Free Consultation Research Articles

ACHIEVING BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH THE PROVISION OF SUPPLEMENTS, MEDICAL AIDS, AND COUNSELLING OF SLE PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT RSSA MALANG

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children can interfere with their growth and social functioning and the treatment process is often hampered by low compliance and the unmet secondary needs of the patient. The aim of this community service activity is to improve the quality of life of patients by fulfilling their secondary needs and providing free consultation and education. Methods: This community service was carried out by educating and provide free consultation for 38 SLE pediatric patients accompanied by their parents directly at RSSA, monthly for 6 months, and we emphasise topics on management and healthy lifestyle for SLE patients. We also make this opportunity as a means of monitoring patient's condition which includes disease activity through SLEDAI Score, clinical symptoms, and psychosocial support, and we complete it by providing vitamin D supplements, sunblock, and wheelchairs. Results: All the subjects in this community service were 100% girls and 50% of them had active SLE status with various clinical manifestations. 79% of patients never took vitamin D supplements and all patients did not use sunblock. There were 3 patients with neurological disorders who needed a wheelchair. We provide their secondary needs to maximize the standard therapy we have been doing. After 6 months, there was a decrease in the number of patients who missed monthly controls, and a decrease in patients SLEDAI Score indicating that their lupus activity was appropriately controlled. Conclusion: Although rarely considered, the fulfillment of secondary needs in SLE patients such as vitamin D, sunblock, and wheelchairs for patients with mobility problems is very meaningful to them, which can optimize the main therapy given and make patients routinely attend monthly controls, because they find it helpful in terms of mobility. In addition, they do not need to buy vitamin D and sunblock themselves.

Telepsychiatry Enables Better Mental Health Care Access in a Southern Philippines Hospital: a Mixed Methods Outcome Evaluation

The Philippines faces a significant unmet need for mental health care services, especially in remote and underserved areas with limited access to traditional in-person psychiatric services. Telepsychiatry offers a potential solution for bridging this gap and improving access to care. This study aimed to evaluate the telepsychiatry service in a Level 1 government hospital in southern Philippines and assess its feasibility for improving mental healthcare access. This evaluation study used a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis of patient demographic data and psychiatric diagnoses retrieved from medical records (2018–2021), as well as qualitative in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with patients, guardians, and hospital staff. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis was also conducted to assess areas for improvement. The majority of patients were between 18–35 yr old, male, and single. The most common diagnoses were schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, followed by depressive and anxiety disorders. Key issues included medicine shortage, lack of communication, and poor Internet connectivity. However, stakeholders cited advantages such as access to free consultations, timely diagnosis, and potential for service scale- up. This study features telepsychiatry's potential for enabling better mental health care access in resource-constrained areas of the Philippines. It is the first to demonstrate telepsychiatry service provision from a specialist hospital to a Level 1 government hospital in the country. However, sustained multi-sector and multi-level coordination is crucial for long-term viability. Recommendations for enhancement and future research directions are provided.

What does it take to offer high-quality, community-based, accessible mental health care in Lebanon?

Background: Armed conflict, economic collapse, the 2020 explosion, the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent political and social instability have had severe impact on mental health in Lebanon. Aim: To highlight the critical elements for setting up a free community-based mental health care centre in Lebanon. Methods: Following the Beirut blast in 2020, a non-government organization started providing free, essential, personcentred, and holistic mental health care to residents in Lebanon through a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health nurses. Results: During its first year of operation, the health centre provided 5392 free mental health consultations to 590 beneficiaries. Majority (67%) of the beneficiaries were female, and nearly half (45%) were aged 18–24 years. The most prevalent mental health disorders were major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Beneficiaries self-reported a 70% improvement in depression and a 76% improvement in anxiety after 3 months of treatment. Conclusion: Based on our experience, we advocate the community-based model as an effective approach to delivering mental health interventions and recommend a continuous evaluation of its impact in community settings.

