Greater Patient Satisfaction Research Articles

Advancements in Laser Eye Surgery Through Sectional Study

Background: Laser in situ corneal surgery (LASIK) This technique has been considered as the most widespread and most widely performed refractive intervention in eye surgery in the world, which may show a high satisfaction index among patients after surgery. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the results of vision quality for patients suffering from myopia and astigmatism after LASIK surgery. Patients and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 74 patients ages 28-54 who suffered from myopia and astigmatism who underwent LASIK surgery. This study extended from February 16, 2022, to September 9, 2023. This study determined the importance of LASIK surgery in improving the visual function of patients in the long term in terms of satisfaction and happiness after surgery, functional improvement, and achieving the expected quality of vision. Results: Our results found that the percentage of males, which included 47 patients, was greater than that of females, which included 27 patients. The data for both surgery time were (22.46 ± 0.8) minutes, and corneal thickness was (498 ± 4.0 microns, recovery time was (3.6 ± 2.4) days. Our outcomes found that the surgery to be a good option, and it was 98%. The main goal was achieved. It was 96%. They were satisfied with the result. It was 95.40%. Happiness after LASIK was 99%. Conclusion: LASIK surgery has shown that the surgical procedure is the most healing, the quickest to perform, and the safest, which increases functional improvement and which contributes significantly.
 Great quality optical resolution. Our results confirm that there is great patient satisfaction with LASIK surgery, which is attributed to the quality of this surgery, which improves visual ability in a safer and more accurate way.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF DIFFERENT METHODS OF OSTEOTOMY WHEN PERFORMING CLOSED RHINOPLASTY

The aim. Increasing the effectiveness of treatment of patients with primary deformity of the nasal skeleton with a pronounced violation of the function of nasal breathing, by improving existing and developing new methods of reconstructive surgery of the nose.
 Materials and methods. 38 patients participated in the study. They were divided into two groups of 19 patients each. The gender and age distribution in both groups was approximately the same. The control group had rhinoplasty performed using a traditional osteotomy. Endonasal continuous osteotomy was performed using a 4 mm chisel. The research group underwent a combination of piezoelectric surgery and combined transcutaneous access, during rhinoplasty. At the same time, a 3 mm chisel was used for lateral and transverse lateral osteotomies, and a piezotome was used to remove the hump, medial and transverse dorsal osteotomies. All patients of both groups underwent only primary rhinoplasty in a closed manner.
 Results. Postoperative symptoms and complications were studied in both groups: perforation of the mucous membrane, narrowing of the nasal airways, bony irregularities, eyelid swelling, periorbital ecchymoses, as well as overall patient satisfaction. Symptoms were evaluated on the first day after surgery, 3 days after surgery, and 1 week after treatment. When comparing the obtained data, a statistically significant decrease in intra- and post-operative complications was found when performing rhinoplasty using piezoelectric surgery in combination with transcutaneous access. Also, piezotome osteotomy in combination with transcutaneous access has a number of advantages over classic osteotomy, which consist in reducing traumatic complications, obtaining more stable bone structures during surgery, which gives a better predicted result of rhinoplasty, and therefore, greater patient satisfaction.
 Conclusions. Performing a combination of piezotome osteotomy with a transcutaneous approach improves the postoperative period for patients and contributes to a better rhinoplasty result due to fewer complications.

