Synthetic cannabinoid use in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit

In the present study, we explored the prevalence of new psychoactive substance use by people admitted into an Australian acute public mental health facility specializing in comorbid mental health and substance use. These substances have since been banned from retail outlets, but the pattern of uptake and reasons people use them is informative in terms of motivations and the management of substance use more generally. A cross‐sectional study to explore the use of synthetic cannabis by people admitted to an acute adult mental health unit was undertaken. Associations with diagnostic, service use, and demographic profiles were explored. Fifty‐six percent of people reported having used at least one type of new psychoactive substance, including 53.5% who reported using synthetic cannabis alone, and 18.8% who reported using both synthetic cannabis and other new psychoactive substances. Synthetic cannabis use was not associated with any demographic or diagnostic groups. Legality and availability (43% combined) were common reasons for use, along with the feeling of intoxication (20%). The high prevalence of new psychoactive substance use adds weight to the recommendation that clinicians should routinely screen for substances from the time of admission. Accurate information about these substances is required in order to provide accurate guidance and appropriate interventions to people in their care.     

Desensitization of the gag reflex in an adult with cerebral palsy: a case report

Severe oral hypersensltlvlty and averslve oral behaviors present a significant barrier to dental treatment and compromise oral health status. Although several authors have addressed the reduction of oral hypersensltlvlty and averslve behaviors (such as gagging, retching, and vomit-Ing) In the otherwise well dental patient, treatment for patients with severe disability has not been explored. The successful management of oral hypersensltlvlty and averslve behavior can have significant health benefits. These can be described van outcomes paradigm as physical and social benefits for the patient, psychological benefits for the patient, carer, and practitioner, and organizational benefits for the Institutions providing dental care and medical management. This paper summarizes the management of a severely disabled patient whose averslve behaviors were eliminated with non-Invasive therapy techniques. Oral hygiene was facilitated and health benefits were Identified across a number of domains following successful multi-disciplinary management.     

Self‐reported vision and health of indigenous Australians

Purpose: To describe the self‐reported vision, history of eye disease and general health of indigenous Australian participants in the National Indigenous Eye Health Survey. Methods: Using a multistage cluster sampling methodology, 30 geographic areas, stratified by remoteness, were selected to provide a representative population of indigenous Australians aged 5–15 years and 40 years and over. Before an eye examination, participants completed a questionnaire about their eye health and eye care facilities consulted, satisfaction with their vision and general health. Results: A total of 1694 indigenous children (49.2% female, mean age 9.5 ± 2.9 years) and 1189 adults (61.0% female, mean age 53.1 ± 9.7 years) participated. Three‐quarters of adults (259/342) and 88.4% of children (129/146) wore the right distance glasses. Adults from remote areas were less likely to have refractive error (P = 0.002) as well as males versus females (P = 0.02). Similar results were found for children. Adults wearing appropriate distance glasses were as satisfied with their vision as people with normal vision who did not need glasses (P = 0.6). Both groups were more satisfied with their distance vision than people with poor presenting vision (P = 0.007). Self‐report of cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age‐related macular degeneration did not match with clinical findings (P < 0.001). Over 37% of adults (417/1187) and 1.3% of children (22/1691) reported having diabetes. Conclusion: The National Indigenous Eye Health Survey provided information to guide future planning of eye health prevention strategies for indigenous Australians. Findings indicate the importance of correcting refractive error to improve quality of life. Prevention messages should be renewed in appropriate sociocultural formats.     

A Chinese cultural perspective of nursing care behaviours in an acute setting

A Chinese cultural perspective of nursing care behaviours in an acute setting ¶ This study carried out in Hong Kong, identified 29 Chinese patients' perceptions of the importance of nursing care behaviours in an acute setting using a Chinese language translated version of the CARE-Q instrument. Patients ranked items concerned with 'giving the patients' treatments and medication on time' as the most important and 'sits down with the patient' as the least important. Comparisons are made with the results from other cultures and specific Chinese cultural interpretations are drawn to provide direction for nursing care of Chinese patients in Hong Kong and worldwide.