Medical Care Settings Research Articles

Attempts to Modify Periodontal Screening Models Based on a Self-Reported Oral Health Questionnaire in the Medical Care Setting.

Periodontal disease (PD) screening models based on a self-reported questionnaire were previously established and externally validated. The aim of the present study is to explore whether the screening models could be modified to improve prediction performance; this methodology is called 'updating'. Updatingthe models for 'total' and 'severe' PD was performed using two datasets. One dataset from a previous study (n = 155) was used to explore the updating, and a second (n = 187, built for the current study) was used to validate whether updating improved performance. Updating was based on different statistical approaches, including model recalibration and revision. Discrimination and calibration were assessed after updating. For 'total' PD, the update based on model revision improved its performance. However, still low AUCs were found: 0.64 (0.56-0.73) and 0.61 (0.53-0.69) with corresponding O:E ratios 1.00 (0.80-1.23) and 0.92 (0.75-1.13) in the update and validation cohorts, respectively. For 'severe' PD, performance of the original model without update performed still the best; AUCs were 0.72 (0.61-0.83) and 0.75 (0.66-0.84) in the update and validation cohorts, respectively, with corresponding O:E ratios 0.60 (0.38-0.84) and 0.62 (0.42-0.87). The updating methodology did not further improve the performance of the original 'severe' PD screening model; it performed satisfactorily in the medical care setting. Despite updating attempts, the screening model for 'total' PD remained sub-optimal. Screening for 'severe' PD can now be implemented in the medical care setting.

Design and Development of Virtual Reality Application Implementing Age-Friendly Care and the 4Ms: A Quality Improvement Project.

With an increase in the aging population, the application of evidence-based practice in geriatric education can strengthen knowledge, skills, and clinical experience for healthcare students caring for older adults. The Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) is one of the frameworks founded on providing evidence-based and low-risk care centered on what matters most to older adults, their families, and caregivers. Virtual reality (VR) platforms are gaining popularity due to their ability to provide an immersive, hands-on learning experience resembling an actual medical practice or care setting. Immersive learning enhances students' sensory perceptions, promoting an innovative and engaging way of acquiring concepts that are difficult to teach in real life. This study aimed to design, develop, implement, and evaluate a case-based training module highlighting AFHS and educating medical students on the 4Ms approach in geriatric care (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility). The project was a feasibility study completed in two phases. Phase one included planning and developing a case-based scenario incorporating the 4Ms of AFHS. Phase two included implementing and evaluating the VR training module into the geriatric curriculum for medical students. The final VR case displays a hospital and post-acute setting where an elderly patient is admitted for a hip fracture. Students learn how to triage and treat patients from admission to discharge while demonstrating their knowledge of AFHSs. Approximately 10% of students completed the evaluation survey, and preliminary results indicate significant knowledge change in pre-post scenario-based training on an AFHS. The VR education platform and embedded scenario promise an innovative adaptation of technology in learning the concepts of the 4Ms of AFHSs. However, future studies should explore VR education with clinical assessment evaluation to ensure competence in providing age-friendly care.

Limitations of Self-Report Tools in Pain Evaluation of Patients With Vertebral Fractures.

Few studies have evaluated the usefulness and limitations of pain assessment using verbal communication tools for acute orthopedic diseases in older patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of usage of the numerical rating scale (NRS), a verbal communication tool, and to identify the characteristics of patients in whom continuous assessment was impossible. We retrospectively examined electronic medical records of patients with acute vertebral fractures who had been admitted to our hospital between April 2018 and March 2020. Continuous pain assessment using the NRS was possible in 43.2% of hospitalized patients with the fractures. The factors preventing continuous pain assessment using the NRS were an advanced age and low Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Based on the receiver-operating characteristic curves, the cutoff age and MMSE score were >85.3 years and <22, respectively. Continuous NRS-based pain assessment is difficult in older adult patients or those with cognitive decline with acute vertebral fractures. In future, a simple observational assessment tool for patients with dementia should be introduced in acute medical care settings.

Advancing Medical Education: Performance of Generative Artificial Intelligence Models on Otolaryngology Board Preparation Questions With Image Analysis Insights.

