Hospital Information Management Research Articles

Evaluation of Blood Culture Results in Patients with Malignancy in Erzurum Province, Turkey

Background: Bloodstream infections are a serious public health problem that requires follow-up with blood culture; this negatively affects the course of the disease and patient healthcare costs in patients with malignancy. This study aimed to determine the growth frequency of pathogens and their antibiotic resistance profiles in the blood cultures of patients with hematological and oncogenic malignancies.Materials and methods: The results of 7451 blood cultures, obtained from 2926 patients between January 2017 and January 2022, were evaluated retrospectively. Of these cultures, 3969 were obtained from patients with malignancy (diagnostic codes C00-D48 in ICD-10) and 3482 from patients without malignancy. The hospital information management system modules were used to acquire patient data and blood culture results.Results: Various microorganisms grew in 10.1% of blood cultures. Of these organisms, 64.1% were isolated from cases of malignancy. Of the pathogens, 49.2% were gram-negative bacteria, 47.7% were gram-positive bacteria, and 3.1% were fungi. The most frequently isolated bacteria were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (3.2%), Escherichia coli (2.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.0%), methicillin-sensitive coagulase-negative staphylococci (0.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (0.6%). Pathogen positivity was highest in the patient cultures with urinary system cancer (23.9%), thyroid and other endocrine gland cancers (20.6%), female and male genital organ cancers (18.2%/16.9%), and digestive organ cancer (14.2%). Gram-negative bacteria to ampicillin, piperacillin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and Gram-positive bacteria to penicillin, erythromycin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim were highly resistant. Combined resistance to imipenem and meropenem was observed in 25 Gram-negative bacteria. Twelve (48%) of the carbapenem-resistant bacteria were isolated from patients with lymphoid, hematopoietic, and related tissue malignant neoplasia.Conclusion: This study reported microorganisms and their antimicrobial resistance in the blood cultures of malignant patients, a special patient group. It pointed out that the antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and E. coli is high enough to cause problems in the treatment of patients with malignancy.

Validity and Reliability of the Nurse Manager Performance Assessment Scale

Background: The performance of nurse managers is significantly important in providing quality and safe patient care services in hospitals, as well as in retaining the nurse workforce. There are limited number of measurement instruments for which validity and reliability have been tested in order to assess nurse managers' level of performance. Objective: This study was conducted to examine the psychometric testing of the “Nurse Manager Performance Assessment Scale,” which is used to assess the annual performance of nurse managers working in a private chain hospital group in Turkey. Method: The sample of this methodological study was composed of 165 nurse managers. The data were obtained from the Hospital Information Management System, retrospectively. Results: The average score of the eight-item scale items ranged between 3.3 (0.8) and 3.7 (0.8). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient, indicating the internal consistency, was found to be 0.943, while the Spearman-Brown coefficient, indicating intraclass consistency, was found to be 0.910. The two-factor scale obtained using exploratory factor analysis was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and the model was found to be significant. Conclusion: In this study, the results of psychometric analysis of the “Nurse Manager Performance Assessment Scale,” which is used to assess the annual performance of nurse managers, indicated that the scale is a valid and reliable instrument. It is recommended that the scale be applied in different institutions and that it be tested in practice based on pilot application results.

Yoğun Bakım Ünitesinde Geriatrik Kritik Hastalarda Ultrason Kullanımının Akciğer Patolojilerini Tespit Etmedeki Rolünün Prognoz, Mortalite ve Skorlamalarla Karşılaştırılması

