_Sue_M=2E.html> & McEvoy, Suzanne <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/McEvoy,_Suzanne.html> (2004) Injury Classification Systems. In: McClure, Roderick, Stevenson, Mark, & McEvoy, Suzanne (Eds.) The ...
Medical Journal of Australia, 2021
Leukaemia with sepsis was suspected. As part of the extended sepsis screening, syphilis serology ... more Leukaemia with sepsis was suspected. As part of the extended sepsis screening, syphilis serology was performed on day 5 of admission, which revealed a rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titre of 1:128, reactive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination, positive blood syphilis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and, subsequently, reactive enzyme immunoassay for IgM antibodies to syphilis. Further assessment revealed mottled retinal pigmentation (Box, A), hepatosplenomegaly with infiltrates (Box, B), and vitreous opacities, osteopenia, periostitis, metaphyseal erosions, and positive Wimberger sign (Box, C) — all typical features of congenital syphilis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed normal cell count and chemistry and was nonreactive for venereal disease research laboratory test. T. pallidum DNA was not detected by PCR. Audiology was normal. The infant was treated with intravenous benzylpenicillin 60 mg/kg every 6 hours for 10 days. He responded well and was discharged home after a total of 18 days in hospital. At one year of age, he had normal development and vision despite persistent retinopathy on fundoscopy.
The Medical journal of Australia, Jan 21, 2015
To report differences in neonatal health outcomes for a community-based antenatal program, the Ab... more To report differences in neonatal health outcomes for a community-based antenatal program, the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program (AMGPP; the intervention group), compared with two matched control groups eligible for standard antenatal care. Non-randomised intervention study using data from the Western Australian Midwives Notification System. Regression models were used to report adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for defined neonatal health outcomes. The AMGPP employed Aboriginal grandmothers, Aboriginal Health Officers, and midwives working in partnership with existing antenatal services to provide care for pregnant Aboriginal women residing in south metropolitan Perth. 343 women (with 350 pregnancies) who participated in the AMGPP and gave birth between 1 July 2011 and 31 December 2012; historical and contemporary control groups of pregnant Aboriginal women (each including 350 pregnancies), frequency matched for maternal age and gravidity. Preterm births, birthweight, neonatal ...
Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association, Jan 2, 2015
Objectives The aim of the present study was to provide descriptive planning data for a hospital-b... more Objectives The aim of the present study was to provide descriptive planning data for a hospital-based Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (AHLO) program, specifically quantifying episodes of care and outcomes within 28 days after discharge. Methods A follow-up study of Aboriginal in-patient hospital episodes was undertaken using person-based linked administrative data from four South Metropolitan hospitals in Perth, Western Australia (2006-11). Outcomes included 28-day deaths, emergency department (ED) presentations and in-patient re-admissions. Results There were 8041 eligible index admissions among 5113 individuals, with episode volumes increasing by 31% over the study period. Among patients 25 years and older, the highest ranking comorbidities included injury (47%), drug and alcohol disorders (41%), heart disease (40%), infection (40%), mental illness (31%) and diabetes (31%). Most events (96%) ended in a regular discharge. Within 28 days, 24% of events resulted in ED presentations...
The Medical Journal of Australia, 2012
Improving healthcare for Aboriginal Australians through effective engagement between community an... more Improving healthcare for Aboriginal Australians through effective engagement between community and health services: guide to evaluation questions. (DOCX 23 kb)
Medical Journal of Australia, 2021
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2020
19 had tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by PCR. A... more 19 had tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by PCR. All 6 passengers had disembarked from cruise ships that had recently docked in Sydney. In the subsequent 2 weeks, several other cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified among passengers on that flight. Although the role of cruise ships in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is well documented (1), information regarding potential flight-associated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (2,3) is limited. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission associated with a 5-hour domestic flight by analyzing epidemiologic and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. Ethics approval was not required for this investigation, conducted as part of the public health response to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak under the Western Australia Public Health Act 2016. Methods Public Health Response to Coronavirus Disease in Australia In Australia, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an urgently notifiable disease (4); laboratory-confirmed cases and close contacts are investigated and managed according to national guidelines produced by the Communicable Disease Network of Australia (4). Details for flights with SARS-CoV-2 infectious persons on board are published at https://www. healthywa.wa.gov.au/coronavirus. Airlines are responsible for the management of crew and are notified of potential in-flight exposure by the National Incident Room (https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-incident-room).