Contemporary issues in neuro rehabilitation

Stroke is prevailing as the third most common neurological condition on a global scale and an estimated 25.7 million people are those who have survived it. Stroke is one of the overburdening conditions in about 33% of all individuals affected by permanent disability. Because of the high incidence of risk factors especially in Asia (including Pakistan) with an approximation of 250 cases per one lac persons. Occurrence is mostly seen in the older population and is often found with certain other co-morbidities such as dementia. To enhance the post-stroke quality of life in the geriatric population, especially the ones with existing co-morbidities. Physical rehabilitation of stroke plays a vital role[1]. Studies have demonstrated that the rehabilitation of patients with stroke is a lifelong process during which the survivors sequentially develop new physical habits, and transform their activities of daily living[2]. Stroke rehabilitation treatment protocol lasts quite a long. Therefore, it is sometimes tiresome for the patients and their families because of frequent visits to healthcare settings. Additionally, due to a shortage of skilled and specialized rehabilitation professionals, there is a scarcity of quality treatment protocols and as a result, the objectives of most of the rehab programs are not practical and achievable. Thus, preventing the patients from making a significant recovery[3]. The evidence does not support guidelines that are being followed in the healthcare systems of our country regarding stroke management. While working with individuals recovering from stroke and other neurological disorders, rehabilitation generally focuses on strength training[4]. Despite the fact, that the urban population in developing nations like Pakistan has now access to medical facilities such as stroke rehabilitation, the country's rising population is resulting in an overburdening of the healthcare system leading to sloppiness of all the medical services including rehabilitation[3]. Although most rehabilitation professionals and physical therapists know the fact that the traditional techniques used in neuro rehab are not always effective, still they use them on their patients, this lack of evidence-based practice may be due to inaccessibility to authentic clinical practice guidelines and other physiotherapy databases[4]. For instance, relying on outdated techniques such as range of motion exercises and stretching exercises for treating stroke patients is not as effective as using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises to improve the coordination and functional ability of patients, thereby improving motor function along with balance and gait[5]. Conventional approaches in rehabilitation management particularly in the domain of neurology are becoming ineffective due to the huge demand that chronic neurological illnesses are placing on our healthcare system. New creative techniques, including integrated care pathways, are needed to obtain better outcomes[6]. The process of governing skillful clinical and administrative pathways is needed to overcome situations associated with a rise in the number of admissions and long stays in hospitals or healthcare resources. Implementing more innovative approaches by management can achieve better outcomes with a reduction in admissions and shortened hospital stays. It will cohesively lead to effective treatment guidelines, greater patient satisfaction, and improved quality of life. Most of European countries are regulated by integrated rehabilitation services to help patients navigate healthcare services more effectively for an impressive, person-centered approach to rehabilitation care[6]. Unified rehabilitation at the current regional and national level with updated approaches and action plans along with evidence-based clinical practice guidelines is required to safeguard the delivery of person-centred rehabilitation care. Thus, we can conclude that there is a dire need to promote the development and implementation of standardized care in neuro-rehabilitation centers for enhancement in the quality of rehabilitation services. In addition to the use of digital media platforms for spreading awareness among the general masses, regulation and periodic reviews of rehabilitation services are also required.

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF FIXATION OF TIBIA SCHATZKER TYPE II AND TYPE III FRACTURES UNDER ARTHROSCOPIC GUIDANCE

The tibial plateau fracture is a common type of orthopaedic fracture. An alternative to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation, which provides direct visualisation of the articular surface of the plateau, evaluation of the reduction of the articular surface, and management of any intra-articular pathology that may be associated with the reduction of the articular surface. This study aimed to determine the functional outcome of patients who received tibial fixation under arthroscopic supervision for Schatzker's Type II and III tibial fractures. The research was conducted over six months in the Orthopaedic Surgical Department at Jinnah Hospital in Lahore from November 17, 2022, to May 17, 2023. Sixty patients met the inclusion criteria were recruited after obtaining written informed permission. A clinical and historical examination of each patient's knees was conducted, followed by arthroscopy-guided internal reduction and repair of the tibial fracture under general anaesthesia. All patients received a post-operative rehabilitation regimen. At the three-month follow-up, standing AP radiographs were taken to examine the general alignment of the limbs, and Rasmussen score results were recorded. The average age of the patients was 46 years, and 63.3% were men and 36.7% were women. Schatzker grades II and III tibial plateau fractures were present in 53.3% and 46.7% of the patients, respectively. The mean Rasmussen clinical score was 27.33, indicating that 50 out of 60 patients had excellent recovery, nine out of 60 patients had good recovery, and one out of 60 patients had fair recovery. The mean Rasmussen radiological score was 7.36, indicating that 48 out of 60 patients had outstanding recovery, 11 out of 60 patients had good recovery, and one out of 60 patients had fair recovery. In conclusion, arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation is a good technique for treating young patients with Schatzker grades II-III tibial plateau fractures, and it enables control of co-existing injuries of intra-articular soft tissues, leading to faster recovery and greater patient satisfaction. However, having expertise in trauma and arthroscopic methods is important to carry out the procedure correctly.

