Professor Creswell Eastman AO is a world-renowned endocrinologist with a primary interest in Iodine Deficiency Disorders. He is the Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney School of Medicine and Consultant Emeritus to Westmead Hospital.
Professor Eastman recently spoke to Australian Health Journal about iodine deficiency in pregnancy preparation and the mother’s health during pregnancy. May is the time of the year for the Australian Thyroid Foundation’s (ATF) Thyroid Awareness Month and Professor Eastman spoke about why iodine deficiency has become an even greater risk in Australians in recent years. He stresses the importance of public health literacy and health care professionals (HCPs) having a better understanding of the disorders associated with iodine deficiency.
Recent research from The Lancet – March 2022 emphasises the consequences and risks of an inadequate amount of thyroid hormone at conception, during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.
‘Unnecessary risks to a pregnancy and the mother’s health during pregnancy and ongoing is something that can be avoided and prevented. Raising awareness and ensuring thyroid tests are ordered by GP’s, when couples are planning a family and when the pregnancy is confirmed are both essential.
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Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite on patient safety and health systems improvement
Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite is Founding Director of the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Director of the Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science and Professor of Health Systems Research at Macquarie University.
Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite is a leading health services and systems researcher with an international reputation for his work investigating and contributing to systems improvement.
The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) recently announced it will award the 2021 Sidney Sax medal for outstanding contributions to the development and improvement of Australia’s healthcare system to Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite.
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Dental and oral health care priorities for the elderly
In 2023, there are a number of changes occurring in dental services including the start of a new Senate inquiry and new registered nurses in residential aged care. Yet in the meantime there are gaps and delays in dental and oral health interventions for elderly Australians, unless training is more widely deployed.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Leonie Short, a dental therapist working for Seniors Dental Care Australia on what she considers are dental and oral health priorities for the elderly, based on her work in the aged, home and disability sectors.
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New Generative AI and machine learning frontier on unused patient care data
Drawing from GE’s 125-year legacy in healthcare, Amit Yadav, CEO GE HealthCare ANZ is leading efforts to integrate AI into medical imaging devices and optimise workflow efficiencies. He stresses the importance of leveraging the vast amount of untapped healthcare data, with an emphasis on automating manual processes to enhance productivity. Additionally, his focus extends to utilising AI for workflow optimisation and ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards to prioritise safety.
