ANZCTR search results

Previous research has demonstrated that the use of a simple advance notification letter preceding an invitation to participate in bowel cancer screening resulted in a significant increase in population participation compared to no advance notification of invitation. This study further explores the value of advance notification by comparing screening participation between 3 groups: 1) using an enhanced version specifically addressing known barriers (aversion for collecting faecal samples, lack of knowledge about bowel cancer, low perception of the value of screening); 2) a simple advance notification letter and 3) a control group not receiving advance notification.

This study examines the value of interval faecal occult blood test within a colonoscopy-based surveillance program for those at moderately increased risk for developing colorectal cancer. Who is it for? You may be eligible for this study if you are considered to be at moderate risk for colorectal cancer development based on a personal history of colonic adenomas or colorectal cancer or have a verified family history. You also need to be currently registered with one of the Southern Adelaide regional public hospital colorectal cancer prevention programs. Trial details. A faecal occult blood test is a test that can detect tiny traces of blood in the stool which cannot be seen with the naked eye. ‘Occult’ literally means hidden or unknown. A positive faecal occult blood test should be followed by a colonoscopy where colorectal cancer or significant large polyps may be diagnosed at a relatively early stage when there are no obvious symptoms. At present, participants registered with the colonoscopy surveillance program in Southern Adelaide region have scheduled colonoscopies in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s clinical practice guidelines (2005), at a frequency depending on risk level. Eligible registrants will be offered a faecal occult blood test (interval test) in each of the years between scheduled colonoscopies. The study compares the yield of colorectal cancers and adenomas detected at colonoscopies between participants who do have interval faecal occult blood tests and those who choose not to participate.

This study will examine whether adding telephone coaching (named BackReady coaching) intervention when added to usual physiotherapy care leads to a decrease in activity limitation in people at risk for long term activity limitation in non-specific low back pain. It is anticiapted that BackReady coaching will lead to a decrease in activity limitation and a greater number of participants returning to their primary non-leisure activity.

This study takes the form of a repeated measures time series experimental design with wait list controls. Participants will be adolescent with diabetes aged 13-17 years and meet for two hours each week over a 8 week period to complete the “You Beat-It” program. Participants will be randomly assigned to either treatment or waitlist control groups and will be self referred from the Gold Coast Hospital or via private medical services. The purpose of the program is to help adolescent address the psychological problems associated with their diabetes. Consequently, it is hypothesised that if adolescent mental health improves so will their diabetic management.

This study aims to explore the effect of EPA (fish oil) on appetite, inflammatory markers and nutritional parameters in dialysis patients. Previous research has shown anti-inflammatory effects from fish oil and there is some evidence to indicate that poor appetite may be associated with inflammation. We aim to explore this relationship.

This study aims to investigate the reliability of a new computer-based test to measure visual acuity in the peripheral visual field (the ability to see fine detail using side vision) and contrast sensitivity (the ability to discriminate between areas of differing brightness). We hypothesise that peripheral visual function - both visual acuity and conatrst sensitivity can be reliably measured using a computer-based test.

Between the years 2000 and 2004 approximately 46,611 people were hospitalised in Australia as a result of burn or scald related injury.1 While comorbidities such as infection and psychosocial health alterations are readily described, patients recovering from burn injury frequently experience a post burn itch.2,3 Post burn itch affects up to 80% of the burn population.4 While post burn itch varies in time frame as well as severity, some patients experience severe and debilitating itch disturbing their sleep, activities of daily living as well as their quality of life for months following wound healing.3 Post burn itch treatments, while multimodal, remain consistently ineffective.3 In line with current literature The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Burns Unit utilises various combinations of antihistamine medications, regular bathing, massage and aqueous crème in their management of post burn itch. Despite these varied interventions and the reputation of the RBWH Burn Unit as a centre of clinical excellence, itch remains the problem here that it is globally. Recent anecdotal evidence from several RBWH burn outpatients, however, suggests Medilixir (a combination of bees wax and herbal oils) to successfully assist in the minimisation of post burn itch. For this small patient cohort the change from aqueous crème to Medilixir markedly reduced their post burn itch. 1. Harrison, J., & Steel, D. (2006). Burns and scalds. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Injury Surveillance Unit Briefing, 7, October 2006. 2. Smith, J.S., Smith, K.R., Rainey, S.L., & DelGiorno, J. (2006). The psychology of burn care. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 13(3), pp.105-106. 3. Matheson, J.D., Clayton, J., & Muller, M.J. (2001). The reduction of itch during burn wound healing. Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, 22(1),pp.76-81. 4. Demling, R.H., & DeSanti, L. (2003). Topical Doxepin significantly reduces itching and erythema in the chronically pruritic burn scar. Wounds, 15(6), pp.195-200.