The COVID-19 pandemic instigated a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery with a rapid adoption of technology-enabled models of care, particularly within the general practice primary care setting. The emergence of the Metaverse and its associated technology mediums, specifically extended reality (XR) technology, presents a promising opportunity for further industry transformation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the current application and utilisation of XR technologies within the general practice primary care setting to establish a baseline for tracking its evolution and integration. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was conducted and registered with the international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews as PROSPERO-CRD42022339905. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and were quality appraised and included for review. All databases searched, inclusive of search terms, are supplied to enhance the transparency and reproducibility of the findings. All study interventions used virtual reality technology exclusively. The application of virtual reality within the primary care setting was grouped under three domains: (1) childhood vaccinations, (2) mental health, and (3) health promotion. There is immense potential for the future application of XR technologies within the general practice primary care setting. As technology evolves, healthcare practitioners, XR technology specialists, and researchers should collaborate to harness the full potential of implementing XR mediums.
Survey or localiser radiographs are integral to CT imaging. However, the diverse functions and roles of the localiser radiograph are often obscure to radiographers and radiologists. This scoping review reports the full scope of localiser radiograph use and function in contemporary CT imaging. A scoping review was performed. A systematic literature search was conducted using four databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Emcare and Scopus from January 2013 to December 2023. Data extraction was conducted by two review authors and validated by a third reviewer. Thirty-six studies were included in this review. Three major themes emerged: radiation dose management, image quality considerations and clinical protocol applications. Specifically, the number, order of selection and directions of localiser radiographs significantly impact patient dose and image quality; which are additionally impacted by off-centre patient positioning, which can influence the accuracy of body size estimates and CT numbers. Finally, the optimal selection of localiser radiographs, including exposure parameters (kVp, mAs), can be a part of clinical task-based imaging protocol optimisation. The utilities of localiser radiographs in CT imaging are varied. It is salient that radiographers and radiologists understand their role and the impacts of poor application to ensure that radiation dose is minimised and image quality maximised through correct use. Radiographers and radiologists should also be aware of the impact of poor patient positioning on ACTM function, dose and image quality. Additionally, localiser radiographs should be used for clinical task-based protocol optimisation. The number, order of selection, direction, patient off-centring, and exposure parameters must be considered when utilising localiser radiographs as they impact dose, image quality, and protocol applications. It is essential for radiographers and radiologists to understand these impacts.
To investigate the critical yet often overlooked challenge of documentation of hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media. Inaccurate documentation not only informs future imaging events but also impacts other areas in medicine. This study applies Bronfenbrenner's adapted socio-ecological model to examine the literature related to contrast hypersensitivity documentation, highlighting systemic issues that perpetuate suboptimal practice. A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework with adaptations for a socio-ecological lens. A search was conducted across Ovid MEDLINE, SCOPUS, ProQuest and CINAHL Plus (2000-present), identifying 673 articles. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using NVIVO software to identify key themes across Bronfenbrenner's system levels of micro, meso, exo, macro and chrono. Findings revealed inconsistencies in documentation practices across all levels of healthcare. At the micro level, patient-practitioner communication is often hindered by the patient's inability to provide an accurate history. At the meso and macro levels, fragmented systems, lack of interoperability and inconsistent terminology contribute to the problem. At the chrono level, the impact of the evolution of documentation practices, standards, and policies over time have influenced current practices. This includes perpetuating a cycle of inaccurate information being utilised in clinical decision making, compromising patient outcomes and increasing healthcare costs. This review is the first to highlight the systemic nature of contrast hypersensitivity documentation challenges using the socio-ecological lens. All medical and allied professionals who document and communicate medical histories can break this self-perpetuating cycle with simple actions such as accurately recording of contrast agent name, details of the reaction, severity, treatment and timelines. Further research is required to develop strategies to drive systemic change, ultimately to benefit patient safety.
ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify and evaluate psychological interventions or strategies designed to reduce relocation stress in older people making the permanent transition into residential aged care.MethodA scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. An electronic search of nine databases and the search engine google scholar was completed in December 2022. Article screening and quality appraisal was undertaken independently by at least two reviewers.ResultsEight full-text articles were included for review, from which four psychological interventions were identified: 1) Resident peer support; 2) Life review; 3) Mental Health Service for Older Adults; 4) The Program to Enhance Adjustment to Residential Living. No interventions were implemented before transitioning into care; all were implemented within three months of resident relocation into an aged care facility.ConclusionThe transition to residential aged care is an inherently distressing experience. The absence of interventions implemented during the pre- and mid-transition phases presents a gap in the literature and suggests an opportunity for early intervention. As population ageing continues to increase, there is a pressing need for the development and implementation of interventions aimed at reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety for older people undertaking this major life transition.
Background: A strategy that may improve health outcomes for First Nations Peoples is to have greater representation of First Nations Peoples within the health care workforce. There are systemic issues within higher education institutions that impact recruitment, retention, and academic progression of First Nations nursing students entering and completing undergraduate programs, which contributes to a higher rate of attrition compared to their non-First Nations counterparts. Purpose: To establish what strategies support First Nations students to succeed within undergraduate nursing programs. Method: A scoping review of 5 databases was utilized. Results: Eight papers were included in the review. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in 4 themes: (1) social learning environments, (2) culturally safe places (3) embracing support, and (4) external impacts. Conclusion: Despite positive actions, attrition rates and prolonged course lengths continue to impact course progression for First Nations nursing students.
Introduction: Paramedics are at high risk of musculoskeletal injuries associated with the physical demands of the role. Paramedic physical fitness is an important requirement to complete the essential daily tasks of the role and potentially reduce injury risk. It is unclear what the specific fitness requirements should be across many ambulance services and how to assess or prepare for them. Objective: This scoping review explored the existing evidence in relation to paramedic physical fitness, testing and standards required by ambulance services in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada. Methods: A scoping review was conducted and reported following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, ERIC, Emcare, and Informit) and grey literature sources (organisational documents) were searched, with searches completed in October 2025. Results: Paramedics are reported to have poorer general health when compared to the average population despite a physically demanding role. Most ambulance services require candidates to complete some form of pre-employment physical fitness test. No ambulance service identified required regular, ongoing physical fitness testing for all its paramedics. Each pre-employment physical fitness test identified was unique in its format. Conclusions: By prioritising, supporting and accurately assessing the physical health and fitness of paramedics, organisations can enhance job performance readiness and potentially reduce injury rates or injury risk.