JCU Cairns BNSc student nurse awarded Paige Breheny Memorial Award 2017

Soon to graduate, Natasha Day, JCU Cairns 3rd year student nurse, has been awarded the Paige Breheny memorial award 2017 from the Cairns and Hinterland Health and Hospital Service for compassion, integrity and professionalism. Congratulations to Natasha.

PhD Thesis: An investigation into the use and effectiveness of post-exercise recovery protocols for team sport

Crowther, Fiona Alyce (2017) An investigation into the use and effectiveness of post-exercise recovery protocols for team sport. PhD thesis, James Cook University.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51634/

Abstract

A variety of post-exercise recovery strategies are used by team sport athletes. However, little research has investigated the use of recovery strategies by team sport athletes across a range of competition levels. Furthermore, equivocal evidence exists to support the use of one recovery strategy over another. The aim of this thesis was therefore to investigate recovery usage by team sport athletes across a range of competition levels in various sports, and the effects of differing recovery strategies after single and multiple bouts of simulated team sport match-play exercise.

A systematic review of the literature revealed CWI, CWT and ACT produced mostly equivocal effects in comparison to CONT for performance and perceptual recovery. Cold water immersion and CWT also improved performance and perceptual recovery in a number of instances, CWI also decreased performance in a small number of instances. No differences were indicated between ACT and CONT for performance recovery and mostly for perceptual recovery, with a small number of decreases after ACT in comparison to CONT for perceptual recovery. Current evidence was therefore not conclusive on the effectiveness of these recovery strategies.

Three original studies are subsequently presented in this thesis that aim to address the current unclear evidence on recovery strategies. The aim of the first study (Chapter 3) was to identify via survey which recovery strategies are currently used by Australian male and female team sport athletes of varying competition levels. Three hundred and thirty-one athletes were surveyed across fourteen team sports and five levels of competition; 57% of whom reported utilising one or more recovery strategies. All international athletes reported using massage for recovery. Athletes of all other competition levels utilised stretching (STR) the most (98% national, 79% state, 87% regional and 77% local athletes). Water immersion strategies were most often used by national and international athletes. Stretching was self-rated the most effective recovery strategy (4.4/5; where 5 = very effective) with active, land-based (ALB) considered the least effective by its users (3.6/5). Laziness and time constraints were the main self-reported reasons provided by those who did not undertake a specific recovery strategy. Water immersion strategies were considered effective or ineffective largely due to psychological reasons. In contrast STR and ALB were considered to be effective or ineffective mainly due to physical reasons. Results from Chapter 3 indicate that the perceptions of athletes on recovery strategy effectiveness did not always align with scientific evidence. The availability of particular recovery strategies may also affect recovery strategy selection. It is recommended that athletes and coaching staff are provided with up-to-date information on the effects of different recovery strategies to ensure informed decisions are made regarding recovery strategy selection.

The aim of the second study (Chapter 4), a randomised controlled trial (RCT; N = 34), was to compare the effectiveness of CWI, CWT, ACT, a combination of cold water immersion and active recovery (COMB) and a control (CONT) condition after a single bout of simulated team-game circuit exercise (55 min). Performance and perceptual recovery indices were assessed over a 48 hr time period. Results suggest that CWI and COMB produced detrimental jump power performance at 1 hr compared to CONT and ACT, and thus should not be selected for short term recovery. It is likely that 1 hr was not sufficient time for muscles to rewarm after CWI and COMB resulting in decreased jump performance at this time. Findings also suggest CWT should be elected for short-term perceptual recovery after a team sport game. The heat component of CWT may have contributed to feelings of relaxation and accordingly enhanced perceptions of recovery. No between recovery differences were found at 24 and 48 hr post the simulated team-game circuit exercise.

The aim of the third study (Chapter 5; N = 14) was to examine the use of CWI, CWT, ACT, COMB and CONT recovery across repeated small-sided games simulating acute tournament match-play (three 15 min efforts, 3 hr apart, with recovery after bouts 1 and 2) upon performance, perceptual and physiological indices of recovery over an 8 hr time period. Results indicated that CWT was superior to ACT for performance, and COMB was superior to ACT and CONT for perceptual recovery during the simulated tournament day. The ACT recovery was detrimental to performance and perceptual recovery and thus a similar ACT recovery protocol should not be elected for use in a team sport multiple-game tournament day. The mechanisms most likely associated with the beneficial CWT findings compared to ACT include a combination of the negative effects of ACT such as no rest and increased energy consumption and the positive effects of CWT such as the alternation between vasoconstriction and vasodilation. During a COMB recovery the actions of hydrostatic pressure and leg movement may assist with blood flow and enhanced perceptions of recovery. The ACT recovery is most likely detrimental during a tournament day due to the extra metres covered, adding to the experienced soreness and fatigue.

The results of the RCTs question the high anecdotal use of CWI by national and international athletes as reported in the survey, with CWI found to have no positive effect upon performance or perception after a single bout of a simulated team sport or during a simulated tournament day.