Objective: It is crucial to correctly and promptly diagnose pulmonary diseases and to initiate treatment in elderly patients diagnosed with respiratory failure who are on mechanical ventilator support. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of lung ultrasound (USG) on prognosis and mortality in geriatric patients we follow up in the intensive care unit, by scoring. Methods: Patients who were followed up in the intensive care unit were grouped as AUSG group (n=48), those who underwent lung USG and NAUSG group (n=74) who underwent chest radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bronchoscopy. The hospital information management system was used to compare the two groups in terms of diagnosis time, number of additional consultations, treatment and discharge time, hospital stay, mortality, and scores. The arterial blood gas analysis, complete blood count, biochemistry, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and endotracheal aspirate culture results of the patients were recorded. The clinical pulmonary infection score, pneumonia severity index-65, pulmonary severity index, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation 2 scores of the groups were compared. Results: The diagnosis time in Group AUSG was 1 ± 0.64 day, the treatment time was 10 ± 4.62 day, and the number of required consultations was 1 ± 0.68, which was significantly lower than in Group NAUSG (p<0.05). The mortality rate was 14 (29.2%) patients in Group AUSG and 25 (33.8%) patients in Group NAUSG (p>0.05). When comparing the scores of the patients, the clinical pulmonary infection score, pneumonia severity index-65 (4 ± 0.79), and pulmonary severity index (3 ± 0.87) were significantly lower in Group AUSG (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in acute physiology and chronic health evaluation 2 scores. Conclusion: Performing lung USG for the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill elderly patients can lead to earlier detection and treatment of lung pathologies, reducing mortality rates, unnecessary imaging and consultations. Its advantages include easy and rapid bedside application and simultaneous results. Keywords: Geriatrics, ultrasonography, lung, prognosis, mortality

Diagnostic Utility of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA Quantitation in Ulcerative Colitis.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is a critical condition associated with severe complications in ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of the presence of CMV DNA in intestinal mucosa tissue and blood samples in patients with active UC. This study included 81 patients with exacerbated symptoms of UC. Patient data were obtained from the Hospital Information Management System. CMV DNA in colorectal tissue and plasma samples were analyzed using a real-time quantitative PCR assay. CMV markers were detected using immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Immunohistochemistry positivity was observed in tissue samples from eight (9.9%) patients. Only one (1.2%) patient showed CMV-specific intranuclear inclusion bodies. CMV DNA was detected in 63.0% of the tissues (median: 113 copies/mg) and in 58.5% of the plasma samples (median: 102 copies/mL). For tissues, sensitivity and the negative predictive value (NPV) for qPCR were excellent (100.0%), whereas specificity and the positive predictive value (PPV) were low (41.9% and 15.7%, respectively). For plasma, sensitivity and NPV were high (100.0%) for qPCR, whereas specificity and PPV were low (48.6% and 24.0%, respectively). CMV DNA ≥392 copies/mg in tissue samples (sensitivity 100.0% and specificity 83.6%) and ≥578 copies/mL (895 IU/mL) in plasma samples (sensitivity 66.7% and specificity 100.0%) provided an optimal diagnosis for this test. The qPCR method improved patient management through the early detection of CMV colitis in patients with UC. However, reliance on qPCR positivity alone can lead to overdiagnosis. Quantification of CMV DNA can improve diagnostic specificity, although standardization is warranted.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Developing Hospital Information Management Systems

Hospital information management systems (HIMS) play significant roles in improving clients' health by applying developed technologies, one of which is artificial intelligence (AI). This study aims to explore the roles of AI in order to support the development of HIMS. We conducted a literature review by extracting the articles from PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar in the past 5 years (January 2019-August 2023) using specific keywords. The full text of relevant articles then thematically synthesized and to be presented. Our findings revealed eight themes that represent the role of AI in supporting the hospital information management system and its implementation in healthcare settings. The themes identified include Diagnosis and Medical Imaging, Health Data Management, Risks Prediction and Disease Progression, Inventory and Procurement Management, Telemedicine and Remote Consultation, Patient Care Management, Drug Development and Clinical Research, and Hospital Data Security System. The AI implementation brings the potential to improve efficiency, accuracy, and quality of care in hospitals. However, it should be noted that the development and implementation of AI need to consider the ethical aspects and proper integration through existing health systems.

