Contact Telephone Number Research Articles

P006 A new digital front door for existing rheumatology patient queries

Abstract Background/Aims NICE guidelines recommend people with rheumatological conditions need rapid access to specialist care to manage flares and to advise on medication. With growing demand for NHS services, rheumatology advice lines are coming under pressure. We carried out an audit on our advice line queries over four clinics in summer 2021 with a view to developing a triaging system to improve response time. Over four advice line clinics, there were 44 calls averaging 13 minutes per call. The response time was two to three weeks. 34% of calls were deemed to be inappropriate. Inappropriate calls were considered ones that could be better directed elsewhere. Methods In 2022 we started working with DrDoctor, a digital health company to design a digital nurse advice line form to redirect inappropriate calls away from the nurse advice line call backs. This involved designing a digital pathway addressing common inappropriate themes from our audit including redirection of calls to secretaries, patient booking team, prescription management and a digital booking form for phlebotomy appointments. The new digital tool enabled us to expand the service and we used the opportunity to adopt patient assessment tools and educational videos as part of the service. We promoted the digital pathway through patient information leaflets, department website and sent a text with the link to all rheumatology patients. We continued to offer the traditional contact telephone number into the service as well. Results The digital nurse advice line went live at the end of July 2023 and after two months the response time has reduced to 1.5- 2 weeks. Since then there have been 529 form submissions from 417 unique patients. 47% of submissions were inappropriate and redirected. 97 patients called to book a blood test and 76 patients opted for the online self-service clinic. 151 patients had a query about their condition. 50% of patient had RA or inflammatory arthritis. 5% AS. 5% SLE. 17% PsA. 23% selected ‘other’ and a free text box captured conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, PMR and OA. 26% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis opted to see the educational video on self-examination and 17% watched the educational video on rheumatoid arthritis. Based on 251 submissions that were inappropriate for the advice line, assuming each inappropriate call takes an average of nine minutes based from our previous audit, 39 hours of phone time was saved from avoiding booking inappropriate nurse advice line appointments in two months. Conclusion The digital rheumatology advice service is an efficient and effective method of responding to patient queries and can be a source of patient education and self assessment. Informal patient and staff feedback has been positive and we will be collecting formal feedback as the service becomes more established. Disclosure K. Nadesalingam: None. C. Short: None. K. Christian: None. P. Helliwell: None.

Böbrek Nakli Adaylarinin Organ Teklif Listesinden Dışlanma Nedenlerinin Belirlenmesi

Objective: The study aims to determine why kidney transplantation candidates are excluded from the organ offer list. 
 Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a retrospective screening of archived records. The data of 228 patients who met the study criteria were included. Evaluations were made concerning sociodemographic characteristics, blood group, dialysis type and time, panel reactive antibody results, duration of waiting for an organ, and the recipient's current status (on the active waiting list, transplanted, or deceased). 
 Results: Of the candidates on the organ transplantation waiting list, 14.9% could not be contacted at the telephone number in the records, and 6.1% could not attend the centre because of transport problems. A statistically significant difference was determined between the age range, the time since starting dialysis, and the candidate's current status according to the waiting duration. 
 Conclusion: Through collaboration with dialysis and transplantation centres and the Regional Health Authority, nurses can update the contact telephone numbers and resolve transplant candidates' transport problems, thereby allowing those receiving dialysis treatment to be added to the organ transplantation waiting list without losing time.

Assessing the Quality of Recruitment Information on Skull Base Surgical Fellowship Program Websites.

