Kardell W, Monds LA, Weltman M
… +2 more, Haber PS, Day CA
Aust Health Rev
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42402432
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OBJECTIVE: Patients who use substances (e.g. alcohol, illicit drugs, or non-prescribed medications) while in hospital present both medical and ethical challenges for healthcare management. However, little is known about...OBJECTIVE: Patients who use substances (e.g. alcohol, illicit drugs, or non-prescribed medications) while in hospital present both medical and ethical challenges for healthcare management. However, little is known about the prevalence of this issue in Australia. This study aimed to quantify non-prescribed substance use among inpatients in a large teaching hospital. METHODS: A case file review was conducted using incident reports from a tertiary hospital in outer-metropolitan Sydney, Australia, covering the period between 2014 and 2021. RESULTS: Among 3775 reported critical incidents involving patients, substance use was identified in 99 (2.6%) over 7 years. Patient's median age was 36 years, and 61 (62%) were male. Most admissions were for a substance use issue, and all involved withdrawal management. Notably, patients exhibited high levels of mental and physical health comorbidities, including depression (n = 79, 80%) and chronic pain (n = 24, 24%). Only eight patients (8%) were receiving opioid substitution therapy. Illicit substance use detected during hospitalisation involved various drug classes. Most of the substance use episodes (64%, n = 63) occurred outside regular hours, and fewer than half of the patients completed their admission. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use in hospitals was detected infrequently and may be under-recognised. Inconsistent decisions regarding discharge contribute to discharged patients lacking ongoing health care, putting patients at risk of adverse outcomes. Clinicians and hospitals require further support to identify and address substance use within hospital settings. Clear policy guidance and improvements at multiple levels (policy, education, and clinical practice) are necessary to tackle this issue effectively.
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Aug · PMID 41330427
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There is increasing recognition of the benefits of robust data infrastructures, capacity building for a data informed society, and strategic policy and financial support to enable data integration (also known as data lin...There is increasing recognition of the benefits of robust data infrastructures, capacity building for a data informed society, and strategic policy and financial support to enable data integration (also known as data linkage). However, despite widespread availability of data, and recognition of the value of data linkage and investment in this area, data linkage continues to be complex, timely, and costly, and these elements are often underestimated by researchers. In this article, we introduce data linkage basics for Australian researchers and discuss important considerations for those embarking on healthcare research that utilises data linkage.
Harvie DS, Keating C, Fulia N
… +3 more, Ferreira ML, Harris IA, Catley M
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41297063
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OBJECTIVE: Spinal surgery rates in Australia continue to rise despite limited evidence for their effectiveness in managing uncomplicated chronic back pain. This study examined patient-level factors that influence willing...OBJECTIVE: Spinal surgery rates in Australia continue to rise despite limited evidence for their effectiveness in managing uncomplicated chronic back pain. This study examined patient-level factors that influence willingness to undergo surgery, to informing future work promoting non-surgical care pathways. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in March 2025 of 152 privately insured Australian adults with chronic low back pain. Participants reported pain characteristics, functional interference, prior imaging and pain-related beliefs (expectations of recovery, self-efficacy and catastrophising). Willingness to undergo spinal surgery within 5 years was assessed on a 5-point scale, and dichotomised into 'willing' (3-4) and 'unwilling' (0-1); respondents answering 'unsure' were excluded. Logistic regression examined predictors of willingness to consider surgery. RESULTS: Of 152 participants (mean age 59.3 years, 64% female), 24% expressed willingness to undergo surgery. Negative pain beliefs, higher pain intensity and younger age significantly predicted willingness, with the strongest effect seen for negative pain beliefs (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.16-5.92, P = 0.02). Functional interference, imaging history and gender showed positive, but non-significant, associations. CONCLUSION: Negative pain beliefs predict willingness to undergo spinal surgery. This finding has important policy implications, suggesting that addressing belief-driven demand may help reduce the economic burden of surgery by directing patients towards guideline-based, high-value, non-surgical care.