In conclusion, the current research has highlighted the need for athlete and coach education on the effects of recovery strategies, noting the limitations associated with the inconclusive nature of evidence regarding the use of specific recovery strategies. Contrast water therapy is recommended to be used for short term perceptual recovery after a single team sport event. A COMB recovery should be elected for superior perceptual recovery over a team sport tournament day. The research presented in this thesis has significantly contributed to post-exercise recovery research by providing an overview of recovery strategy use by Australian-based team sport athletes and by providing evidence-based recommendations from trials that compare the effectiveness of various recovery strategies used by team sport athletes. These findings provide athletes and coaches with up-to-date information to assist with informed decision making about their recovery choices in particular sports and contexts. Recommendations for future research have also been identified, including investigation into whether performance or perceptual recovery is more important and whether individualised recovery is required for optimum team performance.

A psychology degree from JCU can take you almost anywhere

A psychology degree from JCU can take you almost anywhere, but Travis Bain has stretched his further than most, carving out a gleefully gruesome career in film making.

From his early low-budget, DIY-fake-blood beginnings, Travis has been attracting bigger names, better budgets, and more sophisticated fake blood for each successive film.

He recently presented the world premiere of Landfall at this year’s Monster Fest, and will host a special screening in Cairns on Friday December 8th.

Details, and the official trailer, here: http://www.sapphirepictures.com.au/

Reproduced from https://www.jcu.edu.au/@jcu/a-monstrous-success

Publication: Mental health in Australian (North Queensland) tertiary students

Hawkins, Russell, Newitt, Hayley, Piat, Marissa, and Pfeiffer, Nicole (2017) Mental health in Australian (North Queensland) tertiary students. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 3 (3). pp. 105-123.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51567/

Abstract
This paper summarises three studies undertaken by James Cook University psychology students investigating mental health in tertiary students. Study one found that students (N=547) reported greater levels of psychological distress than found for the general population and that scores for depression and anxiety were significantly higher among school leaver students than mature age students. The second study of 372 students found that 34.4% reported clinical levels of anxiety, 55.1% reported clinical levels of depression and there were no major differences between rural and urban students. The third study considered whether exposure to educational videos and a facilitated discussion might positively affect student attitudes towards people experiencing depression. Improved knowledge scores followed video exposure, but attitudes towards depression remained stubbornly unchanged, stereotypical and negative. Difficulties obtaining ethics approval are described as symptomatic of the stigma and institutional reluctance to face up to mental health issues that inhibits progress in the field.

JCU Physio graduate named as a future leader in Indigenous allied health

James Cook University student Michale Chandler has been awarded the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) "Future Leader in Indigenous Allied Health Award" at the 2017 National IAHA Conference in Perth.

The award recognises her leadership skills and commitment to study, and acknowledges her as an inspirational role model for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Michale will graduate with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in December 2017.

Reproduced from https://www.jcu.edu.au/@jcu/jcu-graduate-named-as-afuture-leader-in-indigenous-allied-health

New Library Books - November 2017

NEW LIBRARY BOOKS NOVEMBER 2017

This is a list of new books which have recently been added to the JCU Library collection. Books may be borrowed from the displays in the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library and the Cairns Campus Library, unless they are in non-borrowable collections such as Reference. Click on the title links to see more details in Tropicat and to access eBooks online.

ONLINE	On concepts, modules, and language
ONLINE	Cognitive psychology
ONLINE	Handbook of imagination and culture
ONLINE	Cultural competence in health
610.730994 CON 2017	Contexts of nursing
ONLINE	Handbook of disability sport and exercise psychology
614.59398 IMP	Impact of overweight and obesity as a risk factor for chronic conditions
616.855 MAN 2010	Management of motor speech disorders in children and adults

Publication: Dual degree destinations: Nursing or Midwifery?

Yates, Karen, Birks, Melanie, Coxhead, Helen, and Zhao, Lin (2017) Dual degree destinations: Nursing or Midwifery? Women and Birth, 30 (Supplement 1). p. 23.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51474/

Abstract

Midwifery bodies have expressed concern that the competing ideologies of nursing science, which is closer to a medical model of care, and of midwifery can be confusing for students and counterproductive to their education as effective midwives. Proponents of dual nursing and midwifery degrees, however, argue that there is a need in rural and regional areas of Australia for graduate nurses and midwives who understand both of these ideologies and ways of working and are able to apply them both, in context, to practice in rural and regional areas. Until midwifery led model of care options become more readily accessible in rural areas, this dual nursing/midwifery qualification serves these areas well. Anecdotally, students enrolled in this dual degree appear to be focussed on careers as midwives.

This study is uses a cross-sectional survey design to survey students enrolled in years one and four of two different four year dual nursing and midwifery degrees to ascertain preferences for practice area at these two stages of the course and graduates of the program at 12-36 months post-graduation to ascertain place/field of employment at this time frame. Cross sectional survey design allows data to be collected from different cohorts at varying times on the student and graduate trajectory at the same time. HREC approval is in place.

Data will be downloaded and subjected to simple descriptive analyses using SPSS. Responses from each cohort will be compared to ascertain differences between proposed career trajectories of each of the student cohorts against actual positions of the graduate cohort.

