Reduction in Radiation Exposure to Children and Young People from CT Scans

Reduction in Radiation Exposure to Children and Young People from CT Scans

Children Diagnostic testing Radiation therapy

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has published a range of resources aimed at reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to children and young people from CT scans. They estimate that over 80,000 CT scans are performed on children and young people in Australia each year, and although they are a valuable diagnostic tool, they use a higher level of ionising radiation than other types of imaging. 

The resources include brochures for parents and carers outlining the benefits and risks of CT scans - available at http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/ctscansforkids, a fact sheet for referring doctors to provide information on the typical radiation doses and the key questions to consider when deciding whether to refer a child for a CT scan, and an online training module from the Australian Institute of Radiography to support radiographers who undertake CT scans for children and young people. 

More information can be found on the dedicated ACSQHC pages, as well as at Healthdirect, which has partnered with the Commission to develop these resources and others. See http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ctscansforkids

Renal Care in Children

Renal Care in Children

Children Chronic Disease Kidney disease

This virtual issue focuses on “Renal care in children” highlighting previously published papers from the Journal of Renal Care on this topic. Three of the original articles explore how young adults experienced the child-to-adulthood transition, how children cope with a chronic illness, and whether the application of a specific tool can support children with CKD in achieving autonomy in the management of their disease.                                                  

Journal of Renal Care Virtual Issue: Renal Care in Children

Facing Tough Time

Facing Tough Time

Child protection Children Grief Trauma

This booklet produced by the Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief Network discusses the impact of family adversities on children, what helps children to get through adversities and how important it is for families to seek help and support when it is needed. 
The booklet isn't designed to take the place of advice from a health professional, rather it is designed to share information about how experiences of trauma and adversity can impact on your child. 
Facing Tough Time: Supporting your family through life's tough times

The mental health of children and adolescents

The mental health of children and adolescents

Adolescents Children Mental health

The Department of Health (Australia) has just released The mental health of children and adolescents: report on the second Australian child and adolescent survey of mental health and wellbeing. The survey referred to was conducted in the homes of more than 6,300 families with children or adolescents between the ages of four and seventeen. Children over the age of eleven completed their own survey.

The report presents a comprehensive picture of the mental health of young Australians, documenting the prevalence and type of mental health problems, the impact of those problems on families and young people themselves and the role of health and education services in providing assistance.    

Young Australians, illness and education

Young Australians, illness and education

Children Chronic Disease Education Youth

Chronically-ill children who need to take extended absences from school are neither officially acknowledged nor assisted to keep up, according to this report from Julie White and Karen Roauer at the Victoria Institute: Young Australians, illness and education: report on the national database project.

Advances in medicine mean that many children are surviving diseases, but are struggling to keep abreast of their education. This report provides a detailed summary of education, health and demographic information about 2360 Australian children and young people who live with significant health conditions.  The study aims to provide an empirical base for policy recommendation and further investigation and to contribute to the growing body of evidence about pressing educational issues related to these children and young people. 

An Introduction to Trauma Informed Care

An Introduction to Trauma Informed Care

Adolescents Carers Children Education eHealth Trauma

ACATLGN has recently announced the launch of a free online learning website - An Introduction toTrauma Informed Care. This online learning has been designed to increase information and knowledge on the impact of experiences of adversity and trauma on children and young people. It contains information, resources, videos and links to provide a comprehensive introduction to trauma informed care.  

The program is designed as an easily accessed on-line introduction and learning program for families, carers and other professionals with responsibilities for the care of children who may need support as a result of challenging and potentially traumatic experiences. There are six modules that you can work through at your own pace, with free resources to download that accompany the modules.

The Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief Network is based at the Australian National University and is funded by the Australian Government.

Free e-learning-An Introduction to Trauma Informed Care           

Young Australians, Illness and Education

Young Australians, Illness and Education

Adolescents Children Chronic Disease Education

This report by Julie White and Karen Rosauer of the Victoria Institute, provides a detailed summary of education, health and demographic information about Australian children and young people who live with significant health conditions. This study closely examined a national database of 2360 such individuals through the socio-economic indexes developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.The major purpose of this study was to provide an empirical base for policy recommendation and further investigation. An important secondary aim of the study was to contribute to the growing body of evidence about pressing educational issues related to these children and young people.
Click here to access the report for free.