Australian Journal of Primary Health
Volume 30 Number 4 2024
PY24016Older patients want to talk about sexual health in Australian primary care
Sexual health is an aspect of holistic care that is often missed for older patients. Using 107 free-text comments from survey participants aged ≥60 years, we investigate the barriers in accessing sexual health care in the Australian primary care setting. The findings highlight the need for practitioners to initiate sexual health conversations with their older patients.
PY24016 Abstract | PY24016 Full Text | PY24016PDF (242 KB) Open Access Article
PY23231An In-Home Withdrawal Service for individuals with low-to-moderate substance dependence: implementation and program evaluation
Individuals with low-to-moderate levels of substance dependence require targeted services to safely manage their withdrawal. This paper evaluates a holistic approach to withdrawal that broadens the common medicalised approach through pre- and post-withdrawal stages of care and support from a multidisciplinary team including lived experience practitioners. The service reduces levels of substance use while also improving overall quality of life, demonstrating the need for more withdrawal services to consider the inclusion of holistic approaches to substance dependence support.
Considerable data are collected on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, extracted from primary healthcare services. We reviewed these datasets for their capacity to provide insight into chronic disease care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Most data providers have the potential capability to capture detailed indicators across many chronic diseases. It is critical that more accurate, comprehensive, and culturally meaningful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare data are collected to support evidence-based policy.
PY24017 Abstract | PY24017 Full Text | PY24017PDF (227 KB) Open Access Article
PY24030A community proactive health management model for family doctors in Shandong, China
The grid-based community active health management model accentuates the significance of primary care and harnesses the full potential of community resources. The grid-based community proactive health management model improves the coverage of community health services and reduces hospitalisation of patients with chronic diseases. Strengthening primary care through the grid-based community proactive health management model contributes to achieving universal health coverage.
PY24030 Abstract | PY24030 Full Text | PY24030PDF (232 KB) Open Access Article
Chronic conditions may limit older peoples’ social engagement, with diminished social connections leading to loneliness, social isolation and other serious health consequences. This study explored the experience of social connection in older people living with chronic conditions and factors influencing their social participation. Older people identified the importance of family, community engagement and staying well through primary care support. Understanding the barriers and facilitators of social connections for older people can guide the general practice team in developing appropriate interventions.
PY24019 Abstract | PY24019 Full Text | PY24019PDF (270 KB) Open Access Article
Limited evidence on hearing loss in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults exists. In this primary care adult population, the rate of self-reported hearing loss was 18.8%. Only two in five adults received further action to manage their hearing loss with successful hearing outcomes evident. Hearing loss in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults is underreported, undermanaged, and requires urgent attention from health professionals and government policymakers to enhance its clinical management leading to improved quality of life.
PY24024 Abstract | PY24024 Full Text | PY24024PDF (360 KB) | PY24024Supplementary Material (1.4 MB) Open Access Article