Showing papers by "Auckland University of Technology published in 2001"
TL;DR: If decreasing stiffness is a key aim of a stretching program, the findings indicate that continuous motion is more effective than holds, in contrast, if relaxation of peak tension is the main aim, then holds are most effective.
Abstract: MCNAIR P. J., E. W. DOMBROSKI, D. J. HEWSON, and S. N. STANLEY. Stretching at the ankle joint: viscoelastic responses to holds and continuous passive motion. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 33, No. 3, 2000, pp. 354–358. Purpose:To compare the effect of static holds and continuous passive motion on sti
212 citations
TL;DR: Volberg et al. as discussed by the authors presented results from the first national survey of problem gambling completed in Sweden, which was unique in its quality and representa-tiveness, due to the use of multiple modes of data collection, recruitmentof respondents from national registers rather than from households, and high response rate.
Abstract: Munksgaard 2001.Objective: This paper presents results from the first national survey ofproblem gambling completed in Sweden.Method: The Swedish survey is unique in its quality and representa-tiveness, due to the use of multiple modes of data collection, recruitmentof respondents from national registers rather than from households, andhigh response rate.Results: In spite of high rates of gambling participation in Sweden, thecombined prevalence of problem and pathological gambling in Sweden isrelatively low (3.9% lifetime and 2.0% current). Multivariate analysisshows that being male, under the age of 25 and born abroad aresignificant risk factors for lifetime gambling problems in Sweden.Additional risk factors are being single, living in big cities, and receivingsocial welfare payments.Conclusion: The groups most at risk for gambling problems in Swedenare people disadvantaged and marginalized by international economicchanges as well as the dismantling of the Swedish welfare system.Rachel A. Volberg
192 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the basic cycle of planning, action, observation, and reflection has been used to improve practice in many areas of action research, such as action research and planning.
Abstract: Since the late 1980s, much has been written about the meaning of action research (AR), and the basic cycle of planning, action, observation, and reflection has been used to improve practice in many...
126 citations
TL;DR: load the neuromuscular system to maximize mean or peak power output necessitates an understanding of the force-velocity characteristics of the training movement and the requirements of the individual related to the athletic performance and their training status.
124 citations
01 Dec 2001
TL;DR: Important issues that must be addressed when conducting capstone courses are discussed and a series of questions are addressed reflecting the way that different institutions have chosen to handle them, and commentary on the impact of these different choices are provided.
Abstract: Most computing programs now have some form of integrative or capstone course in which students undertake a significant project under supervision. There are many different models for such courses and conducting these courses is a complex task. This report is intended to assist instructors of capstone courses, particularly those new to the model of teaching and learning inherent in the capstone course.This paper discusses important issues that must be addressed when conducting capstone courses. These issues are addressed through a series of questions, with answers reflecting the way that different institutions have chosen to handle them, and commentary on the impact of these different choices. These questions include: Goals of the Course; Characteristics of Projects; Project Deliverables; Sponsors; Teams; Prerequisites and Preparation; Grading and Assessment; Administration and Supervision; and Reflection, Analysis and Review.Subsequently we present information about the companion Web site, intended as an active repository of best practice for instructors of capstone projects. The Web site will have examples of information about capstone courses and materials used by instructors. Readers are invited to contribute content to this site. The paper concludes with a bibliography of additional reference material and resources.
118 citations
TL;DR: It was proposed that the repeated intent to move an isoinertial load as rapidly as possible coupled with performance of the sport-specific movement promote efficient coordination and activation patterns that might be more important determinants of sport- specific high velocity adaptation.
96 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that contact with, and the capacity to explore, the play of conflicting prejudices and possibilities enhances understanding of the complex and paradoxical nature of cross-cultural nursing.
Abstract: Hermeneutic notions illuminate cross-cultural nursing experiences
Aim of paper. To articulate selected hermeneutic notions for the purpose of extending current understanding of cross-cultural nursing practice.
Background. This paper builds upon the findings of a New Zealand project that explored the experience of nursing people from cultures other than one’s own (Spence 1999). The project asserted that the notions of prejudice, paradox and possibility portray a nursing view of this phenomenon.
Argument. The discussion is based on philosophical hermeneutics as interpreted from the works of Gadamer (1996), Taylor (1985a, 1985b, 1995) and Lampert (1997). However the emphasis in this paper, rather than being methodological, is on showing how specific hermeneutic notions contribute to deeper understanding of the nature of cross-cultural practice. It is argued that contact with, and the capacity to explore, the play of conflicting prejudices and possibilities enhances understanding of the complex and paradoxical nature of cross-cultural nursing.
