Frequency Of Consultations Research Articles

What are the Bad Habits and Behaviors of Inconsiderate Doctors in Chinese Inhabitants' Mind? A Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeThis study aims to 1) investigate inhabitants’ perceptions of doctors’ inconsiderate behaviors during diagnosis and treatment, 2) explore the factors influencing inhabitants’ attitudes toward doctors’ professional reputation, and 3) examine the status of doctors’ inconsiderate behaviors and inhabitants’ attitudes and behaviors toward these doctors in China.Patients and MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 2050 participants from over 30 Chinese cities, from March to June 2018. In total, 1598 valid questionnaires were obtained (with an effective response rate of 77.95%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and logistic linear regression analysis.ResultsWe developed a questionnaire comprising of 15 items regarding doctors’ inconsiderate behaviors based on inhabitants’ perspectives (Cronbach’s alpha was 0.944). Additionally, we identified the factors that influence the attitudes of inhabitants regarding doctors’ professional reputation, such as frequency of medical consultations, medical expenses, education catalog, and type of medical insurance. A majority of the participants highly valued Chinese doctors’ professional reputation (87.55%), and trusted them (86.29%). However, about 60.27% of the participants reported a pessimistic-like judgment on the current doctor–patient relationship (DPR) in China. Participants believed that Chinese doctors received a high income (20.47%), maintained a high social status (23.46%), and had a heavy workload (59.95%). Furthermore, about 54.88% of participants reported that they would not engage in aggressive behaviors against doctors during a dispute. Lastly, about 26.66% of participants reported that they would act rationally when they were dissatisfied with their doctors.ConclusionImpassive emotions and improper actions of doctors toward patients jointly contributed to the disrepute of Chinese doctors. Although DPR was becoming tense, Chinese inhabitants held a positive evaluation of doctors’ professional reputation. While an improvement in the economic situation and reputation of doctors enhanced the DPR, there remains an urgent need to improve the working environment in regard to future Chinese health reforms.

Pandemic-Related Impairment in the Monitoring of Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes and the Development of a Digital Solution for the Community Health Worker: Quasiexperimental and Implementation Study.

BackgroundThe restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic reduced health service access by patients with chronic diseases. The discontinuity of care is a cause of great concern, mainly in vulnerable regions.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) regarding the frequency of consultations and whether their disease was kept under control. The study also aimed to develop and implement a digital solution to improve monitoring at home.MethodsThis is a multimethodological study. A quasiexperimental evaluation assessed the impact of the pandemic on the frequency of consultations and control of patients with hypertension and DM in 34 primary health care centers in 10 municipalities. Then, an implementation study developed an app with a decision support system (DSS) for community health workers (CHWs) to identify and address at-risk patients with uncontrolled hypertension or DM. An expert panel assessment evaluated feasibility, usability, and utility of the software.ResultsOf 5070 patients, 4810 (94.87%) had hypertension, 1371 (27.04%) had DM, and 1111 (21.91%) had both diseases. There was a significant reduction in the weekly number of consultations (107, IQR 60.0-153.0 before vs 20.0, IQR 7.0-29.0 after social restriction; P<.001). Only 15.23% (772/5070) of all patients returned for a consultation during the pandemic. Individuals with hypertension had lower systolic (120.0, IQR 120.0-140.0 mm Hg) and diastolic (80.0, IQR 80.0-80.0 mm Hg) blood pressure than those who did not return (130.0, IQR 120.0-140.0 mm Hg and 80.0, IQR 80.0-90.0 mm Hg, respectively; P<.001). Also, those who returned had a higher proportion of controlled hypertension (64.3% vs 52.8%). For DM, there were no differences in glycohemoglobin levels. Concerning the DSS, the experts agreed that the CHWs can easily incorporate it into their routines and the app can identify patients at risk and improve treatment.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in the number of consultations for patients with hypertension and DM in primary care. A DSS for CHW has proved to be feasible, useful, and easily incorporated into their routines.

