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Hu Y, Gamble J, Allen J, Creedy DK, Toohill J, Callander E. A cost analysis of upscaling access to continuity of midwifery carer: Population-based microsimulation in Queensland, Australia. Midwifery 2024; 133:103998. [PMID: 38615374 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the economic impact of upscaling access to continuity of midwifery carer, compared with current standard maternity care, from the perspective of the public health care system. METHODS We created a static microsimulation model based on a whole-of-population linked administrative data set containing all public hospital births in one Australian state (Queensland) between July 2017 to June 2018 (n = 37,701). This model was weighted to represent projected State-level births between July 2023 and June 2031. Woman and infant health service costs (inpatient, outpatient and emergency department) during pregnancy and birth were summed. The base model represented current standard maternity care and a counterfactual model represented two hypothetical scenarios where 50 % or 65 % of women giving birth would access continuity of midwifery carer. Costs were reported in 2021/22 AUD. RESULTS The estimated cost savings to Queensland public hospital funders per pregnancy were $336 in 2023/24 and $546 with 50 % access. With 65 % access, the cost savings were estimated to be $534 per pregnancy in 2023/24 and $839 in 2030/31. A total State-level annual cost saving of $12 million in 2023/24 and $19 million in 2030/31 was estimated with 50 % access. With 65 % access, total State-level annual cost savings were estimated to be $19 million in 2023/24 and $30 million in 2030/31. CONCLUSION Enabling most childbearing women in Australia to access continuity of midwifery carer would realise significant cost savings for the public health care system by reducing the rate of operative birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Hu
- Faculty of Medicine, Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jenny Gamble
- Research Centre for Healthcare and Communities, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jyai Allen
- Faculty of Medicine, Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Debra K Creedy
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jocelyn Toohill
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Clinical Excellence Division, Queensland Health, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Callander EJ, Tarnow-Mordi W, Morton R, Mol BW, Kumar S. Intrapartum use of sildenafil citrate to prevent fetal compromise and emergency operative birth in term pregnancies in the United Kingdom and Australia: A preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:1010-1018. [PMID: 37723993 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare cost-effectiveness of oral sildenafil citrate, administered after onset of labor, with standard care to health system funders in the UK and Australia. METHODS We conducted a modeled cost-effectiveness analysis, measuring costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs), using a decision-analytic model covering onset of labor to 1 month post-birth. The relative risk of emergency cesarean section and operative vaginal birth was taken from a Phase 2 placebo controlled double blinded randomized control trial. RESULTS Both options of care resulted in the same QALYs gained over the model time period (0.08). Sildenafil citrate was cost-saving compared with standard care, saving £92 per birth in the UK (AU$303 per birth in Australia). Sensitivity analyses did not identify any areas of uncertainty that stopped sildenafil citrate being cost saving compared with standard care. Threshold analysis revealed that sildenafil citrate would be cost saving up to a per birth drug or administration cost of £152.32 in the UK (AU$333.61 in Australia). CONCLUSION Oral sildenafil citrate may be cost saving compared with standard care; however, the effects on neonatal outcomes still need to be demonstrated in large randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Callander
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William Tarnow-Mordi
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research Institute and Mayne Academy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Hu Y, Allen J, Ellwood D, Slavin V, Gamble J, Toohill J, Callander E. The financial impact of offering publicly funded homebirths: A population-based microsimulation in Queensland, Australia. Women Birth 2024; 37:137-143. [PMID: 37524616 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.07.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite strong evidence of benefits and increasing consumer demand for homebirth, Australia has failed to effectively upscale it. To promote the adoption and expansion of homebirth in the public health care system, policymakers require quantifiable results to evaluate its economic value. To date, there has been limited evaluation of the financial impact of birth settings for women at low risk of pregnancy complications. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the difference in inpatient costs around birth between offering homebirth in the public maternity system versus not offering public homebirth to selected women who meet low-risk pregnancy criteria. METHODS We used a whole-of-population linked administrative dataset containing all women who gave birth in Queensland (one Australian State) between 01/07/2012 and 30/06/2018 where publicly funded homebirth is not currently offered. We created a static microsimulation model to compare the inpatient cost difference for mother and baby around birth based on the women who gave birth between 01/07/2017 and 30/06/2018 (n = 36,314). The model comprised of a base model - representing standard public hospital care, and a counterfactual model - representing a hypothetical scenario where 5 % of women who gave birth in public hospitals planned to give birth at home prior to the onset of labour (n = 1816). Costs were reported in 2021/22 AUD. RESULTS In our hypothetical scenario, after considering the effect of assumptive place and mode of birth for these planned homebirths, the estimated State-level inpatient cost saving around birth (summed for mother and babies) per pregnancy were: AU$303.13 (to Queensland public hospitals) and AU$186.94 (to Queensland public hospital funders). This calculates to a total cost saving per annum of AU$11 million (to Queensland public hospitals) and AU$6.8 million (to Queensland public hospital funders). CONCLUSION A considerable amount of inpatient health care costs around birth could be saved if 5 % of women booked at their local public hospitals, planned to give birth at home through a public-funded homebirth program. This finding supports the establishment and expansion of the homebirth option in the public health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Hu
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jyai Allen
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David Ellwood
- School of Medicine & Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport, Australia
| | - Valerie Slavin
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jenny Gamble
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jocelyn Toohill
