Knowledge Of Medicine Research Articles

Evaluating the performance and clinical decision-making impact of ChatGPT-4 in reproductive medicine.

ChatGPT, a sophisticated language model developed by OpenAI, has the potential to offer professional and patient-friendly support. We aimed to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of ChatGPT-4 in answering questions related to knowledge, management, and support within the field of reproductive medicine. ChatGPT-4 was used to respond to queries sourced from a domestic attending physician examination database, as well as to address both local and international treatment guidelines within the field of reproductive medicine. Each response generated by ChatGPT-4 was independently evaluated by a trio of experts specializing in reproductive medicine. The experts used four qualitative measures-relevance, accuracy, completeness, and understandability-to assess each response. We found that ChatGPT-4 demonstrated extensive knowledge in reproductive medicine, with median scores for relevance, accuracy, completeness, and comprehensibility of objective questions being 4, 3.5, 3, and 3, respectively. However, the composite accuracy rate for multiple-choice questions was 63.38%. Significant discrepancies were observed among the three experts' scores across all four measures. Expert 1 generally provided higher and more consistent scores, while Expert 3 awarded lower scores for accuracy. ChatGPT-4's responses to both domestic and international guidelines showed varying levels of understanding, with a lack of knowledge on regional guideline variations. However, it offered practical and multifaceted advice regarding next steps and adjusting to new guidelines. We analyzed the strengths and limitations of ChatGPT-4's responses on the management of reproductive medicine and relevant support. ChatGPT-4 might serve as a supplementary informational tool for patients and physicians to improve outcomes in the field of reproductive medicine.

Gene-eral survey to describe genomic education needs in hospital pharmacy departments in the West Midlands and Oxford

Abstract Introduction Genomic medicine is a rapidly developing field and a priority for the NHS to ensure it is embedded into Medicine Service Alliance is that the NHS staff have understanding and confidence to utilise genomics safely and effectively. Pharmacy professionals, as experts in medicines, will lead the implementation and delivery of pharmacogenomics and wider genomic medicine services across all healthcare sectors1. Aim To understand current levels of genomic education across NHS Trust Pharmacy Departments in the Central and South region, and preferences for types of future learning. Methods A MS Forms survey was distributed across the Pharmacy Departments of five NHS Trusts, emailed to all local pharmacy staff via the Education and Training lead pharmacists; all pharmacy staff were eligible to participate, and total numbers of staff were not available. The survey was based on a previously published national survey2, but reduced in content to allow completion within 5 minutes; content was agreed between the genomics specialist pharmacy team at C&S. Ethics approval was not sought as this baseline evaluation formed part of a planned service improvement. Results One hundred and twenty-nine respondents participated in the survey, including pharmacists (62%), pharmacy technicians (29%) and assistant technical officers (5%). Seventy-one out of 127 respondents (56%) had more than 10 years of experience since qualified. Given a scale of ’very low-low-medium -high-very high’, the majority of the 127 respondents (63%) considered their knowledge about Genomic Medicine to be medium or high, and no responder considered themselves to have a very high level of knowledge about Genomic Medicine. Most participants saw the relevance of Genomic Medicine to their professions, particularly in areas like personalised medicine and 82% expressed an interest in learning more about Genomic Medicine and 15% answered ’Maybe’; the cohort had a preference for in-person meetings and seminars (32%), followed by on-line meetings (27%). Discussion / Conclusion Respondents saw the relevance of Genomic Medicine to their professions, and showed a mixture of enthusiasm, curiosity, and uncertainty about Genomic Medicine, with no respondent feeling they had a very high level of knowledge of Genomic Medicine. Most pharmacy staff in the 5 departments surveyed have an interest in furthering their knowledge of Genomic Medicine, with a marked preference for in-person meetings and seminars. Respondents recognised the potential benefits such as personalized medicine, improved treatment outcomes and reduced trial-and-error approaches in medication selection, with expectations that Genomic Medicine will improve patient care and outcomes, reducing adverse events and informing treatment decisions Limitations to this study include an inability to judge response rate due to lack of denominator data, however relatively similar numbers were obtained from each Department, with a good mix of respondent roles. An in-person training event with hybrid online options is being planned as a result of this work.

A Review on the Approach to Herbal Medicine in Cuban Healthcare System.