Introduction The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), North American Skull Base Society (NASBS), American Rhinologic Society (ARS), and American Neurotology Society (ANS) fellowship directories are important information repositories for skull base surgical fellowship programs. However, there is limited research on the amount and depth of information available through these resources. The objective of the present study is to assess Web site accessibility and information availability for individual fellowship programs listed within the AANS, NASBS, ARS, and ANS fellowship directories. Methods Lists of all accredited skull base surgical programs were obtained from the AANS and NASBS fellowship directories. Duplications in listed programs were removed, and systematic queries via an online search engine were conducted to identify fellowship Web sites. From each available Web site, information pertaining to 24 different variables was collected and organized into two categories-recruitment and education. Differences in the availability of information on recruitment and education were then compared across Web sites and contextualized relative to other surgical specialties. Results After excluding duplicates, 113 fellowship programs were identified, of which 99 (87.6%) had accessible Web sites. Of the 48 listed by the NASBS, direct Web site links were available for 33 (68.8%), email contacts were accessible for 32 (66.7%), and phone numbers were listed for 6 (12.5%). Of the 39 programs listed by the AANS, none included Web site links, 38 (97.4%) provided an email contact, and 39 (100%) listed a departmental contact telephone number. All 28 (100%) programs listed by the ANS provided a phone and email contact in addition to a Web site link to each institutional Web site. Of the 33 programs listed by the ARS, 29 (88%) had a departmental contact telephone number, 31 (94%) had an email contact available, and 4 (12%) had a program Web site link directly available from the database Web site. Of the 99 total programs, fellowship Web sites displayed an average of 5.46 (42.0%) of the 13 recruitment features and 4.80 (42.6%) of the 11 education features. Programs in the geographic Northeast were significantly less likely to present information pertaining to recruitment ( p = 0.023). Furthermore, programs in geographic Northeast and West were significantly less likely to present information focused on surgical training and/or education ( p = 0.006). Conclusion Although many skull base fellowship programs have maintained comprehensive program Web sites, certain critical aspects remain deficient, and some programs provide little to no information. Providing more detailed information about programs can prove mutually beneficial for fellowship program directors and candidates.

Results of the nursing care standardization program in cardiac electrophysiology patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Patients undergoing surgery in the electrophysiology unit pass through the hands of several nurses from different hospital units throughout the care process. Multiple studies show the importance of interprofessional communication in improving patient health outcomes. In our hospital we have standardized protocols for each procedure. In addition, it is convenient to have the relevant information available in a more visual and accessible way in order to enhance the agility of care. Purpose To design a summary table of the procedures performed in the electrophysiology unit with the most important points on nursing care. Methods A descriptive analysis of the nursing care of patients undergoing surgery in the cardiac electrophysiology unit was performed. For this purpose, meetings were held between the electrophysiology, the intensive care unit, the cardiology day hospital and the resuscitation unit nursing teams to standardize protocols between services. The needs of each service were detected and the most important nursing care notes were included in the table. Results A table was drawn up with a total of 8 surgical procedures performed in electrophysiology. For each of them, 3 parts of the care process were identified: pre-operative, intraoperative and post-procedure care. Each of the parts had subdivisions (Picture 1 and 2). In addition, important contact telephone numbers were added. Once the table was done and validated, it was shared through the hospital intranet and hung in a poster in all hospital units where a cardiac patient may be attended. Conclusions The electrophysiology patient care table improved communication between professionals of the different services where the patient is attended and it also helped standardize protocols to reduce peri-surgery risks and improve morbidity and mortality, since it could prevent complications. Therefore, it guarantees the continuity of nursing care.Poster TS EF Procedure

SMARTPHONE APPLICATION FOR MANAGING MISSED AND FOUND BELONGINGS

Nowadays, due to our everyday stress and current stressful lifestyle, the loss of items appears a frequent issue and may be very inconvenient. In this regard, until the IoT becomes part of everyday life, we can use the software as an efficient tool to assist a person's searching, verifying, and finding lost belongings. This paper presents an Android-based application that we proposed and implemented to help users find lost items. Utilizing this software will enable the subscriber to record his request to the relevant authority. In addition, a special section offers to insert a contact telephone number or email to communicate between the person who found the item and the person who lost it. During testing, among other services, the platform showed its capabilities to register and log users, releasing a lot of information of lost items and automatically forwarding lost-and-found notifications. The paper can be useful for those who deal with the application of information technology.