Objective To evaluate and compare the performance of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), GPT-4, and Google Bard on United States otolaryngology board-style questions to scale their ability to act as an adjunctive study tool and resource for students and doctors. Methods A 1077 text question and 60 image-based questions from the otolaryngology board exam preparation tool BoardVitals were inputted into ChatGPT, GPT-4, and Google Bard. The questions were scaled true or false, depending on whether the artificial intelligence (AI) modality provided the correct response. Data analysis was performed in R Studio. Results GPT-4 scored the highest at 78.7% compared to ChatGPT and Bard at 55.3% and 61.7% (p<0.001), respectively. In terms of question difficulty, all three AI models performed best on easy questions (ChatGPT: 69.7%, GPT-4: 92.5%, and Bard: 76.4%) and worst on hard questions (ChatGPT: 42.3%, GPT-4: 61.3%, and Bard: 45.6%). Across all difficulty levels, GPT-4 did better than Bard and ChatGPT (p<0.0001). GPT-4 outperformed ChatGPT and Bard in all subspecialty sections, with significantly higher scores (p<0.05) on all sections except allergy (p>0.05). On image-based questions, GPT-4 performed better than Bard (56.7% vs 46.4%, p=0.368) and had better overall image interpretation capabilities. Conclusion This study showed that the GPT-4 model performed better than both ChatGPT and Bard on the United States otolaryngology board practice questions. Although the GPT-4 results were promising, AI should still be used with caution when being implemented in medical education or patient care settings.

"Some distance between us": a UK mixed methods study exploring experiences of remote care for eating disorders during COVID-19.

COVID-19 necessitated a rapid move from face-to-face services to remote care for eating disorders/eating distress (EDs). This study explores the advantages and challenges of remote care, identifying future implications for service provision. Remote care has been considered in the broadest of terms, including therapeutic care (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, peer support, forums, one-to-one and group care options). Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected from 211 people with lived experience of EDs (PWLE), with and without formal diagnosis. 27 participants took part in semi-structured interviews/workshops and a further 184 participants took part via an online survey. Participants reported on their ED status, the impact of the pandemic on symptoms, the benefits, andchallenges of remote care (and type of support accessed), and any reasons for not accessing support. Participants were invited to make future care recommendations. ED symptoms were reported as worsening during the pandemic with contributing factors including isolation, lack of routine, negative emotions, and feeling like the external situation was outside of one's control. Remote care was positively attributed to increased flexibility and facilitation of social connection. Identified barriers to access included lack of awareness about support availability, digital access/literacy, and competing commitments. Further challenges included approaches being perceived as too clinical (e.g., ED information and support presented using clinical language and/or limited to support within medical care settings, without acknowledging the broader context of disordered eating), uncertainty around remote care quality, and concerns that remote platforms may facilitate masking of symptoms. Participants reported distress caused by online platforms where self-view is the default during video calls. They expressed a need for more holistic approaches to remote care, including: "real stories" of recovery, and hybrid (online and offline) options for greater flexibility and widening of access and choice. Participants also expressed a need for appropriate digital literacy training. Future recommendations emphasise user-centred holistic and hybrid approaches to ED remote support, with training to address digital literacy barriers and facilitate user control of platform functionalities (e.g., self-view). This study underscores the need for continued remote care with a focus on inclusivity and user empowerment.

Landiolol for Treatment of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Critical Care: A Systematic Review.

Background: new-onset atrial fibrillation remains a common complication in critical care settings, often necessitating treatment when the correction of triggers is insufficient to restore hemodynamics. The treatment strategy includes electric cardioversion in cases of hemodynamic instability and either rhythm control or rate control in the absence of instability. Landiolol, an ultrashort beta-blocker, effectively controls heart rate with the potential to regulate rhythm. Objectives This review aims to compare the efficacy of landiolol in controlling heart rate and converting to sinus rhythm in the critical care setting. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the published literature from 2000 to 2022 describing the use of landiolol to treat atrial fibrillation in critical care settings, excluding both cardiac surgery and medical cardiac care settings. The primary outcome assessed was sinus conversion following landiolol treatment. Results: Our analysis identified 17 publications detailing the use of landiolol for the treatment of 324 critical care patients. While the quality of the data was generally low, primarily comprising non-comparative studies, landiolol consistently demonstrated similar efficacy in controlling heart rate and facilitating conversion to sinus rhythm in both non-surgical (75.7%) and surgical (70.1%) settings. The incidence of hypotension associated with landiolol use was 13%. Conclusions: The use of landiolol in critical care patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation exhibited comparable efficacy and tolerance in both non-surgical and surgical settings. Despite these promising results, further validation through randomized controlled trials is necessary.