Infectious causes and outcomes of patients with high fever in the emergency department

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the reasons for presentation, diagnoses, and outcomes of patients with high fever in the emergency department. Methods: This research is a retrospective study planned by examining the files and data of patients who presented to the emergency department between 01.03.2021 and 01.03.2023, and whose body temperature was above 38 degrees Celsius. Patient data was analyzed from patient files and the Hospital Information Management System (HIMS). The demographic characteristics, vital signs at admission, reasons for presentation, diagnoses, and outcomes of patients with complete data from patient files and HIMS were investigated. Results: Of the 288 patients included in the study, 151 (52.4%) were male, and the mean age was 47.04 ± 18.75. When examining the reasons for patients' presentation to the emergency department, 79 (27.4%) patients presented with sore throat, and 44 (15.3%) patients presented with fever. When examining the final diagnoses of patients, acute tonsillopharyngitis was the most common diagnosis with 99 (34.4%) patients, followed by 30 (10.4%) patients with Covid-19. Regarding the outcomes of patients, 190 (66%) patients were discharged from the emergency department, 63 (21.9%) were admitted to the ward, and 26 (9%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Cases with high fever in the emergency department encompass a wide range of conditions, ranging from mild viral upper respiratory tract infections to potentially fatal infections such as meningoencephalitis and myocarditis. Therefore, in febrile cases in the emergency department, serious infectious causes should be considered in terms of the focus of fever. Additionally, non-infectious causes should also be kept in mind as they can cause high fever.

Türkiye’de Doğu Anadolu bölgesinde spinal travmaların tanımlayıcı özellikleri: 3 yıllık retrospektif analiz.

Purpose: 
 Understanding the descriptive characteristics of traumatic spinal injuries such as etiology, epidemiology, mortality and their associations with mortality may facilitate the diagnosis and management of spinal traumas. Moreover, its incidence can be reduced through eliminating preventable causes. The present study aimed to assess the descriptive characteristics of spinal traumas and the conditions associated with mortality in our country.
 Materials and methods:
 Our study was conducted retrospectively in the emergency service of a tertiary care hospital. Data of patients visiting to our hospital’s emergency room between 2020 and 2023 with spinal trauma, were obtained from the hospital information management system by scanning electronic patient records for inclusion in the study.
 Results:
 A total of 1835 patients were included in our study, of which 427 (23.3%) were female and 1408 (76.7%) were male. The most common complaint of the included patients who presented to the emergency room was observed as falls (n꞊1112). 52.8% (n=968) of those patients with special traumas had other concomitant injury. 3.7% (n=68) of the included patients resulted in death.
 Conclusion:
 Falls are the most common cause of special traumas in our country and concomitant head trauma and thoracic trauma are closely associated with mortality. While men are more frequently presented to the emergency room with special trauma, there has been no difference between both sexes in terms of mortality rate. Moreover, the most common vertebral fractures after spinal trauma occur in the parts of the corpus and spinous processes of the lumbar vertebrae.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANOMALY DETECTION BASED ON BENFORD LAW AND BENEISH MODEL: CASE OF A PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITAL

Public financial management reforms played an important role in the restructuring of social institutions and organizations. Researchers examined the effects of the reform according to their expertise. However, the research has focused on the results and the effects of the results rather than focusing on the starting point of the actions of the main actors who are the source of knowledge. In our research, first of all, the social life world of a public hospital was schematized. The hospital information management system (HIS) data, where the main actor actions are recorded at the starting point of the information source, was accessed and the accuracy of these data was analyzed with Benford’s Law, which can be considered as data mining. There are two databases (subsystems) in the public hospital where sales revenues are tracked. These are HIS and uniform accounting system (UAS). The information produced in HIS consists of unstructured data. By structuring this data with accounting information, HIS financial statement variables were created. Logit analysis, which is considered one of the machine learning techniques, was performed using the HIS financial statement variables and the existing UAS financial statement variables Beneish Model. It was found that there is a statistically significant difference between HIS financial statements and UAS financial statements. It is argued that this difference can be eliminated by using accounting language (accounting coding system).

Effectiveness of a Program to Raise Awareness About Pneumococcal Vaccination Among Physicians and Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

There is a need to increase patient and clinician awareness on the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination in at-risk groups. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of reminders for physicians and patients using the vaccination tracking system created in the hospital information management system (HIMS) on the vaccination rate, and the effect of pneumococcal vaccination on pneumonia-related hospitalization and mortality over a 12-month period. This prospective observational cohort study was undertaken during a 2-year period in 3 tertiary care centers. Patients were followed up for 12 months following vaccination, and hospital admissions and mortality were recorded via HIMS. During the campaign, HIMS transmitted pneumococcal immunization reminder messages in accordance with guideline recommendations to physicians' computers and patients' mobile phones. Educational posters on pneumococcal vaccination were posted in outpatient clinics. Regular seminars on the evidence for pneumococcal vaccination were organized. All patients who were hospitalized during the follow-up period for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, or pneumonia were analyzed in relation to their vaccination history regarding clinical outcomes. A total of 29530 patients were included in the study. During the study period, the annual vaccination rate increased by 74.4% and reached 4.8% in 3 hospitals (P = .001). The rates were 3.9% in patients older than 65 years without comorbidities and 5.2% in those with COPD and asthma (P = .002). In pneumococcal vaccine recipients, pneumonia-related hospital mortality was lower (relative risk (RR) = 0.19, CI 0.09-0.35, P < .001). It is possible to raise the rate of pneumococcal vaccination through awareness campaigns. Individuals with COPD and asthma are more willing to receive pneumococcal vaccination. Among patients hospitalized for pneumonia, prior pneumococcal vaccination is associated with lower mortalit.

COVID-19 Pozitif Sağlık Çalışanlarının Semptom, Laboratuvar ve Toraks Bilgisayarlı Tomografi Bulgularının Değerlendirilmesi: Rektrospektif Çalışma

Objective: The study was carried out to examine the symptoms and laboratory and thoracic computed tomography findings of COVID-19-positive healthcare professionals in northeastern Turkey. &#x0D; Material and Method: The sample of this descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study consisted of 146 healthcare professionals who had positive COVID-19. Data were collected using electronic data from the hospital information management system and the personal health records of healthcare professionals. &#x0D; Results: 50.6% of COVID-19-positive healthcare professionals were symptomatic, 49.4% were asymptomatic, 52.7% of nurses, midwives, and health officers, and those who were symptomatic experienced the most cough, muscle-joint pain, and fatigue. Healthcare workers had a high leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet mean, C reactive protein, and D-dimer, and 24.1% had COVID-19-compatible thorax computed tomography. Symptomatic healthcare professionals had a lower median of leukocyte and a higher median of C reactive protein and procalcitonin compared to asymptomatic healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals with COVID-19 compatible thorax computed tomography had a lower leukocyte, median, and platelet mean, lower high C reactive protein median, and higher D-dimer median. &#x0D; Conclusion: The study found that half of the healthcare professionals are symptomatic, and leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, C reactive protein, and platelet values affect the development of COVID-19-compatible thoracic computed tomography. The results can be used as a knowledge base for research and by health workers and institutional authorities to implement methods to improve prevention levels.

EDUKASI SISTEM INFORMASI MANAJEMEN RUMAH SAKIT (SIMRS) KEPADA PEGAWAI PENDAFTARAN TENTANG MUTU PENDAFTARAN RAWAT JALAN DI RSU HAJI MEDAN

This community service aims to increase understanding of Health Information Management Information Systems (SIMRS) and its role. Measuring quality covers many dimensions and reliability is key - ensuring fast, accurate and satisfactory service. Achieving these functions requires the implementation of a web-based information system known as a hospital information management system. The methodology used includes a focus group discussion (FGD), which reveals that the implementation of SIMRS, especially in the implementation of RME, improves the quality of health services and operational efficiency in outpatient registration. The most important benefits identified are enhanced collaboration between departments. A final evaluation will be done to evaluate the participants and #039; understanding the importance of electronic patient records in improving work processes. Evaluation includes questions to all participants and drawing conclusions from the results of the analysis and evaluation. In conclusion, the community service confirms that the use of electronic patient records in Haji Medan Hospital facilitates the tasks of the staff.

Net Profit Margin Forecasting with Machine Learning Methods in Hospital Finance Management

Hospital information management systems (HIMS) were managed using paper-based systems with individual efforts in the pre-computer period. Today, in parallel with technological developments, it is carried out digitally in an electronic environment. HIMS software usually includes modules such as patient follow-up-registration-appointment, clinical, medical records, radiology, laboratory, drug management, billing, reporting, and hospital management. Accounting records are processed in the finance management submodule within the hospital management module. Artificial intelligence models used in many sectors for financial estimation in hospital finance management have been found worthy of research considering the benefits of the hospital's financial management. Financial data of private hospitals traded on the stock exchange between 2009-2023 were used in the study. A total of 97 financial reports from 5 different private hospitals and 776 raw data obtained from the reports constitute the study's data set. "Net Profit Margin" has been estimated over the data set. The most reliable and closest-to-reality algorithm was determined by making five different algorithm trials in the PHYTON programming language. The most successful result was obtained with the Random Forest algorithm. It has been seen that hospitals can make this estimation using Random Forest when they want to predict financial data for future periods.

Determinants of Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) Implementation at Puri Medika Hospital

Background: Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) plays a pivotal role in modern healthcare facilities, encompassing administrative, medical, and financial components. Ensuring high-quality healthcare services hinges on the accuracy, continuity, and security of data, aligning with HIMS's mission. This quantitative research investigates the determinants influencing the implementation of HIMS at Puri Medika Hospital. Method: The research employs a dual-model approach, combining a modified HOT-Fit model with the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model (D&amp;M model), facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of factors affecting HIMS implementation. Result: The study scrutinizes pathways involving human, organizational, technological, and net benefit factors, shedding light on their intricate interactions. The findings reveal that determinants such as information quality, system development, user satisfaction, system benefits, service quality, system quality, organizational structure, environment, and user adoption significantly impact HIMS implementation at Puri Medika Hospital. Conclusion: This research contributes valuable insights into enhancing HIMS effectiveness and healthcare service quality.

Comparison of Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Other Laboratory Parameters of Those Who Died From Coronavirus Disease and Those Who Were Discharged

Objectıve: In this study, we aim to compare the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) of patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, who were hospitalized and discharged, and those who died. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 474 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 disease. Information of 56 patients who died and 418 patients with COVID-19 who were discharged were obtained from the hospital information management system (HIMS) and analyzed retrospectively. The relationship between BNP, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM), platelet (PLT), Procalcitonin (PCT), High Sensitive Troponin I (hs Tn I), D-dimer and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in deceased patients and discharged patients researched. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between women and men (p=0.385). There was no statistically significant difference in BNP, WBC, NEU, LYM, platelet, PCT and hs Tn I values between those who died and those who were discharged. D-dimer and CRP values of those who died and discharged were statistically significant (p&amp;lt; 0.031 and 0.020, respectively). Conclusions: Increased levels of CRP and D-dimer were found to be associated with mortality. More comprehensive studies are needed on this subject.

Effect of Diabetes type-II on Eye disease and its risk factors; A Logit Model Analysis

To know the effect of Diabetes type-II on Eye disease and its risk factors in a tertiary eye care hospital in Karachi. This was a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection. The data was retrieved from January to June 2019 from the Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) software of the Institute. Non-probability purposive sampling method was used to collect data. Inclusion criteria were all the diabetics type-II patients came for routine check-ups at Diabetes Eye Department irrespective of age, gender and duration of diabetes. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 13.0 software for windows. A total of 6090 cases were analyzed. Mean age of the participants was 51.01±10.8 years. There were 2954 (48.5%) male and 3136 (51.5%) female observed in this study. Table 1 shows the results of the binary logistic regression analysis with coefficients and their standard errors (S.E.), Wald test values, p values, odd ratios, and 95% confidence intervals for odds ratios. When all explanatory variables treat as continuous variables, we found that all variables which include age, height, random blood sugar (RBS) and duration of diabetes was statistically significant at the significance level 0.05 except weight and fasting blood sugar (FBS) for individual regression slope coefficients. This study reveals findings through binary logistics regression analysis. It indicates that there is an association found in the patients of eye disease with age, height, weight, RBS, FBS. This stated that there were some risk factors observed in these variables related to eye disease. Those who have the disease have risk factor to developed the others associated disease.

The Effect of Clinical Decision Support System on the Rates of Patients Who Reapply to the Emergency Department with the Same Diagnosis

Aim: We aim to decrease readmissions with the same diagnosis within 24 hours in emergency departments when many patients are admitted, such as during a pandemic. Methods: A comparison was made between the quarterly and monthly increases in 2021, 2020, and 2019 during the pandemic period. The root cause analysis determined that non-branch physicians and after-hours visits contributed to the increase in readmissions to the emergency department within 24 hours. A complete digital structure in State Hospital, Hospital Information Management System level 7 has enabled standardized diagnosis by eliminating physician and branch-based differences with the decision support systems established by the Hospital Information System by utilizing digital measures. Cross-sectional and retrospective reapplication rates 2019, 2020, 2021 2nd Period (April, May, June). Quality Standards in Health Emergency Department two data sets were used as The Basic Health Statistics Module data. Result as the 2019, 2020, and 2021 monthly reapplication rates of emergency department 2nd Period (April, May, June) month comparison Application rates 2020-year 2nd Period. Looking at the same months in 2021 and 2020, it is seen that the reapplication rate decreased below 2% within 24 hours. Results: This means that the application rate has returned to pre-pandemic levels. It is aimed at making it easier and more effective to work in situations that lead to collective admissions to emergency hospital services. The same situation has been an example of similar practices within hospital services. Conclusion: The application rate returned to its status outside the pandemic period. Differences in physician-induced approaches to diagnosis and treatment were eliminated, and standardization was achieved.

Bir Üniversite Hastanesi Çocuk Acil Polikliniğine Başvuran 3-6 Yaş Arası Çocuklarda Tam İdrar Tetkiki ile İdrar Kültürü Bulguları Arasındaki İlişki

Aim: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections of childhood. The generation of the causing pathogen in urine culture is the gold standard in diagnosis. However, due to the low likelihood of urine culture, particularly in primary healthcare facilities, and the prolonged results of urine culture, the patient must perform different examinations. In this case, it is thought that urinalysis and urine microscopy may guide physicians. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the role of urinalysis and urinary microscopy in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Methods: In this study, 728 children between the ages of 3-6 who applied to the pediatric emergency clinic at a university hospital over a 12-month period and were able to deliver both samples for urinalysis and urine culture were included. Retrospective patient file screening was done using the Hospital Information Management System, and Statistical Software SPSS 18.0 was used to assess the data. Results: 425 (58.4%) female and 303 (41.6%) male patients were included in the study. Patients with urine culture reproduction comprised 30.5% male and 69.5% female. The relationship between urinalysis and urine culture results was found to be statistically significant (p

The frequency of thyroid dysfunction in patients with a diagnosis of depressive disorder.

