H
October 2017
Aged Care Feature + Diet a neglected - but integral - part of aged care + Dealing with death - managing grief when a patient dies + The changing landscape of trauma and disaster response + Next step for diabetes support app
CARING FOR THE CRITICALLY ILL CHILD: WORKSHOP Visit HealthTimes.com.au/subscribe SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 11
ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED HOSPITAL, SYDNEY, NOVEMBER 2-3 Or email contact@healthtimes.com.au http://bit.do/CritIllRPA
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DID YOU KNOW? We have nursing opportunities for all people in aged care.
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DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT Working in aged care at Bendigo Health is very rewarding, there are many professional opportunities for staff and a supportive team environment. Combined with work-life balance Bendigo Health is a great place to work. GEORGINA DOWSEY Enrolled Nurse
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HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 03
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October 2017 We hope you enjoy perusing the range of opportunities included in this Issue. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportunities, please contact the advertiser directly via the contact details provided. If you have any queries about our publication or would like to receive our publication, please email us at contact@healthtimes.com.au
Advertiser list Australian Medicines Handbook Bendigo Health CCM Recruitment International CQ University GE Healthcare
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Page 04 | HealthTimes.com.au
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AGED CARE COMPANION SPECIAL OFFER: BUY ONE & GET ONE FREE!! WITH FREE SHIPPING! 2016 Aged Care Companion Book This bi-annual companion is a trusted, practical reference for nursing and allied health professionals who work with older people. It contains the latest evidence-based information and is useful when conducting medication reviews and other activities (eg case conferencing) aimed at improving patient outcomes.There is also information on the management of more than 70 conditions common in older people, including dementia and its behavioural symptoms, delirium, cardiovascular diseases, fall prevention, osteoporosis, COPD, insomnia, depression and wound management. It also contains general principles on the use of medicines in older people. For more information go to www.amh.net.au. The next print edition will be released in May 2018.
Special Offer: The first 250 orders placed will receive a 2nd copy of the Aged Care Companion for FREE with FREE Postage & Handling. Simply fill out the order form below and fax back, or scan and email, to receive your free additional copy now.
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HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 05
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CARING FOR THE CRITICALLY ILL CHILD: WORKSHOP ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED HOSPITAL SYDNEY- NOVEMBER 2 & 3, 2017 For more information and to book tickets go to: http://bit.do/CritIllChild
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Page 06 | HealthTimes.com.au
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HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 07
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“As a nurse it’s impossible not to be impacted by grief and loss.”
Workplace Grief & Loss Do you suffer from stress, burnout or struggle to cope with workplace grief and loss? In response to feedback from nurses, Karuna has developed training to better manage workplace grief and loss at an individual, team and management level. For further information please go to the ‘Support and Learning’ tab on our website: www.karuna.org.au or phone (07) 3632 8300. The program is approved for 3 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points from the Australian College of Nursing.
HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 09
HT-710-HPH-01204 1/2PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF Respect - Professionalism - Caring - Committed - Collaboration Nurse Unit Manager Operating Theatre Complex An opportunity has become available for a full time, suitably qualified and experienced Registered Nurse for the position of Nurse Unit Manager in our Operating Theatre Complex. The complex offers an extensive range of specialist and general surgeries across 5 days per week and on-call for emergencies. This is a mixed clinical and management role. Requirements: • Division One Registered Nurse (AHPRA). • Post graduate qualification in peri-operative Nursing or broad experience in Operating Suite essential. • Tertiary management qualification or willingness to undertake management studies desirable. The position includes an attractive salary, as well as salary packaging, and a relocation allowance. Swan Hill District Health is also strongly committed to professional development. Further information and position description is available from www.shdh.org.au Closing date: Extended to Tuesday 31st October 2017
HT-710-01210 1/2PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF HT-709-01138 Mental Health Job Opportunities Available About GV Health - We are located in Shepparton, Central Victoria. Two hours’ north of Melbourne close to snow fields, rivers, lakes, wineries and the arts. We enjoy glorious weather, lifestyle, and the sports and attractions of a major regional city. Vacancies: Community Mental Health Clinicians, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinician, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinician Intake, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Triage Enhanced Team Leader, Clinical Manager – Adult Community Mental Health What’s in it for you? - Salary Packaging, Social Club, Discount Gym/Pool, Membership, Mentoring Programs, Supportive Culture, Reward and Recognition, Employee Assistance Programs, Professional Development Opportunities, Competitive Remuneration, Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave. To apply visit our website www.gvhealth.org.au Confidential Questions? Contact Kaylene Rowe, Director Mental Health – (03) 5832 2112 / kaylene.rowe@gvhealth.org.au If you want to make a real difference and work with great people, come and join us!