Automatic detection of midfacial fractures in facial bone CT images using deep learning-based object detection models

BackgroundMidfacial fractures are among the most frequent facial fractures. Surgery is recommended within 2 weeks of injury, but this time frame is often extended because the fracture is missed on diagnostic imaging in the busy emergency medicine setting. Using deep learning technology, which has progressed markedly in various fields, we attempted to develop a system for the automatic detection of midfacial fractures. The purpose of this study was to use this system to diagnose fractures accurately and rapidly, with the intention of benefiting both patients and emergency room physicians. MethodsOne hundred computed tomography images that included midfacial fractures (e.g., maxillary, zygomatic, nasal, and orbital fractures) were prepared. In each axial image, the fracture area was surrounded by a rectangular region to create the annotation data. Eighty images were randomly classified as the training dataset (3736 slices) and 20 as the validation dataset (883 slices). Training and validation were performed using Single Shot MultiBox Detector (SSD) and version 8 of You Only Look Once (YOLOv8), which are object detection algorithms. ResultsThe performance indicators for SSD and YOLOv8 were respectively: precision, 0.872 and 0.871; recall, 0.823 and 0.775; F1 score, 0.846 and 0.82; average precision, 0.899 and 0.769. ConclusionsThe use of deep learning techniques allowed the automatic detection of midfacial fractures with good accuracy and high speed. The system developed in this study is promising for automated detection of midfacial fractures and may provide a quick and accurate solution for emergency medical care and other settings.

Quantitative Assessment of the Heat Transfer Capacity of Ice Bags and their Cooling Effects on the Skin Surface and Core Temperature.

Ice bags are frequently used in medical care settings for pain relief, comfort, and in some cases, whole-body cooling. This study quantifies heat energy transfer capacity of ice bags and evaluates their cooling effects on body temperature. Forty-eight healthy adults in their 20s were recruited. An ice bag wrapped in two layers of dry towel was applied to the forehead, neck, or palm of each participant for 10 min. The skin surface temperature, heat flow, and core temperature were recorded during the cooling and non-cooling periods, with energy transfer calculated by integrating heat flow over time. Over the non-cooling period, 31.4-53.6 kJ·m-2 of energy was dissipated over 10 min, whereas during the cooling period, the range increased to 180.0-218.7 kJ·m-2 over 10 min. Skin surface temperature decreased by 3.2-5.7°C, whereas core temperature was unchanged. Ice bag use augmented energy transfer by about 150-180 kJ·m-2 over 10 min, but this was insufficient for rapid whole body cooling due to the small skin-surface area in contact with the ice bag. The measured energy transfer indicated that topical ice bag application absorbs insufficient energy to affect core temperature. Quantitative assessment of energy transfer was shown to inform the safe and appropriate use of thermotherapy.

Infographics on signs and symptoms of metastatic (secondary) breast cancer can empower women with a breast cancer diagnosis.

We investigated the usefulness of a metastatic (secondary) breast cancer Infographics designed to enhance knowledge about symptoms of metastatic breast cancer in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Women with a primary or metastatic diagnosis of breast cancer who had not been in receipt of the Infographics previously, were sent the Infographics and asked to complete a questionnaire measuring their views of the usefulness of the Infographics in a number of domains. They were also asked to complete questionnaires on, anxiety and depression, coping, emotion regulation strategies and perceived cognitive functioning. Results showed that women advocated the use of the Infographics in medical and health care settings, as well as its ability in equipping themwith the relevant knowledge on signs of recurrence, its benefits in empowering control and reducing fears and uncertainties regarding metastatic breast cancer. Exploratory analysis showed that individual differences in trait vulnerability to anxiety and in emotion regulation strategies modulated women's responses suggesting the use of tailored approaches in the communication of the Infographics with patients. Our results point to the overall benefits of the Infographics in a number of domains. Implications for applications in healthcare settings are discussed.