This study aims to provide a better understanding of students' motivations and intentions in studying a Bachelor of Nursing Science/Bachelor of Midwifery dual degree. This information is useful when considering implications for the nursing and midwifery workforces, particularly in relation to the issue of maldistribution.

Call for workers to rise up

James Cook University study has found nearly three quarters of office workers believe there is a negative relationship between sitting down all day at work and their health - and that bosses are crucial to helping solve the problem.

PhD candidate Teneale McGuckin is a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at JCU. She surveyed 140 office workers on what they thought was the relationship between sitting time and health.

“One hundred people said that more sitting time worsened their health. Back complaints were the most common worry, then neck aches and loss of muscle tone. People also talked about weight gain and that sitting down all day reduced their motivation.”

Ms McGuckin said that science supported the view that sitting is bad for you.

“Increased sitting time has been associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy.  Links to weight gain, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and breathing difficulties, have also been identified.”

The office workers were also asked what they thought could be done about the problem and suggested a variety of behaviour change strategies.

These included alarms or alerts to prompt standing, or computer software which freezes the computer for a selected period of time, standing in meetings or in the lunchroom, and standing desks.

“But whatever the strategy used, the focus groups said it needed to include education on the benefits and it needed buy-in from management. People said the breaks have to be seen as a normal activity and there shouldn’t be criticism if they are away from their desks,” said Ms McGuckin.

She said that it was plain a ‘one size fits all’ approach would be unlikely to succeed due to personal preferences.

“Interventions have to include a variety of strategies that are individually tailored and in which the people involved have the opportunity for input. If people feel they have control of the situation in this way, the strategy is more likely to work.”

Reproduced from https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2017/november/call-for-workers-to-rise-up

Publication: Improving mental health outcomes assessment with the Mental Health Inventory-21

Hennessy, Maria J., Patrick, Jeff C., and Swinbourne, Anne L. (2017) Improving mental health outcomes assessment with the Mental Health Inventory-21. Australian Psychologist. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51515/

Abstract

Objective: There is a growing consensus that mental health should be conceptualised as a complete state that considers both illness and well-being components. In Australian mental health services, the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) is the only one of the three currently used consumer outcome measures that includes this broader perspective. However, the MHI has been criticised for its length, and variable factor structure. In order to improve the clinical utility of the MHI, a reliability and validity study of the MHI was undertaken.

Method: The original 38-item version of the MHI was administered to an Australian adult community sample (n = 616), along with two other consumer outcome measures (BASIS-32 and Kessler-10), a measure of psychological distress (DASS-21) and a measure of well-being (Satisfaction with Life Scale).

Results: Parallel analysis did not support the original factor structure of the MHI. The data indicated a correlated three-factor structure, measuring psychological distress, emotional well-being, and hopelessness. Seventeen items were deleted due to split loadings > .3, producing a shorter 21-item scale. New simplified additive scoring rules were also developed to support the practical utility of the scale.

Conclusion: Research, clinical practice and consumer feedback consistently highlight the need for a balanced assessment approach to mental health, which considers not only illness symptomatology, but also the characteristics of well-being that support recovery. Use of the three subscales of the MHI-21 would support a complete state assessment of mental health outcomes.

Publication: Occupational disruption among people with haematological cancer during treatment isolation

Tolson, Amanda, Lowrie, Daniel, Chand, Alisha, and Marsh, Jodie (2017) Occupational disruption among people with haematological cancer during treatment isolation. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 24 (9). pp. 394-402.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/50878/

Abstract
Occupational disruption and deprivation have been researched across a range of health and socio-political contexts. To date, no previous research has examined these phenomena in a haematological treatment isolation context. The purpose of this study was to develop an improved understanding of the occupational impact of prolonged treatment isolation upon people with haematological cancer. Narrative data were collected through a single semi-structured interviews with four adults with a history of haematological cancer and treatment isolation. The data were analysed through an interpretive phenomenological lens, resulting in four key, interrelated themes: survival as an occupation, environmental deprivation, polarised views of routine and reframing occupational identity. Whilst all participants experienced disruption to their previous occupational routines during and beyond treatment isolation, the degree and nature of this disruption varied over time. During the initial phases of isolation, a focus was placed on survival as the key occupation. Later, a sense of physical, sensory and social deprivation emerged as a result of the restrictive environment. This triggered a reframing of their identity as occupational beings, which continued post-treatment. The findings of this paper are important within the field of occupational science as they highlight the necessity of personalised approaches to supporting occupational engagement among people with haematological cancer, which might require modification over time, as individual's needs and priorities evolve.

JCU Midwifery students attend Townsville Mum's and Bub's market

JCU College of Healthcare Sciences Midwifery students attended the Townsville Mum's And Bub's Market on Saturday promoting the JCU Continuity of Midwifery program.

