This is the first tertiary hospital in Australia to establish a multidisciplinary multimodal PBMP. Interventions across disciplines resulted in decreased use of RBC units especially in orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery. Continuing education and feedback to specialties will maintain the program, improve patient outcomes, and decrease the transfusion rate.

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Background Recent reviews have proposed a causal relationship between prolonged breastfeeding and early childhood caries (ECC), but the evidence to date is inconsistent, with few cohort studies and limited investigation of key confounders. Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary practices and early childhood caries in a birth cohort of Australian preschoolers. Methods Participants underwent a standardized dental examination at 2–3 y of age to determine the prevalence of ECC (based on the presence of decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces). Breastfeeding practices were reported at 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo of age. Intakes of free sugars were assessed at 1 and 2 y of age. Multivariable regression models generated prevalence ratios (PR) for the association between ECC and breastfeeding duration, and between ECC and sleep feeding practices at 1 y, controlling for sociodemographic factors and free sugars intake. Results There was no independent association between breastfeeding beyond 1 y of age and ECC (PR 1.42, 95% CI: 0.85, 2.38), or between breastfeeding to sleep and ECC (PR 1.12, 95% CI: 0.67, 1.88), although the direction of effect was suggestive of an association. The only factors independently associated with ECC were high free sugars intakes (PR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.44), and greater socioeconomic disadvantage (PR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.08, 4.28). Most participants who were breastfed at 1 y of age had ceased by 18 mo or 2 y. Conclusions Breastfeeding practices were not associated with ECC. Given the wide-ranging benefits of breastfeeding, and the low prevalence of sustained breastfeeding in this study and Australia in general, recommendations to limit breastfeeding are unwarranted, and breastfeeding should be promoted in line with global and national recommendations. To reduce the prevalence of early childhood caries, improved efforts are needed to limit foods high in free sugars.

This study separately quantifies the frequency of both genital and anal injuries in sexually assaulted women. Genital injuries were absent in a large proportion of women regardless of prior vaginal intercourse status. It is anticipated that findings will better inform the community, police and medico-legal evidence to the criminal justice system.

Objective: To describe the peer review process of the Western Australian Audit of Surgical Mortality (WAASM), selected outcomes and recommendations. Study design: Prospective audit using peer review of all cases of patients who died while under the care of a Western Australian surgeon between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2004. Audit reviews were current to 30 September 2004. Participants and setting: 194 of 202 surgeons participated after a patient died under their care. Main outcome measures: Surgeon participation, deficiencies of care, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, futile surgery, postmortem reviews, proportion of operations performed by consultant surgeons. Results: The audit process was complete for 896 of 1647 reported deaths (54%), while a further 503 (31%) were still under review at 30 September 2004. Twenty deaths associated with terminal care were excluded from analysis. Median patient age was 80 years, and 799 of the 876 patients who died (91%) had significant comorbidities that increased the risk of death. Deficiencies of care were reported in 179/876 (20%). In 45/876 deaths (5%) the deficiency of care was assessed to have caused the death, and 15 deaths were considered preventable. The risk of a deficiency of care was 1.9 times higher in elective admissions than emergency admissions. Autopsy was undertaken in 83/768 (11%) deaths with complete data. Changes in practice were noted in some areas targeted by WAASM, such as improved DVT prophylaxis. A problem with fluid management was recorded. Conclusion: Most patients who died were elderly, had complex comorbidities and were treated appropriately. The WAASM has helped to change surgical practice and emphasises the importance of ongoing systematic audit. The participation of surgeons demonstrates their commitment to accountability and supports the intention of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to extend the process throughout Australia and New Zealand.