Abstract: A research portfolio submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, 2010.
Background:
The 2006 New Zealand (NZ) Guidelines for Rheumatic Fever (RHF) (National Heart Foundation of New Zealand and Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, 2006) have an over-arching objective to support appropriate management of RHF to prevent recurrent attacks and reduce mortality and morbidity from RHF and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) (Craig, Anderson, & Jackson, 2008; National Heart Foundation of New Zealand and Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, 2006).
Aims:
The aims of this study were to audit current practice and service provision associated with RHF programmes and initiatives in NZ District Health Boards (DHBs) against the 2006 NZ Guidelines for RHF and to identify the barriers and facilitators to clinicians meeting the guidelines.