Publication: The impact of own and others' alcohol consumption on social contagion following a collaborative memory task

Thorley, Craig, and Christiansen, Paul (2018) The impact of own and others' alcohol consumption on social contagion following a collaborative memory task. Memory. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51509/

Abstract
When one person alters their recollection of an event to be consistent with another person's erroneous account of the same event, social contagion has occurred. In two studies, we examined whether alcohol consumption influences the degree to which people engage in social contagion. In Study 1, participants consumed alcohol, an alcohol placebo, or a soft drink and then completed a collaborative recall test with a confederate who consumed a soft drink. In Study 2, participants consumed a soft drink and then completed a collaborative recall test with a confederate they believed had consumed a soft drink or alcohol (but no alcohol was ever consumed). In both studies, the confederate made scripted errors during the collaborative recall test. On post-collaborative individual recall and recognition tests, participants in both studies engaged in social contagion by including the confederate’s errors in their own recollection. In Study 1, the drink participants consumed had no influence on social contagion. In Study 2, participants were less likely to engage in social contagion after collaborating with a confederate who had seemingly consumed alcohol. That same confederate was viewed as less accurate, trustworthy, and credible, which likely made participants less inclined to engage in social contagion.

Mount Isa Nursing student remembered with posthumous award

A past Mount Isa nursing graduate was remembered for her love of life and dedication to her degree at an award ceremony held at Mount Isa Hospital on Monday November 13.

Tanika Lea Caslick was known as a quiet achiever with a witty sense of humour, but died suddenly last year due to unknown circumstances at the age of 19.

She was studying a Bachelor of Nursing at James Cook University and was today awarded with a Posthumous Degree of Higher Education Majoring in Health.

“Tanika was remembered with a beautiful ceremony in the community garden, surrounded by her family, friends, fellow students, colleagues and hospital executives,” said James Cook University senior lecturer, Tanya Langtree.

“She was a very kind and gentle soul and well-known among her peers and community.”

The ceremony also saw the unveiling of a seat, designed by one of Tanika’s friends and fellow student, Brooke Wilson.

“I met Tanika through studying at JCU. Tanika was shy at first, a lot like me and then once we got to know each other we discovered that we were both loud.

“We studied together but also connected on a social level taking off to Townsville for weekends away.

“I made her a chair, it took me a while but I tried to decorate it with colours that reminded me of her and the same butterfly that we released for her the day she passed away.

“No one knows the reason behind Tanika’s death, it was very sudden and I think that’s why it hit all of us so hard.”

Reproduced from http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/5053181/mount-isa-nursing-student-remembered-with-posthumous-award/

Publication: Bringing together the 'Threads of Care' in possible miscarriage for women, their partners and nurses in non-metropolitan EDs

Edwards, Susan, Birks, Melanie, Chapman, Ysanne, and Yates, Karen (2017) Bringing together the 'Threads of Care' in possible miscarriage for women, their partners and nurses in non-metropolitan EDs. Collegian. pp. 1-9. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51231/

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a significant event in a woman’s life, a time of great expectation and attachment to the possibilities and dreams placed onto the new life growing inside her. Complications in pregnancy are physically and psychologically traumatic experiences that can generate high levels of anxiety. Vaginal bleeding, pain, or both in the first trimester of pregnancy are common causes for presentation in any Australian emergency department. These emergency departments play an important role in the provision of healthcare in regional, rural and remote areas. When experiencing possible miscarriage, the care that is provided to women and their partners presenting to their regional, rural and remote emergency departments can have significant impact on their approach to current and future pregnancies.

Aim: The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of women and male partners who presented to non-metropolitan emergency departments with possible miscarriage, along with the experiences of nursing staff who provided care in these settings.

Methods: Using a grounded theory methodology, three participant groups were included in this study: women who presented to an emergency department, their partners, and the nursing staff who provided care in these settings.
Findings: The developed theory ‘Threads of Care’ incorporated five stages of their journey through a non-metropolitan emergency department with possible pregnancy loss: presenting as one; wanting recognition and inclusion; seeking support and understanding; leaving as one; and moving on.

Discussion: The theory enhances the understanding of what constitutes optimal and effective care for women and their partners when presenting to non-metropolitan emergency departments with possible miscarriage.

Conclusion: The recommendations from this grounded theory will inform approaches to care that aim to meet the needs of women, their partners and nursing staff who care for them.

Publication: Medical and allied health staff self-reported long-term conditions: findings from a regional Australian health service

Smyth, Wendy, Lindsay, David, Brennan, Daryl, and Lindsay, Daniel (2017) Medical and allied health staff self-reported long-term conditions: findings from a regional Australian health service. International Journal of Workplace Health Management. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51479/

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the self-reported long-term conditions of medical officers and allied health staff working in a regional public health service in northern Australia and how these are managed.

Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample was all medical officers and allied health staff employed in mid-2015.

Findings: Of the 365 respondents, 217 (59.5%) reported having at least one long-term condition. There was a statistically significant association between professional group and the number of long-term conditions reported, χ2=10.24, p<0.05. A greater proportion of medical officers (n=29, 43.9%) reported having only one long-term condition compared with allied health staff (n=36, 24.5%). The top four categories of conditions were respiratory, musculo-skeletal, mental health, and episodic and paroxysmal, although the patterns varied amongst the professional groups, and across age groups. Respondents usually managed their main long-term conditions with personal strategies, rarely using workplace strategies.