Divakar R, Tan J, Barclay L
… +9 more, Darmanin B, Harding P, Lennon S, McDermott G, Robertson J, Williams L, Bayyavarapu SB, Anderson S, Gibson K
Aust Health Rev
· 2026 May · PMID 41292065
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify factors influencing retention and attrition of physiotherapists in Australia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey and analysis of 10 years of Australian Health Practitioner Regulatio...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify factors influencing retention and attrition of physiotherapists in Australia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey and analysis of 10 years of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) registration data, involving current or previously registered physiotherapists, was undertaken. RESULTS: Among participants, 6045 (80.2%) intended to stay in the profession, 711 (9.3%) were unsure, and 779 (10.3%) intended to leave. Of those intending to leave, 87% wanted to leave within 1 year. Reasons for leaving included retirement, unsatisfactory remuneration, lack of career advancement, professional dissatisfaction, and mental burnout. Respondents more likely to leave or be unsure included: older physiotherapists (over 50: OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.0), those with fewer than 15 years of experience (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-2.8), males (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0-1.4), practitioners with further qualifications (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1-1.4), those without Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) membership (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.5-2.0), those with membership but non-practising (OR = 12.2, 95% CI = 9.2-16.1), and unregistered practitioners (OR = 39.5, 95% CI = 28.7-54.4). From 2014 to 2023, physiotherapists per 100,000 population rose by 41.6%, and the replacement rate (~2.5) remained stable overall, with higher replacement rates among males. CONCLUSION: Most physiotherapists intended to stay, with registration data indicating strong workforce growth and stable replacement rates over the past decade. However, nearly one in five physiotherapists plan to leave or remain uncertain - most citing retirement, remuneration, career progression, dissatisfaction, or burnout as reasons. Strategies targeting these factors may improve retention.
Cole E, Reymond L, Stroil-Salama E
… +1 more, Phelan C
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41292034
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OBJECTIVE: Queensland implemented a centralised voluntary assisted dying (VAD) pharmacy model to promote safety, consistency and equitable access to VAD substances. In a geographically dispersed state, such as Queensland...OBJECTIVE: Queensland implemented a centralised voluntary assisted dying (VAD) pharmacy model to promote safety, consistency and equitable access to VAD substances. In a geographically dispersed state, such as Queensland, a potential concern is whether centralisation affects time-to-delivery (TTD) for patients in regional and rural areas. This audit examined whether differences exist in TTD between South East Queensland (SEQ; metropolitan) and non-SEQ (non-metropolitan) patients, and explored reasons for prescription and visit cancellations to determine whether geographic factors, particularly remoteness, influenced service reliability. METHODS: All VAD substance deliveries between 1 January 2023 and 31 January 2024 were analysed. TTD was defined as the difference between the patient's preferred and actual supply dates. Comparisons were made across region (SEQ vs non-SEQ), hospital and health service districts, and Modified Monash Model categories. Reasons for prescription and visit cancellations were also explored, as these cases were not captured in the TTD dataset if a delivery did not proceed, and may reveal potential geographic barriers for timely access. RESULTS: Of 911 patients, 723 (83%) received the VAD substance on their preferred date. No statistically significant differences in TTD were observed across region, hospital and health service districts or Modified Monash Model classifications, demonstrating consistent and reliable statewide delivery - an indicator of safety and standardised practice. Cancellations (prescriptions n = 58, visits n = 56) were geographically uniform and most commonly due to patient death. CONCLUSIONS: Queensland's centralised VAD pharmacy enables equity of access and safe delivery of VAD substances regardless of geography, supporting standardised practice and mitigating operational risks through centralised oversight.