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom; Clinical Excellence Division, Queensland Health, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Carrandi A, Bull C, Hu Y, Grzeskowiak LE, Teede H, Black K, Callander E. Patterns in the provision of government-subsidised hormonal postpartum contraception in Queensland, Australia between 2012 and 2018: a population-based cohort study. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 50:13-20. [PMID: 37353310 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2023-201830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short birth intervals and unintended pregnancy are associated with poorer maternal and infant outcomes. There is a risk of pregnancy during the immediate postpartum period unless contraception is initiated. This retrospective cohort study aimed to capture the current patterns of hormonal contraceptive provision within 12 months postpartum in a high-income country. METHODS We used a linked administrative dataset comprising all women who gave birth in Queensland, Australia between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2018 (n=339 265 pregnancies). We described our cohort by whether they were provided with government-subsidised hormonal contraception within 12 months postpartum. The associations between hormonal postpartum contraceptive provision and demographic and clinical characteristics were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression and presented in terms of crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS A majority of women (60.2%) were not provided with government-subsidised hormonal postpartum contraception within 12 months postpartum. Women who were younger (<25 years), were overweight or obese, smoked, were born in Australia, were non-Indigenous, gave birth in a public hospital, or were in the lowest socioeconomic status group were more likely to be provided with postpartum contraception after adjusting for other covariates, compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Strategies to increase the provision and uptake of contraception in the immediate postpartum period are needed to prevent short birth intervals and unintended pregnancy and ensure women's fertility intentions are enacted. Ongoing research is needed to examine the factors influencing women's access to contraceptive services and, further, the types of contraception provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alayna Carrandi
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Bull
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yanan Hu
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luke E Grzeskowiak
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Monash University Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helena Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsten Black
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney School of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Callander EJ, Enticott JC, Eklom B, Gamble J, Teede HJ. The value of maternity care in Queensland, 2012-18, based on an analysis of administrative data: a retrospective observational study. Med J Aust 2023; 219:535-541. [PMID: 37940105 PMCID: PMC10952409 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the value of maternity health care - the relationship of outcomes to costs - in Queensland during 2012-18. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective observational study; analysis of Queensland Perinatal Data Collection data linked with the Queensland Health Admitted Patient, Non-Admitted Patient, and Emergency Data Collections, and with the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) databases. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS All births in Queensland during 1 July 2012 - 30 June 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Maternity care costs per birth (reported in 2021-22 Australian dollars), both overall and by funder type (public hospital funders, MBS, PBS, private health insurers, out-of-pocket costs); value of care, defined as total cost per positive birth outcome (composite measure). RESULTS The mean cost per birth (all funders) increased from $20 471 (standard deviation [SD], $17 513) during the second half of 2012 to $30 000 (SD, $22 323) during the first half of 2018; the annual total costs for all births increased from $1.31 billion to $1.84 billion, despite a slight decline in the total number of births. In a mixed effects linear analysis adjusted for demographic, clinical, and birth characteristics, the mean total cost per birth in the second half of 2018 was $9493 higher (99.9% confidence interval, $8930-10 056) than during the first half of 2012. The proportion of births that did not satisfy our criteria for a positive birth outcome increased from 27.1% (8404 births) during the second half of 2012 to 30.5% (9041 births) during the first half of 2018. CONCLUSION The costs of maternity care have increased in Queensland, and many adverse birth outcomes have become more frequent. Broad clinical collaboration, effective prevention and treatment strategies, as well as maternal health services focused on all dimensions of value, are needed to ensure the quality and viability of maternity care in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanne C Enticott
- Monash Centre for Health Research and ImplementationMonash UniversityMelbourneVIC
| | | | | | - Helena J Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and ImplementationMonash UniversityMelbourneVIC
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Hu Y, Zhang X, Callander E. Unlocking big data to understand health services usage and government funding during pregnancy and early childhood, evidence in Australia. Birth 2023; 50:890-915. [PMID: 37434333 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternity care is a high-volume and high-cost area of health care, which entails various types of service use throughout the course of the pregnancy. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the most common reasons and related costs of health services used by women and babies from pregnancy to 12-month postbirth. METHODS We used linked administrative data from one state of Australia, which contained all births in Queensland between 01/07/2017 and 30/06/2018. Descriptive analyses were used to identify the 10 most frequent reasons and related costs for accessing inpatient, outpatient, emergency department, and Medicare services. These are reported separately for women and babies in different periods. RESULTS We included 58,394 births in our data set. The results have highlighted that there was relatively uniform use of inpatient, outpatient, and Medicare services by women and babies, with the 10 most common services accounting for more than half of the total services accessed. However, the emergency department service use was more diverse. Medicare services accounted for the greatest volume (79.21%) of service events but only 10.21% of the overall funding, compared with inpatient services, which accounted for less volume (3.62%) but the highest amount of overall funding (75.19%). CONCLUSION Study findings provide empirical evidence about the full spectrum of services used by birthing families and their babies, and could assist health providers and managers to understand the services women and infants actually access during pregnancy, birth, and postbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Hu
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Jackson H, Grzeskowiak LE, Enticott J, Callander E. Pharmacoepidemiology and costs of medications dispensed during pregnancy: A retrospective population-based study. BJOG 2023; 130:1317-1327. [PMID: 37039252 PMCID: PMC10952169 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the pharmacoepidemiology and costs associated with medications dispensed during pregnancy. DESIGN Pharmacoepidemiological study and cost analysis. SETTING Queensland, Australia. POPULATION All women who gave birth in Queensland between January 2013 and June 2018. METHODS We used a whole-of-population linked administrative dataset, Maternity1000, to describe medications approved for public subsidy that were dispensed to 255 408 pregnant women. We describe the volume of medications dispensed and their associated costs from a Government and patient perspective. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence of medication use; proportion of total dispensings; total medication costs in AUD 2020/21 ($1AUD = $0.67USD/£0.55GBP in December 2022). RESULTS During pregnancy, 61% (95% CI 60.96-61.29%) of women were dispensed at least one medication approved for public subsidy. The mean number of items dispensed per pregnancy increased from 2.14 (95% CI 2.11-2.17) in 2013 to 2.47 (95% CI 2.44-2.51) in 2017; an increase of 15%. Furthermore, mean Government cost per dispensing increased by 41% from $21.60 (95% CI $20.99-$22.20) in 2013 to $30.44 (95% CI $29.38-$31.49) in 2017. These factors influenced the 53% increase in total Government expenditure observed for medication use during pregnancy between 2013 and 2017 ($2,834,227 versus $4,324,377); a disproportionate rise compared with the 17% rise in women's total out-of-pocket expenses observed over the same timeframe ($1,880,961 versus $2,204,415). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of medication use in pregnancy is rising and is associated with disproportionate and rapidly escalating cost implications for the Government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Jackson
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Luke E. Grzeskowiak