Evaluation of completeness of hematology requisition forms leading preanalytical errors in laboratory of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Laboratory services provide crucial information for the optimal management of patients in a hospital setting. A crucial step in the preanalytical phase of sample testing is the correct filling up of the laboratory requisition form (LRF). Objectives: this study as planned to identify the possible parameters for pre analytical errors. Methodology: We analyzed the LRF submitted to the Hematology Section of Central Laboratory of a tertiary care teaching hospital from Hyderabad to assess the degree of completeness of the submitted LRF as a cause of preanalytical error in the laboratory workflow. Randomly selected laboratory forms submitted along with specimens to the Central Hematology Laboratory of a tertiary hospital over a period of 1 month for their completeness, as laid down in standard operating procedures. Collected data were entered in an Microsoft Excel Worksheet and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Only the patient's name, identification number, gender, type of sample, and examination requested were correctly filled. Results: Patient contact details were available only in 0.82% of LRFs. The diagnosis and clinical history were correctly filled in only 39.62% and 0.27% LRFs, respectively. There was a significant lack of information regarding the doctor requesting the investigation (doctor's name written in 8.47% of forms and doctor's contact telephone number written in 0.27% of forms evaluated). It was also found that the present format of the LRF was inadequate for providing the necessary details of the samples received. Conclusion: The existing LRF needs to be re-designed to enable the clinicians to provide more clinical details and patient-related details. Clinicians need to be sensitized regarding the necessity of submitting correctly filled LRFs. The use of system generated online requisition forms can also be done, where forms cannot be submitted unless complete.

Radiologists Include Contact Telephone Number in Reports: Experience With Patient Interaction.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the experience of radiologists who include contact information in radiology reports in an era of open access to reports via patient portals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. A prospective nonrandomized survey of all 61 radiologists in a single private practice group was conducted between July and August 2019. The survey, which consisted of 21 questions, was administered via a secure online survey software platform and distributed by e-mail. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis software. RESULTS. A total of 87% (53 of 61) of the radiologists completed the survey. Of these radiologists, 78% (41 of 52) indicated that they include their telephone number in radiology reports 75% or more of the time, with one radiologist not providing a response. Thirty-six percent of the radiologists are contacted once a year by patients, and 27% are contacted once a month. Of the 41 radiologists who include contact information 75% of the time or more, most (56% [23 of 41]) reported an increase in the frequency of patient contact. The reasons why radiologists had a patient contact them were to better understand the radiology report (95% of radiologists), to seek follow-up recommendations (39%), to express gratitude (34%), and to point out mistakes in the report (27%). Moreover, 98% (40 of 41) of radiologists reported never receiving complaints from a referring physician. Only 2% of radiologists stated that patient interaction was detrimental to workflow. Most radiologists found that interacting with patients was a satisfying experience and indicated that they would welcome more patient interaction. CONCLUSION. Including radiologist contact information in radiology reports increases patient-radiologist interaction. Despite this increased patient interaction, most radiologists indicated that they would welcome more interaction and found the communication satisfying.

Usefulness of a Telemedicine Tool TELEA in the Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The usefulness of telemedicine in the management of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not been evaluated. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study of the process of recruitment and follow-up of patients using a telemedicine tool (TELEA) in the management of patients at risk, in a rural environment with a dispersed population in Lugo in north western Spain. Results: A large number of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection (N = 545) were evaluated. Of this group, 275 had comorbidities and were enrolled in the program, with a mean age of 57.6 ± 16.3 years, 43.1% male. The risk factors were hypertension (38%), diabetes (16%), asthma (9.5%), heart disease (8.8%), and immunosuppression (5.1%). Patients were followed through the platform with daily control of symptoms and vital signs. Only 8% were admitted to the hospital, 5.1% on a scheduled basis and 2.9% through the emergency room. Conclusion: The telemedicine tool TELEA is useful for the management of high-risk patients with COVID-19.