A Multiparty Collaboration to Engage Diverse Populations in Community-Centered Artificial Intelligence Research

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled technology has the potential to expand access to high-quality health information and healthcare services. Learning how diverse users interact with technology enables improvements to the AI model and the user interface, maximizing its potential benefit for a greater number of people. This narrative describes how technology developers, academic researchers, and representatives from a community-based organization collaborated to conduct a community-centered project on emerging health technologies. Our project team comprised representatives from Stanford Medicine, Google, and Santa Clara Family Health Plan’s Blanca Alvarado Community Resource Center. We aimed to understand the usability and acceptability of an AI-driven dermatology tool among East San Jose, CA, community members. Specifically, our objectives were to: test a model for cross-sector research of AI-based health technology; determine the utility of the tool in an ethnically and age-diverse population; obtain in-depth user experience feedback from participants recruited during community events; offer free skin health consultations; and provide resources for receiving follow-up care. We describe a collaborative approach in which each party contributed expertise: knowledge of the community from the community health partner, clinical expertise from the academic research institution, and software and AI expertise from the technology company. Through an iterative process, we identified important community needs, including technological, language, and privacy support. Our approach allowed us to recruit and engage a diverse cohort of participants, over 70% of whom preferred a language other than English. We distill learnings from planning and executing this case study that may help other collaborators bridge the gap between academia, industry, and community in AI healthcare innovation.

Application of the solution-focused brief strategies via telephone for family caregivers of persons with dementia: the Alzheimer’s Association National Helpline

Objectives Nearly 75% of persons living with dementia (PLWD) in the US live at home and are cared for by informal family members who have limited access to supportive and accessible services, indicating an increased need for these types of services (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023). The Alzheimer’s Association call centers offer free telephone care consultations, but it currently remains unclear which types of brief telephone support benefit caregivers. This study compares outcomes of participants who received traditional care consultation calls via the Alzheimer’s Association National Helpline with care consultation calls from Helpline staff trained in Solution-Focused Brief Strategies (SFBS), a client-centered evidence- and resource-based approach. Method Sequential callers were randomly assigned to the “traditional” or “SFBS” care consultation groups and were assessed at the time of call (baseline) and post-call (T1). The outcomes of interest were general self-efficacy (GSE), self-efficacy in managing emotions (PROMIS), caregiver mastery, therapeutic alliance, and goal setting. Results Of over 500 callers, callers receiving the SFBS scored higher on therapeutic alliance and goal-setting metrics, such as greater sense of collaboration on goals (effect size = 0.280, p = 0.0005, significant with Bonferroni correction), mutual agreement with care consultant on goals (effect size = 0.418, p < 0.0001, significant with Bonferroni correction), and believing the way the problem was resolved was correct (effect size = 0.286, p = 0.0007, significant with Bonferroni correction) than those receiving the traditional care consultation. Both groups reported improvements in the PROMIS measure, but there were no differences between groups. There were no significant differences in GSE or caregiver mastery scores between groups. Conclusion This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of the integration of SFBS in dementia care consultation calls as part of telephone-based supportive services for dementia caregivers.

Community as a classroom: Perception of an Indian medical graduate on family adoption program

BackgroundThe Family Adoption Program is recommended by the National Medical Commission (Undergraduate Medical Education Board) of India under Competency-Based Medical Education under the MBBS curriculum. It begins from their 1st Professional Year and continues till their 3rd Professional Year as a part of the curriculum of Community Medicine. The program aims to provide experimental learning opportunity to Indian Medical Graduate towards community-based health care and the program is expected to improve the communication skills of the students which helps in their professional growth, learning to be humane and empathize with the family they adopted. ObjectiveTo know the perception of an Indian Medical Graduate on the Family Adoption Program. MethodologyA Google form was shared among the students to fill upon consent. All the students who have adopted at least one family during their professional course were included. ResultsMore than 97 % of the students have explained the purpose of the visit to the family. Nearly 90 % of the families were co-operative. One of the students quoted the reason for noncooperation as “according to the locals, after collection of information by the students, no action was taken by the concerned authorities to curb the health issues of the families such as free medication or consultation” while other student said, “Language barrier and trust”. More than 25 % of the students stated that one of the primary reasons as an obstacle to collect complete data was families lack of interest. The majority feel empathetic towards the family.

