08

Oct 2024

A study indicates that harmful diagnostic errors could affect 1 in every 14 patients in general medical hospitals.

Published in General on October 08, 2024

Harmful diagnostic errors could be affecting up to 1 in every 14 hospital patients—specifically those receiving general medical care—according to findings from a single-center study in the US published online in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety. According to the researchers, most of these errors (85%) are likely preventable, highlighting the urgent need for new strategies to enhance surveillance and prevent such mistakes from occurring. Earlier reports suggest that current trigger tools used to identify medical mistakes are insufficient for detecting harmful diagnostic errors, particularly those with less severe outcomes. In response, the researchers developed and validated a structured case review process that enables clinicians to analyze the electronic health record (EHR) to evaluate the diagnostic process for hospital patients, assess the likelihood of a diagnostic error, and determine the impact and severity of the harm caused. They applied this process to retrospectively estimate the prevalence of harmful diagnostic errors in a randomly selected sample of 675 hospital patients from a total of 9,147 who received general medical care between July 2019 and September 2021, excluding the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (April–December 2020). Cases identified as high-risk for diagnostic errors included transfers to intensive care 24 or more hours after admission (130 cases; 100%); deaths within 90 days of admission, whether in the hospital or after discharge (141 cases; 38.5%); and complex clinical issues without transfer to intensive care or death within 90 days (298 cases; 7%). Complex clinical issues encompassed clinical deterioration, treatment by multiple medical teams, unexpected events such as cancelled surgeries, and unclear or inconsistent diagnostic information recorded in the medical notes. The 106 cases classified as low risk (2.5%) did not meet any of the high-risk criteria. Each case underwent review by two trained adjudicators who evaluated the likelihood of a diagnostic error and identified associated process failures using the Diagnostic Error Evaluation and Research Taxonomy modified for acute care. Harm was categorized as minor, moderate, severe, or fatal, and the assessors also evaluated whether the diagnostic error contributed to the harm and if it was preventable. Cases with discrepancies or uncertainty regarding the diagnostic error or its impact were subjected to further review by an expert panel. Among all reviewed cases, diagnostic errors were identified in 160 instances involving 154 patients. These errors included intensive care transfers (54), deaths within 90 days (34), complex clinical issues (52), and low-risk patients (20). Harmful diagnostic errors were determined to have occurred in 84 cases (82 patients), broken down as follows: 37 cases (28.5%) among intensive care transfers, 18 cases (13%) among patients who died within 90 days, 23 cases (8%) among those with complex clinical issues, and six cases (6%) in low-risk patients. The severity of harm was classified as minor in five cases (6%), moderate in 36 cases (43%), major in 25 cases (30%), and fatal in 18 cases (21.5%). Overall, it was estimated that 85% of harmful diagnostic errors were preventable, with older, white, non-Hispanic, non-privately insured, and high-risk patients identified as most vulnerable. When weighted to reflect the population, researchers estimated that the prevalence of harmful, preventable, and severely harmful diagnostic errors in general medical hospital patients was just over 7%, 6%, and 1%, respectively. Process failures were significantly linked to diagnostic errors, particularly uncertainties in initial assessments and complex diagnostic testing and interpretation (four times the risk), suboptimal subspecialty consultations (three times the risk), patient-reported concerns (three times the risk), and deficiencies in history taking (2.5 times the risk). Among the errors, 40 cases (48%) related to the primary diagnosis at admission or discharge, and 44 cases (52.5%) to a secondary diagnosis; 52 cases (62%) were classified as delays. Errors resulting in major or fatal harm were common in the high-risk group (55%, 43 out of 78) but rare in the low-risk group (0 out of 6). The most frequently associated diagnoses with these diagnostic errors included heart failure, acute kidney failure, sepsis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, altered mental state, abdominal pain, and hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). The researchers suggest that careful error analysis and the integration of AI tools into clinical workflows could help reduce their prevalence by enhancing monitoring and enabling timely interventions. This is an observational study based on estimates derived from data on patients receiving general medical care at a single centre, and the researchers advise that findings should be interpreted within this context. They also acknowledge that the sample was limited to patients with hospital stays under 21 days and that the study relied on information captured in electronic health records, which may inaccurately record deaths within 90 days. Moreover, for patients and their families looking for accommodation, considering hospital stay accommodation options can significantly alleviate stress during this challenging time. Various facilities in Melbourne offer supportive environments and comfortable stays that cater to the needs of patients and their relatives. Nonetheless, they conclude, "We estimate that a harmful diagnostic error occurred in one of every 14 patients hospitalized in general medicine, the majority of which were preventable. Our findings underscore the need for novel adverse diagnostic error surveillance approaches."