Evaluation of clinician’s input in surgical pathology process in a developing country

Background: The clinician's role is paramount in surgical pathologist’s evaluation of surgical specimens. The study aims at evaluating clinicians’ role in the surgical pathology process in Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: This is a three-year (2016-2018) study of all (1262) routines surgical pathology specimens (SPS) received at the histopathology department of Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara. Parameters analyzed include the quality of the containers and fixatives used during specimen submission and the information supplied by the clinician (Specimen nature, patients’ age, gender, address, , hospital number, phone number and clinical information. The information was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2017 and the result presented in tables.
 Results: Nine (0.6%) SPS were not stored in appropriate fixative while in 88(8.3%) cases, the quantity of fixatives were inadequate. Forty (3.2%) of sample containers were inadequate while 86(6.8%) of the sample labels were wrongly placed. Fifty-two containers accommodated more than one SPS. The gender, age, address, hospital number, time of collection in day and hour were omitted in 21(1.7%), 18(1.4%), 627(49.7%), 921(73.0%) and 58(4.6%) of the cases respectively. The clinical request form, clinical findings, previous investigations, previous treatment history and presumptive or definitive diagnosis were missing in 288(22.8%), 192(15.2%), 282(22.4%), 424(33.6%), 340(27.0%) and 98(7.7%) cases respectively. Their names, contact telephone numbers and signature were omitted in the request in 58(4.6%), 1230(97.5%) and 143(11.3%) of the cases respectively.
 Conclusions: Among the parameters evaluated, Clinicians are mostly non-compliant in providing clinical information and their phone numbers. Continuous education and interaction with clinicians, computerized information management system and introduction of non-conformity registrar are possible ways of closing this gap.

Oral chemotherapy education sessions at an academic and community cancer center.

254 Background: Oral chemotherapy is becoming more widely utilized within oncology. Concerns regarding poor adherence and toxicity may be addressed by providing patient education. Methods: We developed and implemented a pharmacist-led initial education session for patients newly prescribed oral chemotherapy in both an academic medical center gastrointestinal oncology clinic and an affiliated community oncology cancer center. We provided an education packet including drug-specific information, clinic contact telephone numbers, and a drug schedule calendar. Standardized teaching and documentation templates were used. Patients completed each education session with the MOATT teaching tool for patients receiving Oral Agents for Cancer V1.2. Assessment of compliance with the ASCO/ONS Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards on Oral Chemotherapy Education was assessed through use of Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) quality measures where applicable and compared to historical QOPI data from the academic medical center from 2015-2017. Results: Thirty-one patients were newly prescribed oral chemotherapy and received the initial education session from November 2017 through May 2018. Based on a monthly report generated of new oral chemotherapy prescriptions, after a seven-month run-in, the rate reached 100% of patients at both sites for the most recent month. When comparing the intervention cohort to the historical QOPI cohort using a one-sided P value of 0.017 with bonferroni correction, there was improvement in safe handling/storage (pre: 19%, post 100%, P = 0.0001), drug-drug and food interactions (pre: 31%, post 100%, P = 0.0001), and plan for missed doses (pre: 37%, post: 97%, P = 0.0001). A trend toward improvement was found for schedule/start date discussion (pre: 87%, post: 100% P = 0.018) and side effect/toxicities (pre: 87%, post: 100% P = 0.018). Conclusions: Implementation of an oral chemotherapy education session in both an academic and community setting was feasible and improved adherence to QOPI measures of oral chemotherapy education and ASCO/ONS standards for oral chemotherapy. Further data regarding time to clinical outcomes is forthcoming.

Long-term quality of life in adult survivors after the arterial switch operation.

We sought to determine the quality of life after the arterial switch operation (ASO) using the Short Form 36 questionnaire in adult survivors. All patients (n = 107) who underwent the ASO and were 18 years of age or older living in the Australian state of Victoria with a contact telephone number were identified from the hospital database. Fifty-one (48%) patients were 18-24 years old and 56 (52%) patients were 25-34 years old. Patients completed the Short Form 36 quality of life questionnaire via telephone. The results of the 8 domains of the Short Form 36 questionnaire and the derived health state summary score (Short Form 6-Dimension) were compared against mean scores from age-matched Australian population data. Compared with the Australian population age-matched data, 18- to 24-year-old ASO patients ranked their health higher in 3 of the 8 domains (P < 0.01). The 25-34 age group ranked their health higher in 4 of the 8 domains (P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences in the mean Short Form 6-Dimension scores were observed in the 18-24 age group (0.769 for ASO patients vs 0.772 for Australian population, P = 0.85) or the 25-34 age group (0.795 for ASO patients vs 0.780 for Australian population, P = 0.33). Young adult survivors of the ASO have similar outcomes to age-matched controls in quality of life measured by Short Form 6-Dimension.

