New research partnership to tackle hearing loss

An exciting new collaboration has been established between the Ear Science Institute Australia and the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), uniting Australia’s leading hearing researchers in a concerted effort to enhance treatments for the millions affected by hearing impairments.

National Acoustics Laboratories Director, Brent Edwards, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This partnership harnesses the collective expertise of some of Australia’s most dedicated and forward-thinking hearing researchers, all committed to profoundly improving hearing healthcare globally.”

Hearing loss is among the world’s most prevalent health issues, with projections suggesting that by 2050 nearly 2.5 billion individuals will experience some form of hearing impairment. This partnership aims to foster substantial advancements in the quality of life for those affected by hearing loss, both in Australia and worldwide.

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By pooling their vast resources and data, both institutions are poised to transform hearing health care. The Ear Science Institute Australia, recognised globally as a for-purpose center of excellence, combines scientific research, medical innovation, and clinical practice to pioneer new treatments for ear and hearing conditions, ultimately striving to discover a cure for hearing loss.

Ear Science Institute’s CEO, Sandra Bellekom, commented on the future implications of the partnership, “Looking forward, this alliance with National Acoustic Laboratories opens new pathways for sharing knowledge, which will enhance the delivery of cutting-edge, personalised hearing solutions and expand access to superior hearing care for people around the world.”

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Introduction of New Clinical Care Standard by ACSQHC to Address Psychotropic Medicine Use in Cognitive Disability and Impairment

By Jeff Gibbs

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) has today announced the launch of a pivotal new national standard aimed at enhancing the care for individuals with cognitive disabilities or impairments. The introduction of the Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard is a critical advancement in promoting safer and more effective treatment protocols across the healthcare spectrum.

Background and Rationale for the New Standard

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Recent decades have witnessed a 60% surge in the prescription of psychotropic medications across Australia. Despite a modest reduction in antipsychotic use among the elderly—prompted by heightened awareness of associated risks—the prescribing rates remain alarmingly high, particularly among vulnerable populations. Notably, older individuals and those residing in aged care facilities are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of these medications, including cognitive decline, heightened risk of falls, strokes, and mortality. Additionally, approximately one-third of individuals with intellectual disabilities are prescribed psychotropic drugs, exposing them to potentially severe short and long-term side effects.

Scope and Impact of the Standard

The new Standard seeks to mitigate the inappropriate utilisation of psychotropic medications and emphasises patient safety. It priorities non-pharmacological interventions as the foremost approach for managing challenging behaviours such as aggression and agitation. Psychotropic medications are advised as a last-resort measure, following the ineffectiveness of alternative strategies or in situations posing significant risk to the individual or others.

The Standard advocates for tailored non-medication strategies that respect the individual’s needs and preferences, developed in consultation with their family and other authorised caregivers. This approach underscores the commitment to upholding the dignity and autonomy of individuals with cognitive impairments.

Expert Insights and Support

Key health experts have endorsed the significance of this new Standard. Conjoint Associate Professor Carolyn Hullick, Chief Medical Officer at the Commission, stresses the necessity for mindful prescribing practices given the limited benefits and substantial risks associated with psychotropic medications in this demographic. Professor Julian Trollor from the University of New South Wales and Juanita Breen from the University of Tasmania also highlight the importance of objective-driven prescribing, continuous monitoring, and the potential to reduce medication dosages in favour of non-pharmacological alternatives.

Implementation Across Settings

The Standard is applicable universally across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, aged care facilities, and community services, ensuring that individuals with cognitive disabilities receive consistent and coordinated care irrespective of the setting.

Professor Eddy Strivens emphasises the need for coordinated efforts and effective communication, particularly during care transitions, to maintain continuity and efficacy of treatment plans and to support decision-making processes that honour patient autonomy.

Collaborative Efforts for Enhanced Care

In a collective endeavour to address these issues, the Commission has collaborated with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to issue a Joint Statement against the misuse of psychotropics in managing behaviours in disabled and elderly populations.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard marks a significant step forward in improving the quality of care and safety for Australians with cognitive disabilities or impairments. It aligns with ongoing efforts to reform health care, aged care, and disability support systems across the nation.

The complete Standard and accompanying resources are available on the Commission’s website here.

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Federal Government Revamps Carer Payment to Boost Flexibility and Support for 2.65 Million Australian Carers

The Federal Government announced today significant modifications to the Carer Payment system, designed to enhance flexibility for Australia’s 2.65 million carers. Minister for the Department of Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, emphasised the government’s commitment to enabling carers to integrate employment, education, and volunteer activities more seamlessly into their schedules.

“Many carers find themselves underemployed, working fewer hours than they would prefer, and often struggle to pursue educational opportunities,” Minister Rishworth explained. The government plans to address these challenges by revising the participation limits for the Carer Payment, allowing carers greater leeway in managing their work, study, and volunteering hours over a four-week period, as well as modifying the Temporary Cessation of Care days to offer needed respite.

Key changes include extending the allowable work hours for Carer Payment recipients from the current 25 hours per week to 100 hours across four weeks. This adjustment aims to provide carers with the ability to better organize their work commitments around their caregiving responsibilities without jeopardizing their benefits. Additionally, travel time, educational activities, and volunteering will no longer count towards the participation cap, a change that will particularly benefit carers in regional and remote areas.

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“These modifications will predominantly assist women across the nation to more effectively balance their various responsibilities,” stated Minister Rishworth. The reform also introduces a six-month suspension option for recipients who exceed the new flexible limits, thus eliminating the need for reapplication if their circumstances change.

This legislative update, which is projected to cost $18.6 million over five years, is in response to the recommendations made in the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee’s 2024-25 report and supports the strategies detailed in the September 2023 Employment White Paper, reflecting demands from stakeholders.

Concluding, Minister Rishworth highlighted that removing employment barriers and boosting workforce participation remain central to the Federal Government’s economic strategy, aiming to provide carers with the flexibility to engage in seasonal work or overtime.

“These changes, along with the upcoming tax cuts for all taxpayers from July, will significantly benefit Australia’s carers,” she added.

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