72 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed that occupational concerns become the primary consideration guiding the selection of assessments, and three broad strategies to evaluate the use of available assessments within occupation-based evaluations are outlined.
Abstract: In the early 1990s, occupational therapists were challenged to refocus their evaluation processes. Specifically, they were urged to focus on their clients’ abilities to do what they want and need to do and to carry out meaningful occupation rather than evaluating the components underlying occupational performance problems (Fisher, 1992a, 1994a; Law et al., 1994; Mathiowetz, 1993; Trombly, 1993). Subsequently, the call for occupation-based assessment has been repeated and amplified (cf., Baum & Law, 1997; Coster, 1998). Several compelling rationales for this refocusing have been offered. First, evaluations that do not focus on the occupations that clients find problematic will not communicate the purpose of occupational therapy to clients or colleagues and, thus, will contribute to confusion and dissatisfaction with occupational therapy services (Fisher & ShortDeGraff, 1993; Trombly, 1993). As Baum and Law (1997) noted, clients need to understand the purpose of occupational therapy and its potential outcomes as much as therapists need to understand clients’ occupational performance problems. Failure to communicate the purpose or anticipated outcomes of intervention would, in effect, compromise the principles of client-centered occupational therapy because clients cannot fully engage in processes they do not understand (Pollock & McColl, 1998). In addition, failing to communicate the purpose of intervention is contrary to the increasing consumer demand that any evaluation of function is both relevant and useful to the person being assessed (Batavia, 1992). A second area of concern is which aspect of a client’s performance to measure. Until recently, occupational therapists assumed that a strong correlation exists between performance components and occupational performance. Based on this assumption, evaluation of the components that underpin performance appeared to provide a good basis for intervention. A growing body of research, however, has revealed that improvement in performance components does not automatically translate into improved occupational performance (Fisher, 1992b; Mathiowetz & Haugen, 1995; Schmidt, 1988; Trombly, 1995, 1999). Thus, an increase in concentration span, for example, may not carry over into improved performance of work tasks. A third concern is that occupational therapists who focus their evaluations solely on performance components risk focusing treatment around those components, thus failing to address critical occupational issues. These issues might include, for example, volitional aspects of performance (Fisher, 1992b) or attitudinal, organizational, or physical environmental barriers to occupation (Roulstone, 1998). As Kielhofner (1993) argued, therapists’ attention can become diverted from the person who has the condition to the medical condition itself. In addition, evaluations that focus on performance components are unlikely to reveal clients’ capabilities and adaptive strategies or to contribute to understanding the interaction between people and their environments (Mathiowetz, 1993). Overall, a consensus seems to be developing that evaluations that focus directly on occupation are most true to the basic concepts of occupational therapy (Coster, 1998; Fisher, 1992a; Gillette, 1991; Trombly, 1993). The complexities of implementing occupation-based assessments, however, have received little attention. This article suggests that conceptualizing occupation in terms of meaning, function, form, and performance components may provide a useful framework to guide clinical reasoning about what to assess. I propose that occupational concerns become the primary consideration guiding the selection of assessments, and I outline three broad strategies to evaluate the use of available assessments within occupation-based evaluations. These strategies are presented in Figure 1. An assumption underlying the discussion is that occupational therapy evaluations and interventions are guided by theory. Examples of the influence of theoretical frameworks on clinical reasoning are incorporated throughout the discussion.
64 citations
TL;DR: The typical variation of a top cyclist was 0.4% (0.3-0.5%) and its 95% likely limits in Tour de France, World Cup road races, and World Cup mountain biking as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The race-to-race variation in performance of a top athlete determines the smallest change in performance affecting the athlete's chances of winning. We report here the typical variation in competition times of elite cyclists in various race series. Repeated-measures analysis of log-transformed official race times provided the typical variation in a cyclist's performance as a coefficient of variation. The typical variation of a top cyclist (and its 95% likely limits) was 0.4% (0.3–0.5%) in World Cup road races, 0.7% (0.7–0.8%) in Tour de France road races, 1.2% (0.8–2.2%) in the Kilo, 1.3% (0.9–2.4%) in road time trials, 1.7% (1.2–2.6%) in Tour de France time trials, and 2.4% (2.1–2.8%) in World Cup mountain biking. Cyclist interdependence arising from team tactics and pack riding probably accounts for the lower variability in performance of cyclists in road races and precludes estimation of the smallest worthwhile change in performance time for cyclists in these events. The substantial difference...