Morrison A, Comben C, Pagliaro C
… +1 more, Wright E
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41292032
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OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to describe current multi-component services and programs with the primary purpose of preventing suicide and self-harming behaviours among adolescents and young adults aged 12-25 year...OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to describe current multi-component services and programs with the primary purpose of preventing suicide and self-harming behaviours among adolescents and young adults aged 12-25 years in Australia and summarise evaluations of these initiatives. METHOD: A systematic search of Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and grey literature was conducted to identify relevant publications from 2014 to 2024. Data on identified services and programs were then analysed using a narrative synthesis approach. A quality assessment of evidence was also employed. RESULTS: The review included six journal articles and six grey literature reports, detailing five different multi-component services and programs. Findings indicated relatively few existing multi-component strategies, with most targeting suicide or suicide and self-harm prevention. No identified multi-component programs focused solely on preventing self-harm. Three programs were delivered in community-based settings, one was web-based, and one was school-based. Common program components included psychoeducational materials/interventions, peer-to-peer support, and professional support/counselling. There was significant variation in how initiatives were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The review suggests that there are few multi-component strategies for preventing suicide and self-harm among young Australians. Most of those identified were only introduced within the past 6 years, leaving little opportunity for comprehensive, long-term evaluations. Although available evidence indicates promising results, the scarcity of completed evaluations limits understanding of their overall effectiveness. The absence of multi-component programs specifically addressing self-harm highlights a key gap, emphasising the need for targeted, evidence-based prevention strategies that distinguish between self-harm with suicidal intent and non-suicidal self-harm.
Woods TJ, Sharma Y, Thompson C
… +6 more, Mangoni AA, Rao BS, Kariyawasam I, Woodman R, Horwood C, Kaambwa B
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41292029
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OBJECTIVE: Directly influenced by hospital-related factors, potentially avoidable unplanned readmissions (PAURs) offer a more actionable indicator of care quality and safety than unplanned readmissions. Direct costs of P...OBJECTIVE: Directly influenced by hospital-related factors, potentially avoidable unplanned readmissions (PAURs) offer a more actionable indicator of care quality and safety than unplanned readmissions. Direct costs of PAURs are scarcely reported. This study estimates the direct costs of PAURs within 30 days of discharge and identifies factors associated with higher unplanned readmission costs. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed hospitalisation data for all adult general medicine patients discharged alive from a South Australian hospital between 1 July and 30 September 2022 and readmitted to any state public hospital within 30 days. A panel of senior clinicians evaluated PAURs using pre-defined criteria. Costs were estimated using the National Hospital Cost Data Collection and inflated to 2024 Australian dollars. Predictors of cost were identified using a generalised linear model. RESULTS: Of 375 readmitted patients, 78 readmissions were classified as PAURs. The total unadjusted unplanned readmission cost was $4,720,869, with PAURs accounting for $897,932 (19%). Mean costs were $11,512 (s.d. = $14,329) for PAURs and A$12,872 (s.d. = $19,089) for non-PAURs (P = 0.45). Readmission costs were higher among patients with congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease (both P < 0.05). Adjusted mean cost per unplanned readmission (both PAURs and non-PAURs) was $13,703 (s.e. = $1112). PAURs were associated with a $3982 cost reduction (P = 0.037). Prior emergency department visits reduced costs (P = 0.017), whereas smoking (P = 0.043) and index admission length of stay (P < 0.05) increased costs. CONCLUSION: PAURs imposed substantial costs but were less expensive per admission than non-PAURs. Higher costs were observed among patients with congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, smoking, and longer index admissions. System-level transitional care strategies with targeted case management for high-risk, high-cost patients may enhance continuity of care, reduce readmission-related costs, and support more strategic resource allocation across the public healthcare system.
Lovegrove J, Havers S, Smith A
… +4 more, Ball DL, Ullman AJ, Bhasale A, Rickard CM
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41292024
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) policies across Queensland public health services, their underpinning evidence, and alignment with the 2021 Australian PIVC Clinical Care Stan...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) policies across Queensland public health services, their underpinning evidence, and alignment with the 2021 Australian PIVC Clinical Care Standard. METHODS: A document review and analysis of public state and health service PIVC policies, procedures, and guidelines across Queensland was performed. Data were extracted using standardised forms, collated, reviewed, and compared for each health service and the state overall. Document characteristics and underpinning evidence (e.g. references, supporting resources, alignment with the 10 PIVC Standard Quality Statements) were analysed descriptively. Binary adherence (yes adherent, no not adherent, other) was assessed for the 10 PIVC Standard Quality Statements. RESULTS: Documents included 17 health service procedures, one protocol, and one statewide guideline (total n = 19), released between 2015 and 2024. Most were PIVC-specific (90%), and four had exceeded their planned update timepoint. Three had no references, but had supporting resources described, whereas one document had both. One provided neither references nor supporting resources. All documents had hyperlinks to other internal and/or external resources. Of 15 released after Standard publication (post-2021), 13 (86.7%) referred to the Standard. No individual document adhered to all 10 Standard Quality Statements. None of the Quality Statements were met by all documents (adherence range 0-95%). CONCLUSIONS: Many PIVC policies lacked a strong evidence framework and did not align with the minimum level of care expected in Australia. This likely impacts the quality of clinical care and patient outcomes. There is an urgent need for rationalisation and system-wide standardisation of policies to reduce variation and ensure clinical standards are met.
