Managed Care Research Articles

Medical and early developmental outcomes for patients with congenital ventriculomegaly

Introduction: This study evaluated whether comorbidities such as genetic conditions, other congenital anomalies, infection, and other exposures impact the mortality rate and/or neurologic outcomes of patients with congenital ventriculomegaly. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study that assessed the mortality rate and developmental delay of 91 patients diagnosed with congenital ventriculomegaly followed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center between Jan 1, 2010-Dec 31, 2020. Results: Of the 91 patients included in the study, 20 (22.0%) had a genetic diagnosis. The mortality rate was higher for patients with a genetic diagnosis compared to those without a genetic diagnosis (p=0.022), as was the rate of developmental delay (p=0.026). The presence of comorbidities (confirmed genetic condition, confirmed maternal exposures or infections, and/or additional anomalies) were not associated with an increased risk of mortality nor developmental delay. Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with congenital ventriculomegaly and a genetic condition have a significantly higher risk of early mortality and developmental delay compared to those without a genetic diagnosis. Therefore, diagnostic genetic testing should be considered after identification of congenital ventriculomegaly to facilitate counseling about prognosis and care management.

Analysis of radiation oncology integration within general practitioners’ daily patient care: a cross-sectional survey in Germany

Abstract Purpose General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in providing interdisciplinary care for radiation oncology patients. This study aims to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by general practitioners in Germany when treating oncology patients. Methods A comprehensive web-based questionnaire with 24 items was disseminated to GPs in Germany via email using survio.com. The survey collected data on demographics, qualifications, clinical experiences, decision-making involvement, and symptom recognition. It specifically examined post-radiotherapy care and the use of specialized palliative homecare networks (SAPV). Statistical analyses were descriptive. The survey was open from July 4 to August 9, 2023. Results A notable majority of general practitioners displayed confidence in their understanding of cancer-related symptoms, with over half (54.6%) rating their knowledge with 4 out of 5. This level of self-assessed expertise extended to their capacity to address the needs of cancer patients (53.8%), although 67% express a need for further education in specifically radiotherapeutic side effects. Satisfaction with SAPV networks was high, and 72.3% of respondents were actively involved in palliative care, compared to only 45.6% in managing radiation therapy. Notable challenges included inadequate communication with specialists, insufficient staffing, and under-recognition of GPs’ roles in oncology care. Conclusion The study highlights a paradox where GPs show high engagement in palliative care but limited involvement in radiation therapy management due to communication gaps and professional development needs. Addressing these disparities through targeted initiatives and fostering a collaborative care model is essential to amplify the important role of GPs, ensuring more integrated and effective patient care.

Mathematical model of work optimisation in the development of automated information systems

The paper presents the main components of the mathematical model represent ing the work process when creating an information system. The development of automat ed information systems requires significant expenditure of both resources and time. The process of developing an automated information system consists of numerous stages that require careful planning and management, namely analyzing system requirements, design, programming, debugging, implementation and maintenance. Estimation of the labor inten sity of programming and debugging stages is based on the approach of M. Halstead and amounts to 60-70% of the total cost of information system development. The tasks solved in this study allow us to make a step in the direction of increasing the level of information systems’ automatization. Implementation of the mathematical model of work optimization will allow increasing the overall level of development automation.

Improving Newborn Professional Billing at a Community Hospital

INTRODUCTION In community hospital medicine programs, newborns often represent a large patient population with diverse clinical needs. Capturing the care provided through professional billing provides the foundation for division revenue; however, provider knowledge on how to optimally bill is often lacking. Our group underused Hospital Care current procedural terminology (CPT) evaluation and management (E/M) codes for newborns requiring increased monitoring, diagnostic interventions, or therapy. Our aim was to increase use of Level 2 and 3 Hospital Care CPT E/M codes for newborns from 1% to 15%. METHODS The process improvement project was conducted from October 2022 through October 2023 in the mother–baby unit of a community hospital with approximately 1800 births per year. Key drivers for underuse of Hospital Care CPT E/M codes were identified, and interventions were developed that included educational sessions, real-time guidance, and improved access to the billing codes. All newborn initial and subsequent care professional billing codes were included. We used retrospective chart review to determine whether clinical care and documentation supported the use of the codes. RESULTS The proportion of Level 2 and 3 Hospital Care CPT E/M codes increased to 17%. This increase represented a 7% increase in work relative value units and an estimated increase in revenue of $37 805 per 10 000 billing encounters. Review of select charts demonstrated appropriate documentation to support use of the codes 72% of the time. CONCLUSIONS Providing education and tools on professional billing for newborns improved appropriate billing code use and optimized revenue at 1 community hospital.

