DSpace Collection: 101-242 (April, 2022)

Variations in utilisation of colorectal cancer services in South Australia indicated by MBS/PBS benefits: a benefit incidence analysis

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Variations in utilisation of colorectal cancer services in South Australia indicated by MBS/PBS benefits: a benefit incidence analysis Authors: Lal, Anita; McCaffrey, Nikki; Gold, Lisa; Roder, David; Buckley, Elizabeth Abstract: Objective: This study investigated variations in healthcare expenditure for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in South Australia by socioeconomic position (SEP) and remoteness area. Methods: Benefits incidence analysis (BIA) was used to examine healthcare expenditure and utilisation in relation to CRC patients by SEP and remoteness areas. Utilisation data was obtained for patients diagnosed with CRC in 2003–2013 from a dataset linked to a populationbased cancer registry, Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS), Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), hospital and death data. Concentration indices estimated the distribution of health expenditure on MBS, MBS palliative care, PBS and general practitioners. Costs of claims data and length of stay in hospital were used as indicators of healthcare utilisation. Results: The results indicated that MBS palliative healthcare services utilisation favoured the more advantaged groups for both SEP and remoteness area (Concentration index (CI)= 0.1681, t-value=54.42 (SEP) and CI=0.1546, t-value=41.64). MBS expenditure was also favourable to the more advantaged groups (CI: 0.0785 and 0.0493).PBS and MBS general practitioner expenditure were equal (-0.0093 to 0.0250). Conclusion: Overall MBS and PBS healthcare expenditure for CRC patients was close to equality, however utilisation of MBS-funded palliative healthcare services was less concentrated in low SEP and more remote areas. Implications for public health: Whether the differences in palliative healthcare utilisation supplied by private providers are offset by other services requires investigation to determine if there is a need for initiatives to improve equality and give greater support to those who choose to die at home.

BreastScreen Australia national data by factors of interest for risk-based screening: routinely reported data and opportunities for enhancement

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: BreastScreen Australia national data by factors of interest for risk-based screening: routinely reported data and opportunities for enhancement Authors: Carle, Chelsea; Velentzis, Louiza S.; Nickson, Carolyn Abstract: Objective: There is growing interest in more risk-based approaches to breast cancer screening in Australia. This would require more detailed reporting of BreastScreen data for factors of interest in the assessment and monitoring of risk-based screening. This review assesses the current and potential availability and reporting of BreastScreen data for this purpose. Methods: We systematically searched governmental BreastScreen reports and peer-reviewed literature to assess current and potential availability of outcomes for predetermined factors including breast cancer risk factors and factors important for implementing, monitoring or evaluating risk-based screening. Outcomes evaluated were BreastScreen Performance Indicators routinely included in BreastScreen Australia monitoring reports, and key tumour characteristics. Results: All outcomes were reported annually by age group, except for tumour hormone receptor status, nodal involvement and grade. Screening participation was reported nationally for many factors important for risk-based screening; other reporting was ad hoc or unavailable. Conclusions: There is potential to build on BreastScreen’s existing high-quality national data collection and reporting systems to inform and support risk-based breast screening. Implications for public health: Enhanced BreastScreen data collection and reporting would improve the evidence base and support evaluation of risk-based screening and improve the detail available for benchmarking any future changes to the program.

Monitoring changes in smoking and quitting behaviours among Australians with and without mental illness over 15 years

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Monitoring changes in smoking and quitting behaviours among Australians with and without mental illness over 15 years Authors: Greenhalgh, Elizabeth M.; Brennan, Emily; Segan, Catherine; Scollo, Michelle Abstract: Objective: This study examines smoking prevalence and quitting behaviours among Australians with and without mental illness. Methods: Analysis of data from Australia’s triennial National Drug Strategy Household Surveys 2004–2019. The prevalence of regular smokers, never smokers, the quit proportion, cigarette consumption, and use of cessation aids were examined for those with and without mental illness. Results: Among Australians with mental illness, there was a significant decrease in regular smokers and significant increases in never smokers and in the proportion of ever smokers who had quit between 2004 and 2019. Smokers with mental illness were generally as likely to attempt to quit and more likely to use cessation support; however, they were also more likely to report unsuccessful quit attempts. Smokers with mental illness who had quit reported lower levels of psychological distress than those still smoking. Conclusion: Since 2004, there have been some encouraging trends in reducing tobacco use among people with mental illness; however, smoking rates remain substantially higher than among those without mental illness. Implications for public health: Findings highlight the importance of routinely identifying smokers with mental illness and improving access and adherence to best practice smoking cessation treatment.

A descriptive review of quad-related deaths in Australia (2011-20)

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A descriptive review of quad-related deaths in Australia (2011-20) Authors: Lower, Tony; Peachey, Kerri-Lynn; Fragar, Lyn Abstract: Objective: To assess Australian quad-related deaths during the 2011–20 period in relation to introduction of the Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019. Methods: All Australian quad-related deaths retrieved through the National Coronial Information System. Results: There were 155 cases, with 116 occurring on a farm and 39 in a non-farm context. Deaths were evenly split between work (52%) and non-work activities, however, 66% of all farm incidents involved work. Rollovers were responsible for 59% of cases and occurred largely on farms (86%), whilst working (69%). Head injury (32%) and asphyxiation (29%) were primary causes of death. Helmet use was low (<5%) in the head injury cases, with 80% of the asphyxiation cases incurring no life-threatening injury other than being entrapped by the quad. Conclusion: Quad-related deaths are prevalent, with minimal variation in the pattern of incidents from previous Australian studies. Rollover incidents continue to be a major problem especially in a farm context. Implications for public health: In tandem with existing efforts to enhance behavioural compliance (e.g. helmet use, no child access) and retrofitting Operator Protector Devices, these data support the introduction of the new Standard addressing vehicle stability and fitting Operator Protector Devices to limit potential for asphyxiation.