Stone L, Price K, Barrett M
… +2 more, Cahill M, Walsh E
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41292021
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OBJECTIVE: Australia has a critical shortage of general practitioners (GPs). A third of the profession are expected to leave within the next 5 years, and recruitment initiatives have been insufficient to address the gap....OBJECTIVE: Australia has a critical shortage of general practitioners (GPs). A third of the profession are expected to leave within the next 5 years, and recruitment initiatives have been insufficient to address the gap. Female GPs practice differently to their male colleagues and seem to be reducing their clinical work at higher rates. The aim of this study was to explore the reasons why they are leaving, so that Australian communities are better able to attract and retain their expertise and capacity. METHODS: The study used a narrative methodology with an online survey method. We recruited female GPs who were retiring or reducing their clinical workload by at least 50% and used descriptive, comparative and open-ended questions. The survey explored the way physical, emotional, social, financial and occupational wellbeing influenced their decisions to: become GPs, remain in general practice, choose to leave and consider returning. RESULTS: There was rapid uptake with 770 eligible participants completing the survey within a month. The cohort was broadly representative of the female GP population, in age, experience and geographical distribution. Female GPs expressed a deep commitment to their patients and communities, but described financial, social and occupational barriers to care that were physically, mentally and morally harmful. GPs felt 'targeted' by politicians and policy makers who treated them with 'malignant disregard'. CONCLUSIONS: Female GPs describe unsustainable working conditions that prevent them from working in a profession they love. Rebuilding trust will be a core task if this critical workforce is to be retained.
Druce T, Atkinson-Briggs S, Kerr D
… +2 more, McNamara C, Rasmussen B
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41292011
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OBJECTIVES: The Guided Self-Determination (GSD) method is an evidence-based life-skill intervention program that involves self-directed and shared decision-making between people with an ongoing health issue and GSD-train...OBJECTIVES: The Guided Self-Determination (GSD) method is an evidence-based life-skill intervention program that involves self-directed and shared decision-making between people with an ongoing health issue and GSD-trained healthcare practitioners. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a significant contributor to disease burden for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This paper describes the process of developing a co-designed, culturally tailored GSD program to improve diabetes self-management and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. METHODS: Two co-design workshops were held with Aboriginal peoples with lived experience of T2D, in conjunction with healthcare practitioners. RESULTS: The participants' feedback highlighted the need for plain language and pictorials; using respectful Indigenous language terms; the importance of emphasising successful diabetes management; the inclusion of mind mapping; and the use of strengths-based yarning as the foundation of the program. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of tailoring communication methods to fit the cultural and linguistic context for Aboriginal people was integral to participants. Using less medical and technical language and including diagrams, drawings or symbols ensured that the information was accessible. By aligning language and communication styles with that of Aboriginal people, healthcare practitioners can help ensure that their messages are valued and understood. In the next phase of the project, the effectiveness of the co-designed GSD program will be evaluated using diabetes self-management and quality of life measures. In addition, the feasibility and acceptability of the GSD program will be explored.