Harmful diagnostic errors could be affecting up to 1 in every 14 hospital patients—specifically those receiving general medical care—according to findings from a single-center study in the US published online in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety.

According to the researchers, most of these errors (85%) are likely preventable, highlighting the urgent need for new strategies to enhance surveillance and prevent such mistakes from occurring.

Earlier reports suggest that current trigger tools used to identify medical mistakes are insufficient for detecting harmful diagnostic errors, particularly those with less severe outcomes. In response, the researchers developed and validated a structured case review process that enables clinicians to analyze the electronic health record (EHR) to evaluate the diagnostic process for hospital patients, assess the likelihood of a diagnostic error, and determine the impact and severity of the harm caused.

They applied this process to retrospectively estimate the prevalence of harmful diagnostic errors in a randomly selected sample of 675 hospital patients from a total of 9,147 who received general medical care between July 2019 and September 2021, excluding the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (April–December 2020).

Cases identified as high-risk for diagnostic errors included transfers to intensive care 24 or more hours after admission (130 cases; 100%); deaths within 90 days of admission, whether in the hospital or after discharge (141 cases; 38.5%); and complex clinical issues without transfer to intensive care or death within 90 days (298 cases; 7%).

Complex clinical issues encompassed clinical deterioration, treatment by multiple medical teams, unexpected events such as cancelled surgeries, and unclear or inconsistent diagnostic information recorded in the medical notes.

The 106 cases classified as low risk (2.5%) did not meet any of the high-risk criteria.

Each case underwent review by two trained adjudicators who evaluated the likelihood of a diagnostic error and identified associated process failures using the Diagnostic Error Evaluation and Research Taxonomy modified for acute care. Harm was categorized as minor, moderate, severe, or fatal, and the assessors also evaluated whether the diagnostic error contributed to the harm and if it was preventable. Cases with discrepancies or uncertainty regarding the diagnostic error or its impact were subjected to further review by an expert panel.

Among all reviewed cases, diagnostic errors were identified in 160 instances involving 154 patients. These errors included intensive care transfers (54), deaths within 90 days (34), complex clinical issues (52), and low-risk patients (20).

Harmful diagnostic errors were determined to have occurred in 84 cases (82 patients), broken down as follows: 37 cases (28.5%) among intensive care transfers, 18 cases (13%) among patients who died within 90 days, 23 cases (8%) among those with complex clinical issues, and six cases (6%) in low-risk patients.

The severity of harm was classified as minor in five cases (6%), moderate in 36 cases (43%), major in 25 cases (30%), and fatal in 18 cases (21.5%). Overall, it was estimated that 85% of harmful diagnostic errors were preventable, with older, white, non-Hispanic, non-privately insured, and high-risk patients identified as most vulnerable.

When weighted to reflect the population, researchers estimated that the prevalence of harmful, preventable, and severely harmful diagnostic errors in general medical hospital patients was just over 7%, 6%, and 1%, respectively.

Process failures were significantly linked to diagnostic errors, particularly uncertainties in initial assessments and complex diagnostic testing and interpretation (four times the risk), suboptimal subspecialty consultations (three times the risk), patient-reported concerns (three times the risk), and deficiencies in history taking (2.5 times the risk).

Among the errors, 40 cases (48%) related to the primary diagnosis at admission or discharge, and 44 cases (52.5%) to a secondary diagnosis; 52 cases (62%) were classified as delays. Errors resulting in major or fatal harm were common in the high-risk group (55%, 43 out of 78) but rare in the low-risk group (0 out of 6).

The most frequently associated diagnoses with these diagnostic errors included heart failure, acute kidney failure, sepsis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, altered mental state, abdominal pain, and hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels).

The researchers suggest that careful error analysis and the integration of AI tools into clinical workflows could help reduce their prevalence by enhancing monitoring and enabling timely interventions.

This is an observational study based on estimates derived from data on patients receiving general medical care at a single centre, and the researchers advise that findings should be interpreted within this context. They also acknowledge that the sample was limited to patients with hospital stays under 21 days and that the study relied on information captured in electronic health records, which may inaccurately record deaths within 90 days.