Research on design of micron bubble dressing

Dogs that suffer from local dermatitis are not easily treated by medicine bath. To achieve the effect of bath treatment, a prototype of a dressing embedded with micron bubbles containing an antibacterial agent was designed in this study to treat the disease. In the experiment, a generator of micron bubbles, an aqueous antibacterial agent, and a nozzle comprising high-density stainless steel screens were used to generate micron bubbles containing the antibacterial agent, which were embedded in the dressing so that the bubbles could come into contact with S. pseudintermedius. Meanwhile, the flow of the micron bubbles and bactericidal action time were adjusted to identify the effective combinations of conditions. Specifically, a high-density stainless steel screen of one, two, or three layers; two different dressings; two flows of micron bubbles; and three bactericidal action times were tested in the design process. The three different layers of the screen could generate micron bubbles of the three different sizes used in the disinfection experiment. Then, statistical analysis of percentages of survived colonies was performed against the various combinations. The results showed that (1) the micron bubbles containing antibacterial agent generated by a high-density stainless steel screen nozzle and embedded in a dressing can effectively disinfect S. pseudintermedius; (2) the smaller the size of the micron bubbles, the better the disinfection effectiveness; (3) the variables of the flow of micron bubbles, bactericidal action time, and layers of the high-density stainless steel screen are the main factors affecting the disinfection of S. pseudintermedius. The overall disinfection effectiveness was 84.68%, with some combinations being 100% effective. The disinfecting solution for S. pseudintermedius with the micron bubble dressing proposed in this study aims to minimize canine local dermatitis and reduce medical consultation frequency.

Evaluation of HIV treatment outcomes with reduced frequency of clinical encounters and antiretroviral treatment refills: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundGlobal HIV treatment programs have sought to lengthen the interval between clinical encounters for people living with HIV (PLWH) who are established on antiretroviral treatment (ART) to reduce the burden of seeking care and to decongest health facilities. The overall effect of reduced visit frequency on HIV treatment outcomes is however unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of implementation strategies that reduce the frequency of clinical appointments and ART refills for PLWH established on ART.Methods and findingsWe searched databases​ between 1 January 2010 and 9 November 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared reduced (6- to 12-monthly) clinical consultation or ART refill appointment frequency to 3- to 6-monthly appointments for patients established on ART. We assessed methodological quality and real-world relevance, and used Mantel–Haenszel methods to generate pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals for retention, viral suppression, and mortality. We evaluated heterogeneity quantitatively and qualitatively, and overall evidence certainty using GRADE. Searches yielded 3,955 records, resulting in 10 studies (6 RCTs, 3 observational studies, and 1 study contributing observational and RCT data) representing 15 intervention arms with 33,599 adults (≥16 years) in 8 sub-Saharan African countries. Reduced frequency clinical consultations occurred at health facilities, while reduced frequency ART refills were delivered through facility or community pharmacies and adherence groups. Studies were highly pragmatic, except for some study settings and resources used in RCTs. Among studies comparing reduced clinical consultation frequency (6- or 12-monthly) to 3-monthly consultations, there appeared to be no difference in retention (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.97–1.04, p = 0.682, 8 studies, low certainty), and this finding was consistent across 6- and 12-monthly consultation intervals and delivery strategies. Viral suppression effect estimates were markedly influenced by under-ascertainment of viral load outcomes in intervention arms, resulting in inconclusive evidence. There was similarly insufficient evidence to draw conclusions on mortality (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.75–1.66, p = 0.592, 6 studies, very low certainty). For ART refill frequency, there appeared to be little to no difference in retention (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98–1.06, p = 0.473, 4 RCTs, moderate certainty) or mortality (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.63–3.35, p = 0.382, 4 RCTs, low certainty) between 6-monthly and 3-monthly visits. Similar to the analysis for clinical consultations, although viral suppression appeared to be better in 3-monthly arms, effect estimates were markedly influence by under-ascertainment of viral load outcomes in intervention arms, resulting in overall inclusive evidence. This systematic review was limited by the small number of studies available to compare 12- versus 6-monthly clinical consultations, insufficient data to compare implementation strategies, and lack of evidence for children, key populations, and low- and middle-income countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa.ConclusionsBased on this synthesis, extending clinical consultation intervals to 6 or 12 months and ART dispensing intervals to 6 months appears to result in similar retention to 3-month intervals, with less robust conclusions for viral suppression and mortality. Future research should ensure complete viral load outcome ascertainment, as well as explore mechanisms of effect, outcomes in other populations, and optimum delivery and monitoring strategies to ensure widespread applicability of reduced frequency visits across settings.