Single Anesthesia ERCP and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Management of Common Bile Duct Stones

Abstract Management of choledocho-cholelithiasis requires a multi-disciplinary approach. It involves clearance of common bile duct stones (CBDS) on the one hand and addressing gallstone disease (GSD) on the other hand. With technological advancements and growing expertise in the fields of endoscopy and laparoscopy, endoscopic retrograde (or radiological) cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopy cholecystectomy (LC) have become modalities of choice for CBDS and GSD, respectively. Conventionally, in patients with choledocho-cholelithiasis, ERCP is performed first followed by LC after an interval of 4–6 weeks. This approach requires two separate admissions involving anesthesia twice, thus increasing the risk related to multiple general anesthesia, higher cost of care, and greater loss of man hours. These issues can be mitigated by the novel approach of single anesthesia ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SERLAC). At our center, we follow both approaches, depending on the availability of resources and patient characteristics. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the safety of SERLAC. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective, descriptive study, we analyzed data of patients undergoing SERLAC for outcome, complications, benefits, and constraints. Results: Of the 36 patients who underwent ERCP before LC for choledocho-cholelithiasis, 10 opted for SERLAC. Despite relatively prolonged anesthesia time (mean 85.3 min), owing to both ERCP and LC being performed in the same sitting, no anesthesia-related adverse event was noted. SERLAC was preferred in two cases to avoid exposure to second general anesthesia due to comorbidities such as old age with polytrauma and use of oral anticoagulant related to a prosthetic cardiac valve. Hospital stay was significantly lower (mean 4.3 days) in patients opting for SERLAC and it provided a definite cure for 8 out of 10 patients. The major constraint noted was logistical, in terms of ensuring the availability of the operating room (OR) and teams for both procedures besides setting up the ERCP and laparoscopy workstations in the same OR in quick succession. Our study shows that SERLAC is a safe approach and further studies are required to build consensus. Conclusion: This study has proven that SERLAC is safe and comparable to interval ERCP and LC. It offers a definite cure with a single admission, single anaesthesia, and significantly shorter hospital stay and thus results in much greater patient satisfaction in expert hands.

Efficacy of pretreatment with remimazolam on prevention of propofol-induced injection pain in patients undergoing gastroscopy

To evaluate the efficacy of remimazolam pretreatment in preventing propofol-induced injection pain (PIP) in patients undergoing gastroscopy. One hundred and forty patients (ASA I–II, aged 18–65 years, BMI 18–28 kg/m2) who were to undergo gastroscopy were randomized into either a saline group (group S) or a remimazolam group (group R) (n = 70 for each) on a computer-generated random number basis. The patients in group S received normal saline (0.1 ml/kg) and those in group R were administered remimazolam (0.1 mg/kg) via intravenous infusion for 60 s. 30 s after the injection of normal saline or remimazolam, patients received intravenously propofol (0.5 ml/s) until loss of consciousness. A different anesthesiologist who was unaware of the pretreatment was responsible for maintaining the outcome. The primary endpoint of our study was the incidence of PIP, which was measured using a 4-point scale. Secondary endpoints include the intensity of PIP, vital signs, characteristics of surgery and recovery, and adverse events. The incidence of PIP was significantly lower in group R than in group S (13 vs 51%, p < 0.001), and a lower percentage of patients presented with moderate PIP (3 vs 20%, p < 0.001). Moreover, lower consumption of propofol, shorter recovery time, and greater patient satisfaction were observed in group R than in group S. Pretreatment with remimazolam can effectively reduce the incidence and intensity of PIP in gastroscopy and shorten the recovery time without severe adverse effects.Clinical Trials Registration: Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR2200063793). Registry time: 16/09/2022. Registry name: Efficacy of Pre-Treatment with Remimazolam on Prevention of Propofol-Induced Injection Pain in Patients Undergoing Gastroscopy. The date of patient enrollment began from 2022-9-17 to 2022-10-10. The link to the registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=176004.

