No items found.
Issue

Vol 127 No 1399: 01 Aug 2014

PDF

Issue Summary

SUMMARY

Acute surgical treatment of cutaneous abscesses: cost savings from prioritisation in theatre

Vincent Chong, Lifeng Zhou, Hardeep Hundal, Jonathan Koea

Cutaneous (skin) abscesses are an important part of acute surgical work in New Zealand. Historically these are often treated after other cases and stayed overnight for treatment. Newer processes facilitate same earl treatment of abscesses with same day discharges. This treatment is safe, well tolerated by patients and results in significant cost savings.

SUMMARY

Adoption of endovenous laser treatment as the primary treatment modality for varicose veins: the Auckland City Hospital experience

Ruchira S W Fernando, Carl Muthu

Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins generally present in the lower legs that are not functioning normally. They are usually unsightly but in some people they can result in severe skin damage and even ulceration. They have traditionally been treated by surgical removal but now, in many instances, they can be treated a laser procedure called EVLT (Endovenous Laser Therapy). This is a minimally invasive procedure that is as effective as surgery, associated with few side effects and a rapid return to normal activities. Because it is performed under local anaesthetic in a procedure room, rather than in an operating theatre, the use of this technique has enabled many more patients to be treated at Auckland Hospital than was the case when surgery was the only available treatment.

SUMMARY

Where does New Zealand stand on permitting research on human embryos?

D Gareth Jones

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is widely available in New Zealand as a means of overcoming infertility, and is an established procedure under the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology (HART) Act. The development of IVF involved research on human embryos and continuing improvements in procedures depend upon ongoing research. However, embryo research is currently prohibited in New Zealand, even though many embryos surplus to the requirements of those in IVF programmes will eventually be discarded. While this gives the impression of protecting embryos, it fails to do this and fails to enhance the health and wellbeing of children born using IVF. This unsatisfactory situation will not be rectified until research is allowed on human embryos.

SUMMARY

Sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and satisfaction with life among young adults: a survey of university students in Auckland, New Zealand

Chinthaka B Samaranayake, Bruce Arroll, Antonio T Fernando, 3rd

Sleep symptoms are distressing and greatly impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance use, and identify correlations between satisfaction with life among university students at The University Auckland. A questionnaire was given to 1933 students; 66.8% completed the questionnaire. The median age of the students was 20 years (range 16-38); 63.9% were women. This study which is a first of its kind in New Zealand showed that a large number of university students (39.4% of the students who completed the survey) are suffering from significant sleep symptoms. Depression, anxiety, substance use, and circadian rhythm disorders were the commonest causes of sleep difficulties in this population group. Clinically significant depression and anxiety were present in 17.3% and 19.7% of the students surveyed respectively. The study also showed that harmful alcohol and drug use was common among this population group and is associated with depression and anxiety. This study has the potential to aid clinicians within New Zealand in better appreciating the sleep-related health problems faced by young people in this country.

ALL ARTICLES
SUMMARY

Dabigatran tolerance

Notice: Medical Benevolent Fund

Psychotherapy

Acute surgical treatment of cutaneous abscesses: cost savings from prioritisation in theatre

Vincent Chong, Lifeng Zhou, Hardeep Hundal, Jonathan Koea

Unmet need or medicalising distress?

Roger T Mulder

Possible impact of the Tick Programme in New Zealand on selectedPossible impact of the Tick Programme in New Zealand on selected nutrient intakes: tentative estimates and methodological complexities

Nick Wilson; Nhung Nghiem; Helen Eyles; Cliona Ni Mhurchu; Linda J Cobiac; Amber L Pearson; Cristina Cleghorn; Tony Blakely

Adoption of endovenous laser treatment as the primary treatment modality for varicose veins: the Auckland City Hospital experience

Ruchira S W Fernando, Carl Muthu

Where does New Zealand stand on permitting research on human embryos?

D Gareth Jones

When enough is not enough: folic acid fortification in New Zealand

Barry Borman, Maria Poynter

A country left behind: folic acid food fortification policy in New Zealand

Lisa A Houghton

Sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and satisfaction with life among young adults: a survey of university students in Auckland, New Zealand

Chinthaka B Samaranayake, Bruce Arroll, Antonio T Fernando, 3rd

Notice: Heart Foundation Grants Awarded July 2014

Book Review: The Dark Side of Nursing

SUMMARY

Acute surgical treatment of cutaneous abscesses: cost savings from prioritisation in theatre

Vincent Chong, Lifeng Zhou, Hardeep Hundal, Jonathan Koea

Cutaneous (skin) abscesses are an important part of acute surgical work in New Zealand. Historically these are often treated after other cases and stayed overnight for treatment. Newer processes facilitate same earl treatment of abscesses with same day discharges. This treatment is safe, well tolerated by patients and results in significant cost savings.

SUMMARY

Adoption of endovenous laser treatment as the primary treatment modality for varicose veins: the Auckland City Hospital experience

Ruchira S W Fernando, Carl Muthu

Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins generally present in the lower legs that are not functioning normally. They are usually unsightly but in some people they can result in severe skin damage and even ulceration. They have traditionally been treated by surgical removal but now, in many instances, they can be treated a laser procedure called EVLT (Endovenous Laser Therapy). This is a minimally invasive procedure that is as effective as surgery, associated with few side effects and a rapid return to normal activities. Because it is performed under local anaesthetic in a procedure room, rather than in an operating theatre, the use of this technique has enabled many more patients to be treated at Auckland Hospital than was the case when surgery was the only available treatment.

SUMMARY

Where does New Zealand stand on permitting research on human embryos?

D Gareth Jones

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is widely available in New Zealand as a means of overcoming infertility, and is an established procedure under the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology (HART) Act. The development of IVF involved research on human embryos and continuing improvements in procedures depend upon ongoing research. However, embryo research is currently prohibited in New Zealand, even though many embryos surplus to the requirements of those in IVF programmes will eventually be discarded. While this gives the impression of protecting embryos, it fails to do this and fails to enhance the health and wellbeing of children born using IVF. This unsatisfactory situation will not be rectified until research is allowed on human embryos.

SUMMARY

Sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and satisfaction with life among young adults: a survey of university students in Auckland, New Zealand

Chinthaka B Samaranayake, Bruce Arroll, Antonio T Fernando, 3rd

Sleep symptoms are distressing and greatly impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance use, and identify correlations between satisfaction with life among university students at The University Auckland. A questionnaire was given to 1933 students; 66.8% completed the questionnaire. The median age of the students was 20 years (range 16-38); 63.9% were women. This study which is a first of its kind in New Zealand showed that a large number of university students (39.4% of the students who completed the survey) are suffering from significant sleep symptoms. Depression, anxiety, substance use, and circadian rhythm disorders were the commonest causes of sleep difficulties in this population group. Clinically significant depression and anxiety were present in 17.3% and 19.7% of the students surveyed respectively. The study also showed that harmful alcohol and drug use was common among this population group and is associated with depression and anxiety. This study has the potential to aid clinicians within New Zealand in better appreciating the sleep-related health problems faced by young people in this country.

Latest Issue

Vol 136 No 1582: 15 September 2023

Previous Issue

Vol 136 No 1581: 25 August 2023

All Issues

2010 - Present

Archive

1999 - 2009
No items found.
No items found.
Contact UsPrivacy