The frequency of nutrition impact symptoms and reduced oral intake among consecutive COVID-19 patients from an Australian health service.

COVID-19 symptoms range from severe respiratory failure to mild anorexia, cough and smell and taste alterations, adversely impacting nutritional intake. The aim of this paper was to establish malnutrition risk, Nutrition Impact Symptoms (NIS) and associations with reduced oral intake. A retrospective observational cohort of all people testing positive for COVID-19 was conducted. Malnutrition risk, nutritional status, weight, reduced oral intake and NIS on and during admission were collected. Dietetic consultation frequency and mode were captured. Some 80% (48/60) of participants reported at least one NIS, and 58% (25/60) reported two or more. Most frequent reported symptoms were cough (60%), sore throat (35%) and reduced appetite (28%). Significant associations existed between ≥2 NIS (p=0.006), reduced appetite (p=0.000) and reduced oral intake, with 20% requiring ongoing nutrition support and consultation. High NIS prevalence confirms systematised nutrition support pathways are indicated through incorporation into standard care across the healthcare continuum, including community care.

One Cannot Pour From an Empty Cup: Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, Compassion Satisfaction, and Coping Among Child Life Specialists

Objective: Child life specialists provide support across various medical units and are frequently exposed to high-intensity, stressful, or traumatic situations. As such, they are at risk of developing burnout and compassion fatigue; however, limited research has examined the relationship between professional well-being of child life specialists and use of coping strategies. The present study examined professional quality of life, including compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Method: This survey used responses from 196 child life specialists across the United States and Canada to examine whether professional quality of life varied based on reported coping strategies, frequency of supervision and consultation, or hospital units on which participants worked. Results: Results revealed use of avoidant coping strategies was associated with lower likelihood of compassion satisfaction and higher risk of compassion fatigue and burnout. On the other hand, more frequent consultation with colleagues was associated with higher likelihood of compassion satisfaction. Child life specialists who worked in hematology/oncology units reported higher risk of compassion fatigue than those on other medical units. Conclusion: This study provided several implications for practice to enhance child life specialists’ professional quality of life. Researchers should consider qualitative studies to better understand the professional quality of life of child life specialists in order to improve the delivery of quality, family-centered care. Disclosure Statement: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). Funding Statement: No funding sources were provided by the author(s).

Characteristics of patients with low back pain treated at a primary care center in Ecuador

Low back pain is a public health problem due to its high prevalence and burden of the disease. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of patients with low back pain treated at the Centro de Salud N1 from Ibarra, between January 2017 and November 2020. Two-thousand fifty-five consultations for low back pain were included, observing an increase during the study period, except for 2020 (53.78% fewer consultations than 2019). Consultation for low back pain was more frequent in women than men (64.18% vs 35.82%; z-score 12.87, p &lt;0.05). The age in men (median 49 years, interquartile range 30.75 years) was significantly higher (p=0.003) than in women (median 46 years, interquartile range 25 years). The cumulative frequency of consultations was higher between 28-60 years, mostly (67.98%) due to unspecified low back pain. Four-point seventy-nine percent of the consultations were referred to secondary care, where most (69.77%) had a specific diagnostic coding for low back pain. Regarding subsequent consultations (220 patients), most had 2 (9.05%) and less frequent ≥3 (1.65%) yearly consultations. In conclusion, there was an increase in the frequency of consultations for low back pain, predominant in the working-age groups, with a low percentage referred to secondary care.

