Intraoperative and early postoperative pain in cats that underwent ovariohysterectomy using a spay hook: a randomised, masked, experimental study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the feasibility and practicality of the ovariohysterectomy (OHE) technique in cats with or without a spay hook with respect to the incision size, surgical time, surgical variables, and intra- and postoperative pain. Twenty-nine female cats underwent OHE using a spay hook (spay hook group [SHG], n = 15) or without using a spay hook (control group [CG], n = 14) to achieve the ovaries and cervix. Physiological parameters were monitored during the intraoperative period, and postoperative pain was assessed using a multidimensional composite and visual analogue pain scales. RESULTS: The SHG had a significantly shorter operative time than the CG. The variables in the intraoperative period showed no statistically significant difference between both groups, as well as the early postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: Less invasive OHE using a spay hook could potentially be a viable and feasible technique when performed by an inexperienced surgeon with appropriate training, especially in sterilisation campaigns, reducing the time to perform the procedure and increasing the number of animals spayed per time.

A retrospective observational study of telehealth utilisation for mental health consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australian general practices.

Objectives and importance of study: Despite the abundance of mental health research during the pandemic, there is limited evidence exploring mental health presentations to Australian general practice. This study examined the utilisation of telehealth for mental health consultations in Australian general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives were to: 1) determine the proportion of mental health services delivered via telehealth between March 2020 and November 2021; 2) determine the types of mental health consultations most frequently delivered via telehealth; and 3) model the sociodemographic characteristics of patients using telehealth mental health consultations, including consultation type. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: We used Medicare Benefits Schedule service item numbers to distinguish mental health consultations in de-identified electronic general practice data. We stratified the proportions of face-to-face, video, and telephone mental health consultations by state and consultation type. We used two mixed-effects logistic models to assess the variation in the likelihood of i) a telehealth (video/telephone) compared to a face-to-face consultation and ii) a video compared to telephone consultation; by sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The study comprised 874 249 mental health consultations. Telehealth use peaked in Victoria (61.6%) during July 2020 and in NSW during August 2021 (52.5%). Telehealth use continued throughout 2021 with an increase in video consultations from July 2021 onwards in both states. Proportions of mental health treatment plan consultations via telephone decreased from July 2021 with a concomitant increase in video. Telehealth was more likely to be used by females, in Victoria, in regional/remote regions and during 2020. Video was more likely to be used than telephone for mental health treatment plans/reviews compared with mental health consultations. Compared with people aged 25-29, video was most likely to be used by ages 20-24 and least by those aged 80 and over. There was no evidence for sex differences when comparing telephone and video. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a comprehensive understanding of the important role telehealth played in the delivery of mental health consultations during the first 21 months of the pandemic, including sociodemographics of patients utilising telehealth. The findings can assist general practices with future planning for the delivery of mental health services via telehealth.

A framework for conducting policy-relevant primary care research: a COVID-19 case study in Australia.

The onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, and the ensuing implementation of response measures directly impacted the delivery of Australian primary care services. Understanding how these measures affected practice activity is important for gauging both their effectiveness and implications for future service planning. During the first 2years of the COVID-19 pandemic, a research project was undertaken to determine the impact of the pandemic on Australian general practice activity as a collaborative undertaking between researchers, general practitioners, data custodians, and five primary health networks from New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. The project methodology was based on an established research approach called action research, which involves participatory involvement from key stakeholders throughout the research process. The strength and success of the project's methodological approach stemmed from the synergistic interrelationship between the four key elements of: collaboration, repeated action research cycles (utilising electronic general practice data), engaged governance, and the production and dissemination of apposite knowledge outcomes. The project approach, knowledge outputs and lessons learned can be adapted to future research undertakings across any primary care setting and highlight the utility of action research and interdisciplinary research collaboration to produce knowledge directly relevant to clinical practice.

Telehealth utilisation in residential aged care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study in Australian general practice.