Medical Journal of Australia, 2007
Women and Birth, 2017
Pregnancy, labour and neonatal health outcomes for Australian Aboriginal women and their infants ... more Pregnancy, labour and neonatal health outcomes for Australian Aboriginal women and their infants are frequently worse than those of the general population. Provision of culturally competent services may reduce these differences by improving access to timely and regular antenatal care. In an effort to address these issues, the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program commenced in south metropolitan Perth, Western Australia, in 2011. The program employed Aboriginal Grandmothers, Aboriginal Health Officers and midwives working in a partnership model with pre-existing maternity services in the area. To identify elements of the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program that contributed to the provision of a culturally competent service. The Organisational Cultural Competence Assessment Tool was used to analyse qualitative data obtained from surveys of 16 program clients and 22 individuals from partner organisations, and interviews with 15 staff. The study found that the partnership model positively impacted on the level of culturally appropriate care provided by other health service staff, particularly in hospitals. Two-way learning was a feature. Providing transport, team home visits and employing Aboriginal staff improved access to care. Grandmothers successfully brought young pregnant women into the program through their community networks, and were able to positively influence healthy lifestyle behaviours for clients. Many elements of the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program contributed to the provision of a culturally competent service. These features could be considered for inclusion in antenatal care models under development in other regions with culturally diverse populations.
BMC health services research, Jan 7, 2016
Effectively addressing health disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians is lo... more Effectively addressing health disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians is long overdue. Health services engaging Aboriginal communities in designing and delivering healthcare is one way to tackle the issue. This paper presents findings from evaluating a unique strategy of community engagement between local Aboriginal people and health providers across five districts in Perth, Western Australia. Local Aboriginal community members formed District Aboriginal Health Action Groups (DAHAGs) to collaborate with health providers in designing culturally-responsive healthcare. The purpose of the strategy was to improve local health service delivery for Aboriginal Australians. The evaluation aimed to identify whether the Aboriginal community considered the community engagement strategy effective in identifying their health service needs, translating them to action by local health services and increasing their trust in these health services. Participants were recruited usin...
Proceedings of the 2006 Australasian Road Safety Research Policing and Education Conference, 2006
Young drivers are over-represented in crash statistics. While the reasons are multifactorial, the... more Young drivers are over-represented in crash statistics. While the reasons are multifactorial, the role of driver distraction in crashes involving young drivers has been largely neglected. A representative driver survey of 1347 drivers aged 18 to 65 years was conducted in New South Wales and Western Australia. Data were weighted to reflect the corresponding driving population and were analysed to determine the effect of driver age group on the reported frequency and types of distracting activities while driving, drivers' perceptions about the danger conferred by these activities, and crashes resulting from driver distraction. Young drivers (18-30 years) were significantly more likely to report distracting activities during the most recent driving trip including mobile phone use, handling of in-vehicle equipment, outside distractions and lack of concentration. Young drivers rated most distracting activities as significantly less risky compared with older drivers. Young drivers were significantly more likely to report a crash resulting from a distraction during the last three years. This study shows that young drivers are more likely to engage in distracting activities while driving and are more likely to have crashed as a result. Education targeting young drivers, enforcement and engineering initiatives are needed to limit exposure and reduce injury. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E215375.