CORRELATES OF PHYSICIAN TRUST: DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND EXPERIENCES OF MEDICAL CARE DISCRIMINATION

Abstract Lack of trust between older adults and their physicians may decrease adherence to medication or limit disclosure of information to healthcare providers. Trust may be shaped in part by demographic factors as well as previous experiences of discrimination in healthcare. We hypothesized that more experiences of discrimination in a medical care setting would be negatively associated with general physician trust. We used cross-sectional data from a follow-up visit (2013-2016) of the national REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) longitudinal cohort study. Our sample included participants who completed an 11-item general physician trust measure (score range=11-55) and a four-point item about discrimination in medical care settings (n=8,235, age 52-98, 31% Black, 45% men). We examined two sequential linear regression models with trust as the outcome, with the first model including demographic factors and the second adding discrimination in a medical setting. Female gender (β=-0.09, p&amp;lt;.05), Black race (β=-0.03, p&amp;lt;.05), and higher level of education (β=-0.8, p&amp;lt;.05) were each related to lower trust. Higher income (β=0.04, p&amp;lt;.05) and older age (β=0.12, p&amp;lt;.05) were associated with higher trust. Perceived discrimination had a negative association with physician trust (β=-0.14, p&amp;lt;.05) and the relationship between Black race and trust reversed direction and was no longer statistically significant (β=0.20, p=.298) with discrimination in the model. The potential impact of previous discrimination experiences in a medical care setting on physician trust should be considered when providing healthcare services to diverse populations of older adults.

Rapid screening for suicide risk: An algorithmic approach.

In the United States, primary medical care settings are the first accessed resource for both medical and behavioral health care. Thus, there is a clear need for accurate and efficient behavioral health screening in this setting, including routine surveillance screening for suicide risk. The Multidimensional Behavioral Health Screen (MBHS), a broadband but very brief screening tool developed specifically for primary care, has been updated to include an algorithm that classifies suicide risk based on the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide, and associated interview and decision framework. This study aims to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the new MBHS 2.0 suicide risk algorithm, with actual risk determined by clinical suicide risk interview. Data were collected as part of a larger study that, overall, included 551 college student participants. Of these, 309 completed the MBHS 2.0 and the clinical suicide risk interview, the two measures reported here. The final participant count was 299 following the removal of incomplete or invalid cases. Predicted suicide risk as determined by the MBHS 2.0 (Low, Mild, At least Moderate) was compared to actual risk as determined by clinical interview (Low, Moderate, Severe, Extreme). Utilizing chi-square analyses, data show a significant association between the predicted suicide risk category based on the MBHS 2.0 algorithm and the actual risk category based on the semi-structured clinical interview. Furthermore, classification analyses suggest that primary care providers will be able to confidently assess the suicide risk level for the majority of their patients when using the MBHS. Findings suggest that the MBHS 2.0 can be an accurate and efficient tool for use by primary care providers in classifying suicide risk. Future research will be useful to evaluate the utility of the suicide risk algorithm among primary care populations.

The Integration and Application of Extended Reality (XR) Technologies within the General Practice Primary Medical Care Setting: A Systematic Review

The COVID-19 pandemic instigated a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery with a rapid adoption of technology-enabled models of care, particularly within the general practice primary care setting. The emergence of the Metaverse and its associated technology mediums, specifically extended reality (XR) technology, presents a promising opportunity for further industry transformation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the current application and utilisation of XR technologies within the general practice primary care setting to establish a baseline for tracking its evolution and integration. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was conducted and registered with the international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews as PROSPERO-CRD42022339905. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and were quality appraised and included for review. All databases searched, inclusive of search terms, are supplied to enhance the transparency and reproducibility of the findings. All study interventions used virtual reality technology exclusively. The application of virtual reality within the primary care setting was grouped under three domains: (1) childhood vaccinations, (2) mental health, and (3) health promotion. There is immense potential for the future application of XR technologies within the general practice primary care setting. As technology evolves, healthcare practitioners, XR technology specialists, and researchers should collaborate to harness the full potential of implementing XR mediums.

Enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes through education technologies in medical education

Medical education is hastily evolving as motivated by shifting medical and health care settings with a diverse role of physician/instructor, changing medical science in varied pedagogical backgrounds. Educational technologies have been gradually introduced in medical education to facilitate effective learning with student engagement and improved learning outcomes. It has become an indispensable measure of communication, data storage and transformation, audio-visual media usage, production and sharing of medical knowledge. The role of educational technologies has evolved from a mere study tool to an integrated learning approach. The shift in medical care from habitual clinical scenarios to ambulatory settings has obliged the skill to afford care in a short while and necessitates modification in patient documents with added materials on well-being particulars and medical records being modernized. Educational technologies portray a foremost part in student engagement and without which the learning outcomes cannot be expected. A meaningful student engagement involves engaging students in every facet of the educational technology and knowledge acquisition for the purpose of strengthening their commitment to their self-education and community. The right choice of the educational technology for specific educational purposes of interactive learning is challenging and requires studies and reviews. Computer based learning, flipped classroom, mobile devices, smart phones, digital games, simulations, virtual reality, wearable technologies, social media, podcasts, YouTube etc. are of the techniques detailed in this review with regard to the engagement and learning outcomes of students, that addresses the encounters of the fluctuating educational settings in medical profession.

A Population-Informed Particle Filter for Robust Physiological Monitoring Using Low-Information Time-Series Measurements.

To present the population-informed particle filter (PIPF), a novel filtering approach that incorporates past experiences with patients into the filtering process to provide reliable beliefs about a new patient's physiological state. To derive the PIPF, we formulate the filtering problem as recursive inference on a probabilistic graphical model, which includes representations for the pertinent physiological dynamics and the hierarchical relationship between past and present patient characteristics. Then, we provide an algorithmic solution to the filtering problem using Sequential Monte-Carlo techniques. To demonstrate the merits of the PIPF approach, we apply it to a case study of physiological monitoring for hemodynamic management. The PIPF approach could provide reliable beliefs about the likely values and uncertainties associated with a patient's unmeasured physiological variables (e.g., hematocrit and cardiac output), characteristics (e.g., tendency for atypical behavior), and events (e.g., hemorrhage) given low-information measurements. The PIPF shows promise in the presented case study, and may have applications to a wider range of real-time monitoring problems with limited measurements. Forming reliable beliefs about a patient's physiological state is an essential aspect of algorithmic decision-making in medical care settings. Hence, the PIPF may serve as a solid basis for designing interpretable and context-aware physiological monitoring, medical decision-support, and closed-loop control algorithms.

Investigation of the Development of Robots for Training Dialect Communication Listening in Nursing Care Situations: A Case Study of Mikawa Dialects

This study aims to provide listening training and comprehension support using a communication robot for young and overseas staffs who have problems understanding dialects in medical and nursing care settings. In this study, we conducted an impression survey of university students in a region where dialects are used using a robot and a person who speaks standard Japanese and a dialect (Mikawa dialect). Moreover, a nationwide impression survey using only a robot was also performed. In the dialect-using region, the robot speaking the dialect gave the impression of being cute but difficult to understand, whereas no difference in impression was observed in the nationwide survey. However, the analysis of the free text showed that the dialect and motion of the robot gave a positive impression. Based on the factors contributing to the positive impression of the dialect, we aim to construct a training program that motivates young and foreign personnel.