Greater Patient Satisfaction With Use of Nonabsorbable Sutures Compared to Absorbable Sutures for Skin Closure Following Knee Arthroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient outcomes and satisfaction after arthroscopic portal closure with absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures after knee arthroscopy. Patients undergoing primary knee arthroscopy were identified during procedure scheduling. Exclusion criteria included revision procedures, concomitant ligament reconstruction, or meniscal repair surgery. Before surgery, enrolled patients were randomly assigned to undergo closure with either 3-0 Monocryl absorbable or 3-0 nylon non-absorbable sutures. Postoperative evaluation at 2, 6, and 12 weeks included a Visual Analogue Cosmesis scale, a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, patient scar assessment, and customized questionnaire assessing scar satisfaction. Between January 2019 and August 2022, 247 were included for analysis: 145 in the absorbable group and 129 in the non-absorbable group. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, race, smoking status, or laterality of procedure. Patients in the nonabsorbable group reported higher overall satisfaction at week 6 follow-up (9.12 ± 1.85 vs 8.44 ± 2.49, P= .019) and week 12 follow-up (9.13 ± 1.76 vs 8.54 ± 2.50, P= .048). There was no difference in pain, swelling, itching, numbness, incisional pain, or burning at any time. Patients in the nonabsorbable group observed more skin discoloration at 2 weeks (3.00 ± 2.33 vs 2.41 ± 1.80, P= .026) and 6 weeks (3.74 ± 2.82 vs 2.98 ± 2.45, P= .032) follow-up with no significant difference at 12 weeks. In this study, patients were more satisfied with nonabsorbable sutures for portal wound closure after knee arthroscopy despite early reporting of increased skin discoloration relative to absorbable sutures. Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Photodynamic Therapy for Field Cancerization in the Skin: Where Do We Stand?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with a photosensitizer is available for the treatment of multiple actinic keratoses (AKs) in a restricted skin area or, as it is established, for the field-cancerized skin. Our review aims to present the up-to-date literature on skin field cancerization using PDT employing different topical photosensitizers, modified light delivery protocols and combination treatments to obtain excellent efficacy and safety in everyday clinical practice. We sought PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, OVID, Embase, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Research Gate and Google Scholar for [(aminolevulinic acid OR aminolevulinate) AND photodynamic therapy] with (field-directed OR field cancerization, (actinic keratosis), and (efficacy OR effectiveness OR pain OR tolerability) for studies published until February 2023. Advantages of PDT compared to the other field treatments, including imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, ingenol mebutate gel and diclofenac, reported better cosmetic outcomes and greater patient satisfaction. On the other hand, some drawbacks of field PDT include pain and treatment duration. Alternate illumination methods have also been investigated, including daylight as a light source. Pretreating the affected area may enhance photosensitizer absorption leading to better therapeutic results, while combinational treatments have also been tested. Patients prefer daylight PDT to traditional light sources since it is more well-tolerated and equally effective. Even as a preventive treatment, field PDT yields promising outcomes, especially for high-risk individuals, including organ transplant recipients. This review provides a thorough display of the field of PDT on cancerized skin, which will facilitate physicians in applying PDT more efficiently and intuitively.

Electronic medical record and its impact on health care and management. A systematic review between the years 2013 – 2023

The adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR) has revolutionized the landscape of healthcare and healthcare management in recent decades. These technological systems have been the subject of extensive interest and study to understand their impact on improving patient care and efficiency in health management. For this reason, this study proposes to evaluate the impact of the use of electronic medical records on health care and management. In addition, the study includes a systematic review of the literature of research carried out between 2013 and 2023 on the use of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) focused on patient care and health management. The PICO methodology was used to formulate the search equation in the Scopus database. To select the studies, the PRISMA methodology was used through 3 stages: identification, screening, and inclusion, obtaining a total of 17 articles for review, according to inclusion and exclusion eligibility criteria. At the beginning of the systematic search, 56400 studies were found, 5220 were related to health care, 244 researchers work carried out between 2013 and 2023 focused on health management. Also, 17 studies obtained at the end of the third search stage, 42,11 % indicated that the EHR facilitates medical care, 21,05 % indicated that it provides better safety and greater patient satisfaction. On the other hand, 36,36 % and 45,45 % mentioned that with the EHR there is a good quality of care and better clinical management, respectively, compared to the use of paper medical records. In conclusion, the EHR offers benefits in medical care and facilitates decision making at the health management level. Its interoperability means that clinical management is integrated with all other medical systems to provide quality care, despite certain limitations that persist in the health field.