Moreover, for patients and their families looking for accommodation, considering hospital stay accommodation options can significantly alleviate stress during this challenging time. Various facilities in Melbourne offer supportive environments and comfortable stays that cater to the needs of patients and their relatives.

Nonetheless, they conclude, "We estimate that a harmful diagnostic error occurred in one of every 14 patients hospitalized in general medicine, the majority of which were preventable. Our findings underscore the need for novel adverse diagnostic error surveillance approaches."

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How long will I have to stay? Even when surrounded by medical professionals, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Fear is another dominant feeling — fear of pain, procedures, or bad news. Some patients even fear becoming dependent on others or being a burden to their family. Meanwhile, loneliness creeps in, especially when visiting hours end and the hospital corridors grow quiet. Even the most supportive family members can’t always be present, leaving patients to face long, introspective hours alone. It’s also common for patients to experience sadness or frustration. A once-active person may feel helpless while confined to bed, or someone who has always taken care of others might struggle to accept being cared for. All these emotions can build up, affecting not only mental well-being but also the recovery process itself. How the Mind Affects Healing Science has long confirmed the connection between emotional health and physical recovery. When stress and anxiety run high, the body releases hormones like cortisol, which can weaken the immune system and slow healing. Conversely, maintaining a positive mindset — even during difficult circumstances — can promote better outcomes. Patients who receive emotional support, whether from loved ones or professionals, often experience less pain, require fewer medications, and recover faster. That’s because healing isn’t just a physical process — it’s emotional and spiritual too. Coping with Stress and Anxiety During Hospitalisation While hospitalisation can be emotionally challenging, there are practical ways to ease the stress and find peace amid the uncertainty. 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings The first step to coping is accepting that it’s okay to feel anxious, sad, or scared. Suppressing emotions only adds to the stress. Talk about how you feel with your nurse, doctor, or loved ones. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m scared” can lift a heavy emotional burden. 2. Stay Connected Human connection is powerful medicine. Even short phone calls, video chats, or messages from friends and family can make a big difference. Many hospitals also have chaplains, volunteers, or counsellors who can offer companionship and emotional support. 3. Practice Mindfulness and Deep Breathing When anxiety spikes, take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and slowly exhale. Mindfulness exercises, prayer, or meditation can help calm racing thoughts and bring you back to the present moment. 4. Keep a Journal Writing down your thoughts can help process emotions that are difficult to express aloud. It’s also a way to reflect on progress and gratitude — even small victories like finishing a meal or walking a few extra steps. 5. Bring Comfort from Home Simple personal touches, like a favorite blanket, photo, or book, can bring warmth and familiarity to a sterile hospital environment. These little comforts remind you of life beyond the hospital room and provide emotional grounding. 6. Ask Questions and Stay Informed Much of the anxiety in hospitals comes from uncertainty. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team about your condition, treatment plan, or recovery expectations. Knowing what’s happening can help you feel more in control. 7. Seek Professional Emotional Support If feelings of depression or anxiety become too heavy, ask to speak with a hospital counsellor or psychologist. Many hospitals offer mental health services as part of patient care. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s an act of courage and self-care. The Role of Faith and Hope For many patients, spiritual faith plays a vital role in coping with hospitalisation. Prayer, Scripture reading, or simply reflecting on faith can bring peace in moments of fear. Believing that there is a higher purpose or that God is watching over you can turn anxiety into trust and despair into hope. As Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Even in hospital rooms where uncertainty looms, faith can provide comfort that no medicine can replace. Supporting a Hospitalised Loved One If you have a friend or family member in the hospital, your emotional support matters more than you realise. Be present — listen without judgment, offer encouragement, and remind them they are not alone. Small acts, like sending a heartfelt note or visiting briefly, can lift their spirits tremendously. Avoid giving false reassurances like “You’ll be fine soon.” Instead, use compassionate words such as “I’m here with you” or “It’s okay to feel scared.” Emotional honesty builds trust and comfort. A Journey of Healing Inside and Out Being hospitalised is never just a medical event — it’s a deeply emotional journey. The physical wounds may heal with treatment, but the heart and mind also need care, patience, and compassion. By acknowledging emotions, staying connected, and leaning on faith and support, patients can transform fear into courage and anxiety into peace. True healing happens when body, mind, and spirit recover together — reminding us that even in the most sterile hospital rooms, hope is the most powerful medicine of all.
