Publication & Authors

Romein, J., & Bishop, J. (2023) An Australian exploratory study of individual physical functioning and wellbeing of rural clients with chronic diseases whose structured exercise groups were cancelled due to social distancing requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aust J Prim Health. 2023 Published online Apr 4.

Access full article: https://www.publish.csiro.au/PY/PY22229

Summary

This study captured the physical functioning of structured exercise group clients before and after the break from group exercise due to COVID-19 (lockdown 1), their activity during lockdown and their wellbeing on return to activity.

Clinically significant changes in physical functioning when clients were unable to attend structured exercise groups for three months during the COVID-19 pandemic were not observed in this exploratory study. The study also found that despite the lockdown, clients had high satisfaction, high wellbeing and normal resilience. Well-controlled studies are required to determine the true impact of COVID-19 (or similar isolation) on physical functioning.

This research was supported in-kind by East Grampians Health Service.

Publication & Authors

Bishop, J., & Ping, S. (2022) Evaluation of a novel salaried medical officer position on service provision and performance at a rural health service: An exploratory mixed-methods study. Aust J Rural Health, 30(1):65-74

Access abstract: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajr.12807​

Access full article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author/ZCZSDYGQJRBNGSNDI64R?target=10.1111/ajr.12807

Summary

This study evaluated an on-site salaried medical officer (PGY2+, HMO) position designed to support local GPs to deliver care to EGHS patients and residents.

The study found that the HMO position improved work efficiency, increased accessibility to timely medical advice and improved quality of care, particularly in patients at risk of sudden deterioration. The findings strongly support the development and evaluation of further HMO positions in rural health services that have the capability and capacity to sustain this position.

This research was supported in-kind by East Grampians Health Service.

Publication & Authors

Gavino, A. I., Isaac, V., & McLachlan, C. S. (2018). Hypertension status and associations with self-rated health and General Practitioner health seeking in a rural Australian cohort. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease, 5(4), 53.

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Summary

Data is presented from 278 local residents who returned a survey as a part of the Big Ararat Health Study. This article looks in more detail at those who had self-reported high blood pressure (hypertension) and found they visited their GP more often yet were not knowledgeable about their blood pressure readings. Those with poorer self-rated health were also more likely to see their GP.

This research was supported through a research grant from East Grampians Health Service.

Publication & Authors

Leggat, S. G., Phillips, B., Pearce, P., Dawson, M., Schulz, D., & Smith, J. (2016). Clinical supervision for allied health staff: necessary but not sufficient. Australian Health Review, 40(4), 431-437

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Summary

Clinical supervision for allied health professionals is a process where the clinical practitioner (supervisee) has the opportunity to meet regularly with an experienced colleague (supervisor) to discuss issues of relevance to their practice.

Responses from 82 surveys of allied health professionals indicated that clinical supervision was thought to benefit both the staff and patients. It was seen as a supportive and reflective relationship that was separate from performance management. However, this divide may not be adequately addressing clinical risk.

Publication & Authors

Brown, A., Santilli, M., & Scott, B. (2015). The internal audit of clinical areas: a pilot of the internal audit methodology in a health service emergency department. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 27(6), 520-522.

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Summary

A toolkit for a systematic approach to the internal audit of clinical care areas was developed and trialled in an emergency department. The audit successfully identified significant clinical risks that were not found by a recent NSQHS accreditation. Therefore, such clinical audits may provide more robust assurance about the management of significant clinical risks.

This research was supported in-kind by East Grampians Health Service.

Conference Presentation

Bishop, J. & Ping, S (2022). The impact of a novel HMO position at a rural health service. 16th National Rural Health Conference. August 2-4.

Conference Presentation

Romein, J. & Bishop, J. (2021). Individual physical functioning and wellbeing of clients whose structured exercise groups were cancelled due to social distancing requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic. ESSA Research to Practice 2021. May 6-8th

Conference Presentation

Romein, J. & Bishop, J. (2020). Individual physical functioning and wellbeing of clients whose structured exercise groups were cancelled due to social distancing requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ballarat Health Services Research and Innovation on the Run. Ballarat, October.

Conference Presentation

Cosgrave, C., Cooper, R. & Lowe, K. (2019). Trialling a whole-of-person approach for improving retention of rural-based allied health professionals. 3^rd Victorian Allied Health Research Conference. Melbourne, March 22.

 

Cooper, R. (2019). Results From a two year trial of a ‘whole-of-person’ approach to improve retention of health professionals working in the rural public sector health. 13^th Annual Workforce Planning for Healthcare. Sydney, November 20-22nd.

Title & Investigators

Supporting the wellbeing of staff caring for residents with challenging behaviours in Residential Aged Care (Swell-RAC)

Jaclyn Bishop, Ella Ottrey, Maree Fraser, Deborah Bennett, Ruth Teh, Danielle Hitch, Ancara Thomas

Summary

This study will identify the factors influencing the wellbeing of aged care staff who manage challenging resident behaviour from four aged care sites at East Grampians Health Service (EGHS). Information gathered from interviews combined with existing evidence, will be utilised in a process (known as co-design) where staff and residents/advocates design an initiative that supports their wellbeing.

The ethics application has been submitted and interviews will commence shortly.

This study received funding through Western Alliance and the Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration (MARC).

Title & Investigators

The impact of the introduction of Montessori of social care related quality of life in a rural aged care facility

Maree Fraser, Jaclyn Bishop , Sue Mark (Montessori Consulting), Peter Armstrong (Head of Department), Ella Ottrey

Summary

This study will evaluate the impact of the Montessori approach on the social care quality of life (SCQoL) of aged care residents at Garden View Court.

Three surveys measuring resident SCQoL have been completed in 2021 and 2022, and the data analysed. Interviews to explore the experiences of residents, families and staff with the Montessori model of care are nearing completion.

Title & Investigators

Efficacy of a community based modified sport program for rural community dwelling older adults: A pilot study

Jake Romein, Jaclyn Bishop, Gabrielle Hutchins and Ella Ottrey

Summary

Through a strong connection between the health service and community fitness centre, a pilot modified sport program was developed and implemented. The program was well attended and enjoyed by participants, and ultimately sustained. These findings will assist other small rural communities to implement modified sport programs to enhance the health of older adults in their region.

A manuscript for publication is under development.

This research was supported through an East Grampians Health Service Emerging Researcher grant and a Western Alliance Emerging Researcher grant.