Reducing non-surgical readmissions on a gynecologic oncology service

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of a quality improvement (QI) initiative designed to reduce non-surgical readmissions on a gynecologic oncology service. MethodsA two-phase QI initiative was implemented on an inpatient gynecologic oncology service to reduce non-surgical 30-day readmissions. Phase 1, from July 2018 to June 2020, included trainee education, frequent physical therapy consultation, pharmacy discharge medication review, 72-h post-discharge telephone call, and standardized 10-day clinic follow-up after discharge. Phase 2, from July 2020 to December 2020, incorporated a nurse practitioner to perform discharge navigation and arrange outpatient follow-up. The incidence of non-surgical readmissions during these phases was compared to that of a baseline period (July 2017–June 2018). We also assessed readmissions to identify common indications and evaluate potential demographic and clinical risk factors. ResultsOf 390 total non-surgical gynecologic oncology admissions, 100 were readmitted within 30 days (25.6%). Gastrointestinal tract (GI) obstruction, malignancy-associated pain and infection were the most common symptomatic diagnoses at the index admission, and 30% of readmitted patients had an identical indication for readmission. Compared to the baseline period, we observed a reduction in non-surgical readmissions from 34.1% to 22.6% in Phase 1 and to 18.9% in Phase 2 (p < 0.03) based on internal review, and a reduction from 13.9% to 11.9% in Phase 1 and to 4.7% in Phase 2 (p = 0.04) based on healthcare performance tracking data. Conclusions30-day hospital readmission among non-surgical gynecologic oncology patients is common. Implementation of a multifaceted readmissions reduction QI initiative significantly improved readmission rates.

Results of histopathological revisions of major salivary gland neoplasms in routine clinical practice

AimsSalivary gland neoplasms are rare and are characterised by overlapping histopathological aspects. Therefore, the assessment of the correct histopathological diagnosis can be challenging. This study evaluated the frequency of pathology...

Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Prenatal Consultations for Pathological Pregnancies at the Maternity Unit of Abass Ndao Hospital, Dakar, Senegal

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in health systems. The objective was to assess the effect of Covid-19 on the frequency of prenatal consultations (PNCs) for pathological pregnancies at the Abass NDAO Hospital Centre. Materials and Methods: This was primarily a retrospective study conducted at the Abass NDAO Hospital maternity ward. The target was the medical records of women followed for a pathological pregnancy at maternity from July 2019 to November 2020. Second, the department’s qualified staffs were asked about their experiences with the Covid-19 pandemic. Data collection was carried out between October 2021 and February 2022. Results: A total of 690 prenatal charts for pathological pregnancy were collected: 375 (54%) before the pandemic compared to 315 during Covid-19 (46%). The average age of women was 28.15 years. The age group 25 and 35 was the most represented (36.81%). Reasons for consultation were dominated by threats of premature delivery (51%), followed by severe pre-eclampsia (14%) and premature membrane rupture (11%), respectively. The frequency of prenatal consultations (PNCs) was inversely related to pandemic dynamics and significant monthly variations were observed. Qualified health personnel were midwives (71.40%) and gynecologists (28.60%). During the pandemic, more than the majority of staff (67%) worked 3 days a week, and 24% of health workers 5 days. The majority of staff (60%) reported experiencing overwork during the pandemic. Non-compliance with consultation days was noted in 38% of health providers. Protective equipment was not provided to 14% of the staff. Staff difficulties during prenatal consultations were fear of occupational exposure (12%) and patient reluctance (88%). Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic is having a major impact on prenatal consultations for pathological pregnancies at Abass NDAO Hospital. Effective measures must be taken to avoid the consequences of maternal mortality and the functioning of the structure.