64 citations
25 Oct 2001
TL;DR: A multi-stage network including two multilayer perceptron (MLP) and one self organizing map (SOM) networks is presented that performs better than using the raw data or individual features as a form of data fusion.
Abstract: In this paper, a multi-stage network including two multilayer perceptron (MLP) and one self organizing map (SOM) networks is presented. The input of the network is a combination of independent features and the compressed ECG data. The proposed network as a form of data fusion, performs better than using the raw data or individual features. We classified six common ECG waveforms using ten ECG records of the MIT/BIH arrhythmia database. An average recognition rate of 0.883 was achieved within a short training and testing time.
62 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Giddens' structuration theory and Glaser's concept of "basic social process" are utilized for ontological aspects of the Butler's destination life cycle model.
Abstract: Butler's destination life cycle model has been a popular source of research inspiration within tourism geography. After 20 years, the model still stands as the theoretical benchmark. This paper attempts to shore up the model's theoretical foundations by specifying and elaborating upon ontological and epistemological elements. Giddens' structuration theory and Glaser's concept of 'basic social process' are utilized for ontological aspects. Comparative examination of four types of process (human life cycle, product life cycle, port development and ecosuccession) indicated that seven features were of epistemological concern: the unit-entity; its characteristics; its users; stages as conceptual units; change mechanisms; macro-structural conditions; and typical stage sequence. These are discussed in relation to the existing destination area literature. A synthesis presents a modified form of the model and a suggested method for how to incorporate the ontological and epistemological elements into case research.
TL;DR: A hermeneutic study explored the experience of nursing people from cultures other than one’s own that explored the play of prejudice, paradox, and possibility in the practice of nurses in New Zealand.
Abstract: Nurses in New Zealand are being challenged to recognise and address racism in their practice. Yet, the implementation of cultural safety in nursing education has created tension within the professi...
TL;DR: Examination of the biomechanical behavior of the plantar flexor muscle-tendon unit in subjects who had ruptured their Achilles tendon suggests that changes in strength and peak passive torque may be chronic adaptations associated with Achilles tendon rupture.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical behavior of the plantar flexor muscle-tendon unit in subjects who had ruptured their Achilles tendon. Twenty-six men and 14 women volunteered for the study. Eighteen subjects had been treated operatively and 22, nonoperatively. All subjects had ruptured their Achilles tendon more than 1 year before the study, and 28 of the 40 ruptures occurred 5 years or less before the day of testing. A KinCom dynamometer was used to measure ankle joint angle, passive torque, and maximal isometric plantar flexor torque. During a 2-minute passive calf stretch, stiffness and torque relaxation were calculated. Isometric torque and peak passive torque were 17% and 10% greater for the uninvolved versus the involved limb, whereas stiffness and torque relaxation were not different between limbs. The time since injury did not influence the results, nor did the mode of initial treatment, that is, whether the subjects were treated operatively or nonoperatively. These findings suggest that changes in strength and peak passive torque may be chronic adaptations associated with Achilles tendon rupture.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the degree of stretch–shorten cycle enhancement differs according to the load and the time-dependent characteristics of the motion.
Abstract: There is ample evidence that the pre-stretching of a muscle enhances performance of the subsequent shortening or concentric contraction. The purpose of this study was to investigate this stretch-induced enhancement in terms of the effect of load on the magnitude and decay of the muscle's power output. Instantaneous, mean and peak power outputs were compared between concentric-only and rebound bench press throws at different loads. The maximal strength [1 RM=84.0 (10.5) kg] of 18 male subjects [21.1 (3.0) years, 87.2 (11.9) kg] was determined using an isoinertial Smith press machine. The results of this study indicate enhancement of concentric motion by prior eccentric muscle action (200–780% enhancement in the first 100 ms). However, the magnitude and temporal characteristics of this enhancement differed across loads. Using a lighter load produced greater initial enhancement (P<0.05) but the decay of this enhancement was more rapid. The heavier 80% 1 RM loading showed a later time to peak enhancement (80 ms versus 20 ms) and slower decay of the stretch induced augmentation (460 ms versus 260 ms). It is concluded that the degree of stretch–shorten cycle enhancement differs according to the load and the time-dependent characteristics of the motion.
TL;DR: It is evident that the origins of the blood-group glycosyltransferases significantly diversify the mucosal glycotopes exposed to microbes; and therein may be found a potential explanation for their existence.
