While the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors is understood to be higher among migrants than for people born in host nations, little is known about the dementia risk profile of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. This systematic review examines published literature to understand what is currently reported about 12 identified modifiable risk factors for dementia among migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers residing in Australia. Three literature databases (PubMed/CINAHL/MEDLINE) were systematically searched to find articles reporting excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury, air pollution, lack of education, hypertension, hearing impairment, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, and limited social contact in Australia’s migrant, refugee and asylum seeker population samples. Papers were systematically reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 763 studies were found, of which 676 articles were excluded, and 79 articles remained. Despite wide variability in study design, size and purpose, the prevalence and correlates of modifiable risk factors of dementia appears markedly different among the studied samples. Compared with Australian-born participants, migrant samples had a higher prevalence of depression, social isolation, physical inactivity and diabetes mellitus. Insufficient information or conflicting evidence prevented inference about prevalence and correlates for the remaining dementia risk factors. A better understanding of the prevalence and correlates of modifiable dementia risk factors is needed in Australia’s migrant, refugee and asylum seeker populations. This information, together with a deeper understanding of the contextual and cultural contributing factors affecting people who arrive in Australia through differing pathways is needed before preventive interventions can be realistically targeted and sensitively implemented.

To ensure the well-being, quality of life and quality of care of people living with dementia, carers need to have the necessary communication knowledge and skills to respond appropriately to a person’s changing abilities and needs. Understanding carers’ communication experiences and needs in the context of dementia care is an important step in enabling effective education and support for carers. This study aimed to investigate communication challenges faced by carers and their coping strategies, influencing factors, and communication education and training needs. The sample involved 258 carers enrolled in an online dementia care program, and data were collected using a 16-item questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric inferential statistics, including Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis and Spearman’s rho, were used to analyse the data. The participants reported experiencing a range of challenges in communicating with people living with dementia and employing various strategies in addressing these challenges, either independently or with the support of others. Improvements in a number of factors would be beneficial for carers, including more time for caring, more care and social support, as well as enhanced skills in communicating with people living with dementia. A large majority of the participants indicated their need for education or training in communication knowledge and skills, and those with higher learning needs were likely to be younger, care workers and other health professionals, and those with less care experience. Recommendations are made for future research and efforts to maximise effective education and support for carers of people living with dementia.

The issue of medical errors, or adverse events caused within a health care context or by a health care provider, is largely under-researched. While the experience and perspective of health care professionals regarding medical errors have been explored, little attention is paid to the health care consumers regarding their perceptions and experiences. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the public’s views on medical errors to enhance patient safety and quality care. The current study sought to examine Australian public perceptions and experiences, especially concerning what errors had occurred, the perceived sources of the errors, and if the errors had been reported. This paper reports the qualitative findings of an online survey for Australian residents who have accessed or received medical services at any time in Australia. Responses from 304 surveys were analyzed and discussed, including demographic information and key themes about medical errors, which were categorized into engagement and patients’ voices being heard, the quality of care being provided, and the system’s accountability. Based on the findings, the study highlights the importance of effective health professional–patient communication, enhanced capacity to deliver high quality care, and improved mechanism for error reporting and resolution where patients feel safe and confident about positive changes being made.

Received wrong medication/treatment from a Doctor 63 (27.7%) Received a diagnosis that did not make sense 59 (26%) Got an infection after a hospitalisation or treatment 49 (21.6%) Received treatment that was not needed 44 (19.4%) Given wrong instructions about follow-up care 41 (18%) Test results were lost, delayed or not shared 36 (15.9%) Received wrong medication/treatment from a Nurse 35 15.4%) Were administered the wrong medication dosage 28 (12.3%) Were given instructions from different health care providers 9 (3.9%) Fell down or out of bed 9 (3.9%) Patient misunderstood the care plan 5 (2.2%) Received wrong medication from a Pharmacy 4 (1.7%) Accidently took too much /or wrong medication 3 (1.3%) Got a bed sore 3 (1.3%) Received wrong medication from a Midwife 2 (0.9%)

Background: Patient safety remains a priority for healthcare organisations globally. There remains little consensus regarding the extent of this issue and the resultant impact on both individuals and communities. Aim: Our study aims to provide healthcare organisations and decision makers with increased information regarding predictive risk factors to enhance patient safety, and develop an organisational culture of safety. Methods: This paper reviews current literature regarding patient safety and presents predictive risk factors and recommendations for healthcare organisations globally to measure and monitor patient safety. Results: Three categories of organisational factors promoting safety culture were identified – Focusing on system/culture, management support and team work and event reporting. Conclusions: This review strove to identify and discuss the predictive risk factors for patient safety and support the importance of a positive organisational culture and strong leadership in monitoring and reducing patient care errors and improving patient care in healthcare setting.