Page 10 | HealthTimes.com.au
HT-710-HPH-01194 1/2PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES (Benalla Health) Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Clinical Services (DCS) is accountable for managing the Acute and Aged Care Services Division to ensure the delivery of quality care to patients and clients who attend Benalla Health. This includes professional and operational responsibility for the Nursing Division whilst simultaneously the DCS will work closely with the Director of Medical Services and other Medical Staff. To meet the requirements of the role you will hold current AHPRA registration and relevant tertiary level qualifications. Furthermore you will need to demonstrate an ability to develop and maintain strong, effective relationships and partnerships; possess the knowledge and experience to extend clinical services with a person centred focus; and be capable of developing and maintaining effective reporting systems.
An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant. For full details of the role see our website at www.hrsa.com.au or contact Mr. John Cross on 0417 332 598 or email hrsa@hrsa.com.au Applications close 6 November 2017 PO Box 83 Ocean Grove 3226 hrsa@hrsa.com.au www.hrsa.com.au
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HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 11
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One size fits all? Fetal monitoring options to address diverse patient care needs
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oms come in all shapes and sizes. They also come with different fears and anxieties, diverse cultures and experiences, and co-morbidities and risks. All these factors determine the type and level of care needed. Practices have been adjusted and services added to accommodate these needs – birthing suites designed with the latest technology and with the comforts of home in mind, labouring tools including birthing balls and baths, and flexible choices in pain reduction. However, similar solutions in fetal monitoring seem to be a much more contentious effort. Is fetal monitoring a one size fits all solution? Perhaps one of the reasons fetal monitoring hasn’t reached the ’a-la-cart menu’ is because today’s technology offers few options. For high-risk patients, continuous electronic fetal monitoring is most commonly recommended, however due to physiological and technological challenges clinicians have limited options to effectively monitor these patients – particularly high BMI patients. Electronic fetal monitoring on high BMI moms today most commonly occurs with cardiotocography (CTG) using doppler ultrasound or with internal electrocardiography via fetal scale electrodes. Both technologies have their limitations clinically and often subject patients to positioning and prodding that can be uncomfortable and undignified. Exciting technology has emerged in fetal monitoring using external wireless fetal electrocardiography (fECG). A GE Healthcare solution called the Monica Novii Wireless Patch System, developed in the United Kingdom, is receiving rapid adoption. This intrapartum maternal/fetal monitor non-invasively measures
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and displays fetal heart rate (FHR) as well as maternal heart rate (MHR) and uterine activity (UA). Novii acquires and displays the FHR tracing from abdominal surface electrodes (Novii Patch) that pick up the fECG signal. With this same surface electrode system, Novii acquires and displays the UA tracing from the uterine electromyography (EMG) signal and the MHR tracing from the maternal ECG signal (mECG). Novii monitors the electrical signals on the patient’s abdomen. Research shows that these signals are not compromised by high BMI and can offer an effective and accurate solution to monitor high-risk patients. Novii may open the doors to a much more flexible and comfortable experience for patients. Since acquired data is sent via Bluetooth to the monitoring interface, there’s no need for cords from the patient to the monitor. In addition, the electrodes secure to the patient’s abdomen via the wireless patch system, so there’s no need for belts around the patient’s abdomen to secure transducers and no need to reposition once a signal is acquired. Novii can even be used in the shower and during an epidural placement. Patients are all different and need care options to meet their needs – this may not point to a one-size fits all solution, but rather to the need for flexible care options. New technology can introduce alternate options for patients and midwives while maintaining data accuracy and improving outcomes. To learn more about the Novii Wireless Patch System contact Deb Mayor. Email: Deborah.mayor@ge.com
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Remote Area Nurses - Marla, Marree & Andamooka, SA A unique and exciting opportunity now exists to join our dedicated primary health care team. We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic Remote Area Nurses (RAN) to provide relief for our full-time RANs during periods of leave and for roster/fatigue management, across our primary health care clinics. Placements between 2-6 weeks available.
