Protecting our future

iDEA16: Protecting our Future takes place in Brisbane from 15 to 17 April 2016. This is a conference for medical professionals and students and open to everyone who cares about health and the future.

Funding public hospitals

Our health system is facing ongoing challenges and will again be one of the big election issues this year. President of the Medical Association (AMA), Professor Brian Owler, says we have reached a crisis point in public hospital funding that puts patients at risk.

Light it up blue for autism

On 2 April 2016 iconic buildings across Australia and around the world turn their lights blue for the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day. You can use #LIUB to share your experience on social media.

Time for NDIS critics to show their cards

There have been comments from the business sector that the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) should be slowed down. President of People with Disability Australia, Craig Wallace, says if the Business Council of Australia really thinks that Australians with disability and families shouldn't get reasonable and necessary support, it should have the courage and integrity to say so.

Smartphones app for early detection of autism ASDetect: The inside story

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition present in 1-2 % of the population. In an age of growing technology, can we detect early signs for autism for children between the age of 11 and 30 months using a mobile app? And if yes, how accurate is that technology? Dr Nancy Sadka from OTARC at La Trobe University knows more.

The NextStep for young people’s mental health

Finding mental health help can be overwhelming and confusing for young people. ReachOut NextStep is a new online tool stepping young people through the process of seeking tailored support. Associate Professor Jane Burns, CEO of the Young and Well CRC, explains.

Implications of the Internet of Things for the health sector

It’s predicted that by 2020, 50 billion devices will be connected to the Internet. Michael Gill explains what this means for our health system and health care delivery.

Overcoming disease complacency to improve immunisation rates

The latest report on child immunisation in Australia has found that in a number of regions rates remain too low to prevent the spread of diseases. Professor of Nursing Linda Shields is calling for greater awareness raising among young parents about the diseases that immunisation prevent.

Grubs, tattoos and slay the dragon

How can we change public perception of non-visible disabilities and empower sufferers to self-care? Susan Hughes is Director of not-for-profit organisation Dragon Claw, which provides information, support and self-care navigation for over 450,000 Australians.

Australia about to make medical cannabis legal

The federal government has just introduced legislation to parliament to allow the cultivation and use of medicinal cannabis. Sean Hall, CEO of Medlab, which conducts therapeutic cannabis research, says this is a huge step forward for Australia.

Nurse education, the forgotten discipline

Nurse education does not have the same level of recognition as other disciplines. Dr Vivienne Decleva wishes the nursing profession would recognise this specialised field more formally.

Looking back on 2015

Thank you for your interest and support throughout the year. As 2015 comes to an end, I'd like to share some highlights and the most popular blogs of the year with you.