Patient Care Education Research Articles

High-dose denosumab (Xgeva®) Associated Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ): incidence and clinical characteristics in a retrospective analysis of 1278 patients.

High-dose denosumab (Xgeva®) is increasingly used for treating bone metastasis and various malignant diseases but carries the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of MRONJ in patients treated with high-dose denosumab. A retrospective review was performed on 1278 patients who received high-dose denosumab at Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea, from September 2014 to February 2023. Data on the incidence of MRONJ, patient demographics, primary diseases, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Among the 1278 patients (average age 64.72years; 728 males and 550 females) treated, 34 developed MRONJ, with a 2.66% incidence rate. The average age of those with MRONJ was 68.32years, and they received more Xgeva® injections on average (13.62) compared to the overall cohort. Factors such as age and the frequency of injections were significantly associated with the risk of MRONJ. Notably, the incidence of MRONJ did not significantly differ between those who underwent oral surgery and those with spontaneous MRONJ, especially if oral surgery occurred within 1month of injection. Surgical interventions have shown higher recovery rates in advanced MRONJ stages. This study confirmed a significant MRONJ incidence of 2.66% among high-dose denosumab recipients, highlighting the importance of careful patient selection, monitoring, and education, particularly in older and long-term treatment patients, to mitigate the risk of MRONJ.

Material Technologies for Improved Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) Treatment: A Questionnaire Study of Healthcare Professionals’ Needs

Background/Objectives: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and severe complication of diabetic patients, with significant global prevalence and associated health burdens, including high recurrence rates, lower-limb amputations, and substantial associated economic costs. This study aimed to understand the user needs of healthcare professionals treating diabetic foot ulcers for newly developed material technologies. Methods: An open-ended questionnaire was used to identify user needs, identify the limitations of current treatments, and determine the specific requirements for ideal treatment. This information was used to develop a list of key considerations for creating innovative material technologies to improve diabetic wound treatment results. Results: Most respondents indicated that they followed published treatment guidelines for DFUs but noted that treatment often required a case-specific approach. Antibiotics and surgical debridement were commonly used for infection control. The participants showed a strong preference for wound dressings with lasting antibacterial properties. Respondents identified ideal properties for new products, including ease of use, enhanced antibacterial properties, affordability, and targeted biological activity. The respondents also highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to DFU management, integrating product development with comprehensive care strategies and patient education. Conclusions: This study highlights the complexity of DFU care, emphasizing that no single product can address all treatment needs. Future materials could focus on combination therapies and specific use cases. Additionally, understanding global variations in treatment practices and educating users on the proper application of newly developed material technologies is crucial for improving the management of DFUs and patient outcomes.

Thirty-Day Complication Rates After Gender-Affirming Bottom Surgery: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database From 2010 to 2020.

Gender-affirming bottom surgeries (GABS) play a central role in treating gender dysphoria to improve quality of life for transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) patients. However, there exists limited data on operative risks and outcomes for patient populations undergoing GABS. The goal of this study is to identify sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for determining 30-day postoperative complications in patients undergoing GABS. The ACS-NSQIP database from 2010 to 2020 was used to identify patients undergoing gender affirmation surgery (GAS) using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes included in transfeminine and transmasculine bottom surgery. IBS-SPSS software was used to perform a multivariate analysis to determine risk factors for increased 30-day postoperative complications including unplanned reoperation and readmission rates. A total of 1809 GABS were performed in the NSQIP database from 2010 to 2020. There was an upward trend in GABS procedures throughout the years, with 2017 having the most GABS (n = 629). Transmasculine patients with a BMI of 29 and over were at a greater risk for wound complications (P < 0.05). Diabetic transfeminine patients were also at a greater risk for wound complications (P < 0.05). This study identified that several sociodemographic and clinical risk factors, such as BMI and diabetes mellitus type 2, had increased postoperative complications for patients undergoing gender-affirming bottom surgeries. Wound care management and patient education are essential in GABS to prevent long-term complications. Physician awareness of risk factors and social determinants of health can help prevent and improve postoperative care education and patient compliance.