Comparison of Pedicle Coagulation Hemorrhoidectomy With LigaSure Versus Conventional Milligan Morgan Hemorrhoidectomy in Reducing Post-operative Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Hemorrhoids refer to the abnormal enlargement of the anal cushions. They are a common anorectal problem with a prevalence of 5% in the general population aged greater than 40 years. The objective of this study was to compare Milligan-Morgan open hemorrhoidectomy with pedicle ligation with LigaSure (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) in terms of postoperative pain on day 1 and day 7. It is important to assess the technique that is associated with lower postoperative pain because both of these techniques are still practiced in the developing world. Methods It was a randomized controlled trial conducted in the Department of Surgery, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A total of 100 patients were selected and were allotted into the two groups by lottery method. Patients aged from 15 to 60 years who presented with symptomatic third and fourth-degree hemorrhoids were included after taking informed consent. Patients who had a previous or concomitant anorectal disease, patients who had undergone previous surgery for hemorrhoids, and those who were anesthetically unfit for surgery (American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 or above) were excluded from the study. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue scale (VAS). Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v. 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). Chi-square tests were applied. P-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results Out of 100 patients, 68 (68%) were males while 32 (32%) were females. The mean age was 40.56±9.24 years. Postoperative pain at day 1 was 9.24±0.51 in the Milligan-Morgan group while that in the LigaSure group was 8.44±0.64 (p<0.0001). Postoperative pain at day 7 was 5.00±0.85 in the Milligan-Morgan group while it was 3.04±1.08 in the LigaSure group (p<0.0001). Conclusion LigaSure is a newer technique that helps to reduce complications as compared to other traditional hemorrhoidectomy procedures. Many patients avoid hemorrhoidectomy as it is associated with painful postoperative recovery. Pedicle coagulation with LigaSure was better than conventional Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy in terms of reducing the mean postoperative pain on 1st day and 7th day. Reducing the postoperative painhelps in greater patient satisfaction and lesser requirement of analgesiaamong patients of 3rd and 4th-degree hemorrhoids undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.

Fascia Iliaca Block versus Intra-Venous Analgesia for Positioning of Neck Femur Fracture in Patient Undergoing Spinal Anathesia

Abstract Background Fracture of the femur is a well-known reason for surgical repair in patients of all ages. Locations include the neck, intertrochanteric, shaft, and distal fractures. Spinal anesthesia is the commonly used, preferred method for surgery and is associated with lower odds of mortality compared to general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia is administered in either a sitting or lateral decubitus position. Positioning patients with a fractured femur for spinal anesthesia is challenging since minimal movement of the overriding fracture ends can cause extreme pain. Objective To elaborate the efficacy and safety of FICB with intravenous analgesic (IVA) on the quality for positioning before spinal anesthesia in participants with a femur fracture. Methods After approval of anesthesiology department scientific and ethical committees in Ain Shams University Hospitals, patients were included in the study, and were divided into two groups (n = 25; each); group FICB and control group. Results The study results show that there was no statistically significant difference found between FICB group and FENT group regarding demographic data and characteristics of the studied patients. While there was statistically significant increase in the quality of patient positioning in FICB group than FENT group with p-value = 0.021; also there was statistically significant increase in the patient satisfaction in FICB group than FENT group with p-value =0.021. And a statistically significant increase was found in the time to first rescue analgesic postoperative in FICB group than FENT group with p-value &amp;lt; 0.001. Conclusion Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block is more efficacious than intravenous fentanyl for positioning during spinal anaesthesia in surgery for fracture femur. Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block provides superior analgesia, better quality of patient positioning, greater patient satisfaction thereby reducing the time taken to perform spinal anaesthesia in sitting position compared to i.v. fentanyl in fracture femur surgery.

