Vol 136 No 1570: 17 February 2023

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Issue Summary

Article

SUMMARY

Feasibility study of brief Group Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioural Treatment delivered via Zoom for anxiety and depression in primary care

Ben Beaglehole, Jenny Jordan, Chris Frampton, Alison Alexander, Angela Spencer, Cameron Lacey, Richard John Porter, Caroline J Bell

Our study assesses whether it is feasible to deliver Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TCBT) using Zoom for patients with anxiety and depression in primary care. TCBT targets the common factors shared between anxiety and depression and is appealing because many people have mixed symptoms of anxiety and depression as opposed to a single disorder. We used Zoom to deliver therapy because of the challenges of face-to-face therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recruited participants successfully to the study suggesting that this option is appealing to patients. Clinical measures of anxiety and depression were improved following treatment suggesting promise for this treatment as an intervention for anxiety and depression in primary care.

Article

SUMMARY

The role of menstrual apps in healthcare: provider and patient perspectives

Bryndl E Hohmann-Marriott, Tiffany Williams, Jane E Girling

Healthcare providers, patients, and app users described how period tracking apps could play a role in healthcare. Using an app to keep a record of cycle dates and symptoms can help improve communication between patients and providers, but there is concern about the apps giving inaccurate information and misusing data. At present, apps do not seem suited for helping to manage menstrual cycle disorders.

Article

SUMMARY

Usability survey of an inpatient electronic clinical communication platform at a large New Zealand tertiary hospital

Yassar Alamri, Nick Cross, Charlene Tan-Smith, Saxon Connor

The current study revealed good usability of Cortex. The user experience was equivalent among the various professions of the study’s participants (doctors, nurses, and allied health staff). The present study provides a useful benchmark for Cortex at a point-of-time, and it sets up potential to periodically repeat this survey to see how new functionality has added to (or detracted from) its usability.

Clinical Correspondence

SUMMARY

Conversion of locally advanced to resectable pancreatic body cancer aided by phosphorus-32 brachytherapy (OncoSil)

Fraser Welsh, Bernadette Goodwin, Laxmi Lanka, Berry Allen, Jayden Wong, Frank Weilert

Most patients with pancreatic cancer have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis that cannot be cured by surgery. Treatment response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy can sometimes make surgery possible. Implanted radiotherapy (brachytherapy) has been used in other cancers but is relatively new in pancreatic cancer. We report on a patient who was able to have curative-intent surgery after treatment with chemotherapy and OncoSil brachytherapy.

Article

SUMMARY

Resident medical officers’ redeployment experiences in the Adult Emergency Department during the COVID-19 pandemic at Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Peter G Jones, Bryony P T Nicholls

In times of crisis, Resident Medical Officers (junior doctors training to be specialists) may be redeployed from their usual duties to the Emergency Department. We wanted to know their views on how this impacted their relationship with the emergency department team and their training. We found that most junior doctors would be willing to be redeployed, with positive impacts on their education and training, with a better understanding of emergency department processes. A welcoming and supportive environment helped ensure a positive experience of redeployment. More junior doctor input into the planning for redeployment, a single point of contact between redeployed doctors and hospital administrators and a structured orientation to the emergency department would have improved the redeployment process.

Article

SUMMARY

An exploratory qualitative enquiry into workers’ experiences of leptospirosis and post-leptospirosis in Aotearoa New Zealand

Jackie Benschop, Shaan Mocke, Julie M Collins-Emerson, Jane Lennan, Jenny F Weston

Our pilot study described six people who reported post-leptospirosis symptoms (PLS). We used face-to-face, semi-structured interviews to capture their experiences and to gain understanding of the impact and burden of PLS. The participants were male, had been employed in slaughter plants (n=2) or farming (n=4) when they first contracted leptospirosis and claimed to have been suffering from PLS for 1–35 years. Symptoms included exhaustion, brain fog and mood swings, and participants’ lifestyles and relationships were severely affected. Leptospirosis may have severe long-term consequences for patients, their families, and their communities.

Article

SUMMARY

A clinical review of mpox for the Aotearoa New Zealand clinician

Teena Mathew, Eamon Duffy, Erasmus Smit, Jay Harrower, Jeannie Oliphant, Noah Bunkley, R Joan H Ingram, Rupert Handy, Annabelle Donaldson

Mpox or previously known as monkeypox infection has been reported in Aotearoa New Zealand since July 2022 as part of the global outbreak mainly among individual identifying as gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men. We hope this article will raise awareness of mpox infection among New Zealand clinicians. Mpox is not a new infection but the 2022 outbreak was being reported in countries where it is not usually present. Another interesting feature of the 2022 outbreak was the atypical clinical features which were not described previously. Globally the numbers are falling due to preventive activities including vaccination.

Viewpoint

SUMMARY

Airborne transmission: a new paradigm with major implications for infection control and public health | OPEN ACCESS

Anna Stevenson, Joshua Freeman, Mark Jermy, Jason Chen

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic precautions against infection were based on the understanding that the virus would transmit largely by droplet spread. Evidence is now overwhelming that the Sars-CoV-2 virus and many other pathogens (like RSV, Measles, and Influenza) are primarily spread through the air. To reduce transmission of airborne infectious illnesses we must improve our ventilation systems and ensure that people in public buildings are provided with clean air to breathe. Where ventilation upgrades are not possible, or may be delayed, the use of masking, HEPA filters and UVC technology may help to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations, especially unvaccinated groups in our community such as young children.

Editorial