Abstract: This paper examines the potential of carbohydrate blood-group antigens present on mucosal surfaces in acting as receptors for microorganisms. Mucosal surfaces express significant amounts of carbohydrate blood-group antigens under the control of the Secretor, Lewis and ABO systems. The exact glycoconjugate profile an individual presents to the lumen is complex, and can only be correctly determined by a combination of serology and genotyping. We have isolated and structurally resolved the glycolipids expressed in the small intestine of group O individuals having various common or rare phenotypes. Using this information, we have been able to construct a biosynthetic pathway and propose that the type, size and glycotopes expressed, are controlled to a major extent by blood-group-related glycosyltransferases. Many of these glycotopes are potential receptors for microorganisms; some resemble tumour antigens, while others resemble the lipopolysaccharides of some pathogens. Although the origins of the blood-group glycosyltransferases remain uncertain, it is evident that they significantly diversify the mucosal glycotopes exposed to microbes; and therein may be found a potential explanation for their existence.
TL;DR: The predictors of sport Injury Rehabilitation adherence are discussed, theoretical explanations of the adherence-outcome relationship are outlined and evaluated, strategies to enhance rehabilitation adherence are reported, and considerations for future research are suggested.
TL;DR: The evolutionary and ecological implications of the differences between the rates of damage at Huapai and at Pureora, and the mechanisms promoting litterfall damage to seedlings, are discussed.
Abstract: . The importance of litterfall as an agent of physical damage and mortality to canopy tree seedlings was investigated in two New Zealand forests: Huapai Scientific Reserve, a warm temperate forest and Pureora Forest Park, a cool temperate forest. 200 natural seedlings within the 10–30 cm height class and 200 artificial seedlings, made from plastic straws and wire, were monitored at 4–6 week intervals over two years in each forest. Litterfall was the cause of a significant proportion of seedling mortality in each forest (11–18%).
Seedling growth rates were measured and used to estimate the mortality that a cohort of seedlings may suffer due to litterfall in the time taken to grow through the 10–30 cm height class. Up to 38% mortality due to litterfall may occur to such a cohort at Huapai and up to 29% at Pureora.
Although mortality due to litterfall of natural seedlings was similar in both forests, damage at Huapai (7%/yr) was almost 3 × greater than at Pureora (2.5%/yr) (P < 0.001). Artificial seedlings were damaged due to litterfall at almost five times the rate at Huapai (16%/yr) than at Pureora (3%/yr) (P < 0.0001). The rate of damage to artificial seedlings at Pureora is similar to that reported for a Northern Hemisphere temperate forest, however, the rate of damage to artificial seedlings at Huapai is much greater, and of a similar rate to those reported from tropical forests. The evolutionary and ecological implications of the differences between the rates of damage at Huapai and at Pureora, and the mechanisms promoting litterfall damage to seedlings, are discussed.
TL;DR: Ethics of care, occupational therapy history, and professional ethics: a review of professional ethics in the field of occupational therapy.
Abstract: Keywords:
caring;
ethics of care;
occupational therapy;
occupational therapy history;
professional ethics
19 Sep 2001
TL;DR: The use of small global memory for a viewer's immediate surroundings to assist in recognising places that have been visited previously is proposed and how one could be computed with minimum effort is shown.
Abstract: In this paper we propose the use of small global memory for a viewer's immediate surroundings to assist in recognising places that have been visited previously. We call this global memory a Memory for the Immediate Surroundings (MFIS). Our previous work [1, 2] on building a cognitive map has focused on computing a representation for the different local spaces the viewer visits. The different local spaces which are computed can be connected together in the way they are experienced to form a topological network which is one aspect of a cognitive map of the spatial environment. The problem with topological representations is that using them one cannot easily detect that one is reentering a previously visited part of the environment if it is approached from a different side to the one used previously. Thus we have developed a cognitive map representation which comprises an MFIS working in cooperation with the topological network. The idea that a global map is present as part of the cognitive mapping process is increasingly appealing. Robotics researchers have used them from the early days of autonomous mobile robots. However, they have shown that it is difficult to compute an accurate global representation because of errors. There is now increasing evidence that a global map is used in animals and many simulation models have incorporated the use of such a map. In this paper we review these works, discuss this notion of a global map in cognitive mapping, and show how one could be computed with minimum effort.
TL;DR: The new guidelines are a step forward from the previous protocol because they allow individual practitioners choice when making clinical decisions and further increased practitioners' fear of manipulating.