Evaluating Predictors of Successful Postoperative Day 1 Discharge Following Posterior Fossa Tumor Resection

Current trends in surgical neuro-oncology show that early discharges are safe and feasible with shorter lengths of stay (LOS) and fewer thromboembolic complications, fewer hospital-acquired infections, reduced costs, and greater patient satisfaction. Traditionally, infratentorial tumor resections have been associated with longer LOS and limited data exist evaluating predictors of early discharge in these patients. The objective was to assess patients undergoing posterior fossa craniotomies for tumor resection and identify variables associated with postoperative day 1 (POD1) discharge. A retrospective review of posterior fossa craniotomies for tumor resection at our institution was performed from 2011 to 2020. Laser ablations, nontumoral pathologies, and biopsies were excluded. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and postoperative data were collected. One hundred and seventy-three patients were identified and 25 (14.5%) were discharged on POD1. Median length of stay (LOS) was 6days. The POD1 discharges had significantly better preoperative Karnofsky performance scores (P < 0.001) and modified Rankin scores (P= 0.002) and more frequently presented electively (P= 0.006) and without preoperative neurologic deficits (P= 0.021). No statistically significant difference in 30-day readmissions and rates of PE, UTI, and DVT was found. Univariate logistic regression identified better preoperative functional status, elective admission, and lack of preoperative hydrocephalus as predictors of POD1 discharge, however only the latter remained significant in the multivariable model (P= 0.001). Discharging patients on POD1 is feasible following posterior fossa tumor resection in a select group of patients. Although we found that the only independent predictor for a longer LOS was preoperative hydrocephalus, larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Defining Physician-Nurse Efforts toward Collaboration as Perceived by Medical Students.

Collaboration between physicians and nurses is essential to healthcare delivery and is associated with high-quality patient care, greater patient satisfaction, and better health outcomes. Hence, it is imperative that doctors and nurses have a particular set of interprofessional collaboration skills. This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed how medical students in the pre-clinical and clinical years perceived attitudes toward collaboration between physicians and nurses in a hospital setting. The Jefferson Scale of Attitude toward Physician-nurse Collaboration (JSAPNC) was reverse-translated into Arabic for the current study. The results showed a total JSAPNC mean score of 46.55, lower than other medical students in other universities. In general, the results of the study showed no significant difference in the total JSAPNC score among medical students when analyzed according to age, clinical exposure, and year level, except in the two factors of JSAPNC: shared education and teamwork (p = 0.038) and caring as opposed to curing (p = 0.043). The findings of this study suggest the necessity of integrating interprofessional education (IPE) across the medical school curriculum because, as future physicians, medical students would be well equipped to treat their patients in partnership with their nursing colleagues.

Laparoscopic approach in postpartum pyoperitoneum: A guide to early rehabilitation.

Sepsis is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Pyoperitoneum is a grave and life-threatening manifestation of puerperal sepsis. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and drainage of pus by laparotomy has long been the cornerstone of treatment for pyoperitoneum in a parturient. In this series of six cases, the successful laparoscopic management of postpartum pyoperitoneum is discussed. The latter offers the advantage of a magnified view of the surgical field, thorough lavage and drainage, and avoidance of long incisions to explore the abdomen, resulting in faster recovery, less pain, greater patient satisfaction, and lower economic burden.

970-P: Effectiveness of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use for Diabetes Management in an Academic Endocrinology Practice

The achievement of individualized glycemic targets in patients with diabetes is often a significant challenge. Empowering patients with technological tools in the ambulatory setting can pave the way for improved glucose control. We retrospectively examined the records of 94 patients managed in an academic endocrinology practice who were referred for management of diabetes over a 12-month period. Forty-one patients (18 females and 23 males, average age 57.7 years), who had at least two hemoglobin A1c measurements and two 14-day periods of personal continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data, were included in the analysis. Nine patients had type 1 and 32 patients had type 2 diabetes. Eight patients were not on any insulin therapy, 8 patients were on basal insulin, 18 were using multiple daily insulin injections, and 7 were managed with insulin pump therapy. A multidisciplinary management approach was utilized. The pharmacologic regimen, including both insulin and other medications, was adjusted every 2-4 weeks via in-person visits and remote data upload as necessary. The average A1c was 8.4% at initial visit and 7.1% at the most recent follow-up, a decrease of 1.3% (p=0.0002). Review of CGM data showed that the average time-in-range (70-180 mg/dl) increased from 63.6% at first CGM download to 74.1% at a mean follow-up of 301 days (p=0.0097), while the amount of time in the hyperglycemic range (time-above-range, &amp;gt;180 mg/dl) decreased from 33.5% to 22.1% (p=0.0079). Time-below-range (&amp;lt;70 mg/dl) remained statistically unchanged, signifying no worsening of hypoglycemia. In conclusion, in ambulatory patients with diabetes and suboptimal glucose control, frequent and tailored adjustments in insulin and noninsulin medications aided by CGM use with close follow-up can lead to significant improvement in glycemic control. The latter, if sustained, can translate to fewer complications and greater patient satisfaction in the long-term. Disclosure K.N.Grennan: None. A.A.Rizvi: None. A.Kathuria: None.