AI Governance in Healthcare: Best Practices, Solutions, and Unresolved Issues

What challenges are presented by AI adoption in healthcare? What role should AI governance play in regard to the opportunities and risks for generative AI (large language models like ChatGPT-4, etc.) in health? How do we responsibly evaluate new technology and ensure guardrails for its deployment, but without stifling innovation? How do we address societal fears and biases? What level of reliability and robustness should algorithms achieve before being adopted with confidence across healthcare? How can AI support health equity and expand access? We will explore these questions and more with some of the nation’s leading experts on these topics. Learning Objectives Understand key opportunities and challenges for AI governance in healthcare, particularly in regard to rapidly emerging generative AI applications Discuss various responsible AI and AI governance frameworks that seek to ensure safety and efficacy in AI adoption Explore the role of government, legislation, and regulators in supporting safe and equitable adoption of AI in healthcare Explore opportunities for government, industry, and academic partnerships to accelerate AI validation, development, and adoption of safety standards Consider the potential impact of AI on the healthcare workforce and provider and patient experiences Identify the risks we should be most concerned with and what approaches can we take to mitigate those risks? By the end of the presentation, participants should have a sense of the opportunities and challenges of adopting AI in healthcare, key risks and frameworks for mitigating them, and the potential role of government, academia, and industry in addressing these issues Generative AI application examples Patient Communication and Engagement Intelligent chatbots interacting with patients, answering their queries, providing health advice, and helping them manage their conditions Mental Health Support Provide psychological support to patients, helping them manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Provide interventions based on CBT and other therapeutic techniques Automated Medical Documentation Note-taking can allowing doctors to focus more on patient care Education and Training Create educational content and personalized training for medical students and healthcare professionals, potentially simulating things like patient cases and providing guidance on diagnosis, etc. Synthesis and Summarization of Medical Research Make it easier for people to keep up with the latest developments Public Health Communication In a public health emergency, help craft health messages, FAQs, and timely and accurate updates for the public Generative AI challenges and limitations Ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated information Maintaining patient privacy Handling the ethical implications of AI and human-machine interactions in healthcare “Hallucinations” (false or inaccurate information) can occur when model has limited knowledge of a particular domain “Distraction” (losing track of earlier inputs) can occur when inputs go beyond allowable token count for model “context window” and models start to produce responses not relevant to queries and context.

From Diagnosis to Recovery: The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients

Physical activity has emerged as a crucial component in the comprehensive care of oncological patients, offering significant benefits across the cancer continuum—from prevention to treatment, recovery, and survivorship. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the role of exercise in cancer care, highlighting its potential to improve physical function, reduce treatment-related side effects, enhance mental well-being, and improve overall quality of life. Epidemiological evidence supports the protective effect of regular physical activity in reducing the risk of developing certain cancers, such as breast, colorectal, and endometrial cancer, through mechanisms like hormonal regulation, inflammation reduction, and immune function enhancement. During active cancer treatment, exercise helps combat common side effects such as fatigue, muscle wasting, and cardiovascular decline, while also offering psychological benefits like reduced anxiety and depression. Tailored exercise programs, developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, are essential for addressing the unique needs of cancer patients, considering factors like cancer type, treatment stage, and comorbidities. Post-treatment, physical activity continues to play a vital role in rehabilitation, reducing the risk of recurrence, and supporting long-term survivorship. Despite the clear benefits, barriers such as physical limitations, psychological distress, and lack of access to resources can hinder patients' ability to engage in regular exercise. Addressing these challenges through personalized care plans, patient education, and supportive interventions is crucial. As research in exercise oncology advances, integrating physical activity into routine cancer care holds promise for improving outcomes and enhancing the overall well-being of cancer patients.

Resources to Support Canadian Nurses to Deliver Virtual Care: Environmental Scan.

Regulatory and professional nursing associations have an important role in ensuring that nurses provide safe, competent, and ethical care and are capable of adapting to emerging phenomena that influence society and population health needs. Telehealth and more recently virtual care are 2 digital health modalities that have gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth refers to telecommunications and digital communication technologies used to deliver health care, support health care provider and patient education, and facilitate self-care. Virtual care facilitates the delivery of health care services via any remote communication between patients and health care providers and among health care providers, either synchronously or asynchronously, through information and communication technologies. Despite nurses' adaptability to delivering virtual care, many have also reported challenges. This study aims to describe resources about virtual care, digital health, and nursing informatics (ie, practice guidelines and fact sheets) available to Canadian nurses through their regulatory and professional associations. An environmental scan was conducted between March and July 2023. The websites of nursing regulatory bodies across 13 Canadian provinces and territories and relevant nursing and a few nonnursing professional associations were searched. Data were extracted from the websites of these organizations to map out educational materials, training opportunities, and guidelines made available for nurses to learn and adapt to the ongoing digitalization of the health care system. Information from each source was summarized and analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach to identify categories and themes. The Virtual Health Competency Framework was applied to support the analysis process. Seven themes were identified: (1) types of resources available about virtual care, (2) terminologies used in virtual care resources, (3) currency of virtual care resources identified, (4) requirements for providing virtual care between provinces, (5) resources through professional nursing associations and other relevant organizations, (6) regulatory guidance versus competency in virtual care, and (7) resources about digital health and nursing informatics. Results also revealed that practice guidance for delivering telehealth existed before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was further expanded during the pandemic. Differences were noted across available resources with respect to terms used (eg, telenursing, telehealth, or virtual care), types of documents (eg, guideline vs fact sheet), and the depth of information shared. Only 2 associations provided comprehensive telenursing practice guidelines. Resources relative to digital health and nursing informatics exist, but variations between provinces were also noted. The use of telehealth and virtual care services is becoming mainstream in Canadian health care. Despite variations across jurisdictions, the existing nursing practice guidance resources for delivering telehealth and virtual care are substantial and can serve as a beginning step for developing a standardized set of practice requirements or competencies to inform nursing practice and the education of future nurses.

Falls prevention in older people and the role of nursing.

Falls among older individuals pose a significant public health challenge globally, impacting both individual wellbeing and healthcare systems. This article examines the importance of falls prevention in older people and the pivotal role of nursing in this domain. It presents statistics indicating the high prevalence of falls among older adults, highlighting their substantial impact on morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Furthermore, it discusses the multifactorial nature of fall risk factors, including age-related changes, chronic health conditions, medication use, impaired mobility, sensory deficits and environmental hazards. Nursing interventions encompass comprehensive assessments, personalised care plans, patient education and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing fall risks and enhancing safety. By addressing intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to falls, nurses contribute significantly to improving the quality of life for older adults and reducing the economic burden associated with fall-related injuries.

Unraveling the Dual Role of Voriconazole as an Antifungal Agent and Precursor to Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Voriconazole, a potent triazole antifungal medication, is extensively used to treat serious fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Despite its efficacy, recent findings suggest a potential link between long-term voriconazole therapy and the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This review examines the dual role of voriconazole, emphasizing both its therapeutic benefits and carcinogenic risks. The pharmacodynamics of voriconazole involve the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, crucial to fungal cell integrity. However, its metabolites, such as voriconazole-N-oxide, have been implicated in phototoxic reactions that lead to DNA damage and tumor formation. This is particularly significant in patients with prolonged drug exposure, such as organ transplant recipients, where increased SCC incidence has been observed. Clinical evidence and molecular studies suggest that voriconazole may disrupt key cellular pathways like the Hedgehog pathway, affecting epidermal differentiation and increasing cancer risk. Given these concerns, the necessity for careful therapeutic monitoring and patient education about potential risks is discussed. Alternative antifungal therapies and protective measures against phototoxic effects are also recommended as strategies to mitigate SCC risk. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms of voriconazole-induced carcinogenesis and refining patient management protocols. This review highlights the need for a balanced approach to voriconazole therapy, weighing its antifungal benefits against the risks of adverse dermatological outcomes.

Integrating Skincare into Medical Practice.

The integration of skincare into medical practice can enhance patient care. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the skin is the foundation for effective skincare interventions. Genetic and inflammatory conditions play a significant role in aesthetic skin physiology. There are key active ingredients that are pivotal in addressing various skin concerns. Sunscreens provide crucial protection against UV radiation, while pigment control agents such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin target the melanin pathway. Exfoliating agents and skin turnover enhancers such as retinoids and hydroxy acids promote skin renewal and rejuvenation. In addition, ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, antioxidants, peptides, and botanicals contribute to improving skin quality. Adding skincare to medical practice requires careful product selection, patient education, and marketing strategies.

Primary care and community partnerships to promote age-friendly care for Hispanic older adults.

Healthcare and community collaborations have the potential to address health-related social needs. We examined the implementation of an educational initiative and collaborative intervention between a geriatric clinic and Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to enhance age-friendly care for a Hispanic patient population. As part of a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, a geriatric clinic partnered with AAA to embed an English- and Spanish-speaking Social Service Coordinator (SSC). The SSC met with patients during new and annual visits or by referral to address What Matters and Mentation in the patient's primary language, provide education, and make social service referrals. Patients aged 60 and older, who received SSC services during a 12-month period, were defined as the intervention group (n = 112). Using a retrospective chart review, we compared them to a non-intervention group (n = 228) that received primary care. We examined available demographic and clinical data within the age-friendly areas of What Matters and Mentation. Measures included cognitive health screenings, advance care planning, patient education, and community referrals. Most of the intervention groups were eligible for AAA services and had the opportunity for service referrals to address identified needs. A higher proportion of patients within the intervention group completed screenings for cognitive health and advance care planning discussions. Interagency partnerships between ambulatory care settings and community-based organizations have the potential to expand access to linguistically and culturally competent age-friendly primary care for older adults.

Clinical outcomes, demographics and associative analysis of lung cancer patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

e20134 Background: Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare neuromuscular junction disorder that may present as a paraneoplastic syndrome or a primary autoimmune disorder. Approximately 60% of LEMS patients have an underlying tumor, with the paraneoplastic form predominantly associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Understanding the clinical outcomes and risks associated in lung cancer patients with LEMS is crucial in effective management of such patients. Methods: This retrospective study utilized inpatient hospitalization data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. Data of patients with a primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of lung cancer (ICD10-CM codes C34, C78.0, C46.5, D02.2) were obtained. Then, out of this population, we identified Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome with ICD-10 codes (G70.80, G70.81, G73.1). The objective was to run a descriptive analysis of clinical outcomes, risks, demographics and associations of LEMS in patients with lung cancer. Results: A total of 204 cases of lung cancer hospitalizations with LEMS were analyzed. The mean age was 68.23 years, with a slight female (51.72%) preponderance as compared to male (48.28%). Race distribution revealed increased prevalence in White Caucasians (83%), followed by Black (7%), Hispanic (4.5%), Asian or Pacific Islander (3%), Native American (0.5%), and Other (2%). The majority were covered by Medicare (66.33%), followed by private insurance (26.13%). The mortality rate was 8.9%, with a mean length of stay of 10.35 days and mean hospital charges of $118,676. Clinical outcomes and risks were analyzed, with sepsis occurring in 17.6% of cases, pneumonia in 22.5%, and acute respiratory failure in 26.9%. Intubation/mechanical ventilation was necessary in 18.1% of cases. The incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) was 16.7%, acute kidney injury (AKI) was 17.2%, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) was 6.4%. Additionally, interventions such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and blood transfusions were also noted. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes of lung cancer patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). The findings highlight the need for comprehensive management strategies targeting associated complications like acute respiratory failure, intubation and need for mechanical ventilation, pneumonia, UTI, AKI, and VTE to improve patient outcomes, quality of care and effective patient education with regards to their diagnosis of LEMS in lung cancer.

Informed Dialysis Modality Selection Among Veterans With Advanced CKD: A Community-Level Needs Assessment

The Advancing Americans Kidney Health Executive order has directed substantial increases in home dialysis use for incident kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Clinical guidelines recommend patients' self-selection of KRT modality through a shared decision-making process, which, at the minimum, requires predialysis nephrology care and KRT-directed comprehensive prekidney failure patient education (CoPE). The current state of these essential services among Americans with advanced (stages 4 and 5) chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their informed preferences for home dialysis are unknown. We conducted a community-based, cross-sectional, observational cohort study across a large regional Veteran Healthcare System from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021. Of the 928 Veterans with advanced CKD, 287 (30.9%) were invited for needs assessment evaluations. Of the 218 (76% of invited cohort) responding, 178 (81.6%) were receiving nephrology care, with approximately half of those (43.6%) receiving such care from non-Veterans Affairs providers. The study was targeted to assess the prevalent state of ongoing nephrology care and KRT-directed pre-kidney failure education among Veterans with advanced CKD. The secondary outcome included evaluation of dialysis decision-making state among Veterans with advanced CKD. Veterans with advanced CKD with 2 sustained estimated glomerular filtration rates<30mL/min/1.73m2 were identified through an electronic database query, and a randomly selected cohort was invited for their current state of and outstanding needs for predialysis nephrology care and CoPE, essential for informed KRT selection. Basic awareness of kidney disease was high (92.2%) among Veterans with advanced CKD, although only 38.5% were aware of the severity of their CKD. KRT-directed education during clinical care was reported by 46.8% of Veterans, of which 21.1% reported having received targeted CoPE classes. Three-quarters (74.3%) of Veterans expressed interest in receiving CoPE services. Overall, awareness of CKD and its severity and receipt of KRT-directed education were significantly higher among Veterans with nephrology care than among those without. Of the 61 Veterans providing their KRT preferences, overall decision making was poor, with three-quarters (73.8%) of the cohort unable to choose any KRT modality, irrespective of ongoing nephrology care. Only 8 (13%) felt confident choosing home KRT modalities. The study results are primarily applicable to the Veterans with advanced CKD. Furthermore, a limited numbers of respondents provided data on their KRT decision-making state, prohibiting broad generalizations. In a first-of-its-kind community-based needs assessment evaluation among Veterans with advanced CKD, we found that awareness of kidney disease is positively associated with nephrology care; however, the informed KRT selection capabilities are universally poor, irrespective of nephrology care. Our results demonstrate a critical gap between the recommended and prevalent nephrology practices such as KRT-directed education and targeted CoPE classes required for informed patient-centered home dialysis selection in advanced CKD.

Perceptions, knowledge, and perceived barriers to practicing evidence‐based medicine among pharmacists in Japanese community hospitals: A cross‐sectional multicenter survey

AbstractIntroductionEvidence‐based medicine (EBM) skills are required for pharmacists. However, the current status of EBM skills and its education in Japanese pharmacists remains unknown.ObjectivesWe investigated the perceptions, knowledge, and barriers for EBM in Japanese pharmacists.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey of pharmacists employed by four community hospitals in Japan. A questionnaire including 55 questions to evaluate pharmacists' perceptions, knowledge, exposure, access, terminology, and barriers for EBM was developed based on our previous research.ResultsThe questionnaire was provided to 70 pharmacists and the response rate was 90% (n = 63). Regarding the 5As (Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess) skills, only 30.2% of pharmacists were confident in their skills for Ask, 17.5% for Acquire, 19.0% for Appraise, 34.9% for Apply, and 25.4% for Assess. Additionally, although less than 20% of pharmacists felt comfortable teaching EBM to pharmacy residents and were confident to explain to others any EBM‐related terms, more than 90% of the pharmacists recognized the importance of EBM education for patient care. Furthermore, they reported many barriers to EBM, such as skills, statistical knowledge, training, English, and opportunities to practice EBM.ConclusionAlthough most Japanese pharmacists in this study were not confident in their EBM skills and in teaching them, they acknowledged the importance of EBM. Our study suggests that providing EBM training, and the clinical roles and responsibilities could address the identified barriers, such as, lack of skills, knowledge, and opportunities to practice EBM, and pharmacists could better embrace EBM in their practice to optimize patient care.

Psychosocial Factors That Influence a Woman's Decision to Enroll in a Clinical Trial: Implications on How to Improve Clinical Trial Enrollment Among Black Women

Black women with breast cancer often present with more aggressive disease compared with other races, contributing to an increased risk of cancer mortality. Despite this inequity, Black women remain severely underrepresented in breast cancer clinical trials. We aim to characterize factors that influence a woman's decision to enroll in a clinical trial, with the goal of identifying clinical interventions to aid in the recruitment of vulnerable groups. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire adapted from 2 prevalidated surveys investigating factors influencing clinical trial enrollment. The survey was administered to women with curable breast cancer during a single follow-up visit at 4 different sites within a university medical system where all patients are screened for clinical trial eligibility. Chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess associations or differences between the populations. One hundred ninety-four out of 209 women completed the survey, giving a compliance rate of 93%. Twenty-six percent of women self-identified as Black, most women were located at community sites (67.1%), most women had diagnoses of early-stage disease (I: 57.7%, II: 29.4%), and 81% of women had some collegiate-level education. Black women were younger at diagnosis (P = .005) and less likely to be married (P = .012) but more often lived with family members (P = .003) and had a lower median income (P < .001). According to the survey, Black women were less likely to trust their care team (P = .032), more likely to believe that research ultimately harms minorities (P < .001), and had a stronger belief in God's will determining illness and wellness (P < .001). Recurring themes of trust in the health care team, patient education, and advancement of cancer treatments were discussed in the focus groups. Failure to offer clinical trials and mistrust in research institutions may pose the greatest hindrances to the enrollment of Black women in clinical trials. Empowering women through education and fostering trustworthy relationships can encourage greater clinical trial participation.