Abstract: We applaud Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia for the formulation of the new Pre-Manipulative guidelines. The new guidelines are a step forward from the previous protocol because they allow individual practitioners choice when making clinical decisions. The previous protocol proved to be legally challenging and further increased practitioners' fear of manipulating
01 Jun 2001
TL;DR: This paper explores what is variously termed distance learning, asynchronous, online, Web-based, and Web-supported learning in terms of how it can support and perhaps even improve the fields of education involving computing.
Abstract: In this paper, we explore what is variously termed distance learning (DL), asynchronous, online, Web-based, and Web-supported learning in terms of how it can support and perhaps even improve the fields of education involving computing. We use the term distributed education to cover all mentioned topics. We describe how the incorporation of these methods can benefit computer education. These benefits arise because of the nature of the computing field, the profound requirements for students to understand concepts and acquire skills as opposed to mere exposure to facts, and our assessment that distributed education has the potential to address many of the challenges identified. We conclude with suggestions on the incorporation of distributed methods into computer education.
TL;DR: An in depth evaluation of a distance format Applied Linguistics course in which web based computer conferencing was used as a tool to support student knowledge construction and collaborative group work is reported.
Abstract: This paper reports on an in depth evaluation of a distance format Applied Linguistics course in which web based computer conferencing was used as a tool to support student knowledge construction and collaborative group work. Students and their teacher reflected on what they expected from the course, whether or not computer supported discussion was effective for personal learning, and how e-learning environments could be improved. The findings are reported within categories of social cohesion and the role of online discussion to support meaningful experiential learning. More generally, the paper discusses how situated evaluation can help educators gain a better understanding of the roles of task, structure, and language use in e-learning environments.
25 Jun 2001
TL;DR: In this trial a cyber-icebreaker task has been introduced and its contribution to group effectiveness is explored, and some insights into effective design of electronic collaborative learning groups are gained.
Abstract: This paper reports selected results from the most recent of a series of international collaborative trials between students at Auckland University of Technology and Uppsala University. The trials require students to work together in virtual groups, comprising students from each institution, to perform a common task. The topic of this paper is how to form and sustain more effective virtual groups. In this trial a cyber-icebreaker task has been introduced and its contribution to group effectiveness is explored. Some conclusions are drawn pinpointing the strengths and weaknesses of this trial design, and some insights into effective design of electronic collaborative learning groups are gained.
10 Sep 2001
TL;DR: It is shown that case-based reasoning is a candidate technique to effort estimation and, with the aid of an automated environment, can be applied to hypermedia development effort prediction.
Abstract: Accurate estimates of development effort play an important role in the successful management of larger hypermedia development projects. By applying measurement principles to measure characteristics of the applications and their development processes, feedback can be obtained to help understand, control and improve future applications and corresponding processes.The objective of this paper is to describe the application of case-based reasoning to estimating the effort for developing hypermedia applications. The data used in the estimation process was obtained through an experiment where effort and size metrics were collected.We have shown that case-based reasoning is a candidate technique to effort estimation and, with the aid of an automated environment, can be applied to hypermedia development effort prediction.
TL;DR: This sample of GPs support improved accessibility, availability and affordability of psychological treatments and support services, and investigate barriers to referrals to other resources.
Abstract: BACKGROUND GPs, often the 'gatekeepers' to mental health and related support services, have been found to refer on less often than seems desirable. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore what issues GPs would discuss with, and which treatments and support services they would consider for, depressed women; and to investigate barriers to referrals to other resources. METHODS All (217) GPs in one region of Auckland received questionnaires with a vignette and quantitative and qualitative questions concerning their responses to women experiencing depression. Twelve of the 86 respondents were interviewed. RESULTS GPs wanted to know about a range of medical, psychological and social issues. The solutions valued were biological and psychological, with some also favouring social interventions, such as assistance with childcare. However, the GPs reported limited referrals to outside resources, and frequent use of medication, because of the high cost and limited availability of psychological treatment, and difficulties accessing practical help. CONCLUSIONS This sample of GPs support improved accessibility, availability and affordability of psychological treatments and support services.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the ten years of experience in inflation-targeting in New Zealand since 1989 to test whether monetary policy appears to conform to the simple rules that have been recommended for it in the literature, and they found that while a Taylor rule with the standard parameters used in the US does indeed describe New Zealand monetary policy quite well, the Reserve Bank has focused rather strongly on price stability, as required by its Policy Target Agreements.