Knowledge and Interdisciplinary Communication of Gastroenterologists and Dentists in the Netherlands About Gastrointestinal Diseases With Oral Manifestations.

Gastrointestinal diseases can have oral manifestations. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of gastroenterologists and dentists about gastrointestinal diseases with oral manifestations and to assess the frequency, extent and content of communication between gastroenterologists and oral healthcare professionals. Separate questionnaires were developed and sent to all 523 gastroenterologists and a random selection of 500 dentists in the Netherlands. Both questionnaires contained questions about demographic characteristics of the participants, 10 statements about gastrointestinal diseases with possible oral manifestations and questions about the communication between gastroenterologists and oral healthcare professionals. Additionally, the questionnaire for gastroenterologists contained 9 statements about general dentistry and the questionnaire for dentist had 9 questions about gastrointestinal diseases. Gastroenterologists answered 47.6% ± 31.9% of the questions correct about gastrointestinal diseases with possible oral manifestations and 57.5% ± 27.9% of the questions correct about general dentistry. Dentists answered 26.6% ± 20.5% of the questions correct about possible oral manifestations of gastrointestinal diseases and 50.3% ± 18.7% of the questions correct about gastrointestinal diseases. Gastroenterologists and dentists valued interdisciplinary consultation as very useful with scores of 4.07±0.70 and 4.67±0.49 on a 5-point Likert scale, respectively, but the frequency of consultation was considered insufficiently with a mean score of 2.88±1.01 and 2.24±1.05 on a 5-point Likert scale, respectively. This study suggests that the knowledge of gastroenterologists and dentists about gastrointestinal diseases with oral manifestations could be improved. Interdisciplinary consultation was considered valuable for the optimal treatment of their patients but was assessed as insufficient.

Management of cough in patients with idiopathic interstitial lung diseases in primary care.

Importance: Cough is a common symptom in idiopathic interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), there is little information of its management in primary care. The objective of this study was to explore the frequency of cough-related consultations and the medications prescribed to patients with ILDs in primary care. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used electronic medical records (EMR) from Manitoba primary care providers participating in the Manitoba Primary Care Research Network repository (2014–2019). Cough-related consults and the subsequent medications prescribed to patients with ILDs were identified in the EMR. Results: 295 patients with ILDs were identified, 73 (25%) of them had 141 cough-related consultations (mean 1.9, SD 1.3) during the period studied. In 50 (35%) of the consultations, patients were prescribed one or more of the following: inhaled bronchodilators (34%), nasal corticoids (18%), codeine/opiates (18%), antibiotics (14%), inhaled corticoids (14%), proton pump inhibitors (8%), cough preparations (6%), antihistamines (4%), and oral corticoids (2%). 13 (26%) subsequent cough-related consultations were identified within 6 months, mainly among patients who were prescribed cough preparations, nasal corticoids, antihistamines, and antibiotics. Conclusion: One-quarter of patients with ILDs consulted primary care due to cough, and about a third of them received a prescription to address potentially underlying causes of cough. Although further studies are required to explore the effect of the medications prescribed, recurrent cough consultations suggested that cough preparations, nasal corticoids, and antihistamines are among the least effective treatments. More research is needed to understand the causes and optimal treatment of cough in patients with ILDs.

Manejo de las enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales difusas (EPID) asociadas a enfermedades autoinmunes, por el neumólogo en las diferentes unidades de EPID en España