de Visser BM, Dimmock TM, White CL
… +3 more, Schulz PA, Hardman A, Westall GP
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41292003
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OBJECTIVE: High levels of patients failing to attend specialist clinic appointments contribute to extended waiting times and the inherent clinical risk related to deferred care. We undertook three separate sub-studies to...OBJECTIVE: High levels of patients failing to attend specialist clinic appointments contribute to extended waiting times and the inherent clinical risk related to deferred care. We undertook three separate sub-studies to better understand failure to attend (FTA) drivers. METHODS: An initial quantitative study was performed to identify variables linked to a high FTA rate. A second qualitative study recruited 60 patients to identify barriers and facilitators to clinic attendance. Based on these findings, the following four interventions were evaluated to reduce FTA: (i) increased frequency of SMS messaging, (ii) real-time booking of review appointments, (iii) incorporation of behavioural nudges in SMS messages, and (iv) targeted communications to 'high-risk' FTA patients. RESULTS: New patients and patients who had previously missed a clinic were at greatest risk of failing to attend. The qualitative analysis identified factors that contributed to high FTA rates. These were incorporated into four FTA interventions that successfully reduced FTA rates, albeit by differing rates (net reduction in FTA ranging from 10.8 to 54.9%). CONCLUSION: We described an integrated approach to reduce FTA rates in specialist clinics, thereby improving clinic capacity and reducing the risk of adverse clinical outcomes related to deferred access to care.
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41291998
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a dataset of the speech pathology workforce in the Australian Capital Territory, addressing gaps in workforce data caused by the absence of National Registration and Accreditation Scheme regulatio...OBJECTIVE: To establish a dataset of the speech pathology workforce in the Australian Capital Territory, addressing gaps in workforce data caused by the absence of National Registration and Accreditation Scheme regulation. METHODS: A 21-question online survey was adapted and distributed by subject matter and health workforce experts, based on existing workforce survey data for National Registration and Accreditation Scheme regulated allied health professionals, and previous allied health and speech pathology workforce surveys in other Australian health jurisdictions. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed to examine the relationship between demographic and employment characteristics. RESULTS: The survey revealed an emerging speech pathology workforce requiring structured supervision and support, that is inequitably distributed across the Australia Capital Territory. The collected demographic and basic employment characteristics of speech pathologists in the Australian Capital Territory were largely consistent with 2021 Census data and Speech Pathology Australia estimates. The survey provided greater granularity of speech pathology workforce data that aligns more closely with datasets used for other AH professions under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. CONCLUSIONS: This research has established a purpose-built dataset of the speech pathology workforce in the Australian Capital Territory. The granularity of this data can better inform workforce planning for speech pathology and other allied health professions not covered by the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. A public online register based on this framework for speech pathologists and allied health professions would enhance the understanding of critical workforce dynamics over time and allow more robust planning of the allied health workforce.
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41291993
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically map the scope, focus, and distribution of Queensland's health workforce (HWF) policies and examine their alignment with strategic HWF objectives. METHODS: A descriptive polic...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically map the scope, focus, and distribution of Queensland's health workforce (HWF) policies and examine their alignment with strategic HWF objectives. METHODS: A descriptive policy review was conducted using documents sourced from the Queensland Health and Health Workforce Queensland websites between January and May 2025. Documents were coded by policy type (system-level, individual-level, employment), document type, strategic domain (supply, distribution, performance), health profession, policy author, and publication year. RESULTS: A total of 275 policy documents were identified. Among 11 major policy groupings, most policies related to 'general HWF' and 'medical doctors and specialists' with minimal policy attention to pharmacists, physician assistants, paramedics, and aged care workers. Employment-focused policies accounted for 52% of all documents, compared with 38% focused on individual career development and only 10% on system-level strategic objectives. Most documents addressed workforce performance (65%), with fewer addressing supply (39%) or distribution (11%). Employment policy documents were largely authored by human resources and industrial relations bodies, reflecting the prominence of these actors in the HWF policy landscape. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high volume of HWF policy in Queensland, the policy architecture is fragmented. Profession-specific siloes, a strong emphasis on employment and industrial policy, and uneven focus across supply, distribution and performance domains suggest coordination and alignment challenges when it comes to addressing broader workforce goals. Further work is needed to understand whether and how these patterns may constrain the development of integrated, equitable workforce strategies capable of addressing persistent system-wide planning issues such as skills mix, retention and rural maldistribution.