The Emotional Side of Being Hospitalized: Coping with Stress and Anxiety
Hospital stays can be challenging not only for patients but also for their families. When a loved one is admitted, emotions can range from anxiety to hope, and every visit becomes an opportunity to bring comfort and strength. However, visiting someone in the hospital involves more than just showing up—it requires sensitivity, understanding, and preparation. Here are some essential tips for family members visiting loved ones in the hospital to ensure that your presence truly helps in their recovery journey. 1. Check Visiting Policies First Before heading to the hospital, always check the hospital’s visiting hours and policies. Most hospitals have specific rules regarding visiting times, number of visitors allowed, and restrictions for certain wards like the ICU or maternity areas. Some hospitals also have quiet hours to ensure patients get enough rest. By respecting these guidelines, you help create a calm and orderly environment that benefits both your loved one and other patients. 2. Keep Visits Positive and Uplifting Your loved one’s emotional state plays a huge role in their recovery. When visiting, bring a cheerful and reassuring attitude. Avoid topics that could cause stress or worry. Simple gestures like smiling, holding their hand, or offering encouraging words can lift their spirits. You can also bring along small, approved items such as photos, cards, or their favourite book to make their hospital room feel more personal and comforting. 3. Respect Their Need for Rest Patients often experience fatigue due to treatments, medications, or their medical condition. Keep your visits brief unless your loved one requests a longer stay. Watch for signs of tiredness—if they begin to look sleepy or distracted, it’s best to let them rest. Your willingness to give them space shows that you respect their recovery process. 4. Practice Good Hygiene Hospitals are sensitive environments where infection control is crucial. Always wash or sanitise your hands before and after visiting. Avoid visiting if you’re feeling unwell or have a cold. If hospital staff require masks, gowns, or gloves in certain areas, follow their instructions carefully. By keeping hygiene a priority, you help protect your loved one and other patients from potential infections. 5. Bring Practical Comforts Small comforts can make a big difference during hospital stays. Consider bringing items like a soft blanket, lip balm, socks, or a refillable water bottle (if allowed). You could also bring light snacks or fruit—but always check with medical staff if dietary restrictions apply. If your loved one enjoys certain music, you might create a relaxing playlist for them to listen to. 6. Offer to Help with Responsibilities Hospitalisation often disrupts normal routines, and patients may worry about unfinished tasks at home. You can ease their stress by offering to help with errands—watering plants, feeding pets, paying bills, or updating other family members about their condition. Taking care of these practical matters allows your loved one to focus entirely on healing. 7. Communicate with Medical Staff Respectfully If you need updates about your loved one’s condition, try to speak with their assigned nurse or doctor during scheduled visiting hours. Always be polite and concise when asking questions. Medical teams appreciate family members who are engaged but respectful of their time and boundaries. If there are multiple family members involved, designate one person as the main contact to streamline communication. 8. Be Emotionally Supportive Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply listen. Allow your loved one to share how they feel without immediately trying to fix or minimise their concerns. Emotional validation—acknowledging their fears and frustrations—helps them feel seen and supported. A calm, compassionate presence can often speak louder than words. 9. Take Care of Yourself Too Caring for someone in the hospital can be physically and emotionally draining. Remember to rest, eat well, and take breaks when needed. You can’t pour from an empty cup—keeping yourself healthy ensures you can continue to provide steady support throughout their hospital stay. 10. Plan Nearby Accommodation for Extended Stays If your loved one will be hospitalised for several days or weeks, consider finding nearby accommodation to reduce travel stress. Many hospitals partner with nearby serviced apartments or short-stay facilities designed for families of patients. These accommodations offer comfort and convenience—allowing you to rest, cook meals, and stay close without the exhaustion of daily commuting. For example, Hospital Stays provides serviced apartments near major hospitals in Melbourne, offering family-friendly spaces with full kitchens and laundry facilities—ideal for those supporting loved ones during long hospital stays. Staying nearby ensures you’re always available for your loved one while also maintaining your well-being and routine. Conclusion Hospital visits can be emotionally charged experiences, but they’re also opportunities to express love, care, and solidarity. By respecting hospital protocols, maintaining positivity, and being sensitive to your loved one’s needs, you can transform your visits into moments of true healing and connection. Remember that your presence, compassion, and calm support can make a world of difference—reminding your loved one that they’re not alone in their journey to recovery.
Caring Visits: Tips for Family Members Visiting Loved Ones in the Hospital