Research limitations/implications: Although somewhat low, the response rate of 32% was similar to previous surveys in this health service. Since this survey, the health service has implemented a broad Health and Wellness Program to support their qualified workforce. Future evaluations of this program will be undertaken, including whether the program has assisted health professionals to manage their long-term conditions.

Practical implications: There is an urgent need for targeted, workplace-based health promotion strategies to support staff with long term conditions. Such strategies would complement self-management approaches, and also provide an important recruitment and retention initiative.

Originality/value: This study adds empirical evidence regarding the long-term conditions among health professionals and their self-management strategies. Little is known about the long-term conditions among the various health professional groups and the findings thus make an important contribution to existing literature.

Publication: The use of Facebook for virtual asynchronous focus groups in qualitative research

Biedermann, Narelle (2017) The use of Facebook for virtual asynchronous focus groups in qualitative research. Contemporary Nurse. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51289/

Abstract
The Internet and the development of more user-engaging applications have opened a whole new world for researchers as a means of recruitment and data collection source. This paper describes the methodological approach of a research study that explored the experiences of Australian military spouses who packed up their family and home to accompany their spouse on an overseas posting. The study used Facebook as a recruitment tool and then as a data source through the conduct of an asynchronous virtual focus group. This paper outlines the advantages and disadvantages of this unique data source as a means of capturing the voices of a hard-to-reach population.

Sessional Staff Teaching Awards

On 6 November, the Directorate of Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement hosted the 2017 Sessional Staff Teaching Awards.

The Sessional Teaching Awards, an LTSE initiative, celebrates the invaluable contribution that our sessional staff make to the JCU learning and teaching community. This year saw nominations from four of JCU’s colleges. Recipients are nominated by peers, endorsed by the College Dean and awarded a prize of $1,000.

Congratulations to JCU College of Healthcare Sciences sessional staff, Rebekah Boynton (pictured) and Helen Mason who have been recognised this year.

Publication: A necessary practice parameter: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife standards for practice

Nagle, Cate, Heartfield, Marie, McDonald, Susan, Morrow, Jane, Kruger, Gina, Bryce, Julianne, Birks, Melanie, Cramer, Rhian, Stelfox, Sara, and Hartney, Nicole (2017) A necessary practice parameter: nursing and midwifery board of Australia midwife standards for practice. Women and Birth, 30 (S1). pp. 10-11.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51482/

Abstract

Introduction: The NMBA Development of Midwife standards for practice project has reviewed the National competency standards for the midwife (Nursing and Midwifery Board Australia, 2006) to inform the drafting of Midwife standards for practice. Midwife standards for practice set out the expectations of the midwife’s practice and inform midwifery education accreditation standards, the regulation of midwives and determination of the midwife’s capability for practice. The Standards guide consumers, employers and other stakeholders on what to reasonably expect from a midwife regardless of the area of practice or the years of experience.

Aim: Present the research and consultation outcomes that have informed the development of the current draft Midwife standards for practice.

Methods: The methods in this three phase study include literature and evidence reviews, interviews, consultations, surveys and observations of midwives practice. Unike clinical guidelines the knowledge to inform standards for practice is not discrete and bounded by specific sets of information with technical solutions. The current relevant evidence has been integrated with the knowledge, experiences and views of midwives across Australia who practice in various jurisdictions, sectors and models of care as well as in clinical and non-clinical roles as well as consumers and individuals who represent professional, government and regulatory authorities.

Results: Midwifery practice in this project is apparent as the promotion of health and wellbeing in relation to childbearing, with inherent responsibilities and accountabilities for safety and quality that occurs in the context of respectful collaborative relationships. The current draft Standards acknowledge the involvement of others while clearly positioning midwifery practice as focused on the needs of the woman.

Conclusion and implications: The final project phase will test these draft standards through a second round of observations of midwives practicing in clinical and non-clinical settings to ensure that the standards reflect current (not aspirational) evidence-based midwifery practice, are up-to-date, meet legislative requirements and align with the other NMBA standards for practice.

Publication: A comparison of game-play characteristics between elite youth and senior Australian National Rugby League competitions

Woods, Carl T., Robertson, Sam, Sinclair, Wade H., Till, Kevin, Pearce, Leesa, and Leicht, Anthony S. (2017) A comparison of game-play characteristics between elite youth and senior Australian National Rugby League competitions. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51067/

Abstract

Objectives: To compare game-play characteristics between elite youth and senior Australian National Rugby League (NRL) competitions.

Design: Longitudinal observational.

Methods: The dataset consisted of 12 team performance indicators (e.g., ‘all runs’, ‘offloads’ and ‘tackles’) extracted from all 2016 national under 20 (U20) competition (elite youth; n = 372 observations) and National Rugby League (NRL) (elite senior; n = 378 observations) matches. Data was classified according to competition (Two levels: U20 and NRL) and modelled using two techniques. Firstly, non-metric multidimensional scaling resolved multivariate competition (dis)similarity, visualised using a two-dimensional ordination. Secondly, a conditional interference (CI) classification tree was grown to reveal the performance indicators most capable of explaining competition level.