Background:Cuban healthcare system, emphasizing a holistic approach with herbal medicine as a key component, has achieved significant advancements in a multitude of health indicators. The aim of this study was to investigate the approach of Cuban healthcare system to Herbal medicine. Methods: The study conducted a review in the year 2024 in accordance with the guidelines set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Multiple databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews were searched and the quality of the studies was assessed using the AACODS checklist. Finally, a thematic analysis was conducted on the data. Results: 7 studies included within the study. The quality assessment scores presented high level of quality of the final studies with low level of bias. The thematic analysis resulted in six themes including: International collaboration, Universal coverage, Education and encouragement, Utilization, integration, and innovation, Efficiency and sustainability, and Prevention-focused and strategic approach. The Cuban healthcare system incorporates global herbal medicine knowledge, particularly from China, and provides free, regionalized services. It emphasizes the "Green Pharmacy" concept in each neighborhood and integrates herbal medicine into service delivery through a sustainable, prevention-focused policy. Conclusion: The Cuban healthcare system has implemented a multifaceted program on herbal medicine.

Evaluating Perspectives, Knowledge and Behaviors of Osteopathic Medicine in a United States Osteopathic Medical School: A Study in Employee Education and Changes in Understanding

Evaluating Perspectives, Knowledge and Behaviors of Osteopathic Medicine in a United States Osteopathic Medical School: A Study in Employee Education and Changes in Understanding

When blood is not an option. The awareness of bloodless medicine among Polish nurses

ObjectivesBlood transfusions (BTs) are generally safe and potentially life-saving but come with risks. The World Health Organization advocates reducing unnecessary transfusions and using patient blood management strategies and techniques. However, providing bloodless medical care to patients who prefer to avoid blood-related treatments is a challenge. This is because healthcare professionals’ beliefs about blood transfusion may not align with those of their patients. This study delves into Polish nursing personnel's attitudes toward bloodless medicine (BM), highlighting the potential gap between their knowledge and patient needs. MethodsWe conducted an online survey among 202 Polish nurses on non-blood management techniques, risks related to BT and BM, and nurses’ educational needs regarding BM. ResultsAlthough many nurses had some knowledge of BM, Polish nurses’ awareness of non-blood management techniques is relatively low: while less than half knew alternative treatment methods and drugs used in BM, many were unaware of the various risks or side effects related to BM. It also shows that more than three-quarters of nurses believed that patients should have the right to make an informed refusal of BT. While 87.1% of nurses rated their knowledge about BM insufficient or very poor, 66.3% did not feel prepared to care for patients who require non-blood management techniques. ConclusionsThis study underscores the urgent need to educate nurses on blood conservation methods, blood substitutes, and techniques of non-blood management. Incorporating these into the nursing curriculum is crucial for patients’ safety and well-being and our healthcare system's effectiveness. The potential impact of these findings on the healthcare system is significant, underlining the urgency and importance of addressing the knowledge gap in non-blood management techniques. Public Interest SummaryAlthough the World Health Organization recommends using non-blood management techniques, most nurses providing bloodless medical care to patients who wish to avoid blood transfusion do not feel prepared to care for such patients. This study describes the attitudes of Polish nursing personnel toward bloodless medicine. It demonstrates that Polish nurses do not possess knowledge of non-blood management techniques, and their awareness of patient blood management methods and drugs used in bloodless medicine is low. However, it also reveals a positive aspect: Most Polish nurses are interested in broadening their knowledge of bloodless medicine. This strong motivation to improve their skills and knowledge in this area is encouraging and should be harnessed to drive positive change in the field of bloodless medicine.

Improving Behavioral Healthcare Access Disparities by Training Providers in Disadvantaged Communities - Evidence of Strategy Effectiveness.

