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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 04 February 2025

PY24129Community healthcare system and its practice for Indigenous elders in Taiwan

Hui-Chuan Chiu 0009-0009-0908-1453, Chun-Yen Kuo and Chin-ying Lai
 

We evaluated the pivotal role of Cultural Health Stations in advancing social development and health care within Indigenous communities. Data analysis clearly shows that the stations employ a diverse range of cultural care models tailored to the specific needs of local elders across various rural tribal and urban contexts. The culturally safe practices from the services demonstrated by the cultural health stations preserve cultural heritage, bridge the gap between tribal and urban life, and restore pride and continuity of cultural traditions.

This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.

PY24129 Abstract  |  PY24129 Full Text  | PY24129PDF (273 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

PY24163General practice registrar evaluation of long COVID in patients presenting with fatigue

David Wilkins 0000-0002-3385-8981, Amanda Tapley, Jason Dizon, Elizabeth Holliday, Andrew Davey, Alison Fielding, Dominica Moad, Mieke van Driel, Anna Ralston, Katie Fisher, Parker Magin and Nigel Stocks
 

There is little available evidence on how often GPs are considering and diagnosing long COVID for patients with common symptoms like fatigue. This study examined 3193 GP registrar consultations for fatigue, and found that registrars considered long COVID in 80% and diagnosed it in 18% of these, and were more likely to do both in telehealth consultations. This shows that GP registrars are adapting their approach to common presenting symptoms for the post-pandemic world.

PY24163 Abstract  |  PY24163 Full Text  | PY24163PDF (323 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 January 2025

PY24179Facilitators and barriers to adopting a multifaceted chlamydia management intervention in general practice: qualitative findings from Management of Chlamydia Cases in Australia (MoCCA)

Stephanie C. Munari 0000-0002-2296-7787, Jacqueline Coombe, Helen Bittleston 0000-0002-5768-3223, Meredith Temple-Smith, Christopher K. Fairley, Deborah Bateson, Margaret Hellard, Jane L. Goller, Jane S. Hocking and on behalf of the MoCCA Investigators
 

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmissible infection in Australia, and can lead to permanent reproductive complications. Management of Chlamydia Cases in Australia (MoCCA) involves a multifaceted intervention aiming to strengthen the management of chlamydia in general practice. Our findings show that practice champions, motivated staff and useful resources facilitated adoption of interventions, whereas competing priorities, difficulties retaining staff, and a lack of staff and patient engagement hindered adoption. Findings can support general practitioners and reduce burden of disease.

PY24179 Abstract  |  PY24179 Full Text  | PY24179PDF (258 KB)  | PY24179Supplementary Material (439 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 January 2025

PY24137Culturally safe physiotherapy care: how this looks and feels for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Curtley Nelson 0000-0002-3475-3209, Roma Forbes and Allison Mandrusiak
 

Limited knowledge exists about the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have received physiotherapy care. This study offers insights into the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples receiving care in the community and provides recommendations that may assist physiotherapists, alongside other community-based health professionals, to provide culturally safe care. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples emphasised the significance of communication, respect for cultural identity, creating culturally safe environments, and the role of professional training in providing culturally safe physiotherapy care.

PY24137 Abstract  |  PY24137 Full Text  | PY24137PDF (425 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 January 2025

PY24034Implementation 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, Clara K. Chow, Charlotte Hespe 0000-0002-4582-7728, Tom Briffa, Robyn Gallagher, Christopher M. Reid, David L. Hare, Nicholas Zwar, Mark Woodward, Stephen Jan, Emily R. Atkins, Tracey-Lea Laba, Elizabeth Halcomb 0000-0001-8099-986X, Tracey Johnson, Deborah Manandi 0000-0002-7532-0477, Tim Usherwood and Julie Redfern
 

The use of data-driven quality improvement (QI) activities is increasingly being used in healthcare globally. This study delves into the implementation and impact of a year-long QI intervention, shedding light on barriers and enablers in improving care for coronary heart disease patients. These findings emphasise the need for collaborative approaches and highlight the potential of technology-driven solutions in enhancing patient outcomes and shaping the future of healthcare improvement initiatives.

PY24034 Abstract  |  PY24034 Full Text  | PY24034PDF (492 KB)  | PY24034Supplementary Material (809 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 January 2025

PY24018Exploring the associative relationship between general practice engagement and hospitalisation in older carers to potentially reduce hospital burden

Anthony Azer 0009-0006-4708-6149, Margo Barr, George Azer and Ben Harris-Roxas 0000-0003-1716-2009
 

Informal caregivers are an essential aspect of Australia’s health and social care systems, yet research has found them unsupported with greater risk of negative health outcomes. This study found an association between increased use of GPs and reduced hospitalisation risk in caregivers. This finding is important, because supporting caregivers to maintain their caring role has the potential to reduce demand of health services. Increasing caregivers’ engagement with GPs may be a cost-effective way of reducing healthcare system costs that requires further examination.

PY24018 Abstract  |  PY24018 Full Text  | PY24018PDF (382 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 January 2025

PY24134Exploring oral health challenges and integration strategies in opioid treatment programs: perspectives from clinicians and clients

Grace Wong 0000-0003-1364-6866, Anna Cheng, Kyle Cheng, Angela Masoe, Sanjana D’Hary and Mark Enea Montebello
 

Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) clients face significant challenges in prioritising oral health due to addiction-related issues, unstable living conditions, lack of motivation and dental anxiety. Clinicians from both OTPs and oral health services identify inadequate support systems and competing priorities as key barriers to care. To address these, proposed strategies include holistic care integration, targeted education and flexible scheduling, all aimed at improving oral healthcare access and outcomes for OTP clients.

PY24134 Abstract  |  PY24134 Full Text  | PY24134PDF (226 KB)   Open Access Article

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 

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.

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.

  7. 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

    Australian Journal of Primary Health 31 (1)
    Nashid Hafiz, Karice Hyun, Qiang Tu, Andrew Knight, Clara K. Chow, Charlotte Hespe 0000-0002-4582-7728, Tom Briffa, Robyn Gallagher, Christopher M. Reid, David L. Hare, Nicholas Zwar, Mark Woodward, Stephen Jan, Emily R. Atkins, Tracey-Lea Laba, Elizabeth Halcomb 0000-0001-8099-986X, Tracey Johnson, Deborah Manandi 0000-0002-7532-0477, Tim Usherwood, Julie Redfern

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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