INTRODUCTION: Our earlier analysis during the COVID-19 surges in 2020 showed a reduction in general practitioner (GP) in-person visits to residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and increased use of telehealth. This study assessed how sociodemographic characteristics affected telehealth utilisation. METHODS: This retrospective cohort consists of 27,980 RACF residents aged 65 years and over, identified from general practice electronic health records in Victoria and New South Wales during March 2020-August 2021. Residents' demographic characteristics, including age, sex, region, and pension status, were analysed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the associations with telehealth utilisation (telephone/video vs. in-person consultations) and with video versus telephone consultations, in mixed-effects multiple level regression models. RESULTS: Of 32,330 median monthly GP consultations among 21,987 residents identified in 2020, telehealth visits accounted for 17% of GP consultations, of which 93% were telephone consults. In 2021, of 32,229 median monthly GP consultations among 22,712 residents, telehealth visits accounted for 11% of GP consultations (97% by telephone). Pension holders (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.17) and those residing in rural areas (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.57, 1.90) were more likely to use telehealth. However, residents in rural areas were less likely to use video than telephone in GP consultations (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.57). Results were similar in separate analyses for each COVID surge. DISCUSSION: Telephone was primarily used in telehealth consultations among pension holders and rural residents in RACFs. Along with the limited use of video in virtual care in rural RACFs, the digital divide may imply potential healthcare disparities in socially disadvantaged patients.

Investigating the association between blood transfusion and clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes: a data linkage approach to Patient Blood Management.

BACKGROUND: The appropriateness of the use of blood transfusion in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remains contested. In general, studies addressing this issue were based on data from clinical trials, registries, or electronic medical records, and were conducted across different settings. Our study aimed to use a linked patient blood management data system from existing hospital databases to examine the association between blood transfusion and in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates among patients with ACS, and to investigate this relationship at different haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of patients admitted to participating hospitals between 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2017 with ACS recorded as primary diagnosis. Admission and nadir Hb concentrations were categorised as ≤100 g/L and >100 g/L. Generalised estimating equations were used to investigate the association between transfusion and clinical outcomes, while accounting for the correlation of multiple admissions from the same patients across hospitals over the study period. RESULTS: Of the 9,952 admissions included, blood transfusions occurred in 705 (7.1%). In unadjusted analyses, transfusion was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (OR: 2.97; 95% CI: 2.14-4.13) and an average LOS 3.55 (95% CI: 3.38-3.72) times longer. After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, transfusion was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality when Hb >100 g/L. Transfusion was not associated with the risk of readmission. DISCUSSION: The effect of transfusion on in-hospital mortality was largely dependent on the pre-transfusion Hb concentration. When Hb was >100 g/L transfusion was associated with increased mortality, whereas when Hb ≤100 g/L no association was observed.

Evaluation of the Glenoid Track Tomographic Method in Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Arthro-MRI.

Objective To evaluate and compare the glenoid track method in 3D-reconstructed computed tomography (3D-CT) scans with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or arthro-MRI. Methods Forty-four shoulders with clinical and radiographic diagnosis of traumatic anterior instability were assessed using 3D-CT, MRI, and/or arthro-MRI scans. Glenoid track (GT), Hill-Sachs interval (HSI), and glenoid bone loss (GBL) were determined by a radiologist using 3D-CT images, and classified as on-track/off-track. Three surgeons, blinded to the radiologist's evaluation, performed the same determinations using MRI/arthro-MRI. Descriptive analysis, variance analysis, results disagreement analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed. Results Results from the 4 examiners were fully consistent in 61.4% of the cases. Magnetic resonance imaging/arthro-MRI diagnosed off-track injuries with 35 to 65% sensitivity and on-track injuries, with 91.67 to 95.83% specificity. Accuracy ranged from 68.1 to 79.5%. The greatest data divergence occurred for off-track injuries diagnosed by MRI/arthro-MRI. The greatest data variability referred to HSI calculation. Higher HSI and GBL values were associated with greater disagreement among examiners. Hill-Sachs interval values were lower at MRI/arthro-MRI when compared to 3D-CT. Agreement between CT and MRI/arthro-MRI for the GT method was only moderate (kappa value, 0.325-0.579). Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging/arthro-MRI showed low accuracy and moderate agreement for the GT method; as such, it should be used with caution by surgeons.

