NT Health Research and Publications Online
Welcome to NT Health Research and Publications Online, an open access digital repository that showcases the research projects and output of researchers working for the Northern Territory Department of Health (NT Health), while also collecting and preserving publications and multimedia produced in an official capacity, that represent the department. This service is maintained by NT Health Library Services All Publications
4315
Projects
61
People
506
Recent Additions
- Publication
Journal Article Profiling of the Functional Status of Hearing Impaired Children Using Cochlear Implant in the Indian Scenario- an ICF Perspective.(2025-03-01)The aim of the study was to assess the functional outcome of children who underwent Auditory verbal therapy followed by cochlear implantation using The Parents' views and experiences with pediatric cochlear implant questionnaire (PVECIQ). Hearing impaired children who have completed minimum of 5 years of auditory verbal training (AVT) after cochlear implantation was taken up for the study. There were totally 30 males and 20 females, the average age at implantation for these children ranged from 1 year to 5yrs. The Parents' views and experiences with pediatric cochlear implant questionnaire (PVECIQ) was administered by interviewing the parents after taking a written informed consent. The mean scores for each statement and its standard deviation were found out. Distribution across the five response categories was also analysed for each statement to identify the strength of opinion.The percentage of responses under each response category was also calculated. The present study evaluated both hearing and non-hearing aspects of hearing loss under the perspective of ICF. The study has given feedback on the areas where good outcome is shown after use of cochlear implant for 5 years and also the areas where they still experience difficulties and need ongoing support. Even though the children acquired language to a degree capable of communication with others in the society, the speech intelligibility has been a concern for parents. Since CI does not restore normal anatomy of hearing, Children using CI will require ongoing professional and economical support throughout their life, tailored to individual needs of the child to have a better quality of life. - Publication
Journal Article Enterobius vermicularis Infestation: A Rare Cause of Appendicitis.(2025-02-12)Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis, pinworm) is a common gastrointestinal parasite in children, occasionally implicated in appendiceal pathology. We report a case of a seven-year-old autistic male who presented with a three-day history of right iliac fossa pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Clinical and laboratory findings suggested acute appendicitis, prompting diagnostic laparoscopy and appendicectomy. Intraoperatively, a mildly inflamed appendix was noted with multiple mesenteric lymph nodes and visible roundworms at the appendiceal base, which were carefully suctioned out. Histopathology confirmed E. vermicularis infestation without definitive acute inflammatory changes. The patient had an uneventful recovery with postoperative anthelmintic therapy for the household. While the role of E. vermicularis in true appendicitis remains debated, its presence within the appendix can cause symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis. Given the diagnostic uncertainty and potential risk of appendiceal obstruction or secondary infection, appendicectomy remains a definitive and justified treatment in such cases, ensuring symptom resolution and preventing complications. - Publication
Journal Article Period prevalence and timing of contralateral hip fractures: An eighteen year retrospective cohort study, systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.(2025-03-11)Second contralateral hip fractures (SCHF) are relatively uncommon. The overall prevalence of this is poorly reported in literature.We performed a single centre retrospective cohort study in patients >50 years old who sustained a SCHF between 1st of January 2005 and 30th of April 2023. A systematic search of the literature was then performed by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from the date of inception of each database through to the 22nd of February 2024. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of SCHF and hip fracture pattern symmetry, incorporating both our results and that previously reported in literature.Our cohort study showed a period prevalence of 1.7 % within 1 year and 2.8 % within 2 years following a hip fracture. 65 studies were identified using our search strategy. The overall prevalence of SCHF was 7.3 % [95 % CI: 6.3-8.4]. Meta-regression suggested that studies conducted in Europe and North America showed higher prevalence than studies conducted in Asia. A similar fracture pattern was seen in 72.1 % [95 % CI: 69.7-74.4] of patients with SCHF.SCHF are relatively uncommon. When they do occur, it is usually within 2 years of the index fracture. Asian populations had lower prevalence of SCHF when compared to their European and North American counterparts. Hip fracture pattern is symmetrical in most patients with a SCHF. - Publication
Conference abstract Development of Nurse led Heart Failure Program for Indigenous and Non Indigenous clients in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Australia(2014-03-01)The numbers of individuals living with Heart Failure (HF) continue to rise both in the Northern Territory (NT) and nationally and results in a significant burden of disease. Nationally HF occurs in as many as 2% of the overall population, rising to 10% in the above 65 years age group. This consistently accounts for 1-2% of the total health care budget. In 2011 the Department of Health recognised the need to direct resources to HF. Objectives To describe the development and establishment of a Heart Failure Program (HFP) in the Top End. Methods The HFP was developed following examination of NT HF data, including admission trends at the Royal Darwin Hospital. A comprehensive literature review of existing program designs also occurred. The HFP structure was developed in consultation with key stakeholders and consists of a multi-disciplinary team of Nurses, Cardiologists and Allied Health Workers. The program encompasses the principles of support, monitoring and treatment of clients whilst providing education that enables empowerment, Results HFP data currently reveals that 55% of Top End HF clients reside within 50km of Darwin and are predominately male (63%) with Ischaemic Heart Disease (50%) being the most common co-morbidity. 54% of clients entering the HFP are of Indigenous descent, of which 77% reside in remote locations. Conclusion Nurse Led HFP’s have been shown to reduce hospitalisation both in frequency and duration. Additionally they improve medication compliance, increase quality of life and reduce health care costs. Due to the infancy of this program these results are not yet measurable and further investigation is pending. - Publication
Journal Article Sputum microbiology data and related clinical outcomes among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis.(2025-03-11)Sputum microbiology is an integral aspect of managing patients with bronchiectasis. Adult Aboriginal Australians have a high bronchiectasis disease burden; however, as yet there is sparce literature detailing the sputum microbiology profile in this population.To assess the sputum microbiology profile among Aboriginal patients aged ≥18 years with chest computed tomography-confirmed bronchiectasis in the Top End Northern Territory of Australia.All available sputum samples processed in a single laboratory service with established protocols for examining and reporting sputum microbiology results between 2011 through 2020 were assessed in relation to demographics, lung function parameters, chest radiology, inhaled pharmacotherapy, hospital admissions restricted to respiratory conditions and all-cause mortality.Four hundred twenty-eight patients (median age 47 years, 56% female) had sputum cultures available to assess. Haemophilus spp. was the most common (64%), followed by yeast/Candida spp. (53%) and Pseudomonas spp. (36%). Polymicrobial cultures were noted in 92% of patients. There were significant geographic differences on a region-wise and community-wise basis. Patients with yeast/Candida spp. and Pseudomonas spp. recorded more hospitalisations (median 7 (interquartile range (IQR) 3-14) and 8 (IQR 4-16)). In multivariate models, both yeast/Candida spp. (odds ratio (OR) 2.63 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.68-4.14)) and Pseudomonas spp. (OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.25-3.04)) were associated with increased odds for mortality. Other than higher Pseudomonas spp. isolated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids, no significant association was observed either with lung function or chest radiology.Adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis harbour a significant microorganism load that may play a role in overall morbidity and mortality.
Most viewed
- Publication
Fact sheet PS5 Standard for Pharmacy Based Immunisation Programs(Department of Health, 2021-04)PS5 Standard for Pharmacy Based Immunisation Programs - Publication
Form Application to register radiation apparatus(Department of Health, 2020)Application for registering a radiation apparatus - Publication
Form - Publication
Report - Publication
Bulletin