Filicide: the Australian story

AbstractA filicide death, meaning the killing of a child by their parent or equivalent guardian, is a tragic event. Sadly, a UK study suggests Australia has the fourth highest rate of filicide among similar developed nations. Since Australian research studies on the incidence of filicide, or indeed on any other aspect of the problem, are limited, it is impossible to know if this finding is correct or not. However, in the last several years more research on filicide has emerged in Australia and by reviewing the recent research in detail, this article develops an integrated analysis of Australian filicide research and contributes to the knowledge bank on Australian filicide that can be used by professionals undertaking practice and research in intervention and prevention. Analysis of the studies shows one child dies at the hands of a parent every fortnight and that this number has not changed for many years. The analysis identifies the profiles of victims and perpetrators. The constellation of circumstances and stressors associated with each of the parental perpetrator groups is discussed, including the perpetrators’ contact with, and mostly unsuccessful use of, services. Based on the analysis, a way forward to prevention is proposed.

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Impact of accreditation on performance of healthcare organizations

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences ◽

10.1108/ijqss-10-2018-0085 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 85-108

Author(s):

Swathi K.S. ◽

Gopalkrishna Barkur ◽

Somu G.

Keyword(s):

Organizational Performance ◽

Limiting Factors ◽

Future Research ◽

Healthcare Organizations ◽

Theoretical Frameworks ◽

Content Type ◽

Comprehensive Search ◽

Developed Nations ◽

The Impact ◽

Research Studies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the accreditation research in specific to its effect on the performance of healthcare organizations. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive search and analysis of literature on the effect of healthcare accreditation were conducted between June 2017 and May 2018. The study identified 62 empirical research studies that examined the effect of healthcare accreditation programmes. Study particulars such as year of publication, objectives, focus of the study, research settings and key findings were recorded. A content analysis was performed to identify the frequency of the main themes in the literature. Knowledge gaps needing further examination were identified. Findings Majority of the accreditation impact studies were carried out in the developed nations (n = 49). The thematic categories, that is the impact on “patient safety and healthcare quality” (n = 26), “healthcare professionals’ views” (n = 28) and “clinical process and outcomes” (n = 17) were addressed more times. Whereas the other two thematic categories “organizational performance” and “consumers’ views or satisfaction,” each was examined less than 10 instances. This review reveals mixed views on effect of healthcare accreditation. The varied quality of studies and the availability of a few studies on consumers’ perception of accreditation effectiveness were the important limiting factors of this review. Originality/value The findings are valuable to healthcare managers and hospital administrators in accreditation decisions, whereas findings are of value to researchers and academicians in terms of gaps identified for future research studies pertaining to the impact of healthcare accreditation. Future studies need to consider holistic theoretical frameworks for assessing the effect of accreditation on performance of healthcare organizations to achieve precise results.

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Conducting Dysphagia Research in the Field Through Partnerships With Clinicians

Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) ◽

10.1044/sasd20.2.36 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 36-41

Author(s):

Catriona M. Steele

Keyword(s):

Dysphagia Research ◽

Research Studies

Research studies that involve collaborations between scientists and frontline clinicians provide rich opportunities for advancing knowledge in the field of dysphagia. However, various challenges exist in bridging research goals and clinical priorities. In this article, we explore the perspectives of those who have participated in previous collaborations to gain insights regarding the challenges, surprises, and benefits of such collaboration.

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