74 Trial-CARE: Centralized Support Services for Investigator-Initiated Multi-Site Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To describe the impact of Trial-CARE (Coordination, Acceleration, and Recruitment Enhancement), a centralized service core at Washington University (WU), aimed at enhancing the capability of investigator-initiated multi-site clinical trials at WU and partner CTSA institutions. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Through review of our marketing materials and service tracking system we defined the following Trial-CARE offerings: Infrastructure: Trial-CARE is a centralized service core at WU. Whereby, a team member is sourced to an investigator-initiated multi-site clinical trial (II-MCT) to ensure the achievement of study milestones across any phase of the clinical trial life cycle. Team: Our team consists of research professionals with expertise in II-MCT project management, data management, and administrative/regulatory management. Services: * One free 60-minute case consultation * Tiers of Service * Academic Research Organization (ARO) support * Clinical Coordinating Center * Data Coordinating Center * II-MCT project management support * Time-limited targeted support RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Trial-CARE has completed 94 consultations in support of WU and partner CTSA institutions enabling the streamlining of study start-up; guidance for study recruitment, implementation, and operations; and offering resources to foster career development. Consultations can be completed at any phase in the clinical trial lifecycle, with Trial-CARE completing: * 12% in the idea phase * 45% in the grant development and submission stage * 28% after funding has been awarded Top reasons researchers connect with Trial-CARE about II-MCTs: * regulatory guidance (40%) * general information about Trial-CARE Services and II-MCTs (35%) * protocol development (21%) * data management (20%) * study budgeting (20%) DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: In response to a WU wide survey, Trial-CARE plans to generate informational webinars and is creating a clinical trial tracking dashboard, to pro-actively offer support services to researchers prior to grant funding. The goal is also to increase the percentage of consultations completed in the idea phase and the grant development and submission stage.

IMPROVING PATIENT EXPERIENCE: IMPLEMENTATION OF A PRODUCT-SERVICE SYSTEM WITH ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT

This research paper investigates applying a product-service system (PSS) approach in Guru Singa Alternative Treatment to enhance the patient experience and add value to their services. The study comprises three key steps: determining the quadrant position of the products/services, selecting alternative PSS quadrants, and identifying needs and resources. Analysis of a questionnaire and insights from the owner revealed that Guru Singa Alternative Treatment falls under the quadrant of Service Providing.. To address these needs, we propose two solutions. Firstly, a free consultation program is recommended, providing patients expert guidance and support during treatment and recovery. Additionally, educational initiatives will promote bone health and injury prevention. Secondly, an integrated recovery and rehabilitation program is suggested for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling. This research contributes to developing effective fracture recovery practices and improved patient care in alternative treatment facilities. Adopting the PSS approach offers promising opportunities for innovation and advancing healthcare quality in alternative treatments

An Assessment of the Impact of Digital Technology (DT) on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A Case Study of Some Selected SMEs in La

This research examines the impact of Digital Technology on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) activities (in terms of profits and business expansion). The selected sample was 320 SMEs which included 150 SMEs that adopted Digital Technology in their business activities and 170 SMEs that did not adopt Digital Technology in their business but were in the same business field as those that adopted DT. Questionnaires are used to obtain information from these SMEs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and econometric analysis [Propensity Score Matching (PSM)]. The results obtained from the PSM analysis show that the implementation of DT has helped business expansion in the study area among SMEs that adopted DT compared to SMEs that did not adopt DT. However, the implementation of DT has not had a significant impact on the profits of SMEs in the study area compared to non-participating SMEs in DT. Therefore, it is suggested that the adoption of DT is highly recommended among SMEs as this tends to increase business expansion. On the other hand, so that the impact of DT can be felt on entrepreneurs' profits, the costs of implementing DT must be reduced through assistance in the form of grants, subsidies, tax exemptions, tax holidays, and free consultation services in the field. DT areas and loans at lower interest rates should be provided by authorities and stakeholders to encourage SMEs to adopt digital technologies in their businesses.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of self-medication among the geriatric population of the Wardha district in central India: A cross-sectional study

Background The incidence of self-medication varies greatly for each country. It is a widely used method across advanced and developing nations worldwide. Self-medication is taking pharmaceuticals without seeking physician advice for a diagnosis or treatment. This study will evaluate geriatrics’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication. The objectives of the current study are to examine the practice of self-medication and assess the knowledge and attitude toward the same in the senior population, as well as the socio-demographic aspects influencing its usage and the reasons for its use. We also aim to test the correlation between demographic issues and self-medication. Methods A cross-sectional study will be conducted in the rural community area of the Wardha district. A survey will be used to evaluate the entire sample of geriatric age groups to determine the socio-demographic characteristics and associated risk factors for practicing self-medication. A semi-structured, pre-validated questionnaire Self-Medication Scale (SMS) will be used to understand the participants’ practice and attitudes regarding self-medication. The frequency and percentages of descriptive statistics will be determined. The correlation among variables will be discovered using the Chi-Square Test. Tables, graphs, and charts will present the data analysed. Study implications The present study will help formulate guidelines on medicine access and reinforce them with strong policy implementation mechanisms. The study will also help provide medical insurance or free consultations for populations in need.