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41291991
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify how telehealth supports access to Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) globally and explore potential risks and benefits of telehealth for VAD consultations. METHODS: A systematic review...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify how telehealth supports access to Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) globally and explore potential risks and benefits of telehealth for VAD consultations. METHODS: A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles on telehealth and VAD examining global use of telehealth to support access to VAD, global restrictions to telehealth-enabled VAD, and practical and clinical implications of using telehealth in supporting VAD was performed. PubMed, Embase (Excerpta Medica Database), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science, and Scopus were searched and supplemented by handsearching relevant articles. Study quality was assessed using the SQUIRE (The Standard for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty articles were identified and then screened by two reviewers. Data were extracted from 26 included articles. Guided by Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis methodology, manual open coding was undertaken, and peer debriefing meetings resulted in the final key themes. Overall, findings indicate that telehealth can facilitate VAD services, enhance patient and provider experiences, and mitigate access inequities. The analysis highlighted that telehealth could further improve VAD access, especially in rural and remote areas. Until then, there are ongoing legal ambiguities for providers in Australia. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth can improve access to VAD, particularly in remote areas, reducing travel burdens for terminally ill patients. Global evidence from VAD and other sensitive medical fields supports the conclusion that telehealth's benefits outweigh its risks. Legislative clarity in Australia is necessary to resolve conflicts between federal and state laws and to provide clarity for healthcare providers and improve access for eligible patients. Future research should include more robust measures of the efficacy of telehealth.
Leggett N, Wang Y, Burleigh S
… +11 more, Cuming M, Deane AM, French C, Maiden MJ, Manski-Nankervis JA, Merolli M, Rollinson TC, Stewart J, Zhang C, Ali Abdelhamid Y, Haines KJ
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41285692
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BACKGROUND: Increased global attention on enhancing the support available for critical care survivors to improve their health outcomes has led to an exploration of the integration of care between intensive care and prima...BACKGROUND: Increased global attention on enhancing the support available for critical care survivors to improve their health outcomes has led to an exploration of the integration of care between intensive care and primary care. The satisfaction of the experience between critical care survivors and their general practitioner (GP) remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine how satisfied Australian critical care survivors are with their GP and general practice experience. METHODS: A prospective multi-centre observational cohort study of adult intensive care unit patients was completed across three tertiary hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Adult intensive care unit survivors who were mechanically ventilated for >24 h were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was the frequency scores of the General Practice Assessment Questionnaire domains. The General Practice Assessment Questionnaire is a 35-item survey measuring the domains of general practice reception, access, continuity of care, communication, enablement and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 51 participants were recruited. Of these, 98% reported having a preferred GP, 96% reported confidence and trust in their GP and 88% would recommend their clinic to new patients. High satisfaction was reported across all General Practice Assessment Questionnaire domains. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of critical illness report high satisfaction in their experience with their GP and general practice from participants from socioeconomically diverse areas.
Robinson N, Claringbold G, Anglim J
… +3 more, Fischer S, Walker A, Forsyth L
Aust Health Rev
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41285691
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OBJECTIVE: Adaptive leadership has gained attention in health care as a useful framework for navigating increasing complexity and unpredictability. This rapid review examined the application of adaptive leadership in hea...OBJECTIVE: Adaptive leadership has gained attention in health care as a useful framework for navigating increasing complexity and unpredictability. This rapid review examined the application of adaptive leadership in healthcare settings and the associated outcomes. METHODS: The systematic search was conducted in Medline Complete, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and PsycInfo databases. Articles were included if they were peer-reviewed empirical studies on adaptive leadership in primary and acute healthcare settings that assessed an organisational or individual outcome, and were published between 2010 and 2025. RESULTS: Fifteen peer-reviewed studies were eligible for inclusion. Several main study designs were present, with one-third being case studies, case reports or case series. Three studies used a cross-sectional quantitative survey and another was quasi-experimental. Adaptive leadership was primarily used as a framework to analyse qualitative data. Two studies applied it as a problem-solving approach and three studies measured it quantitatively. While acknowledging the limitations of drawing causal inferences from case studies and qualitative research, study authors generally interpreted their results as supporting positive effects of adaptive leadership, including its role in: (a) supporting change initiatives and innovation in care planning; (b) improving safety citizenship behaviours, increasing employee engagement and facilitating the identification of process improvements; and (c) enhancing trust, helping patients co-create solutions and learn new skills. CONCLUSIONS: The scarcity of research and diversity of outcomes limits the overall conclusions that can be made regarding the efficacy of adaptive leadership in health care. Further research is required with more rigorous study designs examining direct applications of adaptive leadership.