An Assessment of Pharmaceutical Care Rendered by Community Pharmacists to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in South-West Nigeria

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that requires a life-long management. Community pharmacists render pharmaceutical care services that help in the resolution of medication related problems associated with chronic diseases thereby improving the quality of life of patients. Objectives: This study focused on assessing pharmaceutical care services rendered to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) by community pharmacists in Osun State, Nigeria. Method: Thirty-five (35) community pharmacists in major towns in Osun State, South-west, Nigeria were sampled using convenient sampling technique. ‘Secondary’ mystery patient (undercover patient relative) consultation was made with the community pharmacists in their pharmacies. The consultation involved the use of prescription form that had intentional drug therapy problems and complaints of oedema. Some of the services assessed included availability of point of care tests, prescription screening and patient education and counselling. Field notes were taken after each consultation with the pharmacists. Results: A little above one-third (37.0%) of the community pharmacists check blood glucose for T2DM patients. Some (23) of the pharmacists highlighted the need for the patient to come in-person or report to a physician citing the complaint (oedema) as an indication of possible complication(s). Five pharmacists identified the overdose of metformin and Glibenclamide in the prescription. Six pharmacists flagged possible drug-drug interaction between metformin and cimetidine. Majority (34) of the pharmacists counsel patients and provide patient education on T2DM. Conclusion: Community pharmacists in Osun State counsel T2DM patients and provide patients education. Few of them screen prescriptions and provide point of care test.

Dynamic Evaluation of Vitamin D Metabolism in Post-Bariatric Patients.

findings from the previously conducted studies indicate altered regulatory mechanisms of calcium and vitamin D metabolism in obese patients and a role for bariatric surgery in regulating vitamin D metabolism; however, the available data is controversial and does not provide an adequate understanding of the subject. we evaluated serum parameters of vitamin D and mineral metabolism (vitamin D metabolites (25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, 1,25(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, and 24,25(OH)2D3), vitamin D-binding protein (DBP), free 25(OH)D, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), parathyroid hormone (PTH), total calcium, albumin, phosphorus, creatinine, magnesium) in 30 patients referred for bariatric surgery in comparison with 30 healthy volunteers of similar age, sex and baseline 25(OH)D3. Patients were also followed up with repeated laboratory assessments 3 months and 6 months after surgery. During the first 3 months, patients were prescribed high-dose cholecalciferol therapy (50,000 IU per week), with subsequent correction based on the results of the 3-month visit examination. Preoperatively, patients with morbid obesity were characterized by a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (median 25(OH)D3 level 11.9 (6.8; 22.2) ng/mL), significantly lower levels of active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3 (20 (10; 37) vs. 39 (33; 50) pg/mL, p < 0.001), lower serum albumin-adjusted calcium levels (2.24 (2.20; 2.32) vs. 2.31 (2.25; 2.35) mmol/L, p = 0.009) and magnesium levels (0.79 (0.72; 0.82) vs. 0.82 (0.78; 0.85) mmol/L, p = 0.043) with simultaneous similar PTH levels (p = 0.912), and higher DBP levels (328 (288; 401) vs. 248 (217; 284) mg/L, p < 0.001). The 25(OH)D3 levels remained suboptimal (24.5 (14.7; 29.5) ng/mL at the 3-month visit and 17.9 (12.4; 21.0) ng/mL at the 6-month visit, p = 0.052) despite recommended high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation. Patients also demonstrated an increase in 1,25(OH)2D3 levels (38 (31; 52) pg/mL at the 3-month visit and 49 (29; 59) pg/mL at the 6-month visit, p < 0.001) without a change in PTH or calcium levels during the follow-up. our results of a comprehensive laboratory evaluation of vitamin D status and mineral metabolism in patients undergoing bariatric surgery highlight the importance of improving current clinical guidelines, as well as careful monitoring and education of patients.

Reducing Cancer Risk Through Primary Prevention Activities Among Children: A Demonstration Project.