Inadequate access to behavioral health services disproportionately impacts marginalized populations who live in disadvantaged areas. To reduce this gap, programs dedicated to optimizing behavioral health education and training must focus their efforts to enroll providers who practice in these disadvantaged areas. The Train New Trainers (TNT) fellowship program aims to enhance behavioral health knowledge, skills, and attitudes of primary care providers (PCPs) who deliver care in disadvantaged communities. We evaluate the effectiveness of the TNT recruitment strategy and the use of scholarships for targeting and recruiting PCPs who practice in disadvantaged communities. Observational study. TNT fellows from 2016 to 2023. State/federal classifications of medically underserved counties were used to establish scholarship criteria. Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was utilized to provide criterion validity for the use of state/federal criteria in the recruitment strategy, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in successfully recruiting PCPs practicing in disadvantaged communities. Practice location data were available for 347 fellows, 88.8% of whom received scholarships. Of the 347 practices, 300 (86.5%) primarily served communities meeting at least one state or federal criterion for medical shortage areas and/or underserved areas. According to ADI scores, 32.3% of practices served areas classified in the highest ADI (ADI decile 9 or 10), with a progressive increase in the proportion of fellows practicing in underserved areas each year; in 2023, 89.9% of practices met federal shortage criteria and 40.5% served areas with the highest deciles of ADI. The TNT program strategy for recruiting PCPs from high medical need geographical areas is associated with bringing primary care psychiatry education to areas considered underserved and disadvantaged. Equipping PCPs practicing in underserved areas with enhanced knowledge and skills in behavioral medicine has the potential to significantly improve the existing access gap in disadvantaged communities.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Conventional Medicine Among Thalassaemia In Malaysia: Conceptual paper

Thalassaemia is chronic hereditary blood disorder. Medication has extended patients' lifespans, but research on their quality of life is scarce due to psychological impacts and medication adherence issues. The objective is to develop and validate a survey assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Malaysian thalassaemia patients towards medication. We will use an exploratory mixed-methods approach with ethical approval from UiTM. Phase I involves semi-structured interviews with thalassaemia patients. Phase II focusses on creating and validating KAP instruments with expert panels and pilot testing. The tools will help medical professionals gather data to improve treatment compliance.

Neues Master-Studium MSc (CE) Arbeits- und Organisationsmedizin vereint fachliche Vertiefung mit einer interdisziplinären Kompetenzerweiterung: ein Meilenstein für den Erhalt von Expertise im Fach Arbeitsmedizin in Österreich

New Master‘s program MSc (CE) in Occupational and Organizational Medicine combines in-depth specialized knowledge with interdisciplinary skill enhancement: a milestone for acquiring expert knowledge in Occupational Medicine in Austria A new Master’s program offered by the Austrian Academy for Occupational Medicine and Prevention (AAMP) in cooperation with Medical University of Vienna provides occupational physicians, for the first time, with comprehensive advanced training at the specialist level in their core competency of occupational medicine, combined with the interdisciplinary skill enhancement that has already proven successful in previous Master’s programs in organizational medicine. The following article provides an overview of occupational medicine and organizational medicine as components of holistic occupational health management as well as the objectives, content and structure of the new academic continuing education program.

A global investigation into antimicrobial knowledge in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and veterinary undergraduate students: A scoping review to inform future planetary health multidisciplinary education

BackgroundInappropriate use of antimicrobials can push the environment out of balance, and cause unnecessary waste that can contaminate our soil, animals and waterways. Health professional education is committed to preparing students for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and supporting planetary health, but a more multidisciplinary action is needed to curb the expansion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this scoping review is to showcase the current antimicrobial knowledge of undergraduate students across the disciplines of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and veterinary. This will consequently showcase the gaps and trends across the different disciplines and countries to help inform planetary health multidisciplinary undergraduate curriculums.MethodsA search of the existing literature published prior to December 2023 was conducted using CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and ERIC databases. Studies were excluded if they included postgraduate students or discussed the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of students towards antimicrobial prescribing, AMR and AMS related to a specific learning activity.ResultsA total of 144 articles were included. The most represented countries were India and Pakistan accounting for 17% and 8% of the studies, respectively. Single-disciplinary research accounted for approximately 80% of the studies. Medicine was the most represented discipline in both single-disciplinary and multidisciplinary research, appearing in approximately 62% of the studies, followed by pharmacy appearing in approximately 30% of the studies and dentistry appearing in approximately 18% of the studies. Three major priority themes were identified: students are more familiar with the term AMR compared to AMS; inappropriate use of antimicrobials is seen as the main driver of AMR; and the need for more training and education in the field of appropriate antimicrobial prescribing, AMR and AMS.ConclusionThis review has highlighted that there is a need for more AMS interprofessional education (IPE) activities in all five disciplines, and especially within the disciplines of nursing, veterinary and dentistry, as shown by a lack of multidisciplinary research in this area. Most of the knowledge assessments have just touched the surface of AMS and focused on inappropriate antimicrobial use alone. Interdisciplinary planetary health education needs to go beyond these skills and broaden the understanding of other factors that can contribute to AMR such as inappropriate disposal, environmental contamination, monitoring and surveillance, one health, false allergies, and more importantly, how each health professional can contribute to a