https://mnclhd.intersearch.com.au/mnclhdjspui/handle/123456789/23 Sat, 23 May 2026 11:01:07 GMT 2026-05-23T11:01:07Z https://mnclhd.intersearch.com.au/mnclhdjspui/handle/123456789/714 Title: When key performance indicators miss the mark: Evaluating performance monitoring changes and obesity care in children Authors: Schwartzkoff, E.; Duncanson, K.; Bailey, A.; Williams, G.; Burrows, T. Abstract: This letter adds to commentary on the impact and unintended consequences of performance monitoring in health services,1 illustrated by a key performance indicator (KPI) monitoring growth assessments in children in New South Wales (NSW) public health services. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://mnclhd.intersearch.com.au/mnclhdjspui/handle/123456789/714 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z https://mnclhd.intersearch.com.au/mnclhdjspui/handle/123456789/694 Title: Patient preferences for simplified hepatitis C testing modalities among people at risk of hepatitis C infection in Australia: the SELECT study Authors: Stevens, A.; Abbott, J.; Gribbin, L.; Ahmed, S.; Montebello, M.; Ellis-Jones, P.; Lam, T.; Jefferies, M.; O'Flynn, M.; O'Loan, J.; Wade, A.; Hoskins, A.; Johnson, L.; Johns, A.; Cock, V.; Harrod, M. E.; Silk, D.; Marshall, A. D.; Dore, G. J.; Grebely, J.; Cunningham, E. B. Abstract: Background: Understanding patient preferences for hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing is essential to improve uptake and support elimination efforts. Despite innovative testing modalities, limited research examines how preferences influence testing choices. This study compared the uptake of HCV testing modalities when participants were given a choice. Methods: People at risk of HCV were recruited from community sites in the Australian Hepatitis C Point-of-Care Testing Program. Participants used a visual aid outlining test features, including time to result and collection methods. Those reporting prior HCV infection were offered staff-assisted HCV RNA tests [point-of-care XpertⓇ HCV Viral Load Fingerstick (result in 60 min) or dried blood spot (DBS) (1-2 weeks)]. Participants without prior HCV infection were offered self-administered INSTIⓇ HCV antibody (1 min), staff-assisted INSTIⓇ HCV antibody (1 min), staff-assisted BiolineⓇ HCV antibody (5-20 min), and HCV RNA tests. Participants completed their preferred test, a survey, and received AUD$20 reimbursement. Logistic regression evaluated factors associated with preference for point-of-care RNA testing in those with and without prior HCV infection. Results: 404 people were enrolled (27% female, 75% ever injected drugs). Among those with a history of HCV (n=129), 91% (n=117) selected point-of-care RNA testing and cited the short time to result (52%) and wanting to find out the RNA result today (21%) as key reasons. Among those without a history of HCV (n=275), 72% (n=199) selected staff-assisted INSTIⓇ antibody testing, 19% (n=51) selected point-of-care RNA testing, and 4% (n=10) chose self-administered INSTIⓇ antibody testing. Key reasons for selecting staff-assisted INSTIⓇ included short time to result (75%) and reduced clinic time (8%). Factors associated with selecting point-of-care RNA testing among those without prior infection included recent injecting drug use, homelessness and recent opioid agonist therapy. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of offering rapid, staff-assisted HCV testing to improve uptake among at-risk populations. Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mnclhd.intersearch.com.au/mnclhdjspui/handle/123456789/694 2025-09-01T00:00:00Z https://mnclhd.intersearch.com.au/mnclhdjspui/handle/123456789/692 Title: Healthy longevity in the Asia-pacific: a cross-national population-based modelling study Authors: Payne, C. F.; Xu, K. Q.; Aw, J. Y. Abstract: Background Population aging in the Asia-Pacific will not proceed along the paths already followed by more developed countries, but differences in later-life health across the Asia-pacific region are poorly understood. Using data from five harmonized longitudinal surveys in the region, we examine gender and cross-national differences in life expectancy (LE) and health expectancies (HEs) at age 50 in Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, and Indonesia. We adopt a microsimulation-based multistate life table model to provide estimates of HEs across four dimensions of health, including life expectancy free of poor self-related health, ADL disability, functional limitations, and chronic diseases. We find that older adults in the Asia Pacific are experiencing substantially different regimes of health in later life, with cross-national differences arising across measures of health, over age, and between men and women. Older adults China and Indonesia experience more lifetime with physical limitations compared to those in Australia or Japan. Older adults in China spend a markedly higher proportion of remaining LE with chronic diseases compared to other countries. Our results provide much-needed evidence examining current conditions across the region, deepening understanding of how Asia-Pacific populations are currently fairing in terms of later-life health and functioning. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mnclhd.intersearch.com.au/mnclhdjspui/handle/123456789/692 2025-07-30T00:00:00Z https://mnclhd.intersearch.com.au/mnclhdjspui/handle/123456789/687 Title: A critical realist exploration of health professionals' perspectives on prediabetes diagnosis, management and type 2 diabetes prevention programs in a rural setting Authors: McMullen, B.; Duncanson, K.; Schmidt, D.; Collins, C.; MacDonald-Wicks, L. Abstract: Background People with prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes; therefore, diagnosing and managing this condition is critical. This qualitative study aimed to explore perspectives of health professionals with experience in prediabetes management in a rural setting about prediabetes diagnostic and management practices, to inform recommendations to improve type 2 diabetes prevention strategies and programs. Methods The study adopted a critical realist methodology. Nineteen health professionals from northern New South Wales, Australia, who were responsible for diagnosing and/or managing people with prediabetes were interviewed. Data were thematically analysed using a critical realist lens, then context-mechanism-outcome statements were generated and confirmed by co-authors using a discussion and reflection process. Results Five themes were generated from the semi-structured interviews: (1) the diagnostic dilemma; (2) care coordination and referral processes; (3) diabetes 'waiting room'; (4) the spectrum of prediabetes management; and (5) blueprint for type 2 diabetes prevention. Conclusions Prediabetes is a complex condition requiring diagnosis and management by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals to delay and/or prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities for diagnosing and managing prediabetes, and development of strategies to improve referral to and engagement in type 2 diabetes prevention programs will improve prediabetes care and diabetes prevention in rural settings. Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mnclhd.intersearch.com.au/mnclhdjspui/handle/123456789/687 2025-08-31T00:00:00Z