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HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 13
Dealing with death - managing grief when a patient dies
I
t’s not unusual to hear a patient speak with love and admiration about the nurses that care for them throughout their stay in hospital. So too, the families of patients - grateful for the way in which their loved one has been looked after, often resulting in some level of personal attachment. But it’s not just patients that are impacted by the special bond which can sometimes form between nurses and those in their care. “Nurses are frequently involved in the direct provision of health care through a therapeutic relationship,” says Registered Nurse and Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing, Jason Mills. “While nurses are healthcare professionals, and patients are health care consumers, both are people first, and share as part of their common humanity, experiences of vulnerability, suffering, and healing.” Across a variety of settings, nurses may bear witness to profound and intimate moments during a patient’s journey – at times demanding an emotional intelligence and compassionate presence, rather than a more procedural clinical intervention. “Given this, the therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient may well be experienced as a ‘closeness’,” says Mr Mills. “How close the relationship becomes depends on a number of factors, along with individual personalities and natures.
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“The length of therapeutic relationship may also be of influence. “For example, nurses who work in residential aged care or community settings may provide nursing care for the same clients over a number of years, forming a very strong therapeutic relationship.” Nurses are required to appreciate the broader social context within which patient care is situated, and as a result, often get to know patients’ families and carers. In some practice areas like palliative care, the patient’s family is also an explicit focus of care. So while nurses may expect themselves to be able to easily manage the events that result from medical experiences, the reality can be a little more complex, particularly when it comes to patient deaths. “The impact of a patient’s death on nurses depends largely on the clinical context, as well as other interpersonal factors unique to the individual. “For example, nurses’ responses may be different if the death was unexpected in comparison to an anticipated death where both patient and family had been making end of life preparations. “Emotional responses to the death of a patient can vary greatly. While some may experience very strong or mixed-feelings, others might feel a ‘numbness’ - bereft of all feeling. “For some nurses, the death of a patient may be confronting or distressing, especially if
emotions and psychopathology.” Most hospital and health services provide confidential employee assistance programs or other activities directly related to grief and loss. And while it’s vital that nurses feel comfortable approaching the resources available to them via their employers, a commitment to reflective practice and prioritising self-care are important strategies, says Dr Mills. “Nurses’ ongoing capacity to support and care for others is directly related to the degree in which they support and care for themselves. “Many nurses, especially those working in palliative care, are highly skilled in supporting families who are grieving; these nurses may do well to offer the same kind of support to themselves, when considering the cumulative loss they are exposed to in their work.” Self-care strategies might involve personal reflection, journaling, or some other form of expression such as art or poetry; or nurses may focus on the promotion of health and wellbeing in terms of healthy diet, physical exercise, social activity and getting adequate sleep. “While nurses practice as health professionals, they cannot be expected to be inhuman. “Indeed, in many ways it is the humanness that nurses share as health professionals, that is so palpable and endearing to patients and their families.” The most important thing to remember? It’s okay to ask for help. Further information is available at www. nmsupport.org.au
HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 15
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they had no prior exposure to death and dying, or otherwise have not reflected on their own mortality. “Or, for some nurses who had shared a very close or long therapeutic relationship with a patient, they may feel a strong sense of loss.” Nursing care does not end when the heart stops beating, or when the last breath has been taken. When a patient dies, nurses provide afterdeath care. This involves the respectful washing of the body, and its preparation for storage and collection prior to burial or cremation. Nurses also provide support to grieving families, who often like to participate in or carry out after-death care for the patient. But it’s important for nurses to recognise, acknowledge and talk about their own feelings of grief in a constructive way. “It is important for nurses to know that grief is a normal human response to loss. “Many nurses who work in areas like palliative and endof-life care are highly cognisant of the need to acknowledge and express their emotional responses to grief and loss. “However, some nurses may feel that it is somehow ‘unprofessional’ for them to grieve for a patient, and this may result in their feelings not being acknowledged or considered valid. “This is known as ‘disenfranchised grief’ – where grief is experienced in response to a loss that is not or cannot be openly acknowledged, publicly mourned, or socially supported. “This lack of acknowledgement and validation can lead to ‘complicated grief’, which has been associated with a variety of negative
17-0605 - Novii HealthTimes Magazine Double Page Spread (270mm x 180mm)
No belts. No cables. The future of fetal monitoring. Empowering you and your patients
180mm
Bringing new life into the world is one of the most emotional, joyous times in a patient’s life. During this time, moms-to-be put trust in their caregivers for comfort, confidence and a positive overall experience.
