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The issues influencing community health services and primary health care
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Australian Journal of Primary Health

Australian Journal of Primary Health

Australian Journal of Primary Health publishes contributions on the theory and evidence-based practise of community health services and primary health care. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Virginia Lewis and Liz Sturgiss

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Journal of Primary Health is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 19 December 2024

PY22280Health literacy measurement: a comparison of four widely used health literacy instruments (TOFHLA, NVS, HLS-EU and HLQ) and implications for practice

Rebecca L. Jessup, Alison Beauchamp, Richard H. Osborne, Melanie Hawkins and Rachelle Buchbinder
 

It is unknown whether health literacy instruments measure the same health literacy construct. This study compares psychometric properties and correlations between four widely used instruments: two performance-based functional health literacy instruments (Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults and Newest Vital Sign) and two self-report multidimensional instruments (European Health Literacy Survey and Health Literacy Questionnaire). New insight into the different constructs these instruments measure and implications for their application in research, policy, and clinical practice is presented.

PY22280 Abstract  |  PY22280 Full Text  | PY22280PDF (584 KB)  | PY22280Supplementary Material (857 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 19 December 2024

PY24035A technology-enabled collaborative learning model (Project ECHO) to upskill primary care providers in best practice pain care

Simone De Morgan 0000-0002-8578-8110, Pippy Walker 0000-0002-3043-1069, Fiona M. Blyth, Anne Daly, Anne L. J. Burke and Michael K. Nicholas
 

Chronic pain affects one in five people in Australia and has a high economic burden on individuals and the health system. Upskilling primary care providers in best practice pain care is critical. The South Australian (SA) Chronic Pain ECHO Network was established to improve knowledge, confidence, attitudes and practice of primary care providers and provide professional support. The ECHO Network model was found to be an acceptable and effective model for upskilling primary care providers in best practice pain care.

PY24035 Abstract  |  PY24035 Full Text  | PY24035PDF (280 KB)  | PY24035Supplementary Material (4.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 12 December 2024

PY24143Uptake of guideline-based testing for chronic viral hepatitis in Australian primary care: retrospective analysis of electronic medical record data

Jennifer H. MacLachlan, Nicole Allard, Lien Tran, Amelia Savage, Emily Adamson, Vanessa Price, Christopher Pearce, Gregory J. Dore and Benjamin C. Cowie 0000-0002-7087-5895
 

Gaps in diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) contribute to ongoing adverse outcomes, however, data regarding testing coverage are limited. In a large representative primary care population, a key setting for testing, a substantial proportion of people with established indications for testing had no evidence of it, including many with evidence of liver disease. Primary care practices should be supported to comprehensively offer testing for viral hepatitis for those at risk.

PY24143 Abstract  | PDF (897 KB) - $35.00   | PY24143Supplementary Material (1.3 MB)
Published online 06 December 2024

PY24096How to undertake research with refugees: lessons learned from a qualitative health research programme in Southern New Zealand

Molly George, Lauralie Richard, Chrystal Jaye, Sarah Derrett, Emma Wyeth and Tim Stokes
 

There is a clear need for more research prioritising former refugees’ experiences of health care in their settlement countries; however, this research is known to be ethically and methodologically challenging. We found successful and ethical engagement with former refugees in qualitative health research is based on carefully establishing relationships, having a responsive suite of methods during fieldwork and finding meaningful ways to communicate. Our reflections and analysis will help others engage in this much needed area of research.

PY24096 Abstract  |  PY24096 Full Text  | PY24096PDF (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 November 2024

PY24055Investigating behaviours and attitudes regarding recommended vaccination in adults 50 years and above in Australia

Amalie Dyda, Harriet Lawford, Colleen L. Lau and Kim Sampson
 

In Australia, while numerous vaccines are nationally recommended and funded for both children and adults, there are instances where vaccines are recommended but not funded. Using a national cross-sectional survey targeting adults aged 50 years and above, this study investigates factors influencing vaccine acceptance, revealing significant associations between demographics and vaccine uptake. This highlights the importance of funding for vaccination and identifies a gap in how to best increase uptake for vaccines which are recommended but not funded.

PY24055 Abstract  |  PY24055 Full Text  | PY24055PDF (26 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 November 2024

PY24100Attitudes towards models of abortion care in sexual and reproductive health: perspectives of Australian health professionals

Nicola Sheeran, Liz Jones, Bonney Corbin and Catriona Melville
 

Abortion care is typically undertaken by doctors; however, alternate models, including nurse-led care, are increasingly seen as viable alternatives that could increase access and facilitate safe abortion. We explored the acceptability of different models of abortion care and whether attitudes differed by health profession. Most health professionals working in sexual and reproductive health care perceive that nurse-led models of care are a viable, acceptable and important next step in sexual and reproductive health care, whereas self-administered abortion is seen as unsafe.