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to know the management of patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with a systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) in pulmonology outpatient clinics in Spain. MethodologyThe ILD work area of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) designed a self-completed questionnaire of 25 questions, on aspects related to the diagnosis and treatment of ILD-SAD. This was distributed among the attendees of the winter meeting of the ILD Area and later via e-mail to all the members of the ILD area of SEPAR. Participation was anonymous, voluntary and without consideration. Results74 pulmonologists from 58 hospitals participated. 77% had a specialized ILD consultation. All Units with SEPAR accreditation had a committee made up of pulmonologists and radiologists and a majority participation of pathologists and rheumatologists. In 75% of the centers there was a close collaboration with Rheumatology for the management of ILD-SAD. 85% considered that the frequency of ILD-SAD consults is increasing, the most frequent being ILD associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment of ILD-SAD is decided by consensus between pulmonologist and rheumatologist in 91.3% of the cases. 67% of pulmonologists consider that immunosuppressants and biological therapies can slow down the progression of ILD-SAD. 51% use antifibrotics therapies in these pathologies. ConclusionsAlmost all of the accredited Spanish ILD Units by SEPAR have established collaborations with Rheumatology for the adequate management of patients with ILD-SAD, this practice having been extended to units not yet accredited.

Rede Cegonha: maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes related to prenatal consultations at intermediate risk.

to analyze the correlation between maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes, with the number of prenatal consultations performed. a cross-sectional study, carried out with 1,219 mothers and newborns stratified as intermediate risk according to the Programa Rede Mãe Paranaense, adaptation of the Rede Cegonha at the state level. Data were collected from the Birth Certificates. Spearman, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the correlation between the variables of interest. married women, with higher education, white and aged 30 years or older were the ones who most attended prenatal consultations. With regard to perinatal outcomes, children whose mothers had more frequent prenatal consultations had better Apgar and birth weight scores. High rates of cesarean delivery were identified before the onset of labor. maternal characteristics influence the process of adherence to prenatal care, impacting perinatal outcomes, indicating the relevance of these risk factors and the need to improve actions aimed at greater compliance with risk stratification and qualified and resolute care for pregnant women at intermediate risk.

Gender Differences in Diagnostic Radiology Practice: An Observational Study.

To investigate gender differences in diagnostic radiology practice, specifically, the differences in scope of practice, the frequency of consultations to other colleagues, and the error rates. A retrospective observational study was performed including radiologists working for a European teleradiologyprovider between 2013 and 2019. Main outcome measures included the adjusted odds ratio of female gender for reporting cases in more than one subspecialty, the adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) of female gender for the count of second opinion requests to other colleagues, and the adjusted IRR of female gender for the count of radiologic errors. Multivariable adjustment was performed for covariates associated with experience, type of cases reported, part- or full-time employment, and reporting speed. A total of 213 radiologists (36% female) were included in the analysis of gender differences in scope of practice. Femalegender was associated with a lower odds of reporting cases in more than one subspecialty with an odds ratio of 0.46 (95%confidence interval, 0.22-0.96). A total of 204 radiologists (36% female) were included in the analysis of gender differences in the count of second opinion requests to colleagues. There was a trend toward an association between female gender and higherodds of requesting a second opinion with an adjusted IRR of 1.6 compared with male gender, but it was not statistically significant (P= .08). A total of 199 radiologists were included (37% female) in the analysis of gender differences in the number ofradiologic errors. Female gender was associated with a decrease in the odds of error with an IRR of 0.8 (95% confidence interval,0.64-0.995). Female radiologists tend to have a narrower scope of practice and make fewer mistakes than their male counterparts, even after detailed adjustment for factors that might explain gender differences in scope of practice and errors.