Severe cutaneous drug toxicity following disitamab vedotin treatment for metastatic gastric cancer: a case report

BackgroundThis study reports a case of severe cutaneous toxicity in a patient with metastatic gastric cancer induced by disitamab vedotin, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and management in such treatments.Case presentationA 71-year-old female was admitted to hospital complaining of serious rashes following the first cycle of disitamab vedotin regimen for metastatic gastric cancer. The doctor diagnosedtoxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) induced by the drug. The patient received high-dose methylprednisolone due to the side effects. This resulted in a gradual improvement of symptoms.ConclusionDuring the use of disitamab vedotin, patients need to be monitored for severe skin toxicity.

Clinical presentation, acute care management and discharge information of patients with thoracic trauma in South Africa and Sweden: a prospective multicenter observational study

Abstract Purpose Thoracic trauma causes pain and hospitalisation. Middle- and high-income countries have different trauma contexts and populations. To report patients’ clinical presentation (pain and shortness of breath) and its influence on hospital length of stay (LOS), acute care management, and discharge destinations in South Africa (SA) and Sweden. Methods Prospective observational multicenter study by means of clinical record review. Two centers in SA and four centers in Sweden participated. One thousand nine hundred and eighteen adults with thoracic trauma were screened over the 20 months period. Study objectives guided information retrieved from clinical records. Statistical analysis was done with significance at p-value < 0.05. Results Three-hundred-sixty-four participants were recruited with most being male (n = 170/179 (95%) SA; n = 125/185 (68%) Sweden). Type and mechanism of injury differed (SA penetrating (82%) versus Sweden blunt (95%); SA assaults (90%) versus Sweden falls (44%)). Unilateral haemopneumothorax was common (SA 68%, Sweden 35%) and managed with intercostal drainage. Rib cage injuries were common in the Swedish cohort with rib fixation surgery for 17%. Physiotherapy treatment frequency was mostly daily. Blunt injury resulted in higher pain levels during deep breathing (day 1: p = 0.014; day 2: p < 0.001; day 3: p < 0.001) and shortness of breath during activity (day 1: p = 0.036; day 2: p = 0.003; day 3: p < 0.001). LOS was shorter for SA cohort (5 (± 4) versus 7 (± 5) days; p = 0.024). Age influenced LOS in the blunt injury group. Discharge destination was mostly home (99% SA, 56% Sweden). Conclusion Priority care is indicated for those who are older and have blunt thoracic injury to prevent pulmonary complications and prolonged hospitalisation.

Evaluation of a new model of care for bladder management in a statewide spinal cord service

Abstract Study design Registry-based cohort study. Objectives To evaluate the impact of the introduction of a new bladder management model of care at the Victorian Spinal Cord Service (VSCS) on the incidence of subsequent emergency department presentations and readmissions to hospital for urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first 2 years after injury. Setting VSCS, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia. Methods A new model of care that prioritized intermittent self-catheterization was implemented at the VSCS on 1 August 2017. Data from the Victorian State Trauma Registry and Austin Health medical record were used to compare the rate of readmissions, emergency department (ED) presentations and hospitalisations for UTI in the first two years post-injury before and after practice was changed. Results A total of 333 cases were included; 149 cases pre-model of care change and 184 cases after. 143 males and 41 females with a mean (SD) age of 48.9 (19.7) were admitted to the VSCS following the change in model of care. The rate of any subsequent hospitalisation for UTI (ED presentation or admission) was lower following the introduction of the new bladder management model of care (Incidence rate ratio 0.30, 95% CI 0.12–0.73). Conclusions Our data demonstrates the real-world impact of a change in bladder management after new SCI. These data strengthen the consensus recommendation in current practice guidelines.

