Hello EarInfoNetwork yarning place members!
The EarInfoNet team are pleased to present a new poster which aims to improve the diagnosis and management of otitis media (OM) in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The poster has been designed to serve as a useful education tool for health practitioners and would be appropriate for displaying in consulting rooms. The information provided in the new resource is consistent with the Recommendations for clinical care guidelines on the management of otitis media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.
The poster was produced by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet and Menzies School of Health Research, with images provided by Dr Michael Hawke (from the Hawke library) and the Ear Science Institute.
A high resolution digital copy of the poster can also be downloaded via the health promotion resources section of the EarInfoNet - http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/promotion-resources?lid=25742 -Printed copies can be ordered by contacting Karla Cerna at the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (Email:
k.cerna@ecu.edu.au, Ph: 08 9370 6875).
Rationale behind the development of the new resource:
Rates of OM in Indigenous communities are still unacceptably high. It is estimated that one in five children living remotely have chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and that 60-80% of these children are likely to have moderate to severe hearing loss. Considering the World Health Organization regards a prevalence of CSOM greater than 4% as an urgent public health issue, more efforts among Australian practitioners, nurses and health workers are needed. Children under the age of three who are at risk of developing CSOM have been identified as the most important priority. It is important that children in this high risk group are targeted to receive appropriate antibiotic treatment and specialist care. This will provide the best chance of reducing overall rates of severe OM in Indigenous communities.
Warm regards,
Stephanie Colbert
Information Officer
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
******************************************************************************************************