Outpatient Clinics, Visiting Nurses and Propaganda: Spaces, Actors and Tools of Mental Hygiene in Interwar Italy

Summary In interwar Italy, the mental hygiene movement enacted a series of measures in order to control, prevent and contain psychiatric diseases. Developing as a pillar of social medicine, mental hygiene represented a challenging outlook for the psychiatric field, as far as it filled a gap in existing assistance, providing outpatient facilities and avoiding the pitfalls of hospitalisation’s legal constraints. This article analyses the debates aimed at reforming the 1904 law on asylums and the issues at stake, as autonomy from judiciary powers and screening and follow-up in free consultations. It then examines the functioning of dispensaries that responded to these issues, the role of the visiting nurses, as well as that of propaganda deployed by the local sections of The League of Mental Hygiene. Relying on diverse case studies, it aims at reopening the debate on a controversial phase of Italian sociopolitical history through the analysis of psychiatric practices.

Valoración de los atributos para la elección de un centro odontológico en Trujillo, Perú: pacientes versus odontólogos

Objective: To determine the difference between patients and dentists regarding the assessment of attributes for choosing a dental center in Trujillo, Peru. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving a sample of 162 dentists and 162 patients from the Trujillo province in Peru. The data was collected through a virtual questionnaire, validated by experts, and assessed for reliability. Statistical analysis was performed using the U-Mann Whitney and Spearman correlation tests, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: Patients, in comparison to dentists, demonstrated a greater preference for selecting a dental center where the practitioner is a recognized specialist (p&lt;0.001). Similarly, patients showed a preference for centers offering expedited appointments, advanced technology, and equipment, providing affordable and flexible payment options, free consultations, and having convenient parking and comfortable facilities (p&lt;0.05). Conversely, dentists perceived that the most valued attribute by patients is the recommendation of the dentist (p=0.031). Conclusions: When choosing a dental center, patients primarily value attributes related to both the professional responsible for care and administrative management. Conversely, dentists consider the main factor influencing a patient’s choice of dental center to be recommendations of the dentist. Valoración de los atributos para la elección de un centro odontológico en Trujillo, Perú: pacientes versus odontólogos.

Effect of a Legal Clinic Program Within an Urban Primary Health Care Center on Social Determinants of Health: A Program Evaluation.

Individuals living in poverty often visit primary healthcare clinics for health problems stemming from unmet legal needs. We examined the impact of a medical-legal partnership on improving the social determinants of health (SDoH), health-related quality of life, and perceived health status of attendees of a Legal Clinic Program (LCP). This was a pre-post program evaluation of a weekly LCP established within an urban primary healthcare clinic to provide free legal consultation. Patients aged 18 years or older were either approached or referred to complete a screening tool to identify potential legal needs. Those identified with potential legal needs were offered an appointment with LCP lawyers who provided legal counsel, referrals, and services. For those who attended the LCP, changes in SDoH and health indicators were collected via a self-reported survey 6 months after they attended the LCP and compared to their baseline scores using paired t-tests, McNemar's test for paired proportions, and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for related samples. During the 6-month evaluation period, 31 participants attended the LCP and completed both the baseline and 6-month surveys; 67.8% were female, 64.5% were white, 90.3% were not working full-time, and 61.3% had a household income of $700 to 1800 per month. At follow-up, 25.8% were receiving at least 1 new benefit and there was a statistically significant reduction in food insecurity (35.5% vs 9.7%, P < .05). Also, perceived health status using the visual analog scale (ranges from 0 to 100) significantly improved from 42.5 points (SD = 25.3) at baseline to 56.6 points (SD = 19.6) after 6 months (P < .05). The LCP has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of patients in primary healthcare clinics by addressing unmet legal needs and SDoH.