Labelling of electronic cigarettes: regulations and current practice

BackgroundOver the past decade e-cigarettes have established themselves in the global market. E-cigarettes triggered much interest in relation to their content and efficacy as smoking cessation tools, but less attention...

Accessibility and quality of online information for pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellowships.

Pediatric orthopaedic fellowship applicants commonly use online-based resources for information on potential programs. Two primary sources are the San Francisco Match (SF Match) database and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) database. We sought to determine the accessibility and quality of information that could be obtained by using these 2 sources. The online databases of the SF Match and POSNA were reviewed to determine the availability of embedded program links or external links for the included programs. If not available in the SF Match or POSNA data, Web sites for listed programs were located with a Google search. All identified Web sites were analyzed for accessibility, content volume, and content quality. At the time of online review, 50 programs, offering 68 positions, were listed in the SF Match database. Although 46 programs had links included with their information, 36 (72%) of them simply listed http://www.sfmatch.org as their unique Web site. Ten programs (20%) had external links listed, but only 2 (4%) linked directly to the fellowship web page. The POSNA database does not list any links to the 47 programs it lists, which offer 70 positions. On the basis of a Google search of the 50 programs listed in the SF Match database, web pages were found for 35. Of programs with independent web pages, all had a description of the program and 26 (74%) described their application process. Twenty-nine (83%) listed research requirements, 22 (63%) described the rotation schedule, and 12 (34%) discussed the on-call expectations. A contact telephone number and/or email address was provided by 97% of programs. Twenty (57%) listed both the coordinator and fellowship director, 9 (26%) listed the coordinator only, 5 (14%) listed the fellowship director only, and 1 (3%) had no contact information given. The SF Match and POSNA databases provide few direct links to fellowship Web sites, and individual program Web sites either do not exist or do not effectively convey information about the programs. Improved accessibility and accurate information online would allow potential applicants to obtain information about pediatric fellowships in a more efficient manner.

Reduction of emergency department utilization via access to outpatient cancer care.

128 Background: Emergency department (ED) utilization for non-emergent medical problems is an inefficient use of medical resources. During calendar year 2013, 224 RIH adult cancer patients presented to the RIH ED. Retrospective review indicated up to 50% of these ED visits were avoidable. Methods: This project was developed for the ASCO Quality Training Program. A multidisciplinary team was assembled to address ED utilization. Retrospective chart review of ED visits included time and reason for visit and primary tumor site. The team selected the Lung Cancer as the target group, developed a cause-and-effect analysis for ED visits, administered a patient survey, and implemented a series of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. The team implemented a patient education process of nurse sick-line symptom management and same-day sick visits at RIH CCC as well as developing a single-page patient “sick-line tool” with oncology nurse sick-line contact telephone numbers. A patient navigator introduced the sick-line tool at the first visit and its usage was reinforced at subsequent visits. Results: For RIH CCC lung cancer patients, a standardized symptom-control education process correlated with 30% decrease in ED visits for any presenting complaint (42 visits vs. 60 visits) and 32% decrease in ED visits with presenting complaint of pain (13 visits vs. 19 visits) during January/February 2014 compared to January/February 2013. We did not find significant differences between the proportion of ED visits during Cancer Center business hours, evenings, or weekends. Sick-line calls were found to increase by 53% during January 2014 compared to December 2013 with an additional 35% increase in February 2014. Conclusions: A standardized patient education process resulted in a significant decrease in ED visits, concurrent with an increase in outpatient sick-line utilization. This may reflect an improvement in efficiency of outpatient cancer patient care in a single-institution setting. Given other reports of increased ED utilization by lung cancer patients for similar presenting reasons, these improvements may be generalizable to other institutions.

How well are asthma treatment cards filled out in public health centres in Gazeera State, Sudan?

