Dental braces wire found in bowels

A woman's stomach pain had an unusual source.

Dementia detection, diagnosis aided by pressure-sore skin test

Changes in the skin tissue of dementia patients make them more vulnerable to the development of pressure ulcers.

Evidence found of autoimmunity role in Parkinson’s disease

First direct evidence that abnormal protein in Parkinson's disease triggers immune response.

Improved use of existing drugs possible for cancer treatment

Researchers have identified a unique feature of cancer stem cells that can be exploited to kill the deadly cells thought to be the reason that cancer comes back after therapy.

Doctor bias may lead to low-value interventions

Doctors should be aware that psychological factors could lead them to suggest medical interventions of little or no value to patients, according to a review on clinical decision-making published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Is it time for dermatologists to learn genomics?

Researchers at the University of Queensland have reviewed the key genes affecting pigmentation, in what could be the first step towards using genomics to identify patients genetically predisposed to skin cancer.

Vale Basil Hetzel AC — a giant of public health

The Public Health Association of Australia joins with the broader community in farewelling Basil Hetzel AC, an international giant in public health, who died on 4 February.

Fabric that’s good for you

Hi-tech fibres for the high demands of infection prevention and control.

Watching the watchhouse

Australia behind in dealing with workplace injuries

Workplace related injuries are costing the Australian economy an estimated $60.6bn each year, The Konekt Market Report has found.

Preventing and controlling healthcare associated infections standard 3

Poor Mobile Phone Hygiene Guidelines in Hospitals

The recent study in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene found that medical staff using mobile phones in hospitals help spread bugs through constant handling and poor cleaning habits.

Ethics and Choosing Wisely

5.2.1 Ensuring that the services you provide are necessary and likely to benefit the patient. 5.2.2 Upholding the patient’s right to gain access to the necessary level of healthcare and, whenever possible, helping them to do so. 5.2.3 Supporting the transparent and equitable allocation of healthcare resources. 5.2.4 Understanding that your use of resources can affect the access other patients have to healthcare resources.

Towards Self-Care in Healthcare

Pharmacies across Australia have been working on the Health Destination Pharmacy model, an initiative the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia says promoted a ‘stronger focus on patient self-care, increased delivery of evidence-based professional services (particularly focusing on assisting patients with minor ailments), leading to greater patient loyalty and increased sales.’

Wellness at Work: Time to be Selfish

Just because you are looking after the wellbeing of patients and their families doesn’t mean you can ignore your own health. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can ignore your patient mid-seizure to have a coffee break but it does mean taking the time to prioritise your own wellbeing in order to bring your best to everything you do. We have recruited the help of a careers coach Christopher Paterson from ALCHEMY Career Management to pass on some advice for finding and retaining wellness in everything you do.