Thyroid dysfunctions are among the most common endocrine disorders in society. An increase or decrease in thyroid hormone levels may present with neurological and/or psychiatric symptoms. In this study, we aimed both to determine the prevalence of this disorder in our region by determining the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder in our outpatient clinic and to raise awareness during the evaluation process of patients. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels of 1035 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder in our hospital between January 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively scanned from the hospital information management system and those outside the reference ranges (0.38-5.33 mIU/L) were determined. It was observed that TSH was not within the reference ranges in approximately 7% of the patients diagnosed with depressive disorder. 1035 patients were included in the study. When the blood results of 1035 patients included in the study were examined retrospectively, 32 of them had TSH values below 0.38 mIU/L. TSH value was found to be above 5.33 mIU/L in 44 of them. Obtained data have shown that thyroid dysfunctions can be encountered frequently in patients presenting with depressive complaints. It is thought that the evaluation of patients with depressive complaints in terms of thyroid dysfunction, and the treatment of the underlying thyroid dysfunction will contribute to the regression of psychiatric symptoms.

Examining the influence of sample rejection rates on the carbon footprint of clinical laboratories: a retrospective analysis

Aims: Clinical laboratories play a vital role in healthcare, yet their operations contribute to resource consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The need for sustainable practices in laboratories has led to guidelines for reducing their carbon footprint. This study aims to assess the impact of sample rejection rates (SRRs) on laboratory sustainability by calculating the carbon footprint and medical waste generated due to rejected samples.&#x0D; Methods: This retrospective, single-center study obtained data from the Hospital Information Management System for two years (2021 and 2022). SRRs were calculated for different sample tube types. The carbon footprint caused by rejected samples was calculated using CO2 emission (CO2e) conversion factors. The weight of medical waste generated due to rejected samples was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests.&#x0D; Results: In 2021 and 2022, SRRs for different sample tubes were calculated, with statistically significant differences observed. The total CO2e value resulting from rejected samples over two years was 12.3 tons, and the medical waste generated was 3.7 tons. The highest SRR was observed in Blue top tubes, while yellow top tubes showed a significant reduction in SRR in 2022.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of SRRs on laboratory sustainability. The calculated CO2e and medical waste values underscore the need to minimize sample rejections. While these values seem minor compared to global emissions, they reflect only a portion of the potential environmental impact. Reducing sample rejections not only improves patient safety and laboratory efficiency but also aligns with the larger goal of creating environmentally conscious and sustainable healthcare practices.

The impact of meteorological parameters on the number of applications to the emergency department with acute urticaria: A retrospective study.

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the patients who applied to the emergency department with acute urticarial and meteorological factors and determine the associated weather conditions. The relationship between acute urticaria patients who applied to the emergency department of a training and research hospital in a city with high altitude and continental climate characteristics in the eastern part of Turkey between January 2019 and December 2019 and meteorological data was evaluated retrospectively. The necessary data for the weather were obtained from the data of the Erzurum Meteorology Directorate, and the patient data were obtained from the hospital information management system and patient files. The meteorological data of the patients at the date of admission and the characteristics of the patients at that date were compared. The study identified 691 patients who applied to the emergency department diagnosed with urticaria in 2019. According to the seasons, it was observed that the patients applied most frequently in the summer months [n = 239; 34.6%]. In the univariable regression model, which was created by taking the values of weather events as a reference on the days when the urticaria presentation was not observed (Group I), it was determined that every 1-hour increase in the sunshine hour increased the probability of urticaria by 7.4% (p = 0.018). When the meteorological parameters on the days without urticaria (Group I) and the days with urticaria presentation (Group II) were compared, the sunshine hours were 7.9 (4.0-10.6) hours in Group II and 6.65 (3.3-8.85) hours in Group I (p = 0.001). Regarding relative humidity, higher humidity rates were observed in Group I compared to Group II (p = 0.009). In terms of mean temperature, daily maximum, and minimum temperature, higher temperature rates were detected in Group II (p<0.001). A relationship was determined between urticaria attacks and relative humidity and daily maximum and minimum temperature in patients who applied to the emergency department with acute urticaria.