Results: Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed high competition dissimilarity, with U20 and NRL teams orienting distinctive positions on the first dimension of the ordination surface. Five team performance indicators were retained within the CI tree (‘all runs’, ‘tackle breaks’, ‘tackles’, ‘missed tackles’, and ‘kicks’), which correctly classified 79% of the U20 observations and 93% of the NRL observations.

Conclusions: Multivariate differences between elite youth and senior rugby league competitions were identified. Specifically, NRL game-play was classified by a greater number of ‘all runs’, and ‘tackles’ and a lower number of ‘missed tackles’ relative to the U20 competition. Given the national U20 competition is purported to assist with the development of prospective NRL players, junior coaches may consider training interventions that primarily aid the tackling capacities of players. This may subsequently assist with talent development and player progression in Australian rugby league.

Inaugural Indigenous Student Awards Night

Congratulations to JCU College of Healthcare Sciences students, Clarissa Marrinan (Townsville) – Bachelor of Nursing Science - Bachelor of Midwifery; and Jefferson Mobbs (Cairns) – Bachelor of Exercise Physiology.

James Cook University has honoured the academic achievements of Indigenous students at its inaugural Indigenous Undergraduate Student Awards night.

The awards acknowledge and celebrate the efforts that JCU’s Indigenous students make to succeed in their higher education studies.

Academic awards were presented to students from each of JCU’s six Colleges and the Diploma of Higher Education, and two ‘Spirit’ awards were presented to students who have shown exceptional strength and resilience to overcome setbacks and persist with their studies.

Professor Martin Nakata, Pro Vice Chancellor of Indigenous Education and Strategy said the awards are designed to reward and encourage Indigenous students’ efforts to persist and succeed.

“The celebration provides an inspiring showcase to other Indigenous students and to our many supporters across the JCU community, the Indigenous community, across education, Industry and government sectors, and the community at large,” he said.

“Indigenous student success and the ability to overcome challenges provides a wellspring of inspiration for others and reminds us just what Indigenous students can achieve, given the opportunity and support to do so.”

The awards were hosted by the Indigenous Education and Research Centre at JCU, which provides personal and academic support to Indigenous students to help them achieve their full potential and achieve their goals to graduate.

Reproduced from https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2017/november/inaugural-indigenous-student-awards-night

What drives Townsville to save water?

A JCU College of Healthcare Sciences researcher wants to help Townsville residents save water.

Postgraduate research student Madelyn Pardon is investigating Townsville residents’ water usage, attitudes, beliefs and behaviours to find out how to make water conservation communication more effective.

“We need to understand the types of things that encourage water saving behaviours,” she said. “There are high level government strategies being planned but we can make a start solving the problem by focusing on what we can change as a community.”

Ms Pardon’s research is about how people process threatening information by using Townsville’s water shortage as an example.

“I am hoping to group people according to how threatening they believe the issue is and by how much they think they can personally help mitigate the problem,” she said.  “I expect people will fall into three groups; those who are resistant to the problem, those who are passionate about the problem and those who sit somewhere in the middle.”

Once these groups have been identified, Ms Pardon wants to tailor water-saving messaging to each group with the aim of increasing their water saving behaviour.

“I want to understand what type of communication about water saving would be the most effective for different people,” she said. “Therefore, instead of a blanket message for the entire community we can develop a series of messages that have been tailored to specific types of people.

“Hopefully that will be more successful in terms of action, or at least intention to act.”

Ms Pardon is conducting her research via an online survey which can be accessed via the Townsville Water Survey Facebook page.

Reproduced from https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2017/november/what-drives-townsville-to-save-water

Publication: Anterograde amnesia and disorientation are associated with in-patients without traumatic brain injury taking opioids

McLellan, Jessica, Marshman, Laurence A.G., and Hennessy, Maria (2017) Anterograde amnesia and disorientation are associated with in-patients without traumatic brain injury taking opioids. Retrograde amnesia (RA) is absent. RA assessment should be integral to post-traumatic amnesia testing. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 44. pp. 184-187.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51285/

Abstract
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) only assesses orientation after traumatic brain injury (TBI). ‘Post-traumatic amnesia’ (PTA) comprises orientation, anterograde amnesia (AA) and retrograde amnesia (RA). However, RA is often disregarded in formalized PTA assessment. Drugs can potentially confound PTA assessment: e.g. midazolam can cause AA. However, potential drug confounders are also often disregarded in formalized PTA testing. One study of medium-stay elective-surgery orthopaedic patients (without TBI) demonstrated AA in 80% taking opiates after general anesthesia. However, RA was not assessed. Opiates/opioids are frequently administered after TBI. We compared AA and RA in short-stay orthopaedic surgery in-patients (without TBI) taking post-operative opioids after opiate/opioid/benzodiazepine-free spinal anesthesia. In a prospective cohort, the Westmead PTA Scale (WPTAS) was used to assess AA (WPTAS < 12), whilst RA was assessed using the Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test RA item. Results were obtained in n = 25 (60 ± 14 yrs, M:F 17:8). Surgery was uncomplicated: all were discharged by Day-4. All were taking regular oxycodone as a new post-operative prescription. Only one co-administered non-opioid was potentially confounding (temezepam, n = 4). Of 25, 14 (56%) demonstrated AA: five (20%) were simultaneously disorientated. Mean WPTAS was 11.08 ± 1.22. RA occurred in 0%. Conclusions: AA and disorientation, but not RA, were associated with in-patients (without TBI) taking opioids. Caution should therefore be applied in assessing AA/orientation in TBI in-patients taking opioids. By contrast, retrograde memory was robust and more reliable: even in older patients with iatrogenic AA and disorientation. RA assessment should therefore be integral to assessing TBI severity in all formalized PTA and GCS testing.

