Freedom of information
Early last year, a David and Goliath battleraged between the most unlikely of foes. The gripes of a single blog post inspired a group of disaffected mathematicians and scientists to …
Blood culture negative endocarditis – a suggested diagnostic approach
This case report describes a previously healthy male patient with a subacute presentation of severe constitutional symptoms, progressing to acute pulmonary oedema, and a subsequent diagnosis of blood culture negative …
Putting awareness to bed: improving depth of anaesthesia monitoring
Intraoperative awareness and subsequent explicit recall can lead to prolonged psychological damage in patients. There are many methods currently in place to prevent this potentially traumatic phenomenon from occurring. Such …
Is there a role for end-of-life care pathways for patients in the home setting who are supported with community palliative care services?
The concept of a “good death” has developed immensely over the past few decades and we now recognise the important role of palliative care services in healthcare for the dying, …
Suxamethonium versus rocuronium in rapid sequence induction: Dispelling the common myths
Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is a technique used to facilitate endotracheal intubation in patients at high risk of aspiration and for those who require rapid securing of the airway. In …
Control of seasonal influenza in healthcare settings: Mandatory annual influenza vaccination of healthcare workers
Introduction: The aim of this review is to emphasise the burden and transmission of nosocomial seasonal influenza, discuss the influenza vaccine and the need for annual influenza vaccination of all …
Immunisation and informed decision-making amongst Islamic primary school parents and staff
Background: The Islamic community represents a recognisable and growing minority group in the broader Australian context. Some sectors of the international Muslim community have voiced concerns about the ritual cleanliness …
Ranking the league tables
University league tables are becoming something of an obsession. Their appeal is testament to the ‘at a glance’ approach used to convey a university’s standing, either nationally or internationally. League …
Intra-vitreal bevacizumab in patients with Juvenile Vitelliform Dystrophy (Best Disease)
Juvenile Vitelliform Dystrophy (Best disease) is a degenerative macular condition that is genetically inherited. In recent years monoclonal antibodies have been employed to help prevent the decline in vision associated …
Early impact of rotavirus vaccination
Background: Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in children and two vaccines to prevent rotavirus infection have been licensed since 2006. The World Health Organisation recommends the …