Precision healthcare and genomics: The delicate balance between what to ask and what to tell

Precision healthcare and genomics could improve health outcomes and reduce costs, but care must be taken to avoid over-diagnosis and allay needless anxiety.

Sydney lock-out laws cut emergency room casualties

Controversial lockout laws introduced in 2014 in inner Sydney to prevent alcohol-fuelled violence have cut injuries, visits to emergency rooms and assaults on hospital staff.

Australia deserves a better debate and 5 ‘quick wins’ for ‘wicked’ problems

Australia21 urges politicians to embrace evidence based policy making and engage in constructive discussion of more effective strategies to address inequality, trauma related stress, illicit drugs, the future of work and climate change.

Australia’s child and youth report card – Could do better

The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth urge state and federal government to prioritise the problems facing young Australians as a new report finds Australia in the middle of the pack on most key measures of childhood well-being.

The obesity paradox – myth or reality?

The ‘obesity paradox’ that suggests overweight people may enjoy some protection against heart disease has been challenged by a new population study. Can people really be ‘healthy at every size’?

Getting aged care innovation right

The aged care sector is undergoing sweeping reforms. Merlin Kong of innovAGEING calls for a renewed focus on innovation to improve the opportunities for older people to live meaningful, dignified, and socially relevant lives.

The future of mental health

Depression is expected to become the largest single healthcare burden by 2030. The Black Dog Institute’s Dr Peter Baldwin looks at the role technology can play in the transformation of mental health.

Thanks for the cash, now what about health service reform?

Reforming the health system is the only way to stymie the rising economic burden of health services but how do we deliver it? Dr David Thorp considers the advantages of new forms of community health service delivery.

It’s time for an Indigenous Health Purchasing Authority

For governments indigenous health continues to be an intractable policy problem. Author of ‘Indigeneity – a politics of potential’ Dominic O’Sullivan considers the proposal of an Indigenous Health Purchasing Authority.

Blueprint maps out how to give Australians a 21st century health system

The recent report released by Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association maps out how to transform our healthcare system into a fit-for-purpose 21st century system. Alison Verhoeven, Chief Executive of AHHA, advocates for the immediate roll out the recommendations.

Improving health literacy crucial to better health outcomes

Health literacy and self care are vital components of a sustainable healthcare system – but Australia has disturbingly low levels of both. Grant Kardachi considers the fundamental importance of improving Australia’s health literacy.

Artificial intelligence & machine learning – what does it mean for healthcare?

Is the onset of artificial intelligence to be feared or embraced? Healthcare consultant Megan Kennedy considers the revolutionary potential AI presents.