The Digital Aesthetic Test Drive.

The burgeoning public interest in techniques to enhance a smile has led to demand on clinicians that require important steps in the pre-treatment approval process. Digital dentistry provides a new level of planning and visualisation, improving clinical risk assessment and patient engagement. Dentists must acquire a sound understanding of aesthetic design parameters, including physiologic limitations, and must match patient expectations with clinical reality. Digital design offers flexibility not obtainable with the conventional analogue wax up. Multiple versions of a design can be viewed in a 2D or 3D simulation and accommodated efficiently in CAD software, with 3D printed models generated from each design. The ability to use a test drive or mock-up based on a 3D digital analysis and design, has created a new standard of care for treatment planning, providing an accurate and reversible preview before any definitive dentistry is done. It also places the responsibility for understanding biologic limitations of care on the general dentist, with the risk that digital planning may over-promise if not matched with underlying hard and soft tissue conditions. It improves interdisciplinary and laboratory communication and increases the predictability of the proposed treatment. The result is greater patient satisfaction and an improved informed consent process.

Patient and Physician Perceptions of Psoriatic Disease in the United States: Results from the UPLIFT Survey.

The Understanding Psoriatic Disease Leveraging Insights for Treatment (UPLIFT) survey study was conducted globally in 2020 to understand how disease perceptions, including disease severity, treatment goals, and quality of life (QoL), have evolved recently, especially for mild-to-moderate psoriatic disease. Here, key findings from the UPLIFT survey based on respondents located in the US are presented. Leveraging results from the UPLIFT survey could lead to more effective interactions between patients and physicians and greater patient satisfaction. UPLIFT was a multinational web-based survey of dermatologists, rheumatologists, and patients who self-reported a healthcare provider diagnosis of psoriasis (PsO) and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) conducted from March 2, 2020, to June 3, 2020. US respondents included 1006 patients (26.4% of global population; PsO only, n = 535; PsA only, n = 72; PsO and PsA, n = 399) and 216 physicians (dermatologists, n = 115; rheumatologists, n = 101). Most patients (66.4%) reported a body surface area (BSA; assessed by number of palms) of ≤ 3; of these, 56.2% rated their disease as moderate or severe. Most patients with PsO felt they were somewhat (40.1%) or very (49.3%) closely aligned with their dermatologists regarding treatment goals. Alternately, most patients with PsA felt that they were not too closely (32.1%) or not at all (59.3%) aligned with their rheumatologists. Most patients reported either a moderate (PsO, 35.5%; PsA, 31.8%) or strong (PsO, 47.7%; PsA, 53.9%) need for better treatments. Across BSA subgroups, most patients (60.8% to 86.1%) had a Dermatology Life Quality Index score ≥ 6, indicating at least a moderately impacted QoL. Despite more treatment options, management of psoriatic disease remains suboptimal, with many patients reporting moderate-to-severe disease and impaired QoL, even with limited skin involvement. Results further suggest an unmet need for alignment between patients and physicians in the US to optimize the management of PsO and PsA.