Transforming cancer care: The vital role of palliative support

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally, with the increasing cancer burden in both developed and developing countries, including India. Palliative care, which focuses on alleviating the symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients, plays a crucial role in cancer management. Despite its significance, the integration of palliative care into cancer treatment in India faces numerous challenges, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited.This study aims to examine the role of palliative care in the comprehensive management of cancer patients, particularly in India. It seeks to explore the specific needs of elderly cancer patients, assess common barriers to effective palliative care, and evaluate the impact of home-based palliative care models in improving patient outcomes.Data was collected through a combination of literature review and patient surveys, focusing on cancer care and palliative needs in India. Assessment tools such as the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) were employed to evaluate symptom burden and prognosis. The study also analysed operational strategies for implementing home-based palliative care and the role of multidisciplinary teams in enhancing care delivery.The study found that palliative care significantly improves the quality of life for cancer patients by addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs. Home-based palliative care emerged as an effective model, particularly for patients in rural areas, where access to specialised healthcare is limited. Challenges such as a lack of trained personnel, inadequate awareness of palliative care, and logistical difficulties in rural settings were highlighted. The use of assessment tools such as ESAS and PPS helped in better symptom management and tailoring care to individual needs.Palliative care plays a critical role in the holistic management of cancer patients, particularly in resource-limited settings like India. The study underscores the need for more widespread integration of palliative care into the healthcare system, with a focus on home-based care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Increased awareness, training, and policy support are essential for improving access to and the quality of palliative care services, enhancing the well-being of cancer patients across the country.

Decentralized worker-centred occupational management in health care: nationwide survey and alpha testing

Abstract Background Occupational stress among healthcare workers negatively impacts job satisfaction and patient care quality, jeopardizing healthcare system sustainability. Traditional employer-driven approaches often fail to address these challenges comprehensively, leading to persistent gaps in work condition transparency and well-being. Aims To elucidate the working conditions of health workers and introduce a worker-centred, technology-based strategy moving beyond traditional practices and entrenched medical culture. Methods A nationwide survey of Belgian medical residents evaluated occupational conditions and perceptions of management practices. Additionally, the alpha version of a decentralized mobile application was tested to gather user satisfaction and feedback on its usability. The data were surveyed using Pearson’s chi-squared and Kruskal–Wallis rank sum tests to assess associations between categorical and ordinal variables, respectively. Alpha-testing results were evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results The nationwide survey, involving 257 participants, revealed significant associations between medical specialty, work choices and compensation. Notably, 91% of participants expressed strong interest in our proposed open, decentralized solution. In the alpha testing phase, 12 testers reported high satisfaction regarding time-tracking accuracy and payroll verification, though challenges related to administrative burden were also identified. Conclusions The findings underscore the need for innovative, worker-centred occupational management solutions. The proposed solution shows promise in improving autonomy and transparency, potentially enhancing healthcare delivery and sustainability.

Subcutaneous Pectoral Edema After Arthroscopic Labral Repair Despite Normal Irrigation Fluid Usage and Surgery Duration

ABSTRACTObjectivesEdema after shoulder arthroscopic surgery poses concerns due to its potential complications such as compartment syndrome, nerve damage, and respiratory issues. This study aimed to investigate the acute accumulation of subcutaneous fluid after shoulder arthroscopy.MethodsA prospective cohort study, providing Level III evidence was conducted on 50 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under interscalene block anaesthesia from September to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: rotator cuff repair (RCR, n = 29) and labral repair for shoulder instability (LR, n = 21). Subcutaneous fluid levels were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at discharge (24 h postsurgery) using the MoistureMeterD Compact at the neck, pectoral region, deltoid area, cubital fossa, and carpal tunnel. Data on surgery duration and irrigation fluid volume were documented. In the statistical analysis, repeated measures ANOVA and the independent‐samples t‐test were applied to compare parametric data, while the Friedman test and Mann–Whitney U test were used for nonparametric data.ResultsThe average operation time was 29.0 ± 12.1 min for RCR and 30.0 ± 10.9 min for LR, with average irrigation fluid use of 3.8 ± 0.9 and 4.0 ± 0.7 L, respectively (both p > 0.05). There was no increase in subcutaneous edema in the neck and deltoid region in both groups. At discharge, the percentage of subcutaneous fluid increased in the cubital fossa (p = 0.04 for RCR; p < 0.001 for LR) and carpal tunnel (both p < 0.001) in oth groups, whereas pectoral edema increased only in the labral repair group (p = 0.04).ConclusionsSubcutaneous pectoral edema can occur following arthroscopic labral repair, and increased fluid levels in the cubital fossa and carpal tunnel were observed in both rotator cuff and labral repairs, even in the absence of prolonged surgery or excessive irrigation fluid use. These findings highlight the need for careful postoperative management of edema after shoulder arthroscopy, particularly for labral repairs, with special attention to the pectoral region, cubital fossa, and carpal tunnel to prevent potential complications.The registry is sponsored by the United States National Library of Medicine (www.clinicaltrials.gov); Registry Name: Examination of Edema After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery ID: NCT06014203.

