Current Topics and Trends in Australian Healthcare

Australian Healthcare Index (AHI) Report:

11,000+ Australians shared their take on healthcare & the results are in.  See how your experiences compare and check out the  Australian Heatlhcare Index  today and the interactive dashboard to learn more.  The Australian Patients Association and Healthengine work together on this to elevate the patient voice and opportunities for Australian healthcare. A copy of the report is available on our website for download.

Inquiry into Long COVID and Repeated COVID Infections:

APA made a submission to House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport on Inquiry into Long COVID and Repeated COVID Infection.

Ambassador for Health Reform:

APA is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Nick Coatsworth as our Ambassador for Health Reform. He is not only a practising infectious disease physician but also an expert in Health Policy and Public administration and keeps a keen interest in bringing about Health Reform.

Webinars on Patients’ Rights:

We know it is a difficult time for everyone. The cost of healthcare is increasing and so is the waiting time to receive care. The good news is we are resuming webinars on Patients’ Rights in the new year in conjunction with Slater & Gordon Lawyers. Subscribe for APA Newsletter to receive updates by clicking here.

Rapid rise in Covid cases:

In Australia, the wave is already growing rapidly, with indicators such as recorded cases and hospital occupancy showing significant increases in multiple states over the past two weeks. To read the full article published in 7News on Tuesday, 22 November 2022 click here.

Earbuds: can they be used as hearing aids?

The basic function of a hearing aid is to amplify sound in a pattern to match the profile of the loss of hearing sensitivity in the wearer. Legally, a hearing aid can only be dispensed by a registered clinician. But a new class of devices, called personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), bypass this legal restriction. To read the full article published in The Conversation November 16, 2022 click here.

Trial unlocks new lease on life for people with spinal injuries:

A new device to help people with severe spinal injuries regain some movement in their hands and arms is being trialled in Melbourne. The Australian-first study is being run by Austin Health and the University of Melbourne and is currently recruiting 80 participants with spinal injuries. To read the full article published in 9News on Nov 22, 2022 by click here.

3 types of normal forgetting — and 1 that isn’t:

While forgetting where you parked, forgetting a person’s name and movie title, forgetting where you put your car keys or other objects are normal forgetting how to do an activity like making a coffee isn’t and this maybe a sign of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to be your brain’s destiny, says neuroscientist and author of “Still Alice,” Lisa Genova. She shares the latest science investigating the disease — and some promising research on what each of us can do to build an Alzheimer’s-resistant brain. Click here to listen her Ted Talk.

Webinar on Australian Healthcare Index (AHI) Report findings:

Get a look inside the latest Australian Healthcare Index report as Healthengine’s Dr Marcus Tan moderates a chat with the Australian Patients Association’s CEO Stephen Mason and healthcare industry leaders, including Dr Stephen Duckett of the Grattan Institute and Kylie Woolcock of Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association on the findings of 11,000+ patients and their experiences with healthcare. Register today to join live or get the recording.

Victorian Healthcare Week:

A reminder to register for the 10th Annual Victorian Healthcare week expo to be held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition centre on the 7th and 8th of December. Only 10% of the free passes remain. Click here to register for your free expo pass.

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