Victoria’s government has unveiled Summerhill Village, a new purpose-built social housing complex designed for women aged over 55, located in the heart of West Footscray. The development features 49 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, including two fully accessible apartments, all centred around a communal green courtyard. With older women being one of the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness in Victoria, this initiative aims to provide affordable, secure housing that enables residents to live independently and remain part of their local community. Minister for Housing and Building, Harriet Shing, highlighted that homes like these are tailored to support ageing in place, and emphasized their importance in maintaining strong community connections. The project was delivered through a partnership involving the United Housing Co-operative and the Lions Club of Footscray. Nine former residents of the Footscray Lions Elderly Citizens Village are among the first to move into these new homes. This project is part of Victoria’s larger Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund, which together are aimed at delivering over 13,300 social and affordable homes—more than 11,100 of these are already complete or underway. For those needing to stay close to medical care, Footscray offers several accommodation options near Footscray Hospital. One example is Footscray Motor Inn and Serviced Apartments, which is just ~341 metres from Footscray Hospital. The inn offers affordable, comfortable lodging with amenities like private bathrooms, free parking, and public transport access. Another nearby choice is Palms Motel Footscray, located within walking distance (around 450–750 metres) to the hospital. It serves as a useful option for patients or family members needing overnight or short-term stays near the medical facility.
New Social Housing Project Opens for Women Over 55 in Footscray
For many people, the idea of being admitted to a hospital for the first time can be intimidating. Questions about what will happen, who to talk to, and what to bring often add to the stress of an already sensitive situation. However, understanding what to expect during your hospital stay — from admission to discharge — can make the experience far more manageable and even empowering. Whether your stay is for surgery, treatment, or observation, this guide will walk you through the key stages of a hospital experience, including preparation tips, what daily life in the hospital looks like, and how to arrange accommodation if you’re travelling from another city. 1. Preparing for Admission Preparation starts well before you arrive at the hospital. Your doctor or specialist will usually provide pre-admission instructions, which might include fasting requirements, medication adjustments, or tests to be completed ahead of time. It’s a good idea to pack an overnight bag with essentials: comfortable clothing, toiletries, a phone charger, reading material, and important documents such as your ID, insurance card, and medication list. Some patients also find it comforting to bring personal items like a pillow, photos, or music to make the hospital environment feel a bit more familiar. If you have ongoing prescriptions, bring them in their original containers so nurses and doctors can confirm dosages. Hospitals often provide similar medications, but clear communication helps avoid confusion or duplicate treatments. 2. The Admission Process When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll go through a registration or admissions desk where staff will confirm your personal information, insurance details, and treatment plan. Depending on your case, you may be taken directly to your room or to a pre-operative or assessment area. Once admitted, you’ll meet a nursing team who will monitor your vital signs, explain hospital routines, and serve as your primary point of contact. If you’re undergoing surgery or a specific procedure, the attending physician or surgeon will review the process, answer final questions, and ask you to sign a consent form. 3. Understanding Your Care Team Hospitals operate through a network of professionals working together — including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and social workers. Each plays a specific role in your recovery. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Whether it’s about your medication, dietary restrictions, or daily schedule, clear communication ensures that you remain informed and comfortable. Many hospitals also assign patient liaison officers who can help explain medical jargon or coordinate between departments if you have concerns. 4. Daily Life in the Hospital Hospital life follows a structured routine. Expect regular wake-up times for vitals and medication rounds, followed by doctor visits and therapy sessions if applicable. Meals are served at fixed hours, and dietary plans are often tailored to your treatment needs. While hospitals prioritise your health and safety, they can feel unfamiliar and restrictive. You may share a room, hear alarms or equipment noises, and follow strict hygiene protocols. Bringing earplugs, headphones, or a sleep mask can help improve rest. Use downtime wisely — read, journal, listen to music, or connect virtually with loved ones. Keeping your mind engaged promotes emotional well-being and can make recovery feel smoother. 