1393-P: Remission Incidence and Associated Clinical Factors in New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes under Standard Medical Care—A Population-Based Study

The natural history of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is mostly progressive and patients often die from diabetes-related complications. However, T2D can sometimes improve enough to discontinue medications, and this phenomenon remains poorly understood. Using health examination data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) for a new-onset T2D cohort, we investigated the incidence of diabetes remission and associated clinical factors. Remission was defined as normal fasting blood glucose levels &amp;lt; 126 mg/dL, an alternative criterion for remission based on expert consensus; patients who reached normal fasting blood glucose levels measured at 2-year intervals after discontinuation of treatment were defined as achieving remission. New-onset T2D patients (N=114,874) from 2009 to 2012 were followed until 2017, and 2,429 patients (2.1%) experienced remission during the study period. No significant difference in age was reported between the remission and non-remission groups. Compared to the non-remission group, the remission group had lower baseline body mass index (25.4 kg/m2 vs. 25.7 kg/m2), lower baseline fasting glucose levels (157.7 mg/dL vs. 177.1mg/dL), and a lower prevalence of hypertension (47.7% vs. 52.2%) and hyperlipidemia (44.4% vs. 48.2%). When investigating treatment methods, the remission rate was lower in patients who used more than three oral hypoglycemic agents including sulfonylurea (5.43% vs. 14.4%), while the rate of insulin users was higher in the remission group (10.5% vs. 8.0%). When weight change within 2 years before and after remission was reviewed through health examination results, the group that succeeded in weight loss of 5% or more had a significantly higher rate of remission. In summary, remission was observed at rates as low as 2.1% in patients in standard medical care settings. Weight loss and insulin therapy in early T2D patients are thought to lead a favorable prognosis in terms of remission. Disclosure K. Song: None. J. Kim: None. K. Han: None. H. Kwon: None. Funding National Research Foundation of Korea (2021R1A2C2013890)

Impact of different interventions on preventing suicide and suicide attempt among children and adolescents in the United States: a microsimulation model study.

Despite considerable investment in suicide prevention since 2001, there is limited evidence for the effect of suicide prevention interventions among children and adolescents. This study aimed to estimate the potential population impact of different interventions in preventing suicide-related behaviors in children and adolescents. A microsimulation model study used data from national surveys and clinical trials to emulate the dynamic processes of developing depression and care-seeking behaviors among a US sample of children and adolescents. The simulation model examined the effect of four hypothetical suicide prevention interventions on preventing suicide and suicide attempt in children and adolescents as follows: (1) reduce untreated depression by 20, 50, and 80% through depression screening; (2) increase the proportion of acute-phase treatment completion to 90% (i.e., reduce treatment attrition); (3) suicide screening and treatment among the depressed individuals; and (4) suicide screening and treatment to 20, 50, and 80% of individuals in medical care settings. The model without any intervention simulated was the baseline. We estimated the difference in the suicide rate and risk of suicide attempts in children and adolescents between baseline and different interventions. No significant reduction in the suicide rate was observed for any of the interventions. A significant decrease in the risk of suicide attempt was observed for reducing untreated depression by 80%, and for suicide screening to individuals in medical settings as follows: 20% screened: -0.68% (95% credible interval (CI): -1.05%, -0.56%), 50% screened: -1.47% (95% CI: -2.00%, -1.34%), and 80% screened: -2.14% (95% CI: -2.48%, -2.08%). Combined with 90% completion of acute-phase treatment, the risk of suicide attempt changed by -0.33% (95% CI: -0.92%, 0.04%), -0.56% (95% CI: -1.06%, -0.17%), and -0.78% (95% CI: -1.29%, -0.40%) for reducing untreated depression by 20, 50, and 80%, respectively. Combined with suicide screening and treatment among the depressed, the risk of suicide attempt changed by -0.27% (95% CI: -0.dd%, -0.16%), -0.66% (95% CI: -0.90%, -0.46%), and -0.90% (95% CI: -1.10%, -0.69%) for reducing untreated depression by 20, 50, and 80%, respectively. Reducing undertreatment (the untreated and dropout) of depression and suicide screening and treatment in medical care settings may be effective in preventing suicide-related behaviors in children and adolescents.

Program to Enhance Well-being and Psychospiritual Understanding Implications in Indian Medical Care Perspective.