New Library Books - October 2017

This is a list of new books which have recently been added to the JCU Library collection. Books may be borrowed from the displays in the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library and the Cairns Campus Library, unless they are in non-borrowable collections such as Reference. Click on the title links to see more details in Tropicat and to access eBooks online.

ONLINE	An analysis of Abraham Maslow's a theory of human motivation
ONLINE	Stepfamily relationships
ONLINE	Inclusion, play and empathy
155 SLE 2015	Child development
ONLINE	Assessment of autism spectrum disorder
ONLINE	The emergence of dreaming
ONLINE	Decolonizing psychology
302.2301 OXF	The Oxford Handbook of Media Psychology.
616.855 TEL	Counseling and interviewing in speech-language pathology and audiology
617.917 PER	Perioperative nursing
610.7343 INT 2017	An introduction to community and primary health care
614 LIA	Public health

Publication: Interventions designed to promote exclusive breastfeeding in high-income countries: a systematic review update

Skouteris, Helen, Bailey, Cate, Nagle, Cate, Hauck, Yvonne, Bruce, Lauren, and Morris, Heather (2017) Interventions designed to promote exclusive breastfeeding in high-income countries: a systematic review update. Breastfeeding Medicine. pp. 1-11. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51215/

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, women seldom reach the recommended target of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months postpartum. The aim of the current study was to update a previously published review that presented a conceptual and methodological synthesis of interventions designed to promote exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months in high-income countries.

Materials and Methods: A systematic search of leading databases was conducted for scholarly, peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials published from June 2013 to December 2016. Twelve new articles were identified as relevant; all were published in English and assessed exclusive breastfeeding with a follow-up period extending beyond 4 months postpartum. Articles were analyzed for overall quality of evidence in regard to duration of exclusive breastfeeding, using the Grading and Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Results: A significant increase in the duration of exclusive breastfeeding was found in 4 of the 12 studies. All four successful interventions had long-duration postpartum programs, implemented by telephone, text message, or through a website. Some of the successful interventions also included prenatal education or in-hospital breastfeeding support.

Conclusions: Results from this review update correspond closely with previous findings, in that all of the successful interventions had lengthy postnatal support or an education component. More studies assessed intervention fidelity than in the previous review; however, there was little discussion of maternal body–mass index. While a pattern of successful interventions is beginning to emerge, further research is needed to provide a robust evidence base to inform future interventions, particularly with overweight and obese women.

Publication: Dying to win?: the Goldman Dilemma in legend and fact

Moston, Stephen, Hutchinson, Brendan, and Engelberg, Terry (2017) Dying to win?: the Goldman Dilemma in legend and fact. International Journal of Sport Communication. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/49903/

Abstract
One of the implicit justifications for anti-doping is that athletes are so committed to winning that they will take performance enhancing substances regardless of the apparent consequences. Athletes are alleged to be, quite literally, willing to die to win. Support for this claim usually centres on the results of research by physician Bob Goldman, in which athletes were asked to respond to a hypothetical dilemma in which they were offered spectacular success in their chosen sport, but at a heavy price: they would die after five years of glory. In this paper, we examine the origins of this bargain, now popularly referred to as the Goldman dilemma, finding that both the methodology and implications of the original work have repeatedly been described inaccurately in both popular and scientific writings. These errors reflect both poor scholarship, and deliberate misuse, where the flawed narrative is used to justify contentious policy decisions.

Publication: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety symptoms in older adults in residential care

Helmes, Edward, and Ward, Bradley G. (2017) Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety symptoms in older adults in residential care. Aging & Mental Health, 21 (3). pp. 272-278.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/50305/

Abstract

Objectives: Anxiety in older people is under-diagnosed and poorly treated despite significant impairments that arise from anxiety. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been shown to be a promising treatment for anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an MBCT program on anxiety symptoms in older people living in residential care.

Method: Fifty-two participants (34 females) were randomly allocated into therapy and control groups using a 2-3 mixed design. The average age of participants was 83 years.

Results: The group effect showed significant improvements on all measures at the end of the sevenweek program in the therapy group, while the control group did not show significant changes.

Conclusion: This study represents one of the first studies of the effectiveness of an MBCT program on anxiety symptoms for older people using a randomized controlled trial. The study has implications for future research that include the effectiveness of MBCT for the treatment of anxiety symptoms in older people, the utility of group therapy programs in residential care and the benefits of using specialized instruments for older populations.

Research participants wanted: Water conservation behaviour in the Townsville region

My name is Madelyn Pardon and I am a postgraduate research student at James Cook University. I would like to invite you to take part in my research project investigating water conservation behaviour in the Townsville region. In this research, I am interested in understanding the common beliefs, attitudes and thoughts among the residents of Townsville and how these characteristics influence how people use water.

The study is also being conducted by Dr Anne Swinbourne and Dr Connar McShane and will contribute to my thesis for my Masters of Philosophy (Research) at James Cook University.

If you would like to participate in this study, you will be invited to fill out a questionnaire. With your consent, the questionnaire will enquire about your water usage behaviour, your perceptions relating to how the water restrictions have been communicated to you, as well as your concerns regarding the issue at present and in the future. The questionnaire should only take approximately 15 minutes of your time to complete.

https://jcuchs.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VptFUS9Nk8EHqt

Taking part in this study is completely voluntary and you can stop taking part in the study at any time without explanation or prejudice. You can stop taking part in the survey by exiting the web page. By completing this questionnaire you are consenting to participate in this study.

The data from the study will be used in research publications and reports as part of my postgraduate research. A summary report of my findings will also be posted on community boards such as the 'Townsville Water Usage survey' Facebook page. Because we never ask for your name, your responses will be completely unidentifiable in these reports and publications.

If you have any questions about the study, please contact either Madelyn Pardon, Dr Anne Swinbourne or Dr Connar McShane.

Principal Investigator:
Madelyn Pardon
College of Healthcare Sciences
James Cook University
Phone: 4781 6022
Email: madelyn.pardon@my.jcu.edu.au

Supervisors:
Dr Anne Swinbourne
College of Healthcare Sciences
James Cook University
Phone: 4781 4809
Email: anne.swinbourne@jcu.edu.au

Dr Connar McShane
College of Healthcare Sciences
James Cook University
Phone: 4781 8679
Email: connar.mcshane@jcu.edu.au

Prestige Research Scholarships

In 2018, James Cook University (JCU) are offering 10 Prestige Research Scholarships for outstanding Doctorate or Research Masters applicants. These will include five Domestic Prestige Research Scholarships and five Indigenous Prestige Scholarships.

For more information on how to apply:
https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduate-research-school/candidates/postgraduate-research-scholarships/prestige-research-scholarships

Publication: Retention of early career registered nurses: the influence of self-concept, practice environment and resilience in the first five years post-graduation

Mills, Jane, Woods, Cindy, Harrison, Helena, Chamberlain-Salaun, Jennifer, and Spencer, Ben (2017) Retention of early career registered nurses: the influence of self-concept, practice environment and resilience in the first five years post-graduation. Journal of Research in Nursing, 22 (5). pp. 372-385.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/50337/

Abstract
Health care systems depend on viable health professional workforces. Nurse workforce projections for Australia indicate that by 2030 the demand for nurses will exceed supply. Retaining nurses is an ongoing problem both in Australia and globally. This study investigates nurse self-concept, practice environment and resilience, and how these three factors influence the retention of early career registered nurses (ECRNs). ECRNs are defined as RNs in the first 5 years of practice post-graduation. The researchers used a cross-sectional design for the study. Survey responses were elicited from 161 ECRNs in one Australian hospital and health service using four survey instruments: The Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire, the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Nurse Retention Index. Study findings demonstrate correlations between ECRN retention intentions and nurse self-concept, practice environment and resilience. The significance of these factors at different points during the first five years of practice emphasises the need for judicious and well-timed use of strategies to positively influence nurse retention. Longitudinal research investigating the significance of influencing factors over time would further contribute to our understanding of ECRN retention intentions.

Ready to graduate at the end of 2017? Pre-apply to graduate now - applications for December ceremonies close end-October

Ready to graduate at the end of 2017? If you are completing your studies and want to graduate you must submit the form below before the closing date, even if you are not attending the ceremony (graduate in absentia). If you are intending to graduate you do not have to wait for the release of results before applying to graduate.

The option to graduate in absentia is for students who cannot attend a graduation ceremony. If you select this option you cannot change your mind and attend a ceremony at a later date.

Complete the online application form at https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduation

Ceremony details and closing dates

Remember: If you're going to your ceremony, you must graduate within the College/Division of your enrolment.

Townsville Campus (Venue: Entertainment Centre)

College/Division	Date	Time	Closing date
College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Science College of Medicine and Dentistry	20 December 2017	10.30am	28 October 2017
College of Healthcare Sciences	20 December 2017	3:30pm	28 October 2017
College of Science & Engineering and Division of Tropical Health & Medicine	8 March 2018	3.00pm	TBA

Cairns campus (Venue: Convention Centre)

College/Division	Date	Time	Closing date
Divison of Tropical Health and Medicine	18 December 2017	3.30pm	27 October 2017
All Colleges	13 March 2018	3.00pm	TBA

Your allocated ceremony will be advised closer to graduation.

For further information visit the Graduations website at https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduation or for contacts see https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduation/graduation-contacts