Vol 134 No 1530: 19 February 2021

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Issue Summary

Article

SUMMARY

Attitudes towards and use of cannabis in New Zealand patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an exploratory study

Approximately 25,000 New Zealanders are affected by inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Despite treatment, patients often suffer from symptoms or side effects of the drugs, and many use complimentary or alternative medications. Our study of over 350 patients in New Zealand shows that over 50% use cannabis, mainly for recreation (63%), but also for relief of symptoms—diarrhoea, loss of appetite and fatigue (41%) and sleep (31%). 74% reported an improvement in the quality of life and an additional 54% would request a prescription for cannabis if it were legal. Cannabis users were younger than non-users and were of all ethnicities. But they were more likely to be unemployed or self-employed.

Article

SUMMARY

Impact of burnout on empathy

This study revealed high levels of personal burnout among senior doctors and suggested that empathy reduces as patient-related burnout increases. The nature of this relationship is a complex one, and other contributing variables should be considered.

Article

SUMMARY

Shared electric scooter injuries at Auckland City Hospital: a comparative review one year after their introduction

This study demonstrates a concerningly high e-scooter-related hospitalisation rate and suggests e-scooters are currently not as safe as cycling. Strategies to improve safety are needed and could include zero tolerance for alcohol, mandatory protective gear, restrictions on time and changes in road laws.

Article

SUMMARY

Pasifika Prediabetes Youth Empowerment Programme: learnings from a youth-led community-based intervention study | OPEN ACCESS

This paper describes the success of researchers, community members and youth who worked together in co-designing a community-based intervention programme targeting prediabetes prevention. The approach highlights the importance of community partners taking on an equal role and leading the intervention.

Guidelines

SUMMARY

New Zealand COPD Guidelines: Quick Reference Guide | OPEN ACCESS

These are the first national, evidence-based guidelines for assessing and treating COPD (chronic lung disease) in New Zealand. It is hoped that these guidelines will help standardise, and maximise, the care of people with COPD across our country regardless of post-code. A key aspect of the guidelines emphasises the high burden of disease carried by Māori and Pacific people and stress the importance of developing culturally appropriate connections with patients and their whanau (whakawhanaungatangata). The guideline also focuses on the importance of non-pharmacological interventions such as smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and breathing control. Finally, in the section on pharmacological management, we have provided clear guidance on the appropriate inhaler selection to ensure the best management of COPD, and to avoid these patients being managed as if they had asthma.

Viewpoint

SUMMARY

Telehealth as a tool for equity: pros, cons and recommendations

In this paper, we consider whether telehealth is an equity-positive tool that might help to overcome some important barriers to healthcare access for Māori and Pacific people. We consider the equity ramifications of a shift toward models of healthcare that maximise the use of telehealth solutions, and we make some recommendations regarding how we might best achieve the equity-positive potential of telehealth for Māori and Pacific people.

Article

SUMMARY

Exploring admissions for Māori presenting with major trauma at Christchurch Hospital

Major trauma contributes a significant burden of disease on the New Zealand population. Although previous studies have shown that Māori patients experienced higher incidence rates of major trauma and higher rates of post injury disability, little is known about the demographics and outcomes of Māori major trauma patients in the South Island. This study has found that the incidence rates and mechanisms of injury were similar for Māori patients and the total population. A difference was seen in mortality rates, where Māori major trauma patients demonstrated a lower mortality compared to the total population.

Article

SUMMARY

The 777 Planner: improving the resuscitation call experience at North Shore Hospital

Resuscitation or 777 calls are emergency events that rely on the effective communication, leadership and teamwork of the responding resuscitation team. We designed the 777 Planner meeting held at the start of shifts in the hospital for members of the resuscitation team to meet and allocate roles prior to events. Pre- and post-intervention surveys showed that the introduction of this meeting and planning roles improved the respondents’ experiences of resuscitation calls.

Article

SUMMARY

Multidisciplinary pigmented lesion clinic at Auckland District Health Board: impacts on melanoma diagnosis and treatment outcomes

Auckland District Health Board has developed a unique melanoma service called the Pigmented Lesion Clinic (PLC), which combines the expertise of dermatologists and general surgeons. Dermatologists offer the gold standard in the diagnosis of melanomas and skin lesions, and their incorporation in the multidisciplinary PLC has reduced the number of patients undergoing unnecessary surgery for removal of benign (non-cancerous) moles. On the other hand, if surgery is required, the PLC offers a see-and-treat service, so that patients can receive surgery on the same day as their clinic appointment. A first of its kind in New Zealand, the PLC has improved both the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including almost halving the time taken for patients to complete treatment (wide local excision) of their melanomas.

Editorial