AMQuIP: Recent articles

"Osteoporosis: Diagnosis and treatment in a general practice population" Article - Australian Family Physician Vol. 35 No. 3 March 2006: The occurrence of a diagnosis of osteoporosis was well below radiologically estimated prevalence. Implementation of learning opportunities designed to improve GP recognition and treatment of osteoporosis could be beneficial. Electronic medical records can provide useful research data with privacy protected.

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"Compliance with treatment in osteoporosis patients: An ongoing problem" Article - Australian Family Physician Vol. 35 No. 3 March 2006: Studies in Australia and overseas have shown that once weekly administration of bisphosphonates improves compliance with treatment compared with a daily regimen. However, although patients prefer once weekly bisphosphonates over daily treatment, compliance and persistence remained suboptimal in many patients receiving once weekly therapy. The introduction of less frequent dosing regimens such as once monthly or once yearly may increase compliance.
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"General practice and the management of chronic conditions: Where to now?" Article - Australian Family Physician Vol. 35 No. 1/2 January/February 2006: As of 1 July 2005, the Medicare Benefits Schedule includes additional chronic disease management (CDM) item numbers offering general practitioners more options for managing patients with chronic conditions, including those requiring multidisciplinary care. The new item numbers are not a substitute for normal medical care but expand the possibilities for GPs and their patients.
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"Sydney scientists discover & licence breakthrough anti-inflammatory treatment" Media Release 8/02/2006 - Garvan Institute: Scientists from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have developed what could be the next big blockbuster treatment for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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"Lifestyle Changes the Key to Managing Arthritis (FED)" Media Release 1/11/2005 - Julie Bishop MP: Lifestyle changes such a regular exercise, weight loss, improved nutrition and giving up smoking are important management factors for the more than 6 million Australians reported to have arthritis, a musculoskeletal condition or back pain, according to a report launched by the Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop. The report, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions in Australia 2005, prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, provides an overview of these conditions. For the first time, we have a report that provides clear information on the extent of a major health issue that impacts on the lives of so many Australians, Ms Bishop said.
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Efficacy of physiotherapy managament of knee joint osteoarthritis: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial
Bennell et al 2005, 'Efficacy of physiotherapy managament of knee joint osteoarthritis: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial', Annals of Rheumatology, 64:906-912.
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Arthritis – the bottom line, the economic impact of arthritis in Australia
Access Economics Pty Ltd, 2005, ‘Arthritis – the bottom line, the economic impact of arthritis in Australia’, Arthritis Australia, viewed 07 July 2005.
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The Voice of Arthritis – A social impact study of arthritis in Australia
Barnfield et al, 2004, ‘The Voice of Arthritis – A social impact study of arthritis in Australia’, Arthritis Australia, viewed 07 July 2005
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Achieving better practice: The Clinical Support Systems Program
Leigh, et al 2004, ‘Achieving better practice: The Clinical Support Systems Program’, Medical Journal of Australia, 180 (10 Suppl), 74-103, viewed 07 July 2005.
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The collaborative method, a strategy for improving Australian General Practice
Knight, April 2004, ‘The collaborative method, a strategy for improving Australian General Practice’, Australian Family Physician, Vol 55 No.4, 269-274
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