Spirituality is an important dimension of life. The medical practitioner's well-being is an under-appreciated priority in India. As research on spirituality is minimal, this study attempts to introduce an online 6-week Eastern spirituality-based educational program for physicians. The primary aim was to see the effects of the intervention on the well-being of the participants. The secondary aim was to form an opinion about an extension to medical practice. A total of 60 medical practitioners were randomized into two groups- one attended the spirituality sessions while the other placebo "self-care" sessions. Quantitative outcome measures were Warwick-Edinburg Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and World Health Organization (WHO) Well-being Index (WHO-5) noted pre and postprogram. Qualitative data was collected to support the quantitative outcomes. Statistical tests used were unpaired and paired t-tests for quantitative data. A 5-point Likert scale and Cochran's Q test were used for the qualitative data. In the spirituality group, postsession WEMWBS and WHO-5 scores improved with p &lt; 0.0001 and p = 0.0033, respectively. Regarding qualitative data, 94.44% of physicians "agreed/strongly agreed" in favor of the benefits of sessions with p = 0.0242 and Q = 5.0793. A total of 86.67% of physicians felt the sessions have helped them to understand other's spirituality-related problems and made them more confident to discuss spirituality with others. The online Eastern spirituality program had a positive impact on the well-being of Indian medical practitioners. There appears to be a potential for extension to the medical care setting. The results need to be substantiated by further studies.

Transition for adolescents with a rare disease: results of a nationwide German project

PurposeThe transition process from paediatric/adolescent to adult medical care settings is of utmost importance for the future health of adolescents with chronic diseases and poses even more difficulties in the context of rare diseases (RDs). Paediatric care teams are challenged to deliver adolescent-appropriate information and structures. Here we present a structured transition pathway which is patient-focused and adoptable for different RDs.MethodsThe transition pathway for adolescents 16 years and older was developed and implemented as part of a multi-centre study in 10 university hospitals in Germany. Key elements of the pathway included: assessment of patients’ disease-related knowledge and needs, training/educational and counselling sessions, a structured epicrisis and a transfer appointment jointly with the paediatric and adult specialist. Specific care coordinators from the participating university hospitals were in charge of organization and coordination of the transition process.ResultsOf a total of 292 patients, 286 completed the pathway. Deficits in disease-specific knowledge were present in more than 90% of participants. A need for genetic or socio-legal counselling was indicated by > 60%. A mean of 2.1 training sessions per patient were provided over a period of almost 1 year, followed by the transfer to adult care in 267 cases. Twelve patients remained in paediatric care as no adult health care specialist could be identified. Targeted training and counselling resulted in improved disease-specific knowledge and contributed to empowering of patients.ConclusionThe described transition pathway succeeds to improve health literacy in adolescents with RDs and can be implemented by paediatric care teams in any RD specialty. Patient empowerment was mainly achieved by individualized training and counselling.

Improving interaction of primary health care facilities and narcological service to provide care to patients with riskу, harmful use or dependency from alcohol or other psychoactive substances

This article provides description of the existing regulatory framework for interaction between medical organizations that provide health to people with risky, hazardous (harmful) use of alcohol or other psychoactive substances in the Russian Federation.Aim. Exploring existing opportunities to improve interaction of primary health care institutions and narcological service to provide care to patients with risky use, harmful use or dependence on psychoactive substances.Materials and methods. The article presents results of implementing the action plan to organize medical prevention in 71 regions of the Russian Federation, based on data provided by chief narcologists of these regions during 2017–2018. The analysis of the existing practice of the interaction of medical institutions for the prevention of the harmful use of psychoactive substances was carried out; were studied the principles of organizing screening and preventive counseling in primary health care; the features of training and education of specialists of medical organizations in the methodology of screening, preventive and motivational counseling were studied in different regions of the Russian Federation.Discussion. During 2017–2018 more than 14.5 million patients were screened in primary health care. Problems alcohol and other psychoactive substances use were identified in more than 300,000 patients (2.4 %). The highest rates of identified substance use disorders’ risks were observed in primary specialized medical care settings (5.1 %); lower rates were observed among those who were undergoing screening in primary health care settings (1.8 %), during preventive health assessment (2.3 %) and during preventive medical check-ups (2.4 %). More than 19,000 health workers have been trained in motivational counseling techniques.Conclusion. The problem of substance abuse and related medical and social consequences remains highly relevant, and therefore requires further implementation of preventive technologies with proven effectiveness.