A study protocol to develop virtual reality software in the care management of patients in intensive care.

The use of virtual reality is increasing in nursing to ensure patient safety and to improve the quality of care in the education of nurses. To develop a virtual reality software for intensive care patient care management and to investigate the effect of this software on novice intensive care nurses. This study protocol contains a randomized controlled experimental design research. The nurses will be divided into control (n = 34) and study groups (n = 34) by randomization. The research will be conducted in four steps: (1) according to Kolcaba's Comfort Theory, the protocol for care management of an intensive care patient will be prepared and transferred to the virtual reality software, (2) the nurses in both groups will be given theoretical training, (3) a routine orientation training programme will be applied to the nurses in the control group, and those in the study group will be given virtual reality goggles. (4) Tools such as a 'Clinical Practice Skills Observation Form and Knowledge Level Questionnaire' and 'Problem-Solving Inventory', 'Clinical Decision-Making Scale in Nursing', 'State Anxiety Inventory' and 'Satisfaction Level Questionnaire' will be applied to both groups before commencing the theoretical training, 1 week after the application and in the first month of the application. This protocol describes an experimental study aiming to test the impact of virtual reality software on novice intensive care nurses in the care management of an intensive care patient. The results and recommendations will be shared after the study is completed. Within the scope of the research, the virtual reality software to be developed for the care management of an intensive care patient will provide important contributions to the development of nurses' problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills and reduce state anxiety levels in orientation to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in non-emergent patients with a history of seizures: A retrospective cohort study.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is well established as a treatment for various medical conditions. However, it poses a risk of oxygen toxicity, which can cause seizures particularly in individuals with pre-existing seizure disorders. Consequently, seizure disorders are considered a relative contraindication to HBOT. Despite this, the relative risk of HBOT-induced seizures in this patient population remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study aims to evaluate the safety of HBOT among patients with pre-existing seizure disorders. After obtaining approval from the Research Ethics Board, we retrospectively reviewed the patient charts of individuals with a history of seizures who were referred to the Rouge Valley Hyperbaric Medical Center and Toronto General Hyperbaric Medicine Unit for HBOT between January 2020 and December 2023. Relevant demographic information, past medical history, and HBOT session treatment protocols, such as the treatment pressure set in absolute atmospheric pressure (ATA) and number of air breaks, were recorded. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 43 patients were referred to HBOT during the study period, and 21 patients did not proceed with the treatments. In total, 634 HBOT sessions were administered to 22 patients in monoplace chambers with five-minute air breaks, and one patient experienced a seizure event. Each patient completed an average of 29 (range 3-60) sessions lasting 90-120 minutes at 1.8 ATA (n = 3), 2.0 ATA (n = 18), or 2.4 ATA (n = 1). Fifteen patients were on oral antiseizure medications during the HBOT course. The overall incidence of seizures was one in 634 treatments. While patients with a history of seizures may develop seizure activity during HBOT, the majority can safely undergo treatment when predetermined protocols are followed. With careful management and adherence to established protocols, HBOT can be a viable treatment option for those with seizure histories.

Association of Right Bundle Branch Block with Ischemic Stroke Incidence: A UK Biobank Cohort Study.

Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is often considered benign; however, its association with ischemic stroke (IS) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between RBBB and the incidence of IS. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the UK Biobank database (2004-2021), which included 3,634 participants with new-onset RBBB and 3,643 matched controls. The primary outcome was the incidence of IS, while the secondary outcomes included atrial fibrillation (AF) and all-cause mortality. We applied a propensity score matching with variables such as age, sex, presence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Subsequently, time-dependent Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between RBBB and the outcomes. The cumulative incidence of IS was higher in the RBBB group. RBBB was independently associated with an increased risk of IS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.12-6.03; p < 0.001), as well as AF (aHR, 4.58; 95% CI, 3.86-5.43; p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (aHR, 2.66; 95% CI, 2.35-3.02; p < 0.001). RBBB was associated with an increased risk of IS, independent of age, sex, and other comorbidities. These findings emphasize the need for careful monitoring and management of patients with RBBB to mitigate the risk of IS and other adverse outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and better inform clinical management strategies for patients with RBBB.

Influencing Factors in Urinary Retention in Parturients With Epidural Anesthesia Following Term Vaginal Birth.

Background: Epidural analgesia is a widely employed method in obstetric care for labor pain management. Postpartum urinary retention is a common complication that can arise during the postnatal period. This study aimed to evaluate the current status and influencing factors of postpartum urinary retention in parturients who received epidural anesthesia. Methods: We retrospectively included parturients who underwent vaginal delivery at our institution from June 2022 to October 2024. The characteristics of parturients with and without postpartum urinary retention were analyzed and compared. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the influencing factors of postpartum urinary retention. Results: This study enrolled a cohort consisting of 520 parturients who underwent epidural anesthesia, resulting in a total of 520 instances of childbirth. Among this population, 56 parturients were identified as experiencing postpartum urinary retention. The incidence of postpartum urinary retention in parturients with epidural anesthesia was 10.77%. Correlation analysis results showed that the parity (r = 0.582), duration of analgesia (r = 0.554), degree of perineal laceration (r = 0.656) and use of oxytocin (r = 0.580) were correlated with the occurrence of postpartum urinary retention among parturients with epidural anesthesia (all p < .05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that parity (OR = 2.587, 95% CI: 1.890∼3.225), duration of analgesia (OR = 2.778, 95% CI: 2.104∼3.467), degree of perineal laceration (OR = 3.265, 95% CI: 2.620∼3.815) and use of oxytocin (OR = 2.436, 95% CI: 1.909∼3.875) were the independent influencing factors of postpartum urinary retention (all p < .05). Conclusion: It is imperative that clinical healthcare providers implement targeted preventative and management strategies to reduce postpartum urinary retention.

Serratia Infections in Burn Care.

Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen with significant implications for burn care due to its multidrug resistance, virulence, and ability to colonize hospital environments. This retrospective study, conducted at an American Burn Association Verified Burn Centre, reviewed 22 cases of S. marcescens infections from 2015 to 2020. Patients exhibited a mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned of 28% (range: 2-71%), with 68% sustaining burns >20% TBSA and 40.9% presenting with inhalation injuries. The pathogen was most commonly isolated from sputum (36%) and burn wound tissue (50%), with a mean time to positive culture of 8.7 days. Early-onset infections were associated with increased mortality, particularly in patients with major burns, as five out of seven such individuals succumbed to infection. The overall mortality rate was 23%, despite timely antibiotic administration. Targeted topical antimicrobials, such as Dakin's solution, nanocrystalline silver, and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), offer potential benefits but lack robust evidence for optimal use. Stronger clinical data are needed to guide their application and improve outcomes. These findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance, refined treatment strategies, and research into S. marcescens management in burn care.

Pharmacogenomics and symptom management in palliative and supportive care: A scoping review

ContextPharmacogenomics (PGx) is an area of expanding research, which could indicate whether an individual is likely to benefit from a symptom control medication. Palliative and supportive care (PSC) could be...

Novel digital leakage notification system can promote better stoma management routines: a multicentre clinical trial.

Most people with a stoma are anxious about stoma-related leakage. To investigate the impact of a novel digital leakage notification system on worry related to stoma leakage, and to evaluate the effect on overall stoma care management. A 12-week interventional, single-arm, multicentre study was conducted in the UK to evaluate the novel digital leakage notification system, including a telemedicine-based support service (=test product), as part of routine stoma care in patients with a recent stoma formation (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05135754). Patients completed questionnaires at baseline and at other time points throughout the study period. Study nurses evaluated the test product on individual patient completion of the trial. The intention-to-treat-population consisted of 92 patients. At baseline, 39% of patients worried to a high or very high degree about leakage, which fell to 14% at the final evaluation (P<0.001), at which point patients also reported significantly fewer baseplate changes due to leakage-related worry (P<0.001). The vast majority of nurses reported that the test product helped patients (82%) improve their stoma-care routines (P<0.0001). The use of a digital leakage notification system reduced leakage-related worry and improved stoma self-care.

