On International Nurses Day, NMBA says thank you

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has thanked nurses for their professionalism and commitment to their communities this International Nurses Day.

Another reason to exercise every day during the holidays

Great news: You don't have to spend hours on this.

MBS review is a chance for change

Non-invasive neuroimaging techniques

For many years scientists have been trying to find a way to measure the pressure in a patient’s brain without having to drill a hole in the person’s skull. Although this remains the most reliable way to measure pressure in the brain, it is invasive, expensive and comes with the risk of infection and bleeding.

Dementia support and prevention

Currently in Australia, over 322,000 people suffer from dementia, with one in ten of Australians over the age of 65 affected by the condition. However, the Australian population is rapidly aging: the number of Australians aged 65 is expected to increase from 2.5 million in 2002 to 6.2 million in 2042, with only 2.5 people of working age supporting each person aged over 65 as opposed to 5 people in 2002. With this increase in the aging population, based on projections from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the number of people with dementia will reach almost 400,000 by 2020, and around 900,000 by 2050. According to Jon Kontopos, CEO of Dementia Caring, as the population in Australia ages, there will be an increasing pressure on the healthcare system to cater for those needing aged care, especially those who will be affected by conditions like dementia which require a high level of care.

Meningococcal B Vaccine Rejected From PBS

The vaccine, which is currently recommended for infants at six weeks old plus two boosters, and 12 months old, and again at 15-19 years can cost up to $500 for a full dose including boosters. The government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has again rejected subsidising the vaccine on the PBS despite leaders in the field calling for the vaccine for the disease to be accessble to Australian families at a low price.

Clinical Trials of FODMAP Diet Question Effectiveness

The low-FODMAP diet was developed in Australia by Monash University for those suffering from medically-diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Gastro-Intestinal Disorder (FGID). While it is increasingly being prescribed by dieticians and GPs as lifestyle treatment for these conditions, a review of the available data has been published in Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (dtb) showing very little evidence that the diet’s recommendation of avoiding dietary carbohydrate does actually control symptoms.

Chronic Pain Management Tools

NPS MedicineWise has developed resources for patients living with chronic pain to work with their care providers in managing their health, discussing particular concerns and exploring support options.

Tech in Health Update: Managing Patient Files

VMO to Hospital Documentation Cabrini Health in Melbourne has signed up with secure cloud provider Argus to transmit clinical documents and correspondence between visiting medical officers' (VMOs) practice software and automatically upload them to the hospitals' web-based patient administration system.

Study Looks at Impact of Living with Chronic Wounds

A University of Melbourne researcher is looking for participants to participate in a study looking at the impact of living with chronic wounds such as venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and foot wounds.

6th Annual Operating Theatre Management Conference

Australia's premier event for OR Managers. Stay up to date with the latest programs and practices being implemented across the country & learn key strategies and methods to help improve your skills and knowledge as a Theatre Manager.