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Geographical Classification (geographical + classification)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Selected Abstracts

Profile of the Australian dietetic workforce: 1991,2005

NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2006
Leanne BROWN
Abstract Objective:, The present study aims to review current available data that describe the dietetics workforce in Australia. Design:, A literature search was conducted using CIHNAL and hand searches. Following this, a review of the current available dietetics workforce data was conducted. Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) membership data were analysed. Subjects and setting:, Sources of workforce data included: the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, DAA membership database, state health department and national workforce reports, reports by allied health organisations and independent research. Main outcome measures:, Descriptive data profiling the Australian dietetic workforce and employment trends. Statistical analysis:, A descriptive analysis of DAA membership data was undertaken. The DAA membership data were mapped by postcode with the Australian Standard Geographical Classification for remoteness. Counts and proportions were used to summarise and compare available data. Results:, There has been a growth and diversity of the dietetics profession in Australia in recent years, despite a lower proportion of qualified dietitians working as dietitians. The dietetic workforce is relatively young, predominantly female and unevenly distributed across the country. The available data are complex and difficult to interpret. Conclusions:, The present review of currently available dietetic workforce data provides a profile of the dietetics profession in Australia. Further workforce data are required in order to adequately describe the dietetics workforce in Australia and to determine future needs for the profession. National monitoring and systematic workforce data collection are urgently required. [source]

Regional differences among employed nurses: A Queensland study

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2009
Tim Henwood
Abstract Objective:,To ascertain differences in the working lives of geographically dispersed nurses. Design:,Cross-sectional. Setting:,Registered, enrolled and assistants-in-nursing members of the Queensland Nurses' Union employed in nursing in Queensland, Australia. Participants:,A total of 3000 members of the Union, equally stratified by sector (public, private, aged care). Among them, 1192 responded and 1039 supplied postcodes matching the Australian Standard Geographical Classification. Main outcome measures:,Statistically significant differences in working lives of nurses employed in different geographical locations. Results:,Nurses in outer regional/remote/very remote localities are more likely to be employed as permanent full-time staff and self-report higher levels of work stress. These levels could be explained by: lack of replacement staff for leave, longer working and on call hours and lack of support for new staff. Distance remains a major barrier to accessing continuing professional education. However, outer regional/remote/very remote nurses were more likely to be provided employer support for professional education. Inner regional nurses were more likely to work part time, would work more hours if offered and were more likely to have taken a break from nursing as a result of family commitments. Conclusion:,The data confirm that current policies are not addressing the differences in the working lives of geographically dispersed nurses. Policies addressing orientation, mentoring and workloads should be implemented to address these issues. [source]

A new index of access to primary care services in rural areas

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 5 2009
Matthew R. McGrail
Abstract Objective: To outline a new index of access to primary care services in rural areas that has been specifically designed to overcome weaknesses of using existing geographical classifications. Methods: Access was measured by four key dimensions of availability, proximity, health needs and mobility. Population data were obtained through the national census and primary care service data were obtained through the Medical Directory of Australia. All data were calculated at the smallest feasible geographical unit (collection districts). The index of access was measured using a modified two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, which incorporates two necessary additional spatial functions (distance-decay and capping) and two additional non-spatial dimensions (health needs and mobility). Results: An improved index of access, specifically designed to better capture access to primary care in rural areas, is achieved. These improvements come from: 1) incorporation of actual health service data in the index; 2) methodological improvements to existing access measures, which enable both proximity to be differentiated within catchments and the use of varying catchment sizes; and 3) improved sensitivity to small-area variations. Conclusion: Despite their recognised weaknesses, the Australian government uses broad geographical classifications as proxy measures of access to underpin significant rural health funding programs. This new index of access could provide a more equitable means for resource allocation. Implications: Significant government funding, aimed at improving health service access inequities in rural areas, could be better targeted by underpinning programs with our improved access measure. [source]