Experiences of Norwegian community midwives with caring for vulnerable pregnant women – A national cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe study aimed to describe Norwegian community midwives’ care for vulnerable pregnant women. It assessed vulnerability factors midwives identified and the type of care they provided. Factors associated with use of identification tools and care of vulnerable pregnant women were investigated. MethodA quantitative, cross-sectional study. Data collected via an anonymous online survey conducted spring 2020. Of approximately 700 eligible community midwives in Norway, 257 (36.7%) participated. ResultsCommunity midwives who worked primarily in the community, in close to full-time positions (>80%) and who were responsible for >100 women a year in large community clinics were more likely to identify vulnerable pregnant women than midwives who worked in combined hospital and community posts, less than 80% in the community and at smaller community centres. Attended a training progam called ‘Early Start’ (Tidlig Inn) was associated with an increased use of standardized identification tools. Almost all community midwives reported providing vulnerable women with more frequent consultations, individual and culturally personalized care, and relevant information about support options. ConclusionCommunity midwives appeared to be aware of their role as a midwife in the care of vulnerable pregnant women. They reported encountering vulnerable pregnant, identifying them by actively using methods to do so and addressing their needs in various ways. This study suggests that specific training increases midwives‘ ability to identify vulnerable pregnant women. Further research is needed to assess how midwives experience interdisciplinary collaboration in caring for these women.

Sponsoring Academic Integrity: The Role of Human and Informational Sources of Scholarship in Adoption of Plagiarism-Avoiding Techniques among Research Students of Social Sciences

Plagiarism is a serious offense that defies the ethics of scholarship and research. Research students need to pay substantive attention to the dynamics and contours of plagiarism in their creative, ethical, and academic endeavors. Scholarship avenues such as online tutorials and work assignments are important sources of instructions for plagiarism-avoidance among students. The current study explores the frequency of consultation of scholarship avenues and the usage of plagiarism-avoidance techniques among research students in social sciences. The study also recommends a scale to investigate plagiarism-avoidance techniques. Furthermore, it also examines the level of the study in predicting the usage of plagiarism-avoidance. Using the online survey technique, 108 research students from Pakistan were sampled. The questionnaire was uploaded on several student-based research groups of social media, including; Facebook, and Yahoo groups. Bivariate linear regression analysis was used for hypothesis testing. Findings revealed that scholarship avenues lead to greater usage of plagiarism-avoidance techniques among research students (R2=0.065). Supervisors, class-fellows, colleagues, and faculty of the department are prominent human scholarship avenues. Similarly, articles and books from the web, books from the library, the anti-plagiarism policy of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and lectures delivered in the classroom were leading informational scholarship avenues. Stage of the study and consultation of the scholarship avenues were predictors of usage of plagiarism-avoidance techniques. It is recommended that (i) plagiarism-avoidance is promoted through prevention rather than detection, and that (ii) scholarship avenues (e.g. delivering lectures, institutional policy, and interaction with relevant websites) are used for enhancing awareness about intellectual dishonesty.

Portal Vein Thrombosis Is Associated with an Increased Incidence of Depression and Anxiety Disorders.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a severe disease that adversely affects patients’ well-being. Data on the influence of PVT on the occurrence of depression or anxiety disorders are lacking. This study aimed to explore the impact of PVT on the incidence of depression and anxiety disorders diagnoses in a large German primary care cohort over a ten-year period. Patients with PVT were matched to non-PVT individuals by age, sex, yearly consultation frequency, index year and comorbidities in a 1:5 ratio. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of depression and anxiety disorders. The relationship between PVT and both depression and anxiety disorders was investigated using Cox regression models. We compared 547 patients with PVT with 2735 matched individuals without PVT. Within 5 years of the index date, 17.4% of patients with PVT and 9.3% of non-PVT individuals were diagnosed with depression (p < 0.001). Anxiety disorders were diagnosed in 5.5% and 3.0% of patients with PVT and non-PVT individuals, respectively (p = 0.002). On regression analyses, PVT was positively associated with incident depression (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.53–2.64, p < 0.001) as well as anxiety disorders (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.35–3.46, p = 0.001). Regarding depression, this association remained significant in women as well as in men. There was no association between PVT and the incidence of anxiety disorders in women. In conclusion, PVT is associated with the development of depression and anxiety disorders. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings before definitive recommendations can be made.

