Psychiatry - Research Publications

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/11343/232

Filters

2014 3
Reset filters

Settings
Statistics
Citations
Author: Castle, David × Author: Thompson, David × End date: 2014 × Start date: 2013 × Type: Journal Article ×

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Smoking behavior among patients and staff: a snapshot from a major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne, Australia
    Rahman, MA ; Wilson, AM ; Sanders, R ; Castle, D ; Daws, K ; Thompson, DR ; Ski, CF ; Matthews, S ; Wright, C ; Worrall-Carter, L (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS LTD, 2014)
    BACKGROUND: A cross-sectional study was conducted to provide a snapshot of smoking behavior among staff and patients at a major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne. METHODS: Patients and staff were surveyed using a questionnaire exploring demographics, nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom test), readiness to quit, and preference for smoking cessation options. RESULTS: A total of 1496 people were screened within 2 hours; 1,301 participated (1,100 staff, 199 patients). Mean age was 42 years, 68% were female. There were 113 (9%) current smokers and 326 (25%) ex-smokers. Seven percent of the staff were current smokers compared with 19% of the patients. The Fagerstrom test showed that 47% of patients who smoked were moderately nicotine dependent compared with 21% of staff. A third of the staff who smoked did not anticipate health problems related to smoking. Most patients (79%) who smoked disagreed that their current health problems were related to smoking. Although more than half of the current smokers preferred pharmacotherapy, one in two of them did not prefer behavior counseling; with consistent results among staff and patients. Multivariate analyses showed that patients were three times more likely (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.9-4.7) to smoke than staff. CONCLUSION: This study reports lower prevalence of smoking among hospital staff compared with national data. It also indicates an under-appreciation of health effects of smoking, and a preference not to use conventional methods of quitting.
  • Item
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Exploring Health Care Providers' Perceptions of the Needs of Stroke Carers: Informing Development of an Optimal Health Program
    O'Brien, CL ; Moore, G ; Rolley, JX ; Ski, CF ; Thompson, DR ; Lautenschlager, NT ; Gonzales, G ; Hsueh, Y-SA ; Castle, D (TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2014)
    BACKGROUND: Health care provider experiences of the carer have been researched, but little is written about how these can inform development of support programs. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (1) explore health care provider perceptions of stroke carer roles and support needs and (2) examine carer needs across the stroke care trajectory to assist with development of an Optimal Health Program (OHP) to support carers. This study is part of a staged program of research that will evaluate and refine the OHP. METHODS: Four dual-moderated semi-structured focus groups of stroke health care providers across acute, subacute, and community rehabilitation services were conducted. Facilitators used a semi-structured focus group schedule to guide discussion. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic and content analysis. RESULTS: Three key themes emerged: transition, information, and impact of stroke. A number of subthemes highlighted the distinct roles of health care providers and carers. Specific elements of the OHP were identified as having the potential to advance support for carers across the stroke care trajectory. DISCUSSION: Findings support the integration of an OHP for carers within existing stroke care services in Australian public hospital and community settings. CONCLUSION: This study suggests how health care provider experiences could inform a self-management OHP to assist carers in navigating stroke services and to address their health-related concerns.