Medical Journal of Australia, 2015
Our study aimed to explore any differences in neonatal health outcomes that were associated with ... more Our study aimed to explore any differences in neonatal health outcomes that were associated with AMGPP participation. Methods Study design The study was a non-randomised intervention, with the intervention
Vaccine, Jan 5, 2012
In Australia, annual vaccination with trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) is recommended for health... more In Australia, annual vaccination with trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) is recommended for healthcare providers. Each year, an influenza vaccination program is run in south metropolitan area hospitals in Perth, Western Australia. In 2010, a survey to examine side effects following vaccination and subsequent significant respiratory illnesses during the influenza season was undertaken. A total of 2245 individuals vaccinated in the area-wide hospital vaccination program responded, representing 50% of consenting recipients. Data linkage was performed to ascertain additional information such as brand details. Side effects within 48 h of receipt of the influenza vaccine were reported by 387 (17.2%). Only 30 respondents (1.3%) had to seek health advice following a side effect temporally related to influenza vaccination and 10 (0.4%) required treatment. Recipients who received Fluvax®(364, 18.0%; CSL Biotherapies) were more likely to report side effects than those who received another brand...
Journal of Hospital Infection, 2009
To increase local influenza vaccination uptake among healthcare workers (HCWs), a co-ordinated, a... more To increase local influenza vaccination uptake among healthcare workers (HCWs), a co-ordinated, area-wide influenza vaccination campaign was undertaken in 2008 for five hospitals in the South Metropolitan Area Health Service of Perth, Western Australia (WA). The programme included standardised marketing and data collection, with a consent form completed by each recipient. Denominator data were obtained from the WA Department of Health's staff database. Vaccination coverage at each hospital was calculated and compared with that of 2007, with predictors for vaccination determined using a follow-up cross-sectional survey. A total of 6387 influenza vaccinations were administered. The coverage rate was above 55% in all but one hospital (range: 48.8-76.5%) whereas in 2007 no hospital achieved 55% (range: 29-51%). Allied health professionals attained the highest coverage (57.7%), followed by doctors (51.9%), nurses (49.6%) and patient support staff (48.6%). Of HCWs who worked half-time or more, 58.8% were vaccinated. The main reasons for vaccination were to prevent influenza, limit spread, and the programme's availability. The survey revealed that HCWs who perceived that they were susceptible to influenza, that it was a serious disease and that immunisation was effective and important were significantly more likely to be vaccinated. An area-wide approach to HCW influenza vaccination can substantially improve uptake. Regular working party meetings, consistent marketing, standardised data collection and analysis, and senior management support were key elements and could be used by others to attain good vaccination coverage among HCWs.
Journal of Hospital Infection, 2006
Liljequist B, et al. Near absence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci but high carriage rates of ... more Liljequist B, et al. Near absence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci but high carriage rates of quinolone-resistant ampicillin-resistant enterococci among hospitalized patients and nonhospitalized individuals in Sweden.
Injury Prevention, 2006
To quantify the prevalence and effects of distracting activities while driving. Design: Cross sec... more To quantify the prevalence and effects of distracting activities while driving. Design: Cross sectional driver survey. Setting: New South Wales and Western Australia, Australia. Participants: 1347 licensed drivers aged between 18 and 65 years. Data were weighted to reflect the corresponding driving population. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of distracting activities while driving; perceived risks and adverse outcomes due to distractions. Results: The most common distracting activities during the most recent driving trip were lack of concentration (weighted percentage (standard error, SE) 71.8% (1.4%) of drivers); adjusting in-vehicle equipment (68.7% (1.5%)); outside people, objects or events (57.8% (1.6%)); and talking to passengers (39.8% (1.6%)). On average, a driver engaged in a distracting activity once every six minutes. One in five crashes (21%) during the last three years, involving one in 20 drivers (5.0% (0.7%)), was attributed to driver distraction based on self-report. In the population under study, this equated to 242,188 (SE 34,417) drivers. Younger drivers (18-30 years) were significantly more likely to report distracting activities, to perceive distracting activities as less dangerous, and to have crashed as a result. Conclusions: Distracting activities while driving are common and can result in driving errors. Driver distraction is an important cause of crashes. Further research is needed to estimate the risk conferred by different distracting activities and the circumstances during which activities pose greatest risk. These results suggest that a strategy to minimize distracting activities while driving, with a focus on young drivers, is indicated. Key points N Driver distraction is an important cause of crashes and a range of activities can contribute. N Younger drivers are more likely to report distracting activities while driving, to perceive distracting activities as less dangerous, and to have crashed as a result of a distraction.