Monica Novii Wireless Patch System Page 16 | HealthTimes.com.au
270m
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mm
The Novii Wireless Patch System is an intrapartum Maternal/Fetal Monitor that non-invasively measures and displays fetal heart rate (FHR), maternal heart rate (MHR) and uterine activity (UA) via a simple peel and stick patch. Moms can have the freedom to choose their labouring position and get up, walk around—even bathe—all while providing caregivers the essential data they need. Novii monitors the electrical signals on the patient’s abdomen, these signals are not compromised by high BMI. Novii leverages digital innovation to wirelessly communicate patient data removing the need for cords between the patient and the fetal monitor. No belts, no cables - just accurate, reliable tracings to enable labouring freedom, mobility and choice.
Discover the freedom and comfort of the Monica Novii system at http://www.monicahealthcare.com/
HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 17
Diet a neglected - but integral part of aged care
A
s the population continues to age and increasing numbers move into aged care facilities, Australia has seen a renewed focus on the quality of care, with recent calls for mandated staff to resident ratios just one of the many issues being tackled within the industry. But while higher staff numbers and improved quality care are vital, another important area is being neglected, with potentially devastating results for residents, according to Accredited Practicing Dietitian Ngaire Hobbins. Ms Hobbins believes dietitian involvement should form part of the routine care practices within aged care facilities, rather than the reactive model that currently stands. “The current system in most organisations - where a referral is triggered usually by weight loss of 2, sometimes 3 kilograms, is absurd because once that has occurred, muscle loss has already happened and all the issues mentioned above are potentially already impacted,” says Ms Hobbins. “It is often too late to be able to really turn things around.” Ms Hobbins says dietitians should play a proactive role in the aged care experience, meeting with each new resident in order to flag potential issues, followed by ongoing involvement to ensure residents eat well, consuming quality food. “That also involves ongoing involvement in meal and menu planning on an ongoing basis as
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well as education of staff.” According to Ms Hobbins, the importance of nutrition for the elderly is grossly underestimated, with both staff and residents often unaware of the impact of food on physical and mental health. “It always amazes me that it’s only been quite recently that malnutrition has been recognised as such a major player in physical and mental decline in older people. “The longer people live, the more critical appropriate nutritional strategies become for maintaining independence in later age.” Food for ageing bodies One of the major differences between the dietary requirements of younger people, and the dietary requirements of the elderly, is the need for protein. “The need for some nutrients, especially protein, antioxidants and some vitamins/minerals, are elevated by the accumulation of years,” says Ms Hobbins. “Oxidative damage compounds over time, chronic inflammation and some medical conditions mean that immune system demands are increased and the ability to maintain essential protein reserves in muscle is hampered,” she says. Brain function and cognitive ability are hampered because, while the brain contributes only 2% to body weight, it consumes 20% of body energy, so its demands are significant.