Four public district hospitals offering asthma treatment in Gazeera State, Sudan. Incomplete recording of patient data directly affects the quality of asthma care and the evaluation of asthma management programmes. To assess the completeness of filling out of treatment cards and accuracy of calculating peak expiratory flow (PEF) for confirming diagnosis and grading severity of asthma. Cross-sectional audit of asthma treatment cards from asthma centres, 2006-2012. Of 959 patient cards assessed, completeness ranged from 47% to 98%. Six of 13 variables had an unsatisfactory grade of completeness (<80% complete). Calculated PEF was indicated in 885 (92%) cards, but was correct in only 609 (69%). PEF variability was recorded in 835 (87%) cards, but was correctly calculated in 442 (53%). A scheduled follow-up visit was attended by only 359 (37%) patients, indicating 63% loss to follow-up. Contact telephone numbers were missing from 453 (47%) cards. This is the first study in Africa to assess the data completeness and integrity of asthma patient cards, identifying important shortcomings. This affects quality of management of asthma patients and programme evaluation. Steps to rectify this situation are urgently needed.

Pain in patients who have undergone retinal surgery: a review of a research project

Aims: This research project was used to ascertain: whether patients suffer from pain after retinal detachment surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK; if the care being delivered in relation to patients’ pain levels is satisfactory; if enough is being done in relation to education postoperatively regarding pain levels. Methods: A total of 40 patients were sampled and randomly selected into two groups of 20 patients. The first 20 patients (control group) were given a visual pain scoring chart and a form to fill in at certain times postoperatively to monitor their pain levels, how they controlled their pain and whether these methods were effective in pain control. Verbal information was given to them as it is at present, but they did not receive any written information. The second group of 20 patients (advice group) also received a visual pain scoring chart and a form to fill in at certain times postoperatively to monitor their pain levels, how they controlled their pain and whether these methods were effective in pain control. These patients had the same verbal information given to them as the first group, but in addition they also received detailed written information on what to do if they had any pain, with contact telephone numbers to phone for advice. Results: There was little difference in the results between the two groups, with the majority of patients reporting the surgical procedure to be less painful than they had expected. However, both groups wanted to recieve the information regarding pain prior to their admission so they could be prepared at home with the recommended pain relief. Conclusion: This research project has alerted the staff involved into preparing patients for retinal detachment surgery to ensure they have the correct knowledge regarding pain relief prior to their admission for surgery.

Health Promotion in Older Chinese

Aging, in conjunction with decreasing physical activity, is associated with a range of health problems. Simple, low-maintenance, population-based means of promoting activity to counteract the age-associated decline are required. We therefore assessed the effect of pedometry and buddy support to increase physical activity. We undertook a clustered randomized trial (HKCTR-346) of 24 community centers involving 399 older Chinese participants (≥ 60 yr). Centers were randomly allocated to 1) pedometry and buddy, 2) pedometry and no buddy, 3) no pedometry and buddy, and 4) no pedometry and no buddy with a 2 × 2 factorial design. The trial simultaneously tested the individual and combined effects of the interventions. The intervention groups also received monthly organized group activities to provide encouragement and support. Outcome measures were assessed at 6 and 12 months, including physical fitness and activity and cardiovascular disease risk factors (anthropometry and blood pressure). From the 24 centers, 356 volunteers (89.2%) completed the study. Those receiving the interventions had higher mean physical activity levels at 12 months of 1820 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1360-2290) and 1260 (95% CI = 780-1740) MET·min·wk(-1), respectively relative to the decrease in the control groups. The buddy peer support intervention significantly improved mean aerobic fitness (12% [95% CI = 4%-21%]) and reduced both body fat (-0.6% [95% CI = -1.1% to 0.0%]) and time to complete the 2.5-m get-up-and-go test (-0.27 [95% CI = -0.53 to -0.01] s). No other improvements in the cardiovascular disease risk factors were observed. The combination of motivational tools was no better than the individual interventions. Both motivational interventions increased physical activity levels, and the buddy style improved fitness. These tools could be useful adjuncts in the prevention of obesity and age-related complications.

