Background: This study aimed to assess and compare health literacy levels in a range of university-based students. Methods: A survey containing the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) was administered students enrolled medical, allied or nursing degree programs. The HLQ scores scale were compared across student groups. Results: In total, 374 (24% response rate) with median age 25 years (range: 17–61 years), returned completed surveys. Three who did not identify their programs excluded from...

Following a large outbreak of community-acquired psittacosis in 2002 residents the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, we reviewed new cases this area over 7-year period from 2003 to 2009. Using 2010 criteria Centers for Disease Control National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, 85 patients with possible were identified, which 48 identified as definite or probable infection. Clinical features these are summarized. In addition Chlamydia-specific serology, specimens, where...

Medical students at the University of Wollongong experience continuity patient care and clinical supervision during an innovative year-long integrated (community hospital) clerkship. In this model education, are based in a general practice 'teaching microsystem' participate as part community (CoP). This study evaluates patients' perceptions clerkship initiative, their perspectives on approach to training 'much-needed' doctors community. Semi-structured, face-to-face, interviews with patients...

To investigate consumers' knowledge about commonly purchased over-the-counter (OTC) products containing ibuprofen.Customers buying two popular OTC ibuprofen-containing (Nurofen™ or Nurofen Plus™ ) were asked to complete a short survey assessing their the products.The was completed by 262 respondents, most of whom older than 50 years age; female; well-educated; with adequate functional health literacy. The majority correctly identified ibuprofen as an active ingredient and knew correct...

General practitioners and other primary health care professionals are often the first point of contact for patients requiring care. Identifying, understanding linking current evidence to best practice can be challenging requires at least a basic research principles methodologies. However, not all trained in or have experience. With aim enhancing skills developing culture care, University Departments Practice Rural Health been supported since 2000 by Australian Government funded 'Primary Care...

In keeping with its mission to produce doctors for rural and regional Australia, the University of Wollongong, Graduate School Medicine has established an innovative model clinical education. This includes a 12-month integrated community-based clerkship in or setting, offering senior students longitudinal participation 'community practice' access continuity patient care experiences, supervision curriculum, individualised personal professional development. required developing new teaching...

The nature of partnership between schools and higher education institutions is changing in many countries, with experienced teachers taking on more responsibility for teacher whilst remaining their school as teachers, rather than entering the sector to become educators. This research considers perspectives these school-based educators (SBTEs) England, exploring impact that this role has them, student-teachers schools. Some benefits challenges they face dual educator are revealed. takes an...

To build research capacity among graduating medical students, the teaching of and critical analysis was integrated into University Wollongong (UoW) new, graduate-entry curriculum. This study examined whether self-perceived experiences consequent capability, were influenced by exposure to this innovative curriculum, which incorporated a 12-month community-based project, associated assessment tasks. The first three students cohorts (N = 221) completed self-assessment their in ten areas...

Abstract Background The South Australian Research Network 'SARNet' aims to build research capacity in primary health care, as part of a national government-funded strategy integrate into clinical practice. Internationally, networks have been fundamental culture change, and variety network models exist. model uses whole system, multidisciplinary approach building supports individuals groups. We undertook descriptive baseline survey order understand the background needs SARNet members tailor...

Lymph node cells from 4-wk-old MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice, but not MRL/Mp-+/+ when cultured in vitro for 5 to 7 days, will spontaneously proliferate and produce IL-2. We examined the expression of several cell surface Ag on lymph mice before after culture. There is an increase Thy-1, L3T4, IL-2R, T activating protein, receptor, T3 complex cells. Cultured produced IL-3, IFN-gamma, small detectable amounts IL-1 addition Gamma irradiation APC young or treatment with a mAb (J11D) C, completely...

Particularly when undertaken on a large scale, implementing innovation in higher education poses many challenges. Sustaining the requires early adoption of coherent implementation strategy. Using an example from clinical education, this article describes process used to implement large-scale with intent achieving sustainability. Desire improve effectiveness undergraduate medical has led growing support for longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) model. This involves move away traditional...

Community-based medical education is growing to meet the increased demand for quality clinical in expanded settings, and its sustainability relies on patient participation. This study investigated patients' views being used as an educational resource teaching students.Questionnaire-based survey.Patients attending six rural 11 regional general practices New South Wales over 18 sessions November 2008, who consented student involvement their consultation.Patient perceptions, expectations...

Background Overweight and obesity lead to higher probability of individuals accessing primary care but adiposity estimates are rarely available at regional levels inform health service planning. This paper analyses a large, community-derived clinical database objectively measured body mass index (BMI) explore relationships with area-level socioeconomic disadvantage for informing level planning activities. Materials Methods The study included 91776 adults who had BMI between 1 July 2009 30...

Telehealth appears to be an ideal mechanism for assisting rural patients and doctors medical students/registrars in accessing specialist services. is the use of enhanced broadband technology provide telemedicine education over distance. It provides accessible support primary care providers educators. A telehealth consultation where a patient at general practice, with assistance practitioner or practice nurse, undertakes by videoconference located elsewhere. Multiple benefits consulting have...

Abstract Psittacosis is a human systemic disease caused by infection with Chlamydia psittaci . Shortly after reports emerged of global pandemic associated contact imported parrots, Australian researchers including Macfarlane Burnet and others demonstrated that C. was widespread in parrots. cases over the last two decades have revealed environmental exposure infected horses are also risk factors an increasingly complicated epidemiological picture for this zoonotic disease.

The Research Excellence Framework has led to increased scrutiny on the volume/quality of writing produced by academics within higher education institutions. This paper describes initiation a support programme for teacher educators in new university and analyses its impact. A key finding been that supporting staff write is not simply case 'hurrying them along' but requires understanding particular barriers this group. We show how tailored interventions, with emphasis professional development...

Abstract Objective All senior medical students at the University of Wollongong undertake a longitudinal integrated community‐based clerkship, supervised by experienced general practitioners in regional or rural community. This study investigates influence clerkship model education on scholarship among preceptors these practice communities. Design General practitioner were interviewed after first student cohort had completed their 38‐week placements. Analysis transcripts identified themes...

Objective: The ‘Essentials of Care’ (EoC) program seeks to develop a shared vision amongst nurses within particular workplace teams. purpose this study was describe the experiences during process exploring their values and developing these into at both an individual level as team. Design: A qualitative, focus group design used provide accurate representation in reflecting on ward/unit statements. Six groups were conducted by independent researchers. discussions recorded transcribed...

Abstract Lymph node T cells from autoimmune MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice, but not congeneic MRL/Mp-+/+ spontaneously proliferate and produce IL 2 when cultured in vitro for 5 to 7 days. This autologous activation depends critically on the length of culture initial density, indicating that cell interaction may be essential. Phenotypic characterization suggests both L3T4+ Lyt-2+ proliferate. However, only 2. Mixing experiments reveal inability freshly isolated lymph mice is due presence suppressor...