Category Archives: evidence-based issues

Some developments and opportunities in health and the media

May 21, 2012 – 4:26 pm

Below are details of some opportunities and developments in media and health: • A US course that aims to help journalists and editors do a better job of reporting on medical research (I have been assured that Australian journalists are welcome to apply). • A call for applications for the 2012 Dart Center Ochberg Fellowships (Declaration: [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in health and medical research, Media-related issues, rural and remote health | Comments (0)

Introducing a wealth of ideas for new online health-related publications

May 16, 2012 – 8:11 pm

Entrepreneurs and philanthropists take note: below are some terrific ideas for new health-related online publications. Croakey recently put out a call on behalf of the Public Interest Journalism Foundation for ideas for online publications covering health-related areas of need. One of the pitches will be developed during a session at the New News conference, which will [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in aged care, climate change, disasters, Health inequalities, legal issues, Media-related issues, public health, rural and remote health, social determinants of health, social media and healthcare, women's health | Tagged , , , | Comments (1)

What are the health implications of building more prisons?

May 16, 2012 – 1:51 pm

Update, May 22: Extra material has been added at the bottom of this post about an assessment of the likely impact of a new correctional facility in Gatton, Queensland. *** Health journalists (and our audiences) might get better stories come budget time if we looked beyond the health department papers. That is one of the [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in education, Federal Budget 2012-2013, health impact assessment, Health inequalities, Hospitals, illicit drugs, Indigenous health, public health, social determinants of health | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

At last, a REAL cancer breakthrough (and why some politicians deserve a cuddle)

May 8, 2012 – 12:03 pm

Among the many announcements ahead of tonight’s Federal Budget was this one of an expansion of  bowel cancer screening. In the article below, Terry Slevin, Education and Research Director at Cancer Council WA, explains some of the background to the announcement, and also suggests that the Ministers responsible “deserve a cuddle”. *** How this “historic [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in cancer, Federal Budget 2012-2013, public health, screening | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (4)

What can we learn from the history of health reform in the UK? (part 1)

May 4, 2012 – 6:12 pm

Some of the world’s leaders in health reform and quality improvement are heading to Australia as part of a series of workshops organised by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, in conjunction with various partners. In the first of a series profiling some of these visitors and their contributions to health reform, the AHHA’s Terrie [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in health financing and costs, health reform, quality and safety of health care | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Out-of-pocket health costs: adding to the burden on patients

May 4, 2012 – 5:21 pm

Recent reports highlight the economic hardship facing many patients with chronic diseases, according to Kellie Bisset, editor of the HARC e-Bulletin and Communications Director at the Sax Institute.   She cites a suggestion that researchers and policymakers have been too complacent about the relatively high out-of-pocket costs faced by Australian patients. Time will tell whether the forthcoming [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in chronic diseases, health and medical research, Health inequalities | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Overuse of healthcare: some suggestions for how to tackle it

April 29, 2012 – 8:01 am

As mentioned recently, the issues of overdiagnosis and overtreatment are in the spotlight, with the Choosing Wisely campaign recently launched in the US, with the backing of medical societies and consumer groups, urging doctors and patients to identify tests and treatments that may not be necessary. Overuse of healthcare also received star billing at the recent [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in conflicts of interest, health financing and costs, Health inequalities, health reform, Naked Doctor | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Some tips re digging for useful health policy information on the web

April 27, 2012 – 11:35 am

If you want to influence health policy, it helps to be abreast of the latest relevant evidence (in all its forms). But this can be difficult to achieve as so much of the evidence never sees the light of day through publication in journals or other public places (hence the Croakey Register of Unreleased Documents - [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in Croakey Register of Unreleased Documents, health and medical research, health reform, nurses and nursing, primary health care | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

To tackle our drinking problem, look to Newcastle – and closer to home too

April 24, 2012 – 5:55 pm

The NSW city of Newcastle is known for its port, coal, earthquake, surfing, lively arts scene, and for Silverchair, the Newcastle Knights and Joey Johns (did I miss anything?). But perhaps it should also get some kudos for its efforts to tackle alcohol-related harm, suggests Laurence Alvis, CEO of UnitingCare Moreland Hall. As well as turning to Newcastle [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in alcohol, public health, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

All the latest news on excessive testing and treatment – the Naked Doctor strikes again

April 10, 2012 – 4:46 pm

An important campaign has just been launched in the US, with the backing of nine medical societies and several consumer groups, to encourage doctors and patients to identify tests and treatments that may not be necessary. As part of the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely campaign, this website lists tests and procedures identified by medical societies as commonly [...]

By Melissa Sweet | Also posted in complementary medicines, consumer health information, Naked Doctor, tests | Tagged , , | Comments (0)