​Paul Ross

Librarian & Information Specialist, ARIIA

Searching online allows individuals to quickly access a vast array of information, resources, and services from around the world. As noted in previous blogs, this can include using search engines to connect with organisations, academic sources and governmental data. However, relying solely on search engines can lead to "information overload." Breaking your search into different approaches enables you to manage the information into specific groups, preventing information overload.

"Grey literature" describes research and information that has not undergone a formal peer-reviewed publication process. Anything outside this commercially published domain is considered as a "grey" area and is therefore classified as 'grey literature' which can include various types of content, from videos to policy documents, toolkits to blogs, and more.

Searching for grey literature should be conducted using a triangulated, three-point approach:

1. Initial Search within a Search Engine: Start by using a search engine to get a clear idea of what you are looking for and how your subject is described in the literature. Then, conduct a more focused search by limiting your search engine results to .ORG (organizational). Note the organization names that come up and bookmark these for further searching.
2. Use Lists of Relevant Organizations: Utilize lists of organizations in your area of interest, such as those provided by ARIIA (Organisations / Resources), PalliAged, and the Australian Government.
3. Search Within Organizations: Once you have a list of relevant organizations from your web searches and lists, look for either a resources or publications section on their websites. Use their site search function if available, though note that not all search functions are equal, and some may not find what you are looking for.

Pro-tip: To double-check an organization's site, use Google Advanced Search. In the “site or domain” section, enter the organization’s web address along with the terms you are looking for. Google will search the entire organization’s site, potentially finding information their internal search function may have missed.

By using a triangulated approach to search for grey literature from organizational sites, you can ensure a broad selection of sources beyond just an online search using a search engine. It is also recommended to bookmark any organizations you find, saving you time in the future and helping you build your own collection of knowledge. Since grey literature is continuously produced, visiting your library or academic specialist centres, especially those with special collections in your field of interest, can be beneficial.

Pro-tip: Connect with professionals in your field and ask them what sources of information they use.

In our final blog, we will complete the overall picture of searching online by looking into searching for information using online databases. To visit our previous blogs on the subject of searching online, check out our introduction and search sources blogs.

*The views and opinions expressed in Knowledge Blogs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ARIIA, Flinders University and/or the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

​​Nadège Messier​

​​Grand-App AI Oceania​ 

​​​Nowadays, new technologies are being integrated into the aged care sector. These systems are becoming part of the 'Age-Tech' and offer numerous benefits for older people, caregivers and families in their day-to-day lives.

​New technologies provide real-time monitoring of vital signs, activity levels, and behavioural or environmental conditions, allowing caregivers and family members to respond promptly to emergencies such as falls, health crises, or accidents. These same remote care systems are now considered critical in improving an older person's safety whilst reassuring their caregivers and families.

​Prevention of risks within the home setting can now be calculated using a range of sensors and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm. Families who live away from their older relatives or older people who prefer to age in place rather than moving to assisted living facilities or move closer to their family which would take them away from their preferred environment, especially benefit from remote sensor technologies.

Many monitoring technologies include features to support communication between older persons, carers, healthcare providers and even families. These functions can facilitate collaboration, coordination of care, and timely communication of important information.

​By using monitoring technologies, seniors can maintain a greater level of independence and be healthy for longer while still receiving support and assistance as needed and according to the changes in their fitness levels.

​As children, nieces, nephews, and siblings, we all want our loved ones, our older people, to age well and be happy. We can acknowledge that changes in health conditions are a natural part of aging. Continuous monitoring enables the early detection of health issues or behavioural changes, allows timely intervention and treatment and can improve general health outcomes and support wellbeing.

​Additionally, these systems collect valuable data, which can be used to create customised care plans tailored to each older person's needs. An individualised plan ensures that each person receives the right care and support, optimising their overall health and quality of life. The data collected by these monitoring technologies can provide valuable insights into the seniors' health trends and patterns over time. This information can also guide data-driven decision-making regarding their care, lifestyle modifications, and treatment plans.

​Financially automated monitoring systems can streamline caregiving tasks, saving the effort of carers, seniors and families, increasing efficiencies and saving time for everyone involved. More than anything, it allows carers to focus on providing quality care and spending meaningful time with their older clients and residents. In addition, by helping prevent emergencies and hospitalisations, monitoring technologies can reduce healthcare costs for individuals and their families. Although it can appear expensive to set up initially, these can still potentially represent long-term savings for the older person and the health system.
 
Overall, new monitoring technologies empower seniors to age in place safely and comfortably while providing invaluable support to caregivers and peace of mind to families.​

*The views and opinions expressed in Knowledge Blogs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ARIIA, Flinders University and/or the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

​​Dr Raechel Damarell​

​​Senior Research Fellow, CareSearch Project, Flinders University​

​​General practitioners (GPs) play a vital role in providing care for most people with life-limiting illnesses in the years, months, and days leading up to their death. [1] This is especially true for GPs in rural and remote areas with limited access to specialist palliative care services. [2] In these settings, rural GPs are often responsible for the continuous care of older patients as they transition between home, residential aged care, and rural hospitals. [1] For individuals who wish to die at home, whether in their own residence or within an aged care facility, a GP can facilitate this by ensuring effective symptom control and educating carers on how to keep the person comfortable as the end-of-life approaches.

​A significant proportion of people die an expected death each year due to chronic conditions such as heart disease, dementia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [3] – conditions that frequently do not meet the criteria for specialist palliative care services. The proportion is expected to rise as the population ages, with increasing numbers of Australians living with one or more life-limiting illnesses requiring long-term symptom management from their GP. [4]

​However, GPs face challenges in providing and coordinating palliative care. These include the daily time pressures of general practice, lack of confidence in the evidence base, and the fragmented nature of our health and social care systems, often complicating cross-sector and interprofessional communication. [5] Under the current model of general practice, providing palliative care requires proactive planning and assessments to identify changing needs, initiate advance care planning discussions, and support families and informal carers. [6]

​To assist GPs in their clinical decision-making and proactive care planning, CareSearch recently released its CareSearchgp app. Developed with GPs, this freely accessible, evidence-based resource supports key clinical processes across the end-of-life care trajectory, including advance care planning, case conferencing, and developing a terminal care management plan. The app provides clear guidance on symptom management, terminal prescribing, and post-death support for the bereaved. Interactive features allow GPs to curate their own library of links to useful resources or send individual information from within the app to specific patients or carers. For GPs supporting people to die at home, there is a Home Death Checklist—a tool for identifying potential issues that should be addressed ahead of time.

​With their broad scope of practice, rural GPs and nurse practitioners may find the app of particular interest and value. Early career GPs can also trust in the reliability of its evidence-based content as they build their clinical skills and confidence in end-of-life care. The CareSearch website has more information about the app and links to download from the Apple or Google Play Store. Additionally, GPs can find more guidance on MBS remuneration when delivering a planned palliative care pathway in the community and residential aged care settings by visiting CareSearch's Primary Health Care Hub.

*The views and opinions expressed in Knowledge Blogs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ARIIA, Flinders University and/or the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.