50716 research outputs found
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Climate rights as fundamental rights in the EU external policy?
In its much-anticipated advisory opinion on the Obligation of States in Respect of Climate Change, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) clarified the interdependence between fundamental rights and environmental protection, recognising the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The Opinion carries persuasive weight and enhances prospects for climate litigation at a time when political action on global warming is faltering. In the EU, the European Parliament has advanced the right to a safe climate as a fundamental right, thus outlining a more advanced legal framework as compared to international law
The ethics of using biocontrol:understanding public perceptions of, and attitudes towards, biocontrol in principle and dung beetles in particular
Biocontrol can be an effective tool in managing unwanted species and for environmental management. In-depth understanding of public perceptions and attitudes of biocontrol is critical to securing constructive public engagement in biocontrol initiatives. This study used mixed methods survey research with 155 Australian participants to identify key drivers of attitudes and perceptions and their associated impacts on acceptance of biocontrol. In addition, the study assesses if there were differences between public perceptions of, and attitudes towards, biocontrol in principle and the specific case of dung beetles introduced into Australia to mitigate issues arising from dung accumulation. The results indicate that while participants believe dung beetles are safer and more effective than biocontrol in principle, they consider them less necessary. Identification of biocontrol as an ethical approach to environmental management was the only shared driver of acceptance and positive attitude towards both biocontrol in general and dung beetles in particular. Positive perceptions of dung beetles were also motivated by identifying them as effective and useful. On the other hand, acceptance of biocontrol in principle was also driven by the perception that introducing an agent would pose limited threats to biodiversity, higher confidence in governance, and respondents being older. This study identifies the need for further research exploring the ethical positions of diverse publics to strengthen understanding of the factors driving acceptance or rejection of biocontrol in specific contexts. We conclude that a more nuanced and detailed approach to ethics could improve communication strategies, strengthen public-science trust and enhance scientific practices and outcomes.</p
Hotter and Damper: Dealing with the Environmental Health Impacts of Changing Weather and Climate
International collaboration in advanced practice education — a catalyst for workforce sustainability and health system resilience October 20253(4):203-206 DOI: 10.12968/ijap.2025.0008 Melanie ClarksonJennie ScarvellSusan Nancarrow
Australia faces significant challenges in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare, particularly owing to workforce retention issues and the growing complexity of patient needs. This article provides a commentary on the collaboration between universities to develop a contemporary postgraduate programme for advanced practitioners in Australia. To support the development of advanced practitioner roles, the University of Canberra in Australia collaborated with Sheffield Hallam University in England to develop a sustainable programme tailored to Australia's diverse healthcare needs. This international collaboration involved an open exchange of knowledge and expertise. Unlike traditional, discipline-specific programmes, the new programme is inclusive of diverse healthcare professions and contexts, empowering them to provide advanced, evidence-based care
Menu Assessment Tools Used in Residential Aged Care:A Scoping Review of Content and Quality
This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesise existing publicly available tools that support menu assessments for residential aged care settings, specifically the tools content areas, recommendations and quality. The scoping review was conducted according to Levac et al. scoping review methodology and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Menu assessment tools were identified through grey literature through Google and Google Scholar search engines using key terms such as ‘residential aged care’ and ‘menu assessment’. Data were synthesised and reported narratively, according to content areas of menu planning, nutritional basis of the menu, texture modification/fluid consistency, therapeutic and special diets and foodservice management recommendations. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation Instrument. Seventeen tools from seven countries were included. There was variability in the content and recommendations, with no included tool covering all content areas. The overall quality ranged from two to six (out of seven), and no tools met the quality criteria to be recommended for use in their current form. The lack of consistency in content areas, recommendations and quality of tools indicates the need to modify existing tools or to conduct research to support the development of a new evidence-based tool. Future research is needed to gain consensus on acceptable content areas, appropriate recommendations and to develop an evidence-base to underpin the tools. A purpose-built, evidence-based tool is essential for consistent foodservice evaluation and for improving food and nutrition standards, ultimately enhancing resident outcomes.</p
A cross-sectional study of how cancer nurses document the nursing processes using Digital Health Record (DHR)
STUDY AIM: The aim of the study is to explore how nurses document the nursing processes within a cancer care setting using digital health record (DHR).RESEARCH QUESTION: How do nurses document the nursing processes within a cancer care setting using DHR?STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.METHODOLOGY: Twenty clinical care records were randomly selected from a large metropolitan hospital in a single medical oncology inpatient ward in Australia. The audit was conducted using the D-Catch instrument to assess the completeness and quality of nursing record using the five elements of the nursing process. Data analysis was conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.FINDINGS: The findings from the study showed evidence of high scores across all aspects of the nursing process, both in the completeness of record and an overall positive outcome for the quality of nursing documentation. However, documentation relating to assessment of patients' holistic care needs showed low to zero evidence of any documented record.IMPLICATIONS ON CARE: This study provided important insight into the documentation of the nursing processes within DHR. The concerns around limited documentation in capturing holistic care needs require attention. The application of D-Catch tool in assessing the nursing process remains useful, as shown in this study; however, its usability within a digital context needs further investigation.</p
Midwives' perceptions of support for new graduates:A survey that compared support from midwives who provide continuity of care with midwives from other models of care
Problem: It is unknown if graduate midwives receive similar support from midwives providing continuity of care and midwives not working in continuity models. Background: All new graduate midwives require support as they transition from student to practitioner regardless of model of care in which they work. New graduate midwives are keen to work in continuity of care models but require good mentorship. Aim: To compare the perceptions of support provided by midwives to new graduates between those working in continuity of care models and those not working in those models. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with an online survey was undertaken. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics and independent t-tests. Content analysis was used for the open-ended questions data. Findings: Both groups of midwives reported it was important for new graduates to have knowledge and continue lifelong learning. Both groups of midwives also reported the importance of new graduates being involved in decision-making. Midwives working in continuity of care models were more likely to role model desirable behaviours of self-care, provide supportive environments, and think that new graduates should have more opportunities to work in continuity of care with a reduced workload than midwives not in continuity models. Conclusion: Midwives thought that it was important to listen to new graduates’ opinions and to value their opinions as an integral part of care. Mentoring and supporting new graduates with ongoing educational support and being inclusive is important for all regardless of model of care.</p
The Creative Learning Project: Defining the National Gallery of Australia's Creative Learning Approach
This guide describes the outcomes of a collaborative 15-month research project between the University of Canberra (UC) and the National Gallery of Australia. Titled The Creative Learning Project, it sought to co-create a tailored learning approach for the National Gallery underpinned by research. A research team from the Faculty of Education at UC was contracted to co-construct a pedagogical approach with the Gallery’s Learning Team drive the project to articulate, define and position the National Gallery’s pedagogical approach in a national and international context. The aim was to create a model that could be applied to the Gallery’s education programs onsite, offsite and online. To achieve these aims the UC Research Team used co-design as a method to identify shared goals, develop guiding principles and co-construct a pedagogical approach with the Gallery’s Learning Team