The scientific basis of injury prevention …, 2004
McEvoy, Suzanne <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/McEvoy,\_Suzanne.html> & Walker, Sue ... more McEvoy, Suzanne <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/McEvoy,_Suzanne.html> & Walker, Sue M. <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Walker,_Sue_M=2E.html> (2004) Trauma Scoring systems. In McClure, Roderick, Stevenson, Mark, & McEvoy, Suzanne (Eds.) The Scientific ...
The Scientific Basis of Injury Prevention …, 2004
Walker, Sue M. <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Walker,\_Sue\_M=2E.html> & McEvoy, Suza... more Walker, Sue M. <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Walker,_Sue_M=2E.html> & McEvoy, Suzanne <http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/McEvoy,_Suzanne.html> (2004) Injury Classification Systems. In: McClure, Roderick, Stevenson, Mark, & McEvoy, Suzanne (Eds.) The ...
Medical Journal of Australia, 2021
Leukaemia with sepsis was suspected. As part of the extended sepsis screening, syphilis serology ... more Leukaemia with sepsis was suspected. As part of the extended sepsis screening, syphilis serology was performed on day 5 of admission, which revealed a rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titre of 1:128, reactive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination, positive blood syphilis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and, subsequently, reactive enzyme immunoassay for IgM antibodies to syphilis. Further assessment revealed mottled retinal pigmentation (Box, A), hepatosplenomegaly with infiltrates (Box, B), and vitreous opacities, osteopenia, periostitis, metaphyseal erosions, and positive Wimberger sign (Box, C) — all typical features of congenital syphilis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed normal cell count and chemistry and was nonreactive for venereal disease research laboratory test. T. pallidum DNA was not detected by PCR. Audiology was normal. The infant was treated with intravenous benzylpenicillin 60 mg/kg every 6 hours for 10 days. He responded well and was discharged home after a total of 18 days in hospital. At one year of age, he had normal development and vision despite persistent retinopathy on fundoscopy.
The Medical journal of Australia, Jan 21, 2015
To report differences in neonatal health outcomes for a community-based antenatal program, the Ab... more To report differences in neonatal health outcomes for a community-based antenatal program, the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program (AMGPP; the intervention group), compared with two matched control groups eligible for standard antenatal care. Non-randomised intervention study using data from the Western Australian Midwives Notification System. Regression models were used to report adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for defined neonatal health outcomes. The AMGPP employed Aboriginal grandmothers, Aboriginal Health Officers, and midwives working in partnership with existing antenatal services to provide care for pregnant Aboriginal women residing in south metropolitan Perth. 343 women (with 350 pregnancies) who participated in the AMGPP and gave birth between 1 July 2011 and 31 December 2012; historical and contemporary control groups of pregnant Aboriginal women (each including 350 pregnancies), frequency matched for maternal age and gravidity. Preterm births, birthweight, neonatal ...
Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association, Jan 2, 2015
Objectives The aim of the present study was to provide descriptive planning data for a hospital-b... more Objectives The aim of the present study was to provide descriptive planning data for a hospital-based Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (AHLO) program, specifically quantifying episodes of care and outcomes within 28 days after discharge. Methods A follow-up study of Aboriginal in-patient hospital episodes was undertaken using person-based linked administrative data from four South Metropolitan hospitals in Perth, Western Australia (2006-11). Outcomes included 28-day deaths, emergency department (ED) presentations and in-patient re-admissions. Results There were 8041 eligible index admissions among 5113 individuals, with episode volumes increasing by 31% over the study period. Among patients 25 years and older, the highest ranking comorbidities included injury (47%), drug and alcohol disorders (41%), heart disease (40%), infection (40%), mental illness (31%) and diabetes (31%). Most events (96%) ended in a regular discharge. Within 28 days, 24% of events resulted in ED presentations...
The Medical Journal of Australia, 2012