Recommendations for Improvement of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the CaRMs Selection Process.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the medical field is crucial for meeting the healthcare needs of a progressively diverse society. A diverse physician workforce enables culturally sensitive care, promotes health equity, and enhances the comprehension of the various needs and viewpoints of patients, ultimately resulting in more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes. However, despite the recognized benefits of diversity in the medical field, certain specialties, such as Radiology, have struggled to achieve adequate equity, diversity and inclusion, which results in a discrepancy in the demographics of Canadian radiologists and the patients we serve. In this review, we propose strategies from a committee within the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) EDI working group to improve EDI in the CaRMS selection process. By adopting these strategies, residency programs can foster a more diverse and inclusive environment that is better positioned to address the health needs of a progressively diverse patient population, leading to improved patient outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, and advancements in medical innovation.

Comparison between a novel helical and a posterior ankle–foot orthosis on gait in people with unilateral foot drop: a randomised crossover trial

BackgroundNeuromuscular disease and peripheral neuropathy may cause drop foot with or without evertor weakness. We developed a helical-shaped, non-articulated ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) to provide medial–lateral stability while allowing mobility, to improve gait capacity. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of the helical AFO (hAFO) on functional gait capacity (6-min walk test) in people with peripheral neuropathy or neuromuscular disease (NMD) causing unilateral drop foot and compare with a posterior leaf spring AFO (plsAFO). Secondary aims were to compare functional mobility, 3D kinematic and kinetic gait variables and satisfaction between the AFOs.MethodsSingle centre, randomised crossover trial from January to July 2017 in 20 individuals (14 with peripheral neuropathy and 6 with NMD, 12 females, mean age 55.6 years, SD 15.3); 10 wore the hAFO for the first week and 10 wore the plsAFO before switching for the second week. The 6-min walk test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and 3D gait analysis were evaluated with the hAFO, the plsAFO and shoes only (noAFO) at inclusion and 1 week after wearing each orthosis. Satisfaction was evaluated with the Quebec user evaluation of satisfaction with assistive technology (QUEST).ResultsMedian [interquartile range] 6MWT distance was greater with the hAFO (444 m [79]) than the plsAFO (389 m [135], P < 0.001, Hedge’s g = 0.6) and noAFO (337 m [91], P < 0.001, g = 0.88). TUG time was shorter with the hAFO (8.1 s [2.8]) than the plsAFO (9.5 s [2.6], P < 0.001, g = − 0.5) and noAFO (10.0 s [2.6]), P < 0.001, g = − 0.6). The plsAFO limited plantarflexion during the loading response (plsAFO − 7.5 deg [6.0] vs. noAFO -13.0 deg [10.0], P = 0.0007, g = − 1.0) but the hAFO did not (− 11.0 deg [5.1] vs. noAFO, P = 0.05, g = − 0.5). Quasi-stiffness was lower for the hAFO than plsAFO (P = 0.009, g = − 0.7). The dimensionless eversion moment was higher (though not significantly) with the hAFO than noAFO. Neither orthosis reduced ankle power (P = 0.34). Median total QUEST score was higher for the hAFO (4.7 [0.7]) than the plsAFO (3.6 [0.8]) (P < 0.001, g = 1.9).ConclusionsThe helical orthosis significantly and considerably improved functional gait performance, did not limit ankle mobility, increased lateral stability, though not significantly, and was associated with greater patient satisfaction than the posterior leaf spring orthosis.Trial registration The trial began before registration was mandatory

¿Se puede realizar la radioterapia intraoperatoria de forma asistencial en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama en estadios iniciales?

After conservative surgery in breast cancer adjuvant radiation therapy is indicated, such treatment can be performed as partial irradiation in well-selected cases and without risk factors for local relapse following the guidelines of international consensus. Partial irradiation is performed by several techniques such as interstitial brachytherapy, external radiation therapy, and also through intraoperative radiation therapy techniques at the same surgical act due to mobile electron accelerators or low-energy photons units. This allows local treatment to be performed in a single day, increasing the surgical time, but with advantages in terms of the tumor bed localization accuracy, immediacy of irradiation and greater patient satisfaction. There is extensive experience in the use of this technique with results comparable to other ways of partial irradiation in terms of local control, minimal side effects, good cosmetic results and even better no cancer related survival. This article reviews the evidence in the use of intraoperative radiation therapy in early-stage breast cancer derived from the main trials comparing it to whole breast irradiation, to confirm that it is already available for standard of care practice in patients who are candidates for partial irradiation.