5. Visiting Policies and Support Visiting rules vary depending on hospital policy, your condition, and even the ward you’re in. Most hospitals allow visitors during specific hours, but intensive care units (ICUs) and certain specialty wards may have stricter limits. Family and friends provide emotional support that is crucial to recovery. If visitors cannot stay nearby, they can often arrange accommodation through partner hotels or serviced apartments near the hospital. For example, Corporate Keys Australia offers flexible and fully furnished serviced apartments in Melbourne and other major cities, ideal for families accompanying patients for extended hospital stays. These accommodations include kitchen and laundry facilities, allowing loved ones to stay close while maintaining daily comfort — an important consideration during long-term treatments or rehabilitation. 6. Communication and Recovery Updates You’ll receive daily updates from your healthcare team regarding your progress and treatment plan. If anything is unclear — from medication changes to recovery timelines — it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification. Hospitals now encourage patients to take an active role in their recovery, a practice known as patient-centred care. This approach empowers you to make informed decisions and collaborate with your healthcare team to ensure your needs are met holistically. 7. Preparing for Discharge As your condition improves, your care team will start discussing discharge plans. This includes home-care instructions, prescriptions, follow-up appointments, and possible lifestyle recommendations. In some cases, patients may be transferred to a rehabilitation facility or outpatient clinic before full discharge. Make sure you understand your discharge summary, which outlines your diagnosis, treatment, medications, and recovery plan. If you have any physical limitations post-discharge, ask your care team about available support services — including community nurses or telehealth options. 8. Emotional Health and Adjustment It’s normal to feel a mix of relief, fatigue, or anxiety after your hospital stay. Give yourself time to adjust. Returning home doesn’t mean you’re instantly back to normal — healing continues physically and emotionally. Practising mindfulness, talking with loved ones, and following your aftercare plan can make the transition smoother. Remember that your hospital team remains a resource — don’t hesitate to reach out for follow-up advice or concerns. Final Thoughts Your first hospital stay may feel overwhelming, but it’s also a moment of learning and growth. Hospitals are designed to care for your body and, increasingly, your mental and emotional well-being too. By understanding what to expect and preparing thoughtfully — from packing essentials to arranging nearby accommodation for family — you can focus on what matters most: healing, comfort, and recovery.
What to Expect During Your First Hospital Stay
Emma Beardsley once dreaded going through airport security. “I used to panic every time they made me take my headphones off at security,” she recalls. “The noise and the unpredictability can be overwhelming.” Now, thanks to a new policy allowing noise-cancelling headphones to remain on during security checks, Beardsley says she can “travel more confidently and safely.” In Australia, one in four people lives with a disability, yet the travel system has often failed to accommodate varied needs. Autism-inclusion advocates at Aspect Autism Friendly have welcomed the government’s updated guidelines that let autistic travellers keep their noise-reducing headphones on during screening, calling it a “major step” toward more accessible air travel. Dr Tom Tutton, head of Aspect Autism Friendly, emphasises the significance of travel in people’s lives: it connects them with family, supports work and learning, and offers new experiences. But he notes the typical airport environment can be especially intense for autistic travellers: “Airports are busy, noisy, random and quite confusing places … you’ve got renovations, food courts, blenders, coffee grinders, trolleys clattering … and constant security announcements. It’s really, really overwhelming.” “What might be an irritation for me is something that would absolutely destroy my colleague [who has autism]. Surprise noises of a certain tone or volume can genuinely be experienced as painful.” Under the new policy — now published on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website — passengers who rely on noise-cancelling headphones as a disability support may request to wear them through body scanners. The headphones may undergo secondary inspection instead of being forcibly removed. Dr Tutton describes this adjustment as small in procedure but huge in impact: it removes a key point of sensory distress at a critical moment in the journey. Aspect Autism Friendly is collaborating with airports to ensure that all security staff are informed of the change. For many autistic travellers, headphones aren’t just optional — they are essential to navigating loud, unpredictable environments. Until now, being required to remove them during security has caused distress or even deterred travel. Aspect Autism Friendly also works directly with airports, offering staff training, autism-friendly audits, visual stories, sensory maps, and other accommodations. Their prior collaborations include autism-friendly initiatives with Qantas. Dr Tutton notes: “Airports have become this big focus for us of trying to make that little bit of travel easier and better.” He advises people planning trips for travellers with disabilities to consult airport websites ahead of time. Some airports already offer quiet rooms or sensory zones — Adelaide, for instance, provides spaces where travellers can step away from the noise and regroup before boarding. Beyond helping autistic individuals, Dr Tutton believes that more accessible airports benefit everyone. “These supports help lots of other people too,” he says. “When people are more patient, kind and supportive, the benefits flow to everyone. We all prefer environments that are well-structured, sensory-friendly, predictable and easy to navigate.”