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- SAHMRI Women and KidsSouth Australian Health and Medical Research InstituteAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Joanne Enticott
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Emily Callander
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
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Chen AX, Hunt RW, Palmer KR, Bull CF, Callander EJ. The impact of assisted reproductive technology and ovulation induction on breech presentation: A whole of population‐based cohort study. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Young N, Quinlivan J, Fox R, Anderson J, Davis L, Mooney SS. Economic cost of secondary postpartum haemorrhage: A case-control study at a tertiary hospital in Australia. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2023. [PMID: 36944552 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a condition which affects 0.2-3.0% of women. Despite its impact on maternal morbidity, there is a lack of understanding of the cost burden of disease. AIMS To determine the economic cost of secondary PPH in the postpartum period, compared to the costs for women without this diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were prospectively collected on a cohort of 97 women who presented with secondary PPH to the emergency department (ED) between July 2020 and February 2021. A case-control design was then used to compare postpartum cost data from these patients to a group of 97 controls who were matched to maternal demographics, and who did not present with secondary PPH. RESULTS For women with secondary PPH, there were significantly more hospital attendances, and postpartum costs were higher for all cost subcategories across ED, admissions, and outpatient attendances (P < 0.0001), compared to controls. The total cost of postpartum care for 97 patients with secondary PPH was $254 377.62 with an average cost per patient of $2622.45, compared to $26 670.46 for 97 controls with an average cost of $274.95 per patient (P < 0.0001). This demonstrates a 9.5-fold increase in postpartum costs per woman with secondary PPH. CONCLUSIONS Secondary PPH is an under-researched condition which presents a significant cost burden for the health system. Evidence-based guidelines addressing the prevention and management of secondary PPH may assist in minimising this cost burden for both the health service and the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie Quinlivan
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rachael Fox
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jess Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Northeast Health, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha S Mooney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Allen J, Toohill J, Creedy DK, Callander EJ, Gamble J. Development of a co-designed, evidence-based, multi-pronged strategy to support normal birth. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 62:790-794. [PMID: 35416278 PMCID: PMC9790341 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Australia's caesarean section (CS) rate has been steadily increasing for decades. In response to this, we co-designed an evidence-based, multi-pronged strategy to increase the normal birth rate in Queensland and reduce the need for CS. We conducted three workshops with a multi-stakeholder group to identify a broad range of options to reduce CS, prioritise these options, and achieve consensus on a final strategy. The strategy comprised of: universal access to midwifery continuity-of-care and choice of place of birth; multi-disciplinary normal birth education; resources to facilitate informed decision-making; respectful maternity care and positive workplace culture; and establishment of a Normal Birth Collaborative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyai Allen
- Transforming Maternity Care CollaborativeBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,School of Nursing and MidwiferyGriffith UniversityBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Jocelyn Toohill
- Office of Chief Nurse and Midwifery OfficerClinical Excellence Queensland, Queensland HealthBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Debra K. Creedy
- Transforming Maternity Care CollaborativeBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,School of Nursing and MidwiferyGriffith UniversityBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Emily J. Callander
- Transforming Maternity Care CollaborativeBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jenny Gamble
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and HealthCoventry UniversityCoventryUK
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11
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Callander E, Fox H, Mills K, Stuart-Butler D, Middleton P, Ellwood D, Thomas J, Flenady V. Inequitable use of health services for Indigenous mothers who experience stillbirth in Australia. Birth 2022; 49:194-201. [PMID: 34617314 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to identify differences in health service expenditure on Indigenous and non-Indigenous women who experience a stillbirth, women's out-of-pocket costs, and health service use. METHODS The project used a whole-of-population linked data set called "Maternity1000," which includes all women who gave birth in Queensland, Australia, between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2018 (n = 396 158). Multivariable analysis was undertaken to assess differences in mean health service expenditure; and number of health care services accessed between Indigenous and non-Indigenous women who had a stillbirth from birth to twelve months postpartum. Costs are presented in 2019/20 Australian dollars. RESULTS There was a total of 1864 babies stillborn to women in Queensland between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2018, with 135 being born to Indigenous women and 1729 born to non-Indigenous women. There was significantly lower total expenditure per woman for Indigenous women compared with non-Indigenous women ($16 083 and $18 811, respectively). This was consistent across public hospital inpatient ($12 564 compared with $14 075), outpatient ($1127 compared with $1470), community-based services ($198 compared with $313), pharmaceuticals ($8 compared with $22), private hospital ($434 compared with $1265), and for individual out-of-pocket fees ($21 compared with $86). Mean expenditure on emergency department services per woman was higher for Indigenous women compared with non-Indigenous women ($947 compared with $643). Indigenous women who experienced a stillbirth accessed fewer general practitioners, allied health, specialist, obstetrics, and outpatient services, and fewer pathology and diagnostic test than their non-Indigenous counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Inequities in access to health services exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous women who experience a stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Callander
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Haylee Fox
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kyly Mills
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Deanna Stuart-Butler
- Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence, Mater Research, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Philippa Middleton
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute Women and Kids, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David Ellwood
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joseph Thomas
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vicki Flenady
- Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence, Mater Research, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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12