The importance of muscle Maintaining a good muscle reserve is vital in later age because it forms a supply of protein which your body accesses between meals to keep up cognitive and immune function and body organ maintenance, as well as repair of any damage from accident, illness or surgery. “In younger adulthood any protein lost from muscle at these times is usually quickly replaced at your next meal,” says Ms Hobbins. “But as you get older, not only is replacement increasingly inefficient, but many, many people don’t eat enough protein to keep supplies up. “That results in a gradual loss of muscle - and weight - that eventually hampers immunity increasing the chance of illness, slows down wound repair and recovery from skin tears, bruising and surgery, hampers organ
maintenance, increases frailty, saps appetite and makes falling more likely.” Well before muscle loss is physically obvious it can be reducing an individual’s reserve for many years, which is why Ms Hobbins believes diet should play a more prominent role within aged care facilities. “In residential facilities where residents may have already suffered substantial muscle loss, the effects can be disastrous as immunity plummets and organs are not able to be adequately maintained. “And that’s frequently exacerbated if people require hospitalisation: inexplicably, in far too many hospitals now, food provision falls into ‘housekeeping’ competing for budget allocation with cleaning and maintenance rather, than where it rightly belongs as part of the medical focus of patient care.” Food as medicine Ms Hobbins says aged care facilities need to recognise food as medicine, along with its ablility to support body repair and maintenance. “Eating in older age, and especially meals in aged care facilities, needs to be nutrient packed to support the additional needs of ageing bodies. “Protein foods need to be the centre of three meals a day to support muscles. “It’s not enough to concentrate the protein into one meal as is often the case. “Along with that, antioxidants foods to combat the escalating oxidative load ageing imposes and essential vitamin and minerals act to release energy from food and allow body and brain systems to function efficiently.”
HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 19
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Its energy supply is almost exclusively glucose, but shortfalls in supply are common – more so in later age. Body fat is no help as it can’t be converted into glucose. “However, protein can so our muscle reserve of protein takes up the slack and that means loss of vital muscle which gets more difficult to replace as time goes on,” Ms Hobbins says. “If we don’t acknowledge that older adults need more protein than younger and we fail to provide food in aged care which provides for that, then wound care costs increase, wounds heal slowly or not at all, illness and infection rates increase and falls are more likely.” “Not to mention that our seniors deserve better than that - they deserve quality food. Sometimes it’s the only thing they look forward to in the day.”
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Time for a change? Become a Peninsula Health midwife today. Peninsula Health is looking for skilled, passionate and innovative midwives to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting time of growth and transformation as we implement a brand new model of care. • Exciting leadership opportunities – Nurse Unit Manager and Associate Nurse Unit Managers • Rewarding roles for exceptional midwives • Professional development, flexible working arrangements and workplace wellbeing program • Modern facilities and convenient Bayside location
Make the change and apply today. peninsulahealth.org.au/careers
Page 20 | HealthTimes.com.au
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HealthTimes - October 2017 | Page 21
Dealing with trauma - the changing landscape of trauma and disaster response
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ociety is becoming more exposed to extreme incidents of trauma and disaster, with acts of terrorism, severe crime and natural disasters immediately broadcast via social media, and many news outlets reporting unfolding events in real time. As a result, mental health professionals are being urged to take the unique circumstances of highly publicised traumatic events into consideration when providing coping strategies to victims. “Mental health professionals are usually the first point of contact for people looking for support following large scale, major traumatic incidents, and the support that is provided in the first days and weeks can greatly shape a person’s recovery,” says psychologist Greg Prescott, an expert in trauma and disaster response. “With wait times for psychologists varying from days to months, the advice given at initial consultation with other health professional needs to be enough to start recovery.” Acute reactions to major trauma begin with the fight or flight response, says Mr Prescott. These reactions are characterised by high levels of adrenaline which can present with symptoms including psychomotor agitation, rapid speech, difficulty concentrating, headaches and nausea. “In the days following an incident it is common to see some of the acute physiological
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symptoms decrease and psychological symptoms increase,” he says. “Common early psychological symptoms include hypervigilance, guilt, generalised fear and anxiety, intrusive thoughts/images, flashbacks, withdrawal, and emotional numbing. According to Mr Prescott, highly traumatic incidents such as the Bourke Street rampage in Melbourne, and other acts of terror or extreme crime, are unusual for a number of reasons. “People affected by these type of large scale incidents, whether directly or indirectly, will often have subsequent exposure to the incident via social media, news and media outlets,” says Mr Prescott. “Especially in the early stages of treatment, it is advised for people to avoid recounting the event or repeatedly ventilating emotional reactions. “The repeated exposure and the volume of questions that come with social media and access to news and media outlets can result in people becoming more traumatised by an incident.” Giving victims of these type of incidents strategies to avoid over-exposure to media coverage, along with pre-prepared scripts to deflect questions during the early stages of recovery, can assist in symptom reduction and improved outcomes. It’s crucial that victims have their mental
enough. It can also help to reduce the severity and duration of these normal reactions, and mild cognitive strategies can assist with reducing unhelpful thoughts, such as helplessness and guilt. As well as good professional support, high quality social supports are critical. “Recent research has shown that good quality social supports decrease the severity and duration of PTSD. even in the absence of usual therapies. “Assessing a person’s psychosocial supports during initial screening can help a clinician determine if referral to a specialist psychological support would be beneficial.” While mental health professionals need to be prepared for the changing landscape of trauma and disaster response, it’s important for practitioners to be aware of their own risk of vicarious or secondary trauma from repeated exposure to victims of trauma. “Especially in the wake of large scale incidents,” says Mr Prescott. “If practitioners are seeing a large volume of highly traumatised people they are advised to proactively seek supervision as a ‘check-in’, to ensure they are maintaining their self-care. Professionals looking to upskill in the area of trauma and disaster response should visit the Centre of Post-traumatic Health at http:// phoenixaustralia.org/ , which offers resources geared toward professionals, friends and family, and people directly impacted by traumatic events.