“Surprise Noises Can Feel Like Pain”: New Airport Rule Eases Travel for Autistic Passengers
Researchers at Australia’s QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute have unveiled a first-of-its-kind, free, online melanoma risk assessment tool aimed at estimating a person’s chances of developing melanoma over 10 years. The innovation, which draws on a decade of data from more than 40,000 participants, represents a major step toward personalising early detection and intervention. A Smarter Way to Predict Melanoma This newly launched tool calculates risk by evaluating multiple scientifically established factors, such as: Sunburn history Family history of melanoma How an individual’s skin reacts to sun exposure Geographic location (i.e. UV exposure where one lives) Number of moles Also included are smoking history and height The online questionnaire takes only a few minutes to complete and returns a personalised risk profile. One of its key aims is to help direct clinical attention to those at higher risk — while reducing needless screening for lower-risk people. As Professor David Whiteman explained: “Our health system is at capacity … we want to make sure people who need skin checks are being checked … but not necessarily needing regular skin checks.” Still, the researchers caution that the tool is not foolproof: “Even if the tool tells you you are low risk, you still might have a melanoma, so it’s not to be complacent.” The risk estimator is publicly accessible at qimrb.edu.au/melanoma. Why It Matters Melanoma remains one of Australia’s most common and dangerous cancers. Early detection typically leads to simpler treatment, better outcomes, and reduced costs. By stratifying individuals by risk, this tool may help: Focus limited dermatological resources on those who need them most Encourage lower-risk individuals to practice sun protection and self-monitoring Reduce strain on health services by cutting down low-yield screening However, for patients who do require treatment — especially those needing surgery or other interventions — early detection is only one piece of the puzzle. The next question is: How can we support patients during hospital stays and treatment periods? Supporting Patients Through Hospital Stays: Accommodation and Aid When patients must travel for specialised care or stay near a hospital for treatment, the issue of accommodation becomes crucial. Some hospitals and regions offer dedicated lodging or subsidised support; others rely on external organisations. Below are examples and models in Australia that help bridge this gap. Accommodation & Support Models in Australia Red Cross Medical Accommodation In Queensland, the Red Cross maintains low-cost lodging centres adjacent to hospitals, such as the Cairns Wellbeing Centre, Townsville Wellbeing Centre, and Mackay Accommodation Centre. These facilities provide safe, affordable rooms for patients and their families while receiving treatment. If eligible under the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), there may be no out-of-pocket cost. Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) In Queensland, PTSS offers financial support for both travel and accommodation for patients who need to travel to access specialist services not available locally. Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) In New South Wales, IPTAAS provides assistance with accommodation costs (and travel) when patients travel more than 100 km for specialist medical care. Hospital-affiliated visitor lodging Some hospitals offer basic shared accommodations for patients’ families and carers. For example, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney provides a shared facility (shared bathrooms, basic kitchen/laundry) at a rate of AUD 30 per person per night. Hospital Stays Directory & Patient Hotels Platforms like Hospital Stays list apartments and hotels close to medical facilities to ease logistical burdens. Also, “patient hotels” (lodging facilities close to hospitals for those who don’t need intensive care) serve as an intermediate accommodation option, freeing up hospital beds for those in critical condition. In-hospital bedside or parent accommodations Hospitals sometimes allow a caregiver or family member to stay in a room with or adjacent to the patient. For example, Perth Children’s Hospital offers “bedside accommodation” (day beds in patient rooms) and works with Ronald McDonald House for families living more than 100 km away. P Dormitory for attendants (India example) In India, a cardiovascular hospital in Mysuru is constructing an 80-bed dormitory on campus to provide basic lodging for patient attendants, many of whom previously slept in corridors or open spaces. These models illustrate that when hospitals and support services collaborate, patient care becomes more accessible, less stressful, and more humane. The Bigger Picture The development of a risk-prediction tool for melanoma is a highly promising development — it aims to catch skin cancer earlier and more efficiently. But the clinical journey doesn’t end there. Once a patient is flagged for treatment, ensuring they have reliable lodging, financial support, and emotional resources is vital. In many places, these support structures already exist; in others, they must be developed. As predictive medicine advances, so too must the systems that help patients traverse treatment pathways — including the often-overlooked but essential component of hospital stay accommodation.
New Predictive Tool Offers Hope in Melanoma Detection