Pharmacotherapy for overweight and obesity: past and current clinical practice, available medications and possible applications

Overweight and obesity are a global pandemic that continues to escalate year by year. Also in Poland, there is a steady increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity cases among both adults and children. The most effective methods for treating these conditions include improved dietary habits and increased physical activity. Pharmacotherapy is another treatment option. Psychological care is also proven to be effective. It is important to note that in Polish primary health care settings, practitioners are unable to prescribe free dietary consultations for patients. Due to limited visit time, it can be challenging to monitor whether patients have implemented the required lifestyle changes. Primary medical care is often the first point of entry for overweight and obese patients seeking treatment. Consequently, pharmacotherapy has become a crucial aspect of overweight and obesity treatment. In recent decades, many appetite-suppressing medications have been withdrawn from the market because of serious side effects. On the other hand, new medications have been approved for sale in recent years or even months. All indications are that the trend will continue. This article includes a description of both historically used and currently approved overweight and obesity medications, both in the European Union and in the USA. For each medication, the mechanism of action, efficacy, and potential adverse effects are described.

Training assessment: prevention of major accidents through the approach of proactive safety, risks, and emergencies (APSRE)

This article presents Training Assessment: Prevention of Major Accidents through the Approach of Proactive Safety, Risks, and Emergencies (APSRE), for senior, full, junior, and undergraduate professionals and university graduate and postgraduate students, with the aim of improving the way thinking about a Proactive Safety Environment. With the development of research on Risk Management and the conception of the Proactive Safety Approach, with the aim of preventing major accidents and the damage arising from these events, the need to train people in organizations was verified, to support the survey and research of information, warning signs, analysis of proactive safety demands, planning, and development of actions, for the prevention of these major accidents, which are historically recurrent. The training for this course is made up of four free online consultation modules and is hosted on the Internet. The course presents in Module 1, an introductory basis, in Module 2, the theory of accidents, in Module 3, case studies of major accidents in the world, and in Module 4, activities and exercises to prevent and mitigate these major accidents. After the creation of this course, training was developed individually and in classes. In total, 12 classes of the Risk Management and Major Accident Prevention Course were trained, around 250 people in the class format, and around 50 people individually, totaling 300 people. The qualification of the Course Management of Risks and Prevention of Major Accidents, according to the validation presented in this article, can be used to meet different profiles, for senior professionals with knowledge in this subject, the qualification can be propitious for debates and reflections, for the full levels, training can be conducive to deepening the concepts and proposals, for junior levels and students, training can provide an initial base of learning for development in Risk Management and Major Accident Prevention. Conventional risk assessments can be reassessed, due to the contents presented in this article, and the Approach of Proactive Safety, Risks, and Emergencies (APSRE) through the presented framework, can be used to supplement conventional risk assessments.

Striving to be of Value: Building a Virtual Radiology Consult Service for Patients.

Direct interactions between patients and diagnostic radiologists are uncommon, but recent medicolegal developments in the United States may increase patient interest in communicating directly with radiologists. Patient participation rates in prior attempts at direct radiology consultation vary widely in the literature. Our objective was to design and build a virtual radiology consult service for a subset of patients undergoing lung cancer screening CTs to enable communication between patients and radiologists regarding imaging results and radiology recommendations. Patients scheduled for lung cancer screening CTs were identified using a custom scheduling system and offered via text message a free 15-minute consultation with a radiologist to discuss the results. Of 38 patients texted, 10 (26.3%) responded. Nine (90%) scheduled a consultation, but 5 (55.5%) subsequently cancelled. Of the remaining four, 3 (75%) attended their appointments, with an overall 3/38 (7.9%) text-to-consult conversation rate. The 3 consults averaged 18 (±8.2) minutes. The recruitment rate for our virtual service was between the low rate of a prior phone consult line study and the high rate in consults integrated into another physician visit. Further research is needed to identify patients most interested in a radiology consultation and optimize consultation modality by patient population.

Training in Logistics Management and Social Media Marketing for Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises in Bekasi Regency

Background: The community service held in Cikarang district was to develop local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Cikarang District and to develop ambidextrous skills in social media literacy and logistic management. The recent disruption called the COVID-19 pandemic swallowed all business in Indonesia. Many small businesses have to survive in the post-pandemic era. Conventional transactions are no longer viable in the new 4.0 industry. Contribution: Training is necessary to improve the small and medium enterprises adopting the new industry revolution. Social media and logistics are two types of skills that are crucial for all SMEs if they want to survive with the current system. We provide the integration in understanding the logistics and social media as both production and marketing tools. Method: Based on the short survey, this workshop is very important to help local SMEs. We provide the participant with material, in-house training, and more in the workshop. We also provide a WhatsApp group for free consultation for further questions like permits, logistic analysis, and SME events. Results: Based on the feedback and the participant's responses in the workshop, They hope to have another training to develop their business into a more efficient and agile business for competition. Conclusion: Logistics and social media prowess are the two most important skills SMEs need to improve their business locally before going into a bigger pond.