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health considered as early as possible, starting with those on the frontline. “Paramedics and first responders are typically involved in the very acute phase of a traumatic reaction, and support at this stage should focus on the practical - physical safety, food and hydration. “However, providing clear directions such as what to do and where to go can help people through the initial stages. “Once the incident is over, basic psychological first aid can be provided, with recommendations to seek professional help if required.” Emergency Response staff and General Practitioners are often the next resource sought out by victims of major incidents. While treatment of physical injuries should take precedence, care can be taken after treatment, or even during treatment for minor injuries, to provide a sense of safety, security, and where possible, a sense of agency. “Simple things like asking a person if there is someone who can be called, giving them choices over things, can help someone in a helpless position feel some small amount of control, which is predictive of better long-term psychological outcomes. “Where possible giving clear directions for referral options for specialist support is also beneficial - in writing if possible, as acutely traumatised people frequently experience impaired short term memory.” Early intervention can assist in reducing anxiety associated with normal symptoms, such as people worrying that their reactions are not normal, or that they are not recovering fast
Australian researchers develop a world-first app to test for delirium
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team of Australian researchers has developed a world-first app that will test for delirium in patients being admitted into Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The iPad app will help doctors diagnose delirium faster and more accurately, significantly improving patient safety, comfort and health outcomes. Delirium affects cognitive functioning, creating an acute state of confusion as the central nervous system becomes dysfunctional. The condition is reversible but until properly diagnosed, it can put vulnerable patients at event greater risk as they struggle to reliably express their pain and distress to medical professionals. Delirium is considered the single most common acute disorder affecting adults in general hospitals. Every year 130,000 Australians will be admitted into ICUs around the country, with an estimated 80% believed to be suffering delirium, but up until now there hasn’t been an accurate test for the condition. If Australian patients stay one extra day in an ICU due to a delay in diagnosis, it costs the Australian health-care system between $90-$200 million per year. In the United States delirium is also believed to affect upwards of 80% of patients accounting for over 7 million Americans annually. This is estimated to cost more than $143 billion annually, mostly in longer hospital stays – up to 12 days longer than patients who don’t develop the condition – and follow-up care in nursing
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homes. Delirium can occur at any age but it disproportionately affects people older than 65, and as a result is often misdiagnosed as dementia. It’s also common among patients recovering from surgery and could even be triggered by something as simple as a urinary tract infection. Regardless of the cause, delirium can persist for months after discharge, with long-term effects on cognitive function. “Until now, there hasn’t been a test for delirium so it was difficult to measure who has it, who doesn’t and whether or not it was getting worse without being able to establish the person’s usual level of mental function,” says Professor John Fraser, Director of Critical Care Research Group at The Prince Charles Hospital and team leader on the Delirium App. “Patients with delirium often provide doctors with very little or misleading information which results in delays in diagnosis. With our hospital systems already stretched to capacity it’s critical that the patient’s underlying issue is treated effectively and without delay, and that the ICU is working at optimal efficiency. ”The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation’s innovative medical funding movement The Common Good provided funding for the ground-breaking Delirium App. The predominantly visual screening tool has been designed to be as language-free and cultureneutral as possible to ensure the widest possible
think that something so simple as an iPad app has the potential to help doctors and nurses effectively diagnose delirium in ICUs. The Delirium App was developed with initial funding of just $10,000 but we now need to raise an additional $200,000 to take it to the next stage of development in preparation of making it available in hospital settings around Australia and globally. To do this we are asking the community to support our work through The Common Good. “This is a tool that will not only assist doctors and nurses in ICUs to diagnose delirium, it will deliver significant savings to the health-care system and improve patient outcomes, which benefits all Australians. We hope you can join us in funding this simple idea that has the potential to change the direction of critical patient care in Australian ICUs.”