PY24100 Abstract  |  PY24100 Full Text  | PY24100PDF (691 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 November 2024

PY24071The perspectives of people living with dementia and their carers on the role of the general practice nurse in dementia care provision: a qualitative study

Caroline Gibson, Dianne Goeman, Constance Dimity Pond, Mark Yates and Alison M. Hutchinson
 

Interventions are needed to support general practice nurses (GPNs) to provide primary care that meets the needs of people living with dementia and carer(s). This study provides new knowledge on the experiences and expectations of GPN care from the perspective of people living with dementia and carer(s). Understanding the care recipient experience can inform the development of interventions to support the GPN provision of dementia care that meets the healthcare needs of people living with dementia and carer(s).

PY24071 Abstract  |  PY24071 Full Text  | PY24071PDF (426 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 November 2024

PY24007Views of nurses and midwives working in primary healthcare services on intimate partner violence against women

Suna Uysal Yalçin, Sena Dilek Aksoy, Zeynep Zonp and Hülya Bilgin
 

Violence against women is an urgent global public health problem. Primary healthcare workers play an important role in preventing and managing violence. However, health workers perceive this situation beyond their responsibilities; political, personal and cultural reasons are thought to be factors. Our study sheds light on the barriers and needs in violence against women detection, and management in primary health care. Overcoming these challenges may contribute to better practices, better patient care and, ultimately, a safer and healthier society.

PY24007 Abstract  | PDF (266 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 22 October 2024

PY24009Using quick response codes to access digital health resources in the general practice waiting room

Elizabeth P. Hu, Cassie E. McDonald 0000-0001-9518-5869, Yida Zhou, Philip Jakanovski and Phyllis Lau 0000-0002-0665-6348
 

Quick response (QR) codes are a ubiquitous part of society. However, the role of QR codes for linking to health information in general practice waiting areas has not yet been explored. We investigate the user’s experience and views on using QR codes to access digital health resources in the general practice waiting room setting. Our findings highlight enablers and barriers of QR code engagement in a health service waiting room setting.

PY24009 Abstract  |  PY24009 Full Text  | PY24009PDF (1 MB)  | PY24009Supplementary Material (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 September 2024

PY24054Factors informing funding of health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children: perspectives of decision-makers

Shingisai Chando 0000-0003-4521-3491, Martin Howell, Michelle Dickson, Allison Jaure, Jonathan C. Craig, Sandra J. Eades and Kirsten Howard
 

Making decisions to fund health services requires evidence that decision-makers consider relevant. This study identifies and defines factors of health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children that influence funding decisions from the perspectives of decision-makers. Knowing the factors that decision-makers find useful when making decisions to fund health services can inform the types of measures that health services include in reports used to support applications for funding.

PY24054 Abstract  |  PY24054 Full Text  | PY24054PDF (385 KB)  | PY24054Supplementary Material (937 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 September 2024

PY24063Supporting primary care practitioners to promote dementia risk reduction in Australian general practice: outcomes of a cross-sectional, non-randomised implementation pilot study

Kali Godbee, Victoria J. Palmer, Jane M. Gunn, Nicole T. Lautenschlager and Jill J. Francis
 

Primary care practitioners should be promoting dementia risk reduction as part of preventive care. Using a rigorous, theory-driven, evidence-based, stakeholder-informed approach, we developed an intervention for promoting dementia risk reduction that was acceptable, appropriate, feasible, and complemented by acceptable and appropriate implementation strategies. However, preventive interventions will not be taken up widely in general practice until they are prioritised above competing demands on resources.

PY24063 Abstract  |  PY24063 Full Text  | PY24063PDF (808 KB)  | PY24063Supplementary Material (5.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 September 2024

PY24003A shared journey: evaluating a patient-assessed measure of self-management of chronic conditions in an Australian setting

Phillip Davis, Joanne Bradbury, Kirstine Shrubsole and John Parke
 

Six new supplementary patient empowerment and health status measures proved reliable and, in combination with the PACIC+ psychometric tool, could offer a method to monitor and measure the self-management of chronic conditions in the Australian clinic setting and for future research.

PY24003 Abstract  | PDF (367 KB) - $35.00   | PY24003Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)
Published online 19 September 2024

PY24042Codesigning a Community Health Navigator program to assist patients to transition from hospital to community

Mark F. Harris, An Tran, Mamta Porwal, Parisa Aslani, John Cullen, Anthony Brown, Elizabeth Harris, Ben Harris-Roxas, Fiona Doolan-Noble, Sara Javanparast, Michael Wright, Richard Osborne and Regina Osten
 

Community health workers have been demonstrated in overseas research to play a key role in supporting patients to prevent hospital readmission. This role is now emerging in Australia especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. This study identifies the key potential roles in the Australian context and the training and supervision required.

PY24042 Abstract  |  PY24042 Full Text  | PY24042PDF (259 KB)  | PY24042Supplementary Material (2.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 September 2024

PY24046Australian healthcare professionals’ beliefs and practice behaviours in management of chronic pelvic pain: a cross-sectional survey

Jennifer Vardy 0009-0004-3048-5587, Edwina Chan, Marika Hart, Rebecca Dallin, Emma Wise 0000-0003-1810-9525, Emmanuel Karantanis and Darren Beales 0000-0002-7176-4644
 

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common, debilitating condition. Sufferers present to healthcare professionals with variable complex symptoms and co-morbidities. This online survey demonstrated that Australian healthcare professionals (HCPs) demonstrated good knowledge of pain mechanisms, largely followed guideline recommended care, but lacked confidence treating patients with CPP. Patient experiences suggest discrepancy exists between HCPs beliefs and actual practice behaviours. A collaborative approach is needed to help guide targeted research and education to further improve confidence in the management of CPP.

PY24046 Abstract  |  PY24046 Full Text  | PY24046PDF (309 KB)  | PY24046Supplementary Material (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 September 2024

PY23100General practice registrars’ practice in outer metropolitan Australia: a cross-sectional comparison with rural and inner metropolitan areas

Michael Tran, Anna Ralston, Elizabeth Holliday, Amanda Tapley, Alison Fielding, Dominica Moad, Jocelyn Ledger, Susan Wearne, Andrew Davey, Mieke van Driel, Jean Ball, Vanessa Moran, Jason Dizon and Parker Magin
 

General practice in outer metropolitan regions is unique. In GP registrars’ practice in these regions, fewer specialist, pathology and imaging referrals were generated, and care of older patients and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients was more likely than in inner metropolitan areas. Care of patients from non-English speaking backgrounds was more likely than in rural areas. A gradient (from inner metropolitan to outer metropolitan to rural regions) existed for many characteristics of registrars, practices, patients and clinical care.

PY23100 Abstract  |  PY23100 Full Text  | PY23100PDF (248 KB)  | PY23100Supplementary Material (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

PY24034, Accepted 17 December 2024

Implementation of a data-driven quality improvement program in primary care for patients with coronary heart disease: a mixed methods evaluation of acceptability, satisfaction, barriers and enablers

Nashid Hafiz, Karice Hyun, Qiang Tu, Andrew Knight, Charlotte Hespe 0000-0002-4582-7728, Clara Chow, Tom Briffa, Robyn Gallagher, Christopher Reid, David Hare, Nicholas Zwar, Mark Woodward, Stephen Jan, Emily Atkins, Tracey-Lea Laba, Elizabeth Halcomb 0000-0001-8099-986X, Tracey Johnson, Deborah Manandi 0000-0002-7532-0477, Tim Usherwood and Julie Redfern
 
PY24034Abstract

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Access to Primary Health Care

This collection of Australian Journal of Primary Health papers focuses on access to care. The papers showcase a variety of topics and illustrate new approaches to working with allied health clinicians, policy change to improve access to oral health and workforce capability, and a theory-informed approach to data analysis. This collection documents current experiences of access to care among different populations and highlights new approaches and models to improve access.

All papers in this collection are published Open Access and free to read.

Collection Editors
Annette Peart (Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University)
Sabuj Kanti Mistry (School of Population Health, University of New South Wales)
Siân Slade (Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne)

Last Updated: 13 Aug 2024

Australian Journal of Primary Health Top Downloads 2022/23

This Collection demonstrates the depth and breadth of research in primary health care. The wide ranging topics and the many methods that are needed to rigorously investigate the questions that matter to our communities. These 10 most downloaded papers from 2022 and 2023 demonstrate the broad scope of the AJPH and cover a range of issues influencing community health services and primary health care, particularly focused on comprehensive primary health care research, evidence-based practice and primary health care policy issues.

Virginia Lewis (La Trobe University)
Liz Sturgiss (Monash University)

Last Updated: 22 Mar 2024

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Improving Oral Health

The aim of this Collection is to highlight papers that describe health promoting interdisciplinary and professional team efforts to address various aspects of oral healthcare, including access, vulnerable groups and new models of service delivery. We hope this issue will encourage initiatives and research on the integration of non-dental professionals into oral health and putting the mouth back into the body.

Collection Editors
Dr Bradley Christian and Dr Ron Knevel

Last Updated: 18 Jul 2019

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

This Collection focusses on research papers involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health which have been published in Australian Journal of Primary Health from around the country. We have included research papers which respond to community health priorities, and were authored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Included papers used a variety of research methods including qualitative, quantitative, geospatial mapping, and systematic review methodology.

Collection Editors
Geoffrey Spurling, Catrina Felton-Busch and Sarah Larkins

Last Updated: 26 Oct 2018

Challenges in China’s Health System Reform: Lessons from Other Countries

Over the last three decades, there has been rapid development and modernisation of China’s tertiary hospitals, but the primary care system has been seriously weakened. We provided an overview of the major challenges in China’s health system reform in our recent Editorial (Liu and Legge 2017). This Collection of Australian Journal of Primary Health brings together 12 recent papers with relevance to these challenges.

Collection Editors
Chaojie Liu and David Legge

Last Updated: 11 Sep 2017

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Best Oral Paper Prize AAAPC 2024

Joanne Wong has been awarded the Best Oral Paper Prize for 2024.

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