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Bull C, Howie P, Callander EJ. Inequities in vulnerable children’s access to health services in Australia. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007961. [PMID: 35346955 PMCID: PMC8961130 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Children born into families at risk of becoming or remaining poor are at significant risk of experiencing childhood poverty, which can impair their start to life, and perpetuate intergenerational cycles of poverty. This study sought to quantify health service utilisation, costs and funding distribution amongst children born into vulnerable compared to non-vulnerable families. Methods This study used a large linked administrative dataset for all women giving birth in Queensland, Australia between July 2012 and July 2018. Health service use included inpatient, emergency department (ED), general practice, specialist, pathology and diagnostic imaging services. Costs included those paid by public hospital funders, private health insurers, Medicare and out-of-pocket costs. Results Vulnerable children comprised 34.1% of the study cohort. Compared with non-vulnerable children, they used significantly higher average numbers of ED services during the first 5 years of life (2.52±3.63 vs 1.97±2.77), and significantly lower average numbers of specialist, pathology and diagnostic imaging services. Vulnerable children incurred significantly greater costs to public hospital funders compared with non-vulnerable children over the first 5 years of life ($16 053 vs $10 247), and significantly lower private health insurer, Medicare and out-of-pocket costs. Conclusion There are clear inequities in vulnerable children’s health service utilisation in Australia. Greater examination of the uptake and cost-effectiveness of maternal and child services is needed, as these services support children’s development in the critical first 1000 days of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bull
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peta Howie
- Child & Youth Community Health Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily J Callander
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Callander EJ, Bull C, Lain S, Wakefield CE, Lingam R, Marshall GM, Wake M, Nassar N. Inequality in early childhood chronic health conditions requiring hospitalisation: A data linkage study of health service utilisation and costs. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2022; 36:156-166. [PMID: 34806212 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cost of socioeconomic inequality in health service use among Australian children with chronic health conditions is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To quantify the cost of socioeconomic inequality in health service use among Australian children with chronic health conditions. METHODS Cohort study using a whole-of-population linked administrative data for all births in Queensland, Australia, between July 2015 and July 2018. Socioeconomic status was defined by an areas-based measure, grouping children into quintiles from most disadvantaged (Q1) to least disadvantaged (Q5) based on their postcode at birth. Study outcomes included health service utilisation (inpatient, emergency department, outpatient, general practitioner, specialist, pathology and diagnostic imaging services) and healthcare costs. RESULTS Of the 238,600 children included in the analysis, 10.4% had at least one chronic health condition. Children with chronic health conditions in Q1 had higher rates of inpatient (6.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.4, 6.7), emergency department (7.2, 95% CI 7.0, 7.5) and outpatient (20.3, 95% CI 19.4, 21.3) service use compared to children with chronic health conditions in Q5. They also had lower rates of general practitioner (37.5, 95% CI 36.7, 38.4), specialist (8.9, 95% CI 8.5, 9.3), pathology (10.7, 95% CI 10.2, 11.3), and diagnostic imaging (4.3, 95% CI 4.2,4.5) service use. Children with any chronic health condition in Q1 incurred lower median out-of-pocket fees than children in Q5 ($0 vs $741, respectively), lower median Medicare funding ($2710, vs $3408, respectively), and higher median public hospital funding ($31, 052 vs $23, 017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Children of most disadvantage are more likely to access public hospital provided services, which are accessible free of charge to patients. These children are less likely to access general practitioner, specialist, pathology and diagnostic imaging services; all of which are critical to the ongoing management of chronic health conditions, but often attract an out-of-pocket fee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Callander
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Bull
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha Lain
- Child Population and Translational Health Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Population Child Health Research Group, School of Women and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melissa Wake
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Natasha Nassar
- Child Population and Translational Health Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Callander E, Bull C, Forster D. Using epidemiological and health economic measures to inform maternity staffing decisions: A guide. Women Birth 2021; 35:e471-e476. [PMID: 34953751 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing concern around unnecessary intervention (particularly caesarean section) at birth in high-income countries. Caseload midwifery care aims to offset this, but is perceived to be costly to health services. AIM To use epidemiological and health economic techniques to estimate health outcomes and cost-savings of different levels of equivalent full time (EFT) midwives working in caseload midwifery care. METHODS Two simulations were conducted - one assuming 10 EFT midwives working in a caseload model, with 35 women per caseload, and one assuming 50 EFT midwives working in a caseload model, with 45 women per caseload. Both were based on a sample of 5000 women. The main model inputs included rates of health outcomes for women (caesarean section, epidural anaesthesia, and episiotomy) and infants (low birthweight and admissions to special care nursery (SCN) or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)), and the cost savings associated with health outcome avoidance. FINDINGS The first simulation estimated 27 fewer caesarean sections, 12 fewer epidurals, 12 fewer episiotomies, 10 fewer low birthweight births, and 23 fewer infants admitted to SCN or NICU annually, at a total cost saving of AU$1,874,715. The second simulation estimated 173 fewer caesarean sections, 76 fewer epidurals, 76 fewer episiotomies, 65 fewer low birthweight births, and 150 fewer infants admitted to SCN or NICU annually, at a total cost saving of AU$12,051,741. CONCLUSION This study provides local-level decision-makers with a decision-tool to calculate the potentially avoidable health outcomes and cost savings associated with implementing caseload midwifery care in their own service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Callander
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Claudia Bull
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Della Forster
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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15
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Bull C, Ellwood D, Toohill J, Rigney A, Callander EJ. Quantifying the differences in birth outcomes and out-of-pocket costs between Australian Defence Force servicewomen and civilian women: A data linkage study. Women Birth 2021; 35:e432-e438. [PMID: 34802938 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Servicewomen in Defence Forces the world over are constrained in their health service use by defence healthcare policy. These policies govern a woman's ability to choose who she receives maternity care from and where. The aim of this study was to compare Australian Defence Force (ADF) servicewomen and children's birth outcomes, health service use, and out-of-pocket costs to those of civilian women and children. METHODS Retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data for women giving birth between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2018 in Queensland, Australia (n = 365,138 births). Women serving in the ADF at the time of birth were identified as having their care funded by the Department of Defence (n = 395 births). Propensity score matching was used to identify a mixed public/private civilian sample of women to allow for comparison with servicewomen, controlling for baseline characteristics. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted using a sample of civilian women accessing only private maternity care. FINDINGS Nearly all servicewomen gave birth in the private setting (97.22%). They had significantly greater odds of having a caesarean section (OR 1.71, 95%CI 1.29-2.30) and epidural (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.11-2.20), and significantly lower odds of having a non-instrumental vaginal birth (OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.43-0.75) compared to women in the matched public/private civilian sample. Compared to civilian children, children born to servicewomen had significantly higher out-of-pocket costs at birth ($275.93 ± 355.82), in the first ($214.98 ± 403.45) and second ($127.75 ± 391.13) years of life, and overall up to two years of age ($618.66 ± 779.67) despite similar health service use. CONCLUSIONS ADF servicewomen have higher rates of obstetric intervention at birth and also pay significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for their children's health service utilisation up to 2-years of age. Given the high rates of obstetric intervention, greater exploration of servicewomen's maternity care experiences and preferences is warranted, as this may necessitate further reform to ADF maternity healthcare policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bull