Opportunities to reduce the risk of cancer, including cervical, liver, and skin cancer, start early in life. To encourage adoption of primary prevention activities in childhood to reduce cancer risk later in life, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a demonstration project with 3 National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) recipients. Iowa, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB), and Pennsylvania NCCCP recipients implemented evidence-based primary prevention activities for cervical, liver, and skin cancer among children using health care provider education, patient education, and policy development. Iowa implemented an announcement approach to improve provider education on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Pennsylvania focused on patient education for reducing skin cancer risk and both provider and patient education for liver cancer prevention. NPAIHB created a sun safety intervention for tribal organizations, including a policy guide, media materials, and patient education. In Iowa, health care providers taking the announcement approach reported significantly higher mean scores on a posttest compared with a pretest regarding perceptions about HPV vaccination, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions related to vaccination. Pennsylvania integrated sun safety education and sunscreen dispenser programs as a health and wellness initiative in 8 state parks and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources incorporated the program in its Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan. Pennsylvania also implemented health care provider education on the primary prevention of liver cancer through hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening and hepatitis B vaccination. The NPAIHB skin cancer policy guide was created and distributed for use to all 43 federally recognized tribes of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho served by NPAIHB. The identification, dissemination, and implementation of these efforts can serve as best practices for future childhood primary prevention programs. NCCCP recipients and public health professionals can use health care provider education, patient education, and policy development to reduce future risk for cervical, liver, and skin cancer among children.

How to design and deliver a small group teaching session.

Small group teaching sessions are commonly used in healthcare to deliver education, provide practice updates and support continuing professional development. Such sessions can provide opportunities for participants to acquire new knowledge, foster peer relationships, consolidate learning and develop skills. This article provides a step-by-step guide for nurses and other healthcare professionals on designing and delivering a small group teaching session. • A small group teaching session requires considered, detailed and methodical preparation. • When designing a small group teaching session, it is important to determine its aims, learning outcomes, group characteristics, location and timeframe. • A well-planned small teaching session includes learning activities that are constructively aligned to the aims and intended learning outcomes. • Assessing participant learning and addressing gaps in their understanding is essential during the delivery of small group teaching. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article could improve your practice when designing and delivering a small group teaching session. • How you could use this information to educate your colleagues on small group teaching methods.

Exploring the Impact of Pharmacists on Medication Adherence in Asthmatic Patients in Saudi Arabia

Medication adherence plays a pivotal role in managing chronic diseases like asthma. In the healthcare network, pharmacists stand as accessible and crucial professionals who can significantly influence patients' adherence to medication. This comprehensive review will delve into the impact of pharmacists on medication adherence among asthmatic patients in Saudi Arabia and discuss the potential role of pharmacists, the barriers they face, and strategies to overcome these barriers. Findings indicate that pharmacist-led interventions including education, counseling, monitoring and reminders can improve adherence and asthma control. However, barriers like limited time, staffing, access to records, and lack of reimbursement for cognitive services persist, alongside cultural factors. Recommended strategies encompass policy changes enabling greater integration of pharmacists into care teams, professional development, and patient education. Realizing the full potential of pharmacists to promote adherence requires a multifaceted approach addressing system-, provider-, and patient-level dimensions.

Palliative Care for the Elderly With Heart Diseases in Tertiary Health care: A Concept Analysis.

The increasing incidence of heart failure (HF) in the elderly leads to increased mortality, hospitalization, length of hospital stay, and health care costs. Older adults often face multiple drug treatments, comorbidities, frailty, and cognitive problems, which require early palliative care. However, these patients do not receive adequate palliative care. This concept analysis aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of palliative care for elderly patients with cardiac diseases in tertiary care. The analysis was guided by Walker and Avant's method, and databases were searched using keywords, such as palliative care, tertiary care, elderly, and heart. Covidence was used to review the results using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The World Health Organisation's definition of palliative care is widely accepted. Palliative care for older adults with heart disease in tertiary care is preceded by chronic illness, polypharmacy, symptom burden, physical and cognitive decline, comorbidities, and psychosocial/spiritual issues. The main attributes of palliative care for this population include health care professionals and patient education, holistic patient/family-centered care, symptom management, shared decision-making, early integration, advanced care planning, and a multidisciplinary approach. Palliative care improves elderly cardiac patients' and their family satisfaction while reducing readmission, hospital stays, and unnecessary invasive procedures. Collaboration between hospitals, community organizations, transitional palliative care services, and research has the potential to improve early palliative care and the well-being of the elderly cardiac population. Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) competencies play a crucial role in promoting palliative care in the elderly HF population.