Plasma research at Deakin University : diverse applications and team spirit

A new plasma laboratory has been established in the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) at Deakin University, Geelong. The two major research themes are (1) tailoring of surfaces/interfaces with new functionality, and (2) fabrication/doping of nanomaterials. The aim is to meet the challenge of better performing materials in applications ranging from energy, biomedicine and nanotechnology to composites, transport and textiles. Plasma technology offers an alternative to conventional approaches and its success depends on an improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms. We promote a team spirit in which different experts harmoniously work together. More than thirty PhD studies and collaborative projects have been undertaken and proposed since 2009 - within IFM, across the University and with outside research organisations nationally and internationally.

The impact of a team-based intervention on the lifestyle risk factor management practices of community nurses: outcomes of the community nursing SNAP trial

Background
Lifestyle risk factors like smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity (SNAP) are the main behavioural risk factors for chronic disease. Primary health care is an appropriate setting to address these risk factors in individuals. Generalist community health nurses (GCHNs) are uniquely placed to provide lifestyle interventions as they see clients in their homes over a period of time. The aim of the paper is to examine the impact of a service-level intervention on the risk factor management practices of GCHNs.

Methods
The trial used a quasi-experimental design involving four generalist community nursing services in NSW, Australia. The services were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or control group. Nurses in the intervention group were provided with training and support in the provision of brief lifestyle assessments and interventions. The control group provided usual care. A sample of 129 GCHNs completed surveys at baseline, 6 and 12 months to examine changes in their practices and levels of confidence related to the management of SNAP risk factors. Six semi-structured interviews and four focus groups were conducted among the intervention group to explore the feasibility of incorporating the intervention into everyday practice.

Results
Nurses in the intervention group became more confident in assessment and intervention over the three time points compared to their control group peers. Nurses in the intervention group reported assessing physical activity, weight and nutrition more frequently, as well as providing more brief interventions for physical activity, weight management and smoking cessation. There was little change in referral rates except for an improvement in weight management related referrals. Nurses’ perception of the importance of ‘client and system-related’ barriers to risk factor management diminished over time.

Conclusions
This study shows that the intervention was associated with positive changes in self-reported lifestyle risk factor management practices of GCHNs. Barriers to referral remained. The service model needs to be adapted to sustain these changes and enhance referral.

Proving a negative in history: the non-appearance of the Hungarian football team at the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956

In this article we examine why Hungary, despite having the best football team in the world, did not enter the competition at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. We examine several explanations and find them to be based on errors and misconceptions. Given the significance of sport in socialist societies, we believe that the most likely explanation lies in the relationship between the Hungarian communist regime and that of the Soviet Union. Ongoing archival research suggests that the Hungarian regime did not enter a football team because it wanted to assist the Soviet Union in winning the gold medal, which it was thought would demonstrate the moral superiority of communism. This proposition is supported by a 2012 interview with Jenö Buzánszky, one of the two survivors of the Hungarian team.

Group and team processes in organisations

During recent decades, organisations have shifted towards team-based structures to enhance organisational performance, and research has shifted to investigate these new work structures. This chapter explores team and group process research in organisations. The initial focus of this chapter is to define groups and teams. Types of teams and team development theory will also be briefly discussed. Several theories of group dynamics will then be presented. The input-process-output framework, which explains the relationships between variables in team research, will provide structure to the ensuing discussion of team-related variables, such as individual and team-level characteristics, team and group processes and team performance. A frequent goal of group and team-based research is to understand how to improve team effectiveness and thus performance. Team performance is therefore included in this framework as an important outcome variable. This framework is then extended and a contemporary way of categorising team-based research in organisations is presented. In addition, the potentially important role of moderating variables in team research will also be discussed.

The timing of Rapid-Response Team activations: a multicentre international study

Background:
Most studies of Rapid-Response Teams (RRTs) assess their effect on outcomes of all hospitalised patients. Little information exists on RRT activation patterns or why RRT calls are needed. Triage error may necessitate RRT review of ward patients shortly after hospital admission. RRT diurnal activation rates may reflect the likely frequency of caregiver visits.

Objectives:
To study the timing of RRT calls in relation to time of day and day of week, and their frequency and outcomes in relation to days after hospital admission.

Methods:
We prospectively studied RRT calls over 1 month in seven hospitals during 2009, collecting data on patient age, sex, admitting unit, admission source, limitations of medical therapy (LOMTs), and admission and discharge dates. We assessed the timing of RRT calls in relation to hospital admission and circadian variation; and differences in characteristics and outcomes of calls occurring early (Days 0 and 1) versus late (after Day 7) after hospital admission.

Results:
There were 652 RRT calls for 518 patients. Calls were more likely on Mondays (P=0.018) and during work hours (P<0.0001) but less likely on weekends (P=0.003) or overnight (P<0.001). There were 177 early calls (27.1%) and 198 late calls (30.4%). Early calls involved younger patients (median ages, 67.5 years [early calls] v 73 years [late calls]; P= 0.01), fewer LOMTs (P=0.029), and lower in hospital mortality (12.8% [early calls] v 32.3% [late calls]; P<0.0001). The mortality difference remained in patients without LOMTs (5.6% [early calls] v 19.6% [late calls]; P=0.003).

Conclusions:
About one-quarter of RRT calls occurred shortly after hospital admission, and were more common when caregivers were around. Early calls may partially reflect suboptimal triage, though the associated mortality appeared low. Late calls may reflect suboptimal end-of-life care planning, and the associated mortality was high. There is a need to further assess the epidemiology of RRT calls at different phases of the hospital stay.