Information provision and retrieval by registered salespersons from consumers during over-the-counter drug sales \u2013 a questionnaire survey

BackgroundIn Japan, non-pharmacists who are accredited as registered salespersons can sell over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and they play a very important role in supporting proper OTC drug use by consumers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate information provided to and information collected from consumers, and cooperation with pharmacists during OTC drug sales by registered salespersons, and to clarify their related concerns and behaviors.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of 385 registered salespersons working at 56 drugstores throughout Japan was conducted. Based on the questionnaire survey, the frequency of information provision/collection in various categories was determined for the registered salespersons. The relation between concerns of registered salespersons relating to OTC drug sales and the frequency of information provision/collection was examined. The frequency of consultation of registered salespersons with a pharmacist was calculated for registered salespersons with/without in-store pharmacists. The χ-square test or Fisher’s exact test was performed to assess the significance of differences.ResultsTwo hundred and seven registered salespersons (53.7%) responded completely. A greater number of OTC drug purchasers per day was associated with a greater frequency of information provision about “side effects” and information collection about “favorite items” (alcohol, tobacco, health foods, etc.) (p < 0.05). One hundred and thirty-nine (67.2%) participants had concerns about “interactions between OTC drugs and prescription drugs”, and these concerns were related to the frequency of information provision/collection (p < 0.05). Regarding the frequency of consultation with a pharmacist, 35 of 46 participants (76.1%) working with pharmacists answered “always” or “usually”, whereas only 19 of 161 participants (11.8%) working without full-time pharmacists answered “always” or “usually”. More than half of the registered salespersons thought that cooperation with a pharmacist was necessary when they were “asked about concomitant use with prescription drugs” or “told that side effects happened.”ConclusionsThe results of this study show that experienced registered salespersons selling OTC drugs are more likely to collect information from consumers and to provide information to consumers. It appears to be important for registered salespersons to cooperate with pharmacists in order to provide and collect appropriate information about concomitant medications.

Frequencies of emergency department use and hospitalization comparing patients with different types of substance or polysubstance-related disorders

BackgroundThis study measured emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization for medical reasons among patients with substance-related disorders (SRD), comparing four subgroups: cannabis-related disorders, drug-related disorders other than cannabis, alcohol-related disorders and polysubstance-related disorders, controlling for various clinical, sociodemographic and service use variables.MethodsClinical administrative data for a cohort of 22,484 patients registered in Quebec (Canada) addiction treatment centers in 2012-13 were extracted for the years 2009-10 to 2015-16. Using negative binomial models, risks of frequent ED use and hospitalization were calculated for a 12-month period (2015-16).ResultsPatients with polysubstance-related disorders used ED more frequently than other groups with SRD. They were hospitalized more frequently than patients with cannabis or other drug-related disorders, but less frequently than those with alcohol-related disorders. Patients with alcohol-related disorders used ED more frequently than those with cannabis-related disorders and underwent more hospitalizations than both patients with cannabis-related and other drug-related disorders. Co-occurring SRD-mental disorders or SRD-chronic physical illnesses, more years with SRD, being women, living in rural territories, more frequent consultations with usual general practitioner or outpatient psychiatrist, and receiving more interventions in community healthcare centers increased frequency of ED use and hospitalization, whereas both adverse outcomes decreased with high continuity of physician care. Behavioral addiction, age less than 45 years, living in more materially deprived areas, and receiving 1-3 interventions in addiction treatment centers increased risk of frequent ED use, whereas living in semi-urban areas decreased ED use. Patients 25-44 years old receiving 4+ interventions in addiction treatment centers experienced less frequent hospitalization.ConclusionFindings showed higher risk of ED use among patients with polysubstance-related disorders, and higher hospitalization risk among patients with alcohol-related disorders, compared with patients affected by cannabis and other drug-related disorders. However, other variables contributed substantially more to the frequency of ED use and hospitalization, particularly clinical variables regarding complexity and severity of health conditions, followed by service use variables. Another important finding was that high continuity of physician care helped decrease the use of acute care services. Strategies like integrated care and outreach interventions may enhance SRD services.