Evaluation of request forms submitted to the haematology laboratory in a Ghanaian tertiary hospital

Laboratory request forms provide information about the laboratory test being requested for. They carry demographic data and other information such as location of patient, laboratory number, doctor's name, signature of the doctor, telephone number of the requesting doctor. Omission of information on the forms may lead to laboratory errors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of completion of laboratory request forms at the haematology department of a Ghanaian tertiary hospital. Three thousand request forms submitted to the haematology department between January and April 2010 were retrieved and studied. The information provided on each request form was recorded in a spread sheet and analyzed. The patient's age and sex were missing in 25.6% and 32.7% of the forms respectively. About half of the request forms did not have the patient's location. No clinical detail was provided on 22.7% of the forms. Doctors were more likely to sign their request forms and provide a name but they all failed to provide an address or a contact telephone number. This study demonstrates that, the standard of completion of request forms was poor. Essential information required on the forms was often missing. This can lead to limited advice given by laboratory physicians and may increase the potential for errors. Conversely, provision of all the information needed on the forms will aid laboratory diagnosis and enhance patient care and save time and resources. There should be closer interaction between clinicians and laboratory personnel to improve quality of services.

Subsequent Reproductive Performance in Survivors of Complicated Abortion

Objective To study the subsequent reproductive performance of women who had undergone complicated abortions. Materials and Methods Attempts were made to trace 299 survivors of complicated abortions from an earlier study. Their contact telephone numbers and addresses had been recorded at the time of initial management. Only 237 (79.3%) were traced. Questionnaires were administered bordering on their gynecological and obstetric histories since the antecedent complicated abortions. The results were then analyzed. Results Only 237 (79.3%) subjects were available to complete the questionnaires. There was a total of 49 pregnancies (20.7%), 21 (8.9%) of which resulted in 6 preterm and 15 term deliveries, 11 (4.6%) induced abortions and 17 (7.2%) spontaneous abortions. There were 2 cases of ectopic pregnancies. There were no striking antenatal complications. 14 cases had spontaneous vertex deliveries while 5 had caesarian sections while 2 had forceps deliveries. There were 2 cases of postpartum hemorrhage. 103 (44%) of the subjects who still desired pregnancy were yet unable to conceive. Conclusions The subsequent reproductive performance in survivors of complicated abortion appears to be largely characterized by a high rate of sub-fertility, fetal wastage and preterm deliveries. Key words: abortion, reproduction, fertility, complication, survivors

Miracle products: Spanish pharmacy's great struggle to eradicate them

The Spanish pharmacy model has two fundamental characteristics that may be summarised as the credibility of the community pharmacy as a healthcare establishment and the professionalism of the pharmacist as a healthcare agent. Currently, the professional activity of the pharmacist mainly revolves around the patient, with medicine being a healthcare tool he or she uses to practice his or her profession. However, the pharmacy as a healthcare establishment also covers other fields, such as the case of the Parapharmacy, which also require the pharmacist’s professional capacity, giving priority to the healthcare aspects over the financial ones. The Parapharmacy field includes health products where the professional action of the pharmacist forms an important added value that is recognised as such by society. As opposed to the Parapharmacy products correctly placed on the market, we find the so-called “Miracle Products”. Society is being invaded by products of differing natures and presentations,which try to find a place on the market by virtue of supposed healing or preventive properties for all types of complaints or health problems. Every year, in a seasonal basis, products are being detected (particularly foods or cosmetics) that promote the healing of incurable diseases or weight loss over a short period of time. Generally, the “miracle products” appear surrounded by short term, aggressive advertising campaigns and they disappear as soon as the health authorities act against them. Most of these fraudulent products do not include the clear identification of the company liable for them on the label, just a contact telephone number, web address or P.O. box number. The companies in charge of the marketing of this type of product are also aware of the healthcare value that the community pharmacies provide, and they try to use them for their own benefit. An example of this is that they frequently use, unilaterally, the advertising slogan of “on sale in pharmacies” or “ask your pharmacist for it”. They are also presented using devices, energies or apparatus that influence different parts of the human body alleging to produce effects that prevent, alleviate or cure diseases or complaints or soothe pain. In general, they are expensive and they manage to create expectations of success with their use that do not correspond to reality. Therefore: