Call to alter elder abuse assessment to better protect vulnerable
Wednesday 6 April 2022
A simple change to an assessment tool would double the capture rate of elder abuse sufferers, a University of Otago study has shown.
Otago scientists secure more than $26m for health research
Tuesday 30 June 2020
University of Otago, Wellington infectious diseases expert Professor Michael Baker has received almost $5 million from the Health Research Council for a programme investigating the connection between infectious diseases and long-term conditions, something he was planning well prior to the outbreak of Covid-19.
Not smoking and being socially active keys to longevity, Otago research shows
Thursday 18 June 2020
University of Otago researchers have discovered some of the secrets to longevity with new research revealing not smoking and being social engaged throughout older age are common traits of New Zealand centenarians.
High rates of suicide continue among older NZ men, Otago research reveals
Tuesday 18 February 2020
There continues to be a high rate of suicide among older New Zealand men and an Otago psychogeriatrician says more needs to be done to understand why and to help prevent this occurring.
Alternatives to State foster care need to be seriously considered, Otago researcher says
Friday 6 December 2019
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care shows New Zealand has failed to protect a generation of children and alternatives to foster care need to be seriously considered, an Otago researcher says.
Otago psychiatrists call on colleagues to say ‘no’ to euthanasia
Thursday 17 October 2019
The impact of legalising euthanasia will be devastating on older people, the poor and disabled, according to two University of Otago psychiatrists who are calling on their colleagues both in New Zealand and internationally to oppose the move.
Positive effect of music and dance on dementia investigated by Otago study
Thursday 8 August 2019
Stereotypically viewed as passive and immobile, a University of Otago pilot study has shown the powerful influence music and dance can have on older adults with dementia.
Otago research reveals need to ensure drug trials for anxiety are carried out on appropriate patients
Tuesday 12 February 2019
University of Otago psychiatry experts are concerned some medications used to treat anxiety may appear ineffective because they are not being tested in appropriate patients.
Otago study highlights problems predicting suicide
Friday 21 December 2018
A University of Otago study examining the ability of measures to predict death-by-suicide highlights multiple problems with current mental health treatment models.
Pain common and increasing in prevalence in New Zealand
Friday 30 November 2018
Pain is an extremely common condition and increasing in prevalence in New Zealand, University of Otago researchers say.
Otago study finds mindfulness apps can improve mental health
Wednesday 14 November 2018
A University of Otago study has found that using mindfulness meditation applications (apps) on phones is associated with improvements in people’s mental health.
Cutting societal alcohol use may prevent alcohol disorders developing – Otago research reveals
Wednesday 31 October 2018
Society must take collective responsibility to reduce the harm caused by alcohol use disorders, a University of Otago academic says.
More elderly with mental health issues
Tuesday 29 May 2018
As New Zealand’s population gets older, the number of people with dementia will rise, but also the number of older people with other mental health issues and addiction problems, a Dunedin geriatrician says.
Therapeutic relationships key to reducing suicides – University of Otago experts
Friday 23 February 2018
Ongoing contact between health professionals and patients is likely to have more of an impact in helping to reduce suicide death rates than a perfectly completed risk assessment tool, University of Otago psychological experts say.
Otago researchers evaluate The Salvation Army’s Bridge Programme
Friday 25 September 2015
A twelve-month University of Otago evaluation study of people being treated for alcohol and drug dependency at The Salvation Army Bridge Treatment Programme reports that client recovery outcomes match leading treatment programmes internationally.
Video learning tool wins award
Monday 28 July 2014
An online video-based system that allows students and tutors to separately critique a patient interview won the second annual CALT awards held recently.