Abstract: We use the ten years of experience in inflation-targeting in New Zealand since 1989 to test whether monetary policy appears to conform to the simple rules that have been recommended for it in the literature. Of the inflation targeting central banks, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has both the longest experience and probably the most clearly defined target and policy framework for achieving it. We show that while a Taylor rule with the standard parameters used in the US does indeed describe New Zealand monetary policy quite well, the Reserve Bank has focused rather more strongly on price stability, as required by its Policy Target Agreements. However, while the conduct of New Zealand monetary policy as set out in the Monetary Policy Statements is firmly based on targeting the inflation rate in the future we find, using the Bank's own forecasts, that nevertheless targeting inflation close to the present appears to be a better description of policy. Furthermore, restricting the policy choice to the information available to the Reserve Bank at the actual time of policy settings and ignoring subsequent revisions to published statistics does not result in a much improved explanation of its actions. We find a clear 'smoothing' element to the Bank's policy rather than immediate response to every small fluctuation. We show further that some of the variables that enter the policy rule have slightly asymmetric cycles. From symmetric and asymmetric cointegration tests on the long-run relationship between interest rates, the output gap, and inflation we show that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that monetary policy has been asymmetric in treating upside inflationary pressures differently from those towards deflation.
TL;DR: The aim was to successfully create and teach a distance program in health informatics for the New Zealand environment using the Internet as a major communication medium.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is becoming increasingly important for health professionals to have an understanding of health informatics. Education in this area must support not only undergraduate students but also the many workers who graduated before informatics education was available in the undergraduate program. To be successful, such a program must allow currently-employed students with significant work and family commitments to enroll.
OBJECTIVES: The aim was to successfully create and teach a distance program in health informatics for the New Zealand environment.
METHODS: Our students are primarily health professionals in full time employment. About 50% are doctors, about 25% nurses, and the rest include dentists, physiotherapists, and medical managers. Course material was delivered via the World Wide Web and CD-ROM. Communication between students and faculty, both synchronous and asynchronous, was carried out via the Internet.
RESULTS: We have designed and taught a postgraduate Diploma of Health Informatics program using the Internet as a major communication medium. The course has been running since July 1998 and the first 10 students graduated in July 2000. About 45 students are currently enrolled in the course; we have had a dropout rate of 15% and a failure rate of 5%. Comparable dropout figures are hard to obtain, but a recent review has suggested that failure-to-complete rates of 30% to 33% may be expected.
CONCLUSIONS: Internet technology has provided an exciting educational challenge and opportunity. Providing a web-based health informatics course has not been without its frustrations and problems, including software compatibility issues, bandwidth limitations, and the rapid change in software and hardware. Despite these challenges, the use of Internet technology has been interesting for both staff and students, and a worthwhile alternative for delivering educational material and advice to students working from their own homes.
[J Med Internet Res 2001;3(3):e26]
Journal Article•
TL;DR: There is a need for improved preparation of children and their primary carers for medical evaluations, and the majority perceived the medical practitioners positively, but many also commented on the distressing nature of the examinations, the photographs of children's genitalia and lack of preparation.
Abstract: Aims. To explore referrals to medical evaluations and children’s and primary carers’ experiences of those evaluations in Auckland. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with children and young people who had made clear disclosures of sexual abuse, their primary carers and the social workers involved. Results. More than 90% of children alleging penetration or attempted penetration were referred for a medical evaluation, but less than two thirds of children alleging oral genital or digital contact abuse were referred. Although the majority perceived the medical practitioners positively, many also commented on the distressing nature of the examinations, the photographs of children’s genitalia and lack of preparation for those examinations. Conclusions. The findings highlight the need for improved preparation of children and their primary carers for medical evaluations. Ongoing discussion between referring agents and medical practitioners is desirable to ensure protocols are updated and adhered to. NZ Med J 2001; 114: 334-5 It is widely accepted that medical evaluations are an important component of the management of suspected child sexual abuse. 1-3 Such evaluations are conducted primarily for the protection of children, to reassure children and their primary carers that the children are not irreversibly damaged and to diagnose and treat genital trauma and infection. 2,4 They are conducted also to collect evidence for the protection of children, and to help prosecute the alleged offenders, 5 although clear evidence of sexual abuse is found in only a minority of cases. 6,7 In New Zealand, protocols exist between the statutory child protection service (Child, Youth and Family) and health providers, recommending that medical evaluations are conducted in all cases of alleged child sexual abuse involving genital contact. 8
TL;DR: A metastory of "In/Visibility" captured the essence of lesbians being the focus of intense scrutiny while at the same time feeling the pressure to keep their lifestyle and identity hidden from others.