The Climatic Resilience of the Sasanian Empire

Abstract The Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE) has been given relatively little attention in research on climate-society interactions when compared to the neighboring Byzantine Empire, despite evidence of changing conditions and an agricultural economy that is theoretically vulnerable to droughts due to low annual precipitation. We review the available historical, archaeological, paleo-environmental, and paleo-climatic evidence to assess whether climatic conditions factored into periods of Sasanian growth and decline. We find evidence for drier conditions across Sasanian territories at the turn of the sixth century, a pattern that extends to the Aegean, Anatolia, and Central Asia. These same conditions contributed to a significant decline for the nearby Kingdom of Himyar but occurred alongside a period of expansion and intensification for the Sasanian Empire. We suggest that a combination of careful management of water infrastructure, including qanats, which can conserve water resources during dry periods, and land-use strategies that are both diverse and flexible, may have mitigated the worst impacts of this dry period. However, we note several weaknesses in the available data that still hinder confident interpretations of the potential impacts of climate change in the Sasanian Empire. Notably, there are gaps in the coverage of paleo-hydrological records and a complete lack of terrestrial paleo-temperature records in the region, as well as low resolution and high chronological uncertainties in the archaeological and paleo-environmental evidence.

Novel digital leakage notification system can promote better stoma management routines: a multicentre clinical trial

Background: Most people with a stoma are anxious about stoma-related leakage. Aims: To investigate the impact of a novel digital leakage notification system on worry related to stoma leakage, and to evaluate the effect on overall stoma care management. Method: A 12-week interventional, single-arm, multicentre study was conducted in the UK to evaluate the novel digital leakage notification system, including a telemedicine-based support service (=test product), as part of routine stoma care in patients with a recent stoma formation (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05135754). Patients completed questionnaires at baseline and at other time points throughout the study period. Study nurses evaluated the test product on individual patient completion of the trial. Findings: The intention-to-treat-population consisted of 92 patients. At baseline, 39% of patients worried to a high or very high degree about leakage, which fell to 14% at the final evaluation (P&lt;0.001), at which point patients also reported significantly fewer baseplate changes due to leakage-related worry (P&lt;0.001). The vast majority of nurses reported that the test product helped patients (82%) improve their stoma-care routines (P&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: The use of a digital leakage notification system reduced leakage-related worry and improved stoma self-care.

Determination of Staphylococcus aureus isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibility in raw milk

Staphylococcus aureus in raw milk poses a potential risk to public health due to its toxin-producing strains and high levels of antibiotic resistance. In this study, the presence of S. aureus in raw milk and the antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolated strains were examined. A total of 100 raw milk samples were analyzed, and S. aureus contamination was detected in 47 samples at various levels. The contamination levels ranged from 2.00 to 4.99 log cfu/ml and 45.9% of the contaminated samples were found to be in 3-4 log cfu/ml range. The minimum inhibitory concentration values for the antibiotics cefoxitin, methicillin, tetracycline, tylosin, florphenicol, neomycin, ciprofloxacin, lincomycin, and polymyxin B were determined using the broth microdilution method to examine the antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolated strains. It was determined that 13 (27.6%) of the S. aureus isolates were resistant to all the tested antibiotic groups. Additionally, all isolates were resistant to cefoxitin, methicillin, tylosin, and lincomycin, followed by resistance rates of 95.8% to florphenicol, 89.4% to neomycin, and 87.3% to polymyxin B. Furthermore, all isolates were observed to be multidrug-resistant (MDR). This study indicates that the contamination of raw milk with S. aureus and the antibiotic resistance profile pose a significant public health risk. The fact that all isolates were MDR limits treatment options and complicates infection control. These findings show that the need for stricter hygiene practices in milk production processes and careful management of antibiotic use.