Oro-Dental Pharmacovigilance in the Digital Age: Promoting Knowledge, Awareness, and Practice in Italy through a Smart Combined System—A Conference at the 30th National Congress of the Italian College of University Professors of Dental Disciplines

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a significant threat to patients’ safety in dentistry, necessitating proactive measures for prevention and treatment. However, identifying ADRs of dental and oral interest can be challenging, and underreporting remains a persistent issue globally. This paper illustrates a smart system to help Italian healthcare personnel, including dentists, in identifying and reporting dental and oral ADRs. This educational program is within a larger multi-regional project financed by the Italian Agency of Drugs (AIFA). The proposed system comprises a free online questionnaire on ADRs of dental interest (including specific items about awareness and attitudes), and after the free consultation of an atlas of clinical images of dental and oral ADRs linked with a digital synopsis of drugs potentially related to ADRs. This section of the project was presented in April 2023 at the 30th National Congress of the Italian College of University Professors of Dental Disciplines, and the system appears to hold tremendous potential to improve the knowledge of healthcare professionals on oral and dental ADRs.

COVID-19 Stressors on University Employees’ Mental Health: Basis for the Development of an Enhancement Program

This study was conducted to determine the level of COVID-19 stressors on mental health among employees of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. during the second semester of the school-year 2021-2022. A validated and reliability-tested questionnaire was used having 0.86 index using Cronbach alpha. Results revealed that the level of COVID-19 stressors on employees’ mental health, when taken as an entire group was “Moderate,” which means that the COVID-19 stressors moderately affected the employees’ mental health. Female employees had the highest level of COVID-19 stressors, which affect their mental health more than males. Moreover, among the age groups, those 56-60 years old had the lowest level of COVID-19 stressors, which affected their mental health. Single employees had a higher level of COVID-19 stressors than married. One-way ANOVA showed no significant differences in the COVID-19 stressors on employees’ mental health in terms of age, length of service, and educational attainment but significant on employees’ position in the university. The t-test of independent samples showed a significant difference in the COVID-19 stressors on employees’ mental health when classified according to sex while no significant difference when classified according to civil status. The researchers recommend to create a proactive mental health programs to inculcate awareness and action on female employees’ mental health and wellbeing such as conduct of webinars on coping mechanisms and work-life balance; collaboration with mental health professionals like Department of Health (DOH) psychologists to offer free digital services or online consultations; and hosting talks with inspirational female leaders.

Six Years of Complaints Issued by Patients at a Laser Treatment Center in a Plastic Surgery Hospital.

Patient complaints can provide valuable feedback regarding the objective deficiencies of medical services. There are few studies on the complaints of patients receiving photoelectric therapy, so this study aims to understand the expectations and requirements of patients by analyzing the complaints of patients receiving photoelectric therapy. The complaints of patients who underwent photoelectric therapy were retrospectively examined. Authors plan to analyze treatment items, complaint contents, appeals, time trend regarding the number of complaints, and economic compensation. Fifty-four patients were involved in the study in total, and all of them were included. According to the standardized coding classification of complaints by Reader et al., the number of clinical, management and relationship complaints were 36 (59.02%), 14 (22.95%), and 11 (18.03%), respectively. These were divided among the categories of quality (31.15%), safety (27.87%), institutional issues (22.95%), communication (8.20%), and humaneness/caring (9.84%); with the most common subcategories involving treatment (31.15%) and safety incidents (24.59%). The patients' demands involved 20 cases (32.26%) requesting a refund of their medical expenses, 16 (25.81%) issuing a warning, 15 (24.19%) requesting compensation for loss, 10 (16.13%) requiring free repair or consultation, and 1 (1.61%) demanding an apology. Eventually, financial compensation was provided to the patients in eight of the cases. At a significance level of P = 0.05, even if the number of annual complaints increased over time, the increasing trend was not significant. Patient complaints in photoelectric therapy were most commonly clinical in nature. Specifically, quality and safety concerns are the main complaints.