Evaluation of the Glenoid Track Tomographic Method in Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Arthro-MRI / A avaliação do método tomográfico glenoid track na ressonância magnética/artro RM

Abstract Objective To evaluate and compare the glenoid track method in 3D-reconstructed computed tomography (3D-CT) scans with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or arthro-MRI. Methods Forty-four shoulders with clinical and radiographic diagnosis of traumatic anterior instability were assessed using 3D-CT, MRI, and/or arthro-MRI scans. Glenoid track (GT), Hill-Sachs interval (HSI), and glenoid bone loss (GBL) were determined by a radiologist using 3D-CT images, and classified as on-track/off-track. Three surgeons, blinded to the radiologist's evaluation, performed the same determinations using MRI/arthro-MRI. Descriptive analysis, variance analysis, results disagreement analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed. Results Results from the 4 examiners were fully consistent in 61.4% of the cases. Magnetic resonance imaging/arthro-MRI diagnosed off-track injuries with 35 to 65% sensitivity and on-track injuries, with 91.67 to 95.83% specificity. Accuracy ranged from 68.1 to 79.5%. The greatest data divergence occurred for off-track injuries diagnosed by MRI/arthro-MRI. The greatest data variability referred to HSI calculation. Higher HSI and GBL values were associated with greater disagreement among examiners. Hill-Sachs interval values were lower at MRI/arthro-MRI when compared to 3D-CT. Agreement between CT and MRI/arthro-MRI for the GT method was only moderate (kappa value, 0.325-0.579). Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging/arthro-MRI showed low accuracy and moderate agreement for the GT method; as such, it should be used with caution by surgeons.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a avaliação do método glenoid-track (GT) em exames de tomografia computadorizada com reconstrução 3-D (TC-3D) com a avaliação realizada em exames de ressonância magnética (RM) e/ou artro-ressonância magnética (ARM). Métodos Quarenta e quatro ombros com diagnóstico clínico e radiográfico de instabilidade anterior traumática foram avaliados por meio de exames de TC-3D, RM e/ou ARM. As variáveis GT, intervalo de Hill-Sachs (IHS) e a perda óssea da glenoide (POG) foram realizadas por um médico radiologista, utilizando imagens de TC-3D, e classificadas em on-track/off-track. Três cirurgiões cegos à avaliação do radiologista realizaram o mesmo método utilizando RM/ARM. O estudo realizou análise descritiva, de variância, de associação da discordância de resultados, de concordância e curva característica de operação do receptor. Resultados Os resultados dos 4 examinadores foram totalmente concordantes em 61,4%. A RM/ARM diagnosticou lesões off-track com a sensibilidade variando de 35 a 65%, e lesões on-track com a especificidade variando de 91,67 a 95,83%. A acurácia variou de 68,1 a 79,5%. A maior divergência de dados ocorreu para o diagnóstico por RM/ARM de lesões off-track. A maior variabilidade dos dados ocorreu para o cálculo do IHS. Valores maiores de IHS e de POG foram associados a maior discordância entre os examinadores. A RM/ARM apresentou menor medida de valores de IHS quando comparado com a TC-3D. Ocorreu apenas moderada concordância no método GT entre a TC e a RM/ARM (Kappa 0,325-0,579). Conclusão A RM/ARM apresentou baixa acurácia e moderada concordância para o método GT, devendo ser utilizada com cautela por cirurgiões.

COVID-19: protocol for observational studies utilizing near real-time electronic Australian general practice data to promote effective care and best-practice policy-a design thinking approach.

BACKGROUND: Health systems around the world have been forced to make choices about how to prioritize care, manage infection control and maintain reserve capacity for future disease outbreaks. Primary healthcare has moved into the front line as COVID-19 testing transitions from hospitals to multiple providers, where tracking testing behaviours can be fragmented and delayed. Pooled general practice data are a valuable resource which can be used to inform population and individual care decision-making. This project aims to examine the feasibility of using near real-time electronic general practice data to promote effective care and best-practice policy. METHODS: The project will utilize a design thinking approach involving all collaborators (primary health networks [PHNs], general practices, consumer groups, researchers, and digital health developers, pathology professionals) to enhance the development of meaningful and translational project outcomes. The project will be based on a series of observational studies utilizing near real-time electronic general practice data from a secure and comprehensive digital health platform [POpulation Level Analysis and Reporting (POLAR) general practice data warehouse]. The study will be carried out over 1.5 years (July 2020-December 2021) using data from over 450 general practices within three Victorian PHNs and Gippsland PHN, Eastern Melbourne PHN and South Eastern Melbourne PHN, supplemented by data from consenting general practices from two PHNs in New South Wales, Central and Eastern Sydney PHN and South Western Sydney PHN. DISCUSSION: The project will be developed using a design thinking approach, leading to the building of a meaningful near real-time COVID-19 geospatial reporting framework and dashboard for decision-makers at community, state and nationwide levels, to identify and monitor emerging trends and the impact of interventions/policy decisions. This will integrate timely evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic related to its diagnosis and treatment, and its impact across clinical, population and general practice levels.

Biomechanical evaluation of a new femoral stem design for total hip replacement in a canine model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biomechanical properties of a novel total hip replacement femoral stem. METHODS: Eight pairs of femurs from dog cadavers were used. The femurs were separated into different groups. A novel femoral stem with a convex proximal portion (Stem B) was biomechanically evaluated and compared to awell-known veterinary collared stem (Stem A). Femoral stems were inserted into the contralateral femurs from the same dog, forming 16 constructs. A flexo-compression load was applied on the axial axis of each sample. Maximum strength, deflection, stiffness, and energy absorption were analysed. RESULTS: Group B constructs showed significantly higher values (p ? 0.05) for the variables, except stiffness. The mean maximum strength was 1,347 ± 357 N for Group A and 1,805 ± 123 N for Group B (p ? 0.0069). The mean deflection was5.54 ± 2.63 mm for Group A and 10.03 ± 3.99 mm for Group B (p ? 0.0056). For the energy variable, the force was 6,203 ± 3,488 N/mm for Group A and 12,885 ± 5,056 N/mm for Group B (p ? 0.0054). Stem B had greater maximum strength, deflection, and energy. CONCLUSIONS: The new stem was effective in neutralizing the impact of axial flexion-compression stresses during biomechanical tests in cadaveric models.

Percutaneous application of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell in dogs submitted to minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of the tibia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcome following minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) associated with percutaneous transplantation of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) at the tibial fracture site in dogs. METHODS: Thirty-six dogs presenting with nonarticular complete tibial fracture were included in this study. All fractures were treated by the same MIPO technique. The animals were divided in group 1 (n = 20) received a percutaneous application of 3 × 106 AD-MSC at the fracture site and group 2 (n = 16) did not receive any adjuvant treatment. Postoperative radiographic examinations were made at 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. RESULTS: Fifty-eight percent of the patients were classified as skeletally immature. The median weight of the animals was 18.8 kg. The mean radiographic union time differed statistically between the AD-MSC group (28.5 days) and the control group (70.3 days). Sixty percent of dogs in group 1 and 56.25% of the group 2 were considered immature. CONCLUSIONS: The use of allogeneic AD-MSC cell therapy and MIPO is a safe, viable and effective technique for promoting bone healing in nonarticular tibial fractures in dogs.

Biomechanical evaluation of a new femoral stem design for total hip replacement in a canine model

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the biomechanical properties of a novel total hip replacement femoral stem. Methods Eight pairs of femurs from dog cadavers were used. The femurs were separated into different groups. A novel femoral stem with a convex proximal portion (Stem B) was biomechanically evaluated and compared to awell-known veterinary collared stem (Stem A). Femoral stems were inserted into the contralateral femurs from the same dog, forming 16 constructs. A flexo-compression load was applied on the axial axis of each sample. Maximum strength, deflection, stiffness, and energy absorption were analysed. Results Group B constructs showed significantly higher values (p ? 0.05) for the variables, except stiffness. The mean maximum strength was 1,347 ± 357 N for Group A and 1,805 ± 123 N for Group B (p ? 0.0069). The mean deflection was5.54 ± 2.63 mm for Group A and 10.03 ± 3.99 mm for Group B (p ? 0.0056). For the energy variable, the force was 6,203 ± 3,488 N/mm for Group A and 12,885 ± 5,056 N/mm for Group B (p ? 0.0054). Stem B had greater maximum strength, deflection, and energy. Conclusions The new stem was effective in neutralizing the impact of axial flexion-compression stresses during biomechanical tests in cadaveric models.

Topical application of lidocaine or bupivacaine in the healing of surgical wounds in dogs.

PURPOSE: To analyze the anesthetic drugs interference with wound healing when used in the surgical bed. METHODS: Macro and microscopic aspects of healing of surgical wounds were evaluated after instillation of topical anesthetics without vasoconstrictor or saline solution 0.9% as control in the transsurgical period. Thirty dogs, males and females were divided into two experimental groups. In both groups, two circular punch lesions of 6 mm diameter were performed in the abdomen. In group 1, lidocaine was instilled in one of the lesions and saline solution in the contralateral lesion. In group 2 the procedure was repeated with the use of bupivacaine. The macroscopic assessment of the lesions was performed on the first, third and tenth postoperative day. The excisional biopsy was performed on the tenth day and the samples were submitted for histopathological examination. RESULTS: The macroscopic analysis had a significant difference between groups. Microscopic analysis was not significant between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The topical application of lidocaine and bupivacaine in the surgical wound is feasible and it does not influence skin healing. The benefit of such a practice, which has been the subject of other studies, seems to outweigh the risks.

Harnessing the potential of electronic general practice pathology data in Australia: An examination of the quality use of pathology for type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of pathology testing in diagnosis and disease monitoring, there is little in-depth research about pathology test ordering in general practice and how it impacts patient outcomes. This is in part due to the limited availability of high-quality data. With the now-widespread use of electronic software in general practice comes the potential for electronic patient data to be used for research leading to better understanding of general practice activities, including pathology testing. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the usefulness of electronic general practice pathology data to: (1) identify patients' characteristics, (2) monitor quality of care, (3) evaluate intervention effects, (4) identify variations in patient care, and (5) measure patient outcomes. An exemplar study evaluating kidney function testing in type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) compared to guidelines was used to demonstrate the value of pathology data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: De-identified electronic data from approximately 200 general practices in Victoria were extracted using Outcome Health's Population Level Analysis & Reporting (POLAR) Aurora research platform. Our study population included patients ≥18 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before July 2016. Data from July 2016 to June 2018 were used to i) determine frequency of kidney function tests (KFT), and ii) identify whether antihypertensive medications were prescribed for abnormal KFT results. RESULTS: There were 20,514 active patients with type 2 diabetes identified from the data. The age and gender standardised estimate of diabetes prevalence was 4.9%, consistent with Australian estimates (5.2%). Sociodemographic features of prevalence, including higher prevalence in older males, were also consistent with previous Australian estimates. Kidney function testing was performed annually, as recommended by guidelines, in 75.7% of patients, with higher annual testing observed in patients managed under general practice incentive programs (80.1%) than those who were not (72.2%). Antihypertensive medications were prescribed as recommended in 77.4% of patients with suspected microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria based on KFT results. DISCUSSION: Evaluations using data from diabetes patients in this study illustrate the value of electronic data for identifying patients with the condition of interest (e.g. type 2 diabetes) along with sociodemographic characteristics. This allows for the ability to undertake analyses on pathology testing factors and the identification of variation compared to guidelines, which has a potential to ensure quality of care. Its potential to identify associations with incentive programs further demonstrates the advantages of the data's longitudinal nature. These include the ability to assess temporal order and time interval of tests as a marker of quality of monitoring and evaluate intervention effects on a cohort over time. Finally, analyses on antihypertensive medication prescribing in patients with suspected micro/macroalbuminuria exemplified the electronic data's usefulness in monitoring patient outcomes, such as appropriate prescribing based on pathology test results. CONCLUSIONS: Electronic general practice data is an important resource which can provide valuable insights about the quality use of pathology. There are clear benefits to patients for better monitoring, and consequent better outcomes, and to inform policymakers about the best ways to channel resources to enhance the quality of care.

Topical application of lidocaine or bupivacaine in the healing of surgical wounds in dogs

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the anesthetic drugs interference with wound healing when used in the surgical bed. Methods: Macro and microscopic aspects of healing of surgical wounds were evaluated after instillation of topical anesthetics without vasoconstrictor or saline solution 0.9% as control in the transsurgical period. Thirty dogs, males and females were divided into two experimental groups. In both groups, two circular punch lesions of 6 mm diameter were performed in the abdomen. In group 1, lidocaine was instilled in one of the lesions and saline solution in the contralateral lesion. In group 2 the procedure was repeated with the use of bupivacaine. The macroscopic assessment of the lesions was performed on the first, third and tenth postoperative day. The excisional biopsy was performed on the tenth day and the samples were submitted for histopathological examination. Results: The macroscopic analysis had a significant difference between groups. Microscopic analysis was not significant between groups. Conclusions: The topical application of lidocaine and bupivacaine in the surgical wound is feasible and it does not influence skin healing. The benefit of such a practice, which has been the subject of other studies, seems to outweigh the risks.

Accuracy in Determining Canal Flare Index Using Different Radiographical Positions for Imaging Canine Femurs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare in vitro accuracy of femoral measurements obtained from different radiographical positions with actual femoral anatomical dimensions in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Craniocaudal projections of the femur in ventrodorsal position, standard craniocaudal radiographical (SR) and craniocaudal radiography with horizontal radiographical beam (HR), in addition to anatomical macroscopic measurements (A), were obtained from 45 femurs from 23 canine cadavers, for calculation of the canal flare index (CFI). The differences between the radiographical positions and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) between the CFI-SR, CFI-HR and CFI-A were evaluated by the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The standard craniocaudal radiograph provided an approximate dimension of the proximal femoral morphology (mean difference: 0.121 ± 0.391) with a different CFI value (p = 0.0341) from CFI-A. The craniocaudal radiograph taken using a horizontal beam provided greater accuracy (mean difference: 0.087 ± 0.42) in our study. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The craniocaudal projection using a horizontal radiographical beam was more accurate than the standard craniocaudal projection for measurement of the true anatomical dimensions of the canine femur, minimizing the influence of the technique on the CFI values.

Compliance with pathology testing guidelines in Australian general practice: protocol for a secondary analysis of electronic health record data.

INTRODUCTION: In Australia, general practitioners usually are the first point of contact for patients with non-urgent medical conditions. Appropriate and efficient utilisation of pathology tests by general practitioners forms a key part of diagnosis and monitoring. However overutilisationand underutilisation of pathology tests have been reported across several tests and conditions, despite evidence-based guidelines outlining best practice in pathology testing. There are a limited number of studies evaluating the impact of these guidelines on pathology testing in general practice. The aim of our quantitative observational study is to define how pathology tests are used in general practice and investigate how test ordering practices align with evidence-based pathology guidelines. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Access to non-identifiable patient data will be obtained through electronic health records from general practices across three primary health networks in Victoria, Australia. Numbers and characteristics of patients, general practices, encounters, pathology tests and problems managed over time will be described. Overall rates of encounters and tests, alongside more detailed investigation between subcategories (encounter year, patient's age, gender, and location and general practice size), will also be undertaken. To evaluate how general practitioner test ordering coincides with evidence-based guidelines, five key candidate indicators will be investigated: full blood counts for patients on clozapine medication; international normalised ratio measurements for patients on warfarin medication; glycated haemoglobin testing for monitoring patients with diabetes; vitamin D testing; and thyroid function testing. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics clearance to collect data from general practice facilities has been obtained by the data provider from the RACGP National Research and Evaluation Ethics Committee (NREEC 17-008). Approval for the research group to use these data has been obtained from Macquarie University (5201700872). This study is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health Quality Use of Pathology Program (Agreement ID: 4-2QFVW4M). Findings will be reported to the Department of Health and disseminated in peer-reviewed academic journals and presentations (national and international conferences, industry forums).

Brazilian Health Surveillance: reflections and contribution to the debate of the First National Conference on Health Surveillance. / Vigilância em Saúde brasileira: reflexões e contribuição ao debate da 1a Conferência Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde.

This is a research on the challenges of Health Surveillance, considering its theories and practices. We performed a comprehensive review of international and national literature and institutional documents. Some of the authors also participated in the formulation of the guideline document prepared by the Formulation and Reporting Committee of the First National Conference on Health Surveillance. The complex Brazilian reality imposes that Health Surveillance be guided in a universal, integrated, participatory and territorial manner, where society and SUS workers play a leading role. It points out the need to design a structured surveillance system based on the dynamics of production, consumption and ways of living of the communities. The National Health Surveillance Policy should harbor in its core the categories and values of health social determination, the State's health regulatory responsibility, integrality, territory, participation of society and right to information.

Resumo Trata-se de pesquisa sobre os desafios da Vigilância em Saúde, considerando suas teorias e práticas. Procedeu-se ampla revisão da literatura internacional e nacional, e de documentos institucionais; alguns dos autores participaram na formulação do documento orientador elaborado pela Comissão de Formulação e Relatoria da 1a Conferência Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde. A complexidade da realidade brasileira impõe que a Vigilância em Saúde se oriente de forma universal, integrada, participativa e territorial, tendo como protagonistas a sociedade e os trabalhadores do SUS. Discute a necessidade de conceber um sistema de vigilância estruturado a partir das dinâmicas de produção, consumo e formas de viver das comunidades. A Política Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde deve incorporar, em seu núcleo central, as categorias e os valores da determinação social da saúde, da responsabilidade do Estado na regulação sanitária, da integralidade, do território, da participação da sociedade e do direito à informação.