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implementation. The app seeks to measure a patient’s level of cognitive function and higherlevel thinking processes with a series of visual cues that test working memory, temporal sequencing and executive function. “The Delirium App is currently being used in the Prince Charles Hospital ICU, and with a recent validation test registering 94% accuracy in the diagnosis of delirium, we are aiming to roll it out across ICUs nationally. Once the app is being broadly used it will not only improve the speed and accuracy of delirium diagnosis, but we will be able to accurately determine the extent of the problem. “The Delirium App has the potential to significantly improve the function and operation of ICUs not just around the country, but around the world,” added Professor Fraser. Michael Hornby, CEO of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, adds, “It is incredible to
HT-710-01209-02 HT-709-01139-02 1/2PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF Electroconvulsive Therapy [ECT] Coordinator/Clinic RN Macquarie Hospital is a 195 bed specialised mental health facility for adults with a serious mental illness or disorder, located in North Ryde. We are looking for an individual with motivation and drive, to join our team to maintain services and values by promoting best practice and improving the consumers experience. You must recognise the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity. Our dynamic, friendly multi-disciplinary team provides care and treatment to consumers with complex care needs. This role is within Macquarie Hospital/Mental Health Drug and Alcohol [MHDA] Services and leads and supports quality consumer health outcomes to ensure ECT practice is safe, efficient and effective. We are committed to supporting staff in salary packaging, education support and professional development. Call today to hear more about this exciting career opportunity! Contact: Anne Duncan (Nurse Manager) on 0407 264 425 or Anne.Duncan@health.nsw.gov.au
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Next step for diabetes support app
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harles Darwin University researchers are hoping to make a difference to millions of people around the world living with Type 2 Diabetes. After launching the “emojifit Diabetes” app in March 2017 School of Psychological and Clinical Sciences head Professor Timothy Skinner and Director of the Office of Learning and Teaching Professor Isabelle Skinner are now working on expanding its reach to android phone users. “Since our launch we have thousands of users in 30 countries and more than 430,000 followers on Facebook,” Professor Isabelle Skinner said. “There are an estimated 415 million people living with Type 2 diabetes worldwide, almost 100 million of those are android phone users.” She said it was the first lifestyle app of its kind, and a grant from the Northern Territory Department of Trade Business and Innovation would allow them to expand its reach. “We wanted to build a simple tool to address the key issues faced by those with Type 2 diabetes,” she said. To ensure the app was user friendly, they partnered with designer D’Arcy Ellis to translate health concepts into pictograms. In the process the team developed a new library of health emojis that includes emotions, food, activity and some related to medical procedures and concerns. “It is now being used as an information source by both men and women for exercise and diet advice,” she said. “The grant will allow us to convert the
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technology to suit android phone users.” Professor Timothy Skinner, who has been working in diabetes care for more than 20 years, said the app was already helping people to manage lifestyle change. “The app is for people who have Type 2 Diabetes, who are often told to change their lifestyle to prevent the disease from becoming more serious,” he said. “It helps with managing anything from medication to diet and exercise.” He said the app was supporting people work out the best ways for them to manage their diabetes helping them prioritise, gain confidence, and also get support from family, friends and their health care team to keep moving forward with change one step at a time. “We have looked at the plans that people have set for their diabetes using the app, and our research shows that the plans they have created are in line with evidence based guidelines for effective management of diabetes provided by health care professionals,” he said. “We hope that people with diabetes will feel able to take charge of their own goals and be supported to achieve them,” he said. “Life is busy; the app provides friendly reminders for people that they set the goal to exercise five times this week, or to reduce snacks between meals.” For more information or to download the app visit W: emojifit.com.au or the Apple App Store. The android app is due for release in December.
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