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
| | - David Ellwood
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | - Jocelyn Toohill
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Clinical Excellence Queensland, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, 4006, Australia. https://www.twitter.com/JocelynToohill
| | - Azure Rigney
- Maternity Choices Australia, Springwood, Queensland, 4127, Australia. https://www.twitter.com/AzureRigney
| | - Emily J Callander
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia. https://www.twitter.com/EmilyCallander
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Fox H, Topp SM, Lindsay D, Callander E. Ethnic, socio-economic and geographic inequities in maternal health service coverage in Australia. Int J Health Plann Manage 2021; 36:2182-2198. [PMID: 34270134 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in health service use exist in many sectors of Australia's health system, particularly affecting the most vulnerable people in the population, who are typically those with the greatest healthcare needs. Understanding patterns of health service coverage is critical for acknowledging the underlying, systemic drivers including racialised practices that inhibit the uptake of health services for certain population groups. This study aims to determine whether there are disparities in health service utilisation between socioeconomic, geographic and ethnic groups of mothers who experience hypertension, diabetes and mental health conditions. METHODS This study utilised a linked administrative healthcare dataset containing data of all mothers who gave birth in Queensland, Australia, between 2012 and 2015 (n = 186,789), plus their resultant babies (n = 189,909). The study compared health service utilisation for mothers with maternal health conditions between population groups. RESULTS The results of this study showed a broad trend of inequitable health service utilisation, with mothers who experienced the greatest healthcare needs-First Nations, rural and remote and socio-economically disadvantaged mothers-being less likely to access health services and in some cases when care was accessed, fewer services being utilised during the perinatal period. CONCLUSION Access to health care during the perinatal period is a reflection of Australia's general health system strengths and weaknesses, in particular a failure of the government to translate national and state policy intent into acceptable and accessible care in rural and remote areas, for First Nations women and for mothers experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Fox
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Lindsay
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Callander EJ, Atwell K. The healthcare needs of preterm and extremely premature babies in Australia-assessing the long-term health service use and costs with a data linkage cohort study. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:2229-2236. [PMID: 33693978 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04009-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The health conditions associated with extreme prematurity will likely require life-long treatment and management. As such, planning for the provision of healthcare services is essential in order to maximise their long-term well-being. We sought to quantify the use of healthcare services and the associated costs for extremely premature babies compared to preterm and term babies in Australia using a whole-of-population linked administrative dataset. In the first year of life, extremely premature babies had an average of 3.4 hospital admissions, and 2 emergency department presentations. They also had an average of 16 specialist attendances, 33 pathology tests and 6 diagnostic imaging tests performed. This was more than that utilised by preterm and full-term babies. The mean annual cost of hospitalisations was $182,312 for extremely premature babies in the first year and $9958 in the second year. The mean annual out-of-pocket fees for these services were $2212 and $121 in the first and second years respectively.Conclusion: Understanding the long-term healthcare needs of extremely premature babies in order to provide both an adequate number of services and also connection between services should be a central part of health system planning as the survival rates of extremely premature babies improve over time. What is Known: • The health service use of extremely premature babies is higher at the time of birth. • Health conditions and disabilities associated with extreme prematurity require life-long care. What is New: • Extremely premature babies have more diverse and frequent access to services than premature and term babies until at least age 2. • This comes at higher cost to families through out-of-pocket payments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Callander
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3181, Australia.
| | - Kerryn Atwell
- Southern Region, Tasmania Health Service, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
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18
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Fox H, Callander E, Lindsay D, Topp SM. Is there unwarranted variation in obstetric practice in Australia? Obstetric intervention trends in Queensland hospitals. AUST HEALTH REV 2021; 45:157-166. [PMID: 33517975 DOI: 10.1071/ah20014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to report on the rates of obstetric interventions within each hospital jurisdiction in the state of Queensland, Australia. Methods This project used a whole-of-population linked dataset that included the health and cost data of all mothers who gave birth in Queensland, Australia, between 2012 and 2015 (n=186789), plus their babies (n=189909). Adjusted and unadjusted rates of obstetric interventions and non-instrumental vaginal delivery were reported within each hospital jurisdiction in Queensland. Results High rates of obstetric intervention exist in both the private and public sectors, with higher rates demonstrated in the private than public sector. Within the public sector, there is substantial variation in rates of intervention between hospital and health service jurisdictions after adjusting for confounding variables that influence the need for obstetric intervention. Conclusions Due to the high rates of obstetric interventions statewide, a deeper understanding is needed of what factors may be driving these high rates at the health service level, with a focus on the clinical necessity of the provision of Caesarean sections. What is known about the topic? Variation in clinical practice exists in many health disciplines, including obstetric care. Variation in obstetric practice exists between subpopulation groups and between states and territories in Australia. What does this paper add? What we know from this microlevel analysis of obstetric intervention provision within the Australian population is that the provision of obstetric intervention varies substantially between public sector hospital and health services and that this variation is not wholly attributable to clinical or demographic factors of mothers. What are the implications for practitioners? Individual health service providers need to examine the factors that may be driving high rates of Caesarean sections within their institution, with a focus on the clinical necessity of Caesarean section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Fox
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4814, Australia. ; ; and Corresponding author.
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Medicine, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4214, Australia.
| | - Daniel Lindsay
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4814, Australia. ;
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4814, Australia. ;
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Fox H, Topp SM, Lindsay D, Callander E. A cascade of interventions: A classification tree analysis of the determinants of primary cesareans in Australian public hospitals. Birth 2021; 48:209-220. [PMID: 33570208 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both globally and in Australia, there has been a sharp rise in cesarean births (CB). Commonly, this rise has been attributed to the changing epidemiology of women giving birth. A significant body of knowledge exists on the risk factors associated with a greater need for cesarean. Yet, we have little information on the reasons recorded by clinicians as to why cesareans are provided. This study aimed to explore the drivers of primary cesareans in Australian public hospitals. METHODS Using a linked administrative data set, the frequency and percent of mothers' characteristics were compared between those who had a cesarean birth and those who had a vaginal birth (n = 98 967) with no history of previous cesareans in Queensland public hospitals between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2015. The top 10 reasons recorded by clinicians for a primary cesarean were reported. Using a machine-learning algorithm, two decision trees were built to determine factors driving primary cesarean birth. RESULTS "Labour and delivery complicated by fetal heart rate anomaly" (23%) and "primary inadequate contractions" (22.8%) were the top two reasons for a primary cesarean birth. The most common characteristics among mothers who had fetal heart rate anomalies were as follows: artificial rupture of membranes (39%), oxytocin (32%), no obstruction of labor (42%), and epidural (52%). For women who had primary inadequate contractions, the most common characteristics were as follows: epidural (33%), oxytocin (49%), artificial rupture of membranes (45%), and fetal stress (56%). CONCLUSIONS Efforts should be made by health practitioners during the antenatal period to maximize the use of preventative measures that minimize the need for medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Fox
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Daniel Lindsay
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Qld, Australia
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20
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Callander EJ, Gamble J, Creedy DK. Postnatal Major Depressive Disorder in Australia: Inequalities and Costs of Healthcare to Individuals, Governments and Insurers. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2021; 39:731-739. [PMID: 33682021 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01013-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal mental health has pervasive impacts on the wellbeing of both the mother and child, affecting quality of life, bonding and attachment and cognitive development. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to (i) quantify the costs to government healthcare funders, private health insurers and individuals through out-of-pocket fees, of women with postnatal major depressive disorder (MDD); and (ii) identify any socioeconomic inequalities in health service use and costs amongst these women. METHODS A whole-of-population linked administrative dataset containing the clinical records and health service use for all births in the state of Queensland, Australia between 01 July 2012 and 30 June 2015 was used (n = 189,081). Postnatal MDD was classified according to ICD-10 code, with women hospitalised for MDD in the 12 months after birth classified as having 'postnatal MDD' (n = 728). Health service use and costs from birth to 12 months post-birth were included. Total costs included cost to government funders and private health insurers and out-of-pocket fees. Total costs and costs to different funders were compared for women with postnatal MDD and for women without an inpatient event for postnatal MDD, with unadjusted means presented. A generalised linear model was used to compare the difference in total costs, adjusting for key confounders. Costs to different funders and number of different services accessed were then compared for women with postnatal MDD by socioeconomic status, with unadjusted means presented. RESULTS The total costs from birth to 12 months post-birth were 636% higher for women with postnatal MDD than women without an inpatient event for postnatal MDD, after accounting for differences in private hospital use, mode of birth, clinical characteristics and socioeconomic status. Amongst women with postnatal MDD, the cost of all services accessed was higher for women of highest socioeconomic status than for women of lowest socioeconomic status (A$15,787.66 vs A$11,916.94). The cost of services for women of highest socioeconomic status was higher for private health insurers (A$8941.25 vs A$2555.26), but lower for public hospital funders (A$2423.39 vs A$6582.09) relative to women of lowest socioeconomic status. Outside of public hospitals, costs to government funders was higher for women of highest socioeconomic status (A$2766.80 vs A$1952.00). Women of highest socioeconomic status accessed more inpatient (8.2 vs 3.1) and specialist services (13.4 vs 5.5) and a higher proportion had access to psychiatric specialist care (39.7% vs 13.6%) and antidepressants (97.6% vs 93.8%). CONCLUSION MDD is costly to all funders of healthcare. Amongst women with MDD, there are large differences in the types of services accessed and costs to different funders based on socioeconomic status. There may be significant financial and structural barriers preventing equal access to care for women with postnatal MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Callander
- Transforming Maternity Care Collaborative, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia.
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3181, Australia.
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jenny Gamble
- Transforming Maternity Care Collaborative, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
| | - Debra K Creedy
- Transforming Maternity Care Collaborative, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
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21
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Callander EJ, Bull C, McInnes R, Toohill J. The opportunity costs of birth in Australia: Hospital resource savings for a post-COVID-19 era. Birth 2021; 48:274-282. [PMID: 33580537 PMCID: PMC8014177 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 caused significant disruptions to health systems globally; however, restricting the family presence during birth saw an increase in women considering community birth options. This study aimed to quantify the hospital resource savings that could occur if all low-risk women in Australia gave birth at home or in birth centers. METHODS A whole-of-population linked administrative data set containing all women (n = 44 498) who gave birth in Queensland, Australia, between 01/07/2012 and 30/06/2015 was reweighted to represent all Australian women giving birth in 2017. A static microsimulation model of woman and infant health service resource use was created based on 2017 data. The model was comprised of a base model, representing "current" care, and a counterfactual model, representing hypothetical scenarios where all low-risk Australian women gave birth at home or in birth centers. RESULTS If all low-risk women gave birth at home in 2017, cesarean rates would have reduced from 13.4% to 2.7%. Similarly, there would have been 860 fewer inpatient bed days and 10.1 fewer hours of women's intensive care unit time per 1000 births. If all women gave birth in birth centers, cesarean rates would have reduced to 6.7%. In addition, over 760 inpatient bed days would have been saved along with 5.6 hours of women's intensive care unit time per 1000 births. CONCLUSIONS Significant health resource savings could occur by shifting low-risk births from hospitals to home birth and birth center services. Greater examination of Australian women's preferences for home birth and birth center birth models of care is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Callander
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesSchool of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Claudia Bull
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
| | - Rhona McInnes
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
| | - Jocelyn Toohill
- Clinical Excellence DivisionQueensland HealthBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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Fox H, Callander E. Cost of preterm birth to Australian mothers: Assessing the financial impact of a birth outcome with an increasing prevalence. J Paediatr Child Health 2021; 57:618-625. [PMID: 33426720 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine the differences in return to work time after childbirth; the differences in income; and the differences in out of pocket health-care costs between mothers who had a preterm birth and mothers who delivered a full term baby in Australia. METHODS Using administrative data, the length of time and 'risk' of returning to employment for mothers whose child was born premature relative to those whose child was born full term was reported. Multivariate linear regression models were constructed to assess the difference in maternal income and the differences in mean out-of-pocket costs between mothers who had a preterm birth and mothers who had a full term birth. RESULTS The mean length of time for mothers of babies born full term to return to work was 1.9 years and for mothers of preterm babies it was 2.8 years. Mothers of preterm babies had a significantly lower median income ah at 0-1, 2-3 and 4-5 years postpartum compared to mothers of full term babies. The adjusted mean out of pocket costs for health care paid by mothers who had a preterm birth was $1298 for those whose child was aged 32-36 weeks; and $2491 for those whose child was aged <32 weeks. This is in comparison to mothers of children born 37 weeks and over, whose mean out of pocket costs were $1059. CONCLUSION Mothers who have a preterm birth have longer return to work time, a lower weekly income and also have higher out of pocket costs compared with mothers who have a full term birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Fox
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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Callander EJ, Shand A, Nassar N. Inequality in out of pocket fees, government funding and utilisation of maternal health services in Australia. Health Policy 2021; 125:701-708. [PMID: 33931227 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the distribution of service utilisation, out-of-pocket fees and government funding for maternal health care in Australia by socioeconomic group. A large linked administrative dataset was utilised. Women were grouped into socioeconomic quintiles using an area-based measure of socioeconomic status. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify the distribution of number of services, out of pocket fees, and government funding by socioeconomic quintile. Needs-adjusted concentration indices (CINA) were utilised to quantify inequity. The mean out of pocket fees for women of least socioeconomic advantage was $1,026 and for women of most socioeconomic advantage the mean was $2,432 (CINA 0.093, 95% CI: 0.088 - 0.098). However, use of many services were higher for women of most socioeconomic advantage: private obstetrician (CINA: 0.035, 95% CI: 0.032 - 0.038), other specialist services (CINA: 0.089, 95%CI: 0.083 - 0.094), and diagnostic and pathology tests (CINA: 0.027, 95%CI: 0.025 - 0.030). Federal government funding through Medicare was distributed towards women of most socioeconomic advantage (CINA: 0.036, 95%CI: 0.033 - 0.039); whereas government public hospital funding was skewed towards women of least socioeconomic advantage (CINA: -0.05, 95%CI: -0.057 - -0.046). Future policy changes in Australia's healthcare system need to ensure that women of least socioeconomic advantage have adequate access to maternity and early childhood care, and out of pocket fees are not an access barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Callander
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Antonia Shand
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Hospital for Women, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Nassar
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales Australia
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Stillbirth in Australia 1: The road to now: Two decades of stillbirth research and advocacy in Australia. Women Birth 2020; 33:506-513. [PMID: 33092699 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Stillbirth is a major public health problem with an enormous mortality burden and psychosocial impact on parents, families and the wider community both globally and in Australia. In 2015, Australia's late gestation stillbirth rate was over 30% higher than that of the best-performing countries globally, highlighting the urgent need for action. We present an overview of the foundations which led to the establishment of Australia's NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth (Stillbirth CRE) in 2017 and highlight key activities in the following areas: Opportunities to expand and improve collaborations between research teams; Supporting the conduct and development of innovative, high quality, collaborative research that incorporates a strong parent voice; Promoting effective translation of research into health policy and/or practice; and the Regional and global work of the Stillbirth CRE. We highlight the first-ever Senate Inquiry into Stillbirth in Australia in 2018. These events ultimately led to the development of a National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan for Australia with the aims of reducing stillbirth rates by 20% over the next five years, reducing the disparity in stillbirth rates between advantaged and disadvantaged communities, and improving care for all families who experience this loss.
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Fox H, Callander EJ. The cost of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy to the Australian healthcare system. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 21:197-199. [PMID: 32634609 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In Australia, Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy are one of the leading causes of maternal death. Additionally, mothers and babies can experience significant morbidity associated with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Currently, there is little understanding about the resources spent on this pregnancy complication in Australia. Therefore, using a linked administrative dataset from the Queensland population in Australia, this study aims to determine the difference in government expenditure between mothers that have Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and mothers who do not. The total government expenditure on mothers that had HDP was significantly higher than in mothers who did not have HDP ($14,388 and $11,395 respectively). Most notably, the greatest difference in costs were experienced during the time of birth ($8696 and $6509).
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Fox
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Emily J Callander
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
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Callander EJ, Thomas J, Fox H, Ellwood D, Flenady V. What are the costs of stillbirth? Capturing the direct health care and macroeconomic costs in Australia. Birth 2020; 47:183-190. [PMID: 31737924 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing stillbirth rates is an international priority; however, little is known about the cost of stillbirth. This analysis sought to quantify the costs of stillbirth in Australia. METHODS Mothers and costs were identified by linking a state-based registry of all births between 2012 and 2015 to other administrative data sets. Costs from time of birth to 2 years postbirth were included. Propensity score matching was used to account for differences between women who had a stillbirth and those that did not. Macroeconomic costs were estimated using value of lost output analysis and value of lost welfare analysis. RESULTS Cost to government was on average $3774 more per mother who had a stillbirth compared with mothers who had a live birth. After accounting for gestation at birth, the cost of a stillbirth was 42% more than a live birth (P < .001). Costs for inpatient services, emergency department services, services covered under Medicare (such as primary and specialist care, diagnostic tests and imaging), and prescription pharmaceuticals were all significantly higher for mothers who had a stillbirth. Mothers who had a stillbirth paid on average $1479 out of pocket, which was 52% more than mothers who had a live birth after accounting for gestation at birth (P < .001). The value of lost output was estimated to be $73.8 million (95% CI: 44.0 million-103.9 million). The estimated value of lost social welfare was estimated to be $18 billion. DISCUSSION Stillbirth has a sustained economic impact on society and families, which demonstrates the potential resource savings that could be generated from stillbirth prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Thomas
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Haylee Fox
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - David Ellwood
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Vicki Flenady
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
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Callander EJ, Topp S, Fox H, Corscadden L. Out-of-pocket expenditure on health care by Australian mothers: Lessons for maternal universal health coverage from a long-established system. Birth 2020; 47:49-56. [PMID: 31612550 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Designing effective universal health care systems has challenges, including the use of patient co-payments and the role of the public and private systems. This study sought to quantify the total amount of out-of-pocket fees incurred by women who gave birth in private and public hospitals within Australia-a country with universal health coverage-and assess the impact that variation in birth type has on out-of-pocket fees. METHODS Data came from a linked administrative data set of all women who gave birth in the Australian state Queensland between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2015, plus their resultant children. Propensity score matching was used to create two similar cohorts of women who gave birth in private and public hospitals. RESULTS The mean total out-of-pocket fees for care from conception to the child's first birthday was $2813 (±2683 standard deviation) and $623 (±1202) for women who gave birth in private and public hospitals, respectively. Total fees were higher in both public and private hospitals for women who had a cesarean birth ($716 [±1419] and $3010 [±2988]) than for women who had a vaginal birth without instruments ($556 [±1044] and $2560 [±2284]). DISCUSSION Australia's strong policy incentives for women to take out private health insurance are leaving women with large out-of-pocket costs. This should hold important lessons for other countries implementing a universal health care system, to ensure that using a combination of public and private practitioners does not undermine the intention of universal care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Haylee Fox
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, Australia
| | - Lisa Corscadden
- New South Wales Bureau of Health Information, Chatswood, NSW, Australia
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Shewamene Z, Dune T, Smith CA. Use of traditional and complementary medicine for maternal health and wellbeing by African migrant women in Australia: a mixed method study. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:60. [PMID: 32070348 PMCID: PMC7076811 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-2852-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional medicine serves as a form of primary health care for more than 80% of African populations. Currently, there is no research documenting if and how African migrant communities engage with their traditional health practices and beliefs after they resettle in Western countries. The aim of this study was to examine African migrant women's experiences and perspectives about traditional and complementary medicine use in relation to their maternal health and wellbeing in Australia. METHODS We conducted a mixed method study between December 2016 and October 2017. Questionnaires were completed by 319 women and 15 in-depth interviews were conducted among African migrant women residing across the Sydney metropolitan area, Australia. Survey data were analysed using SPSS (version 23) and logistic regression model was used to test associations. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo 11 software to identify themes and conceptual categories in the participants' responses. The study was informed by Andersen's Socio-behavioural model of health service utilisation. RESULTS The findings indicated that use of traditional and complementary medicine was high and continued to be well used following African women's resettlement in Australia. The survey found that 232 (72.7%) women use some form of traditional and complementary medicine for maternal health and wellbeing purposes. Most women (179, 77.2%) reported that maintaining their maternal health and wellbeing was the most common reason for use. The interview findings indicated that access to traditional medicine included making requests from relatives and friends who travelled to Africa looking for a similar medicinal plant in Australia and preparing home remedies with advice from family members and healers back in Africa. Age ≥ 35 years (OR, 16.5; 95%CI, 6.58-41.5; p < 0.001), lower education (OR, 24; 95%CI, 8.18-71.1; p < 0.001), parity (OR, 7.3; 95%CI, 1.22-42.81; p = 0.029), and lower income (OR, 2.7; 95%CI, 1.23-5.83; p = 0.013) were strong predictors of traditional medicine use. CONCLUSION Use of traditional and complementary medicine among African migrant women in Sydney remained high following resettlement in Australia. As noted in Andersen's sociobehavioural model of health service utilisation, specific predisposing and enabling factors including age, education and income were associated with use of traditional and complementary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewdneh Shewamene
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia. .,Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Tinashe Dune
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Caroline A Smith
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
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Fox H, Callander E, Lindsay D, Topp S. Evidence of overuse? Patterns of obstetric interventions during labour and birth among Australian mothers. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:226. [PMID: 31272397 PMCID: PMC6611001 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2369-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is global concern for the overuse of obstetric interventions during labour and birth. Of particular concern is the increasing amount of mothers and babies experiencing morbidity and mortality associated with caesarean section compared to vaginal birth. In high-income settings, emerging evidence suggests that overuse of obstetric intervention is more prevalent among wealthier mothers with no medical need of it. In Australia, the rates of caesarean section and other obstetric interventions are rising. These rising rates of intervention have been mirrored by a decreasing rate of unassisted non-instrumental vaginal deliveries. In the context of rising global concern about rising caesarean section rates and the known health effects of caesarean section on mothers and children, we aim to better characterise the use of obstetric intervention in the state of Queensland, Australia by examining the characteristics of mothers receiving obstetric intervention. Identifying whether there is overuse of obstetric interventions within a population is critical to improving the quality, value and appropriateness of maternity care. Methods The association between demographic characteristics (at birth) and birth delivery type were compared with chi-square. The percentage of mothers based on their socioeconomic characteristics were reported and differences in percentages of obstetric interventions were compared. Multivariate analysis was undertaken using multiple logistic regression to assess the likelihood of receiving obstetric intervention and having a vaginal (non-instrumental) delivery after accounting for key clinical characteristics. Results Indigenous mothers, mothers in major cities and mothers in the wealthiest quintile all had higher percentages of all obstetric interventions and had the lowest percentages of unassisted (non-instrumental) vaginal births. These differences remained even after adjusting for other key sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Conclusions Differences in obstetric practice exist between economic, ethnic and geographical groups of mothers that are not attributable to medical or lifestyle risk factors. These differences may reflect health system, organisational and structural conditions and therefore, a better understanding of the non-clinical factors that influence the supply and demand of obstetric interventions is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Fox
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4814, Australia.
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Medicine, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, 4214, Australia
| | - Daniel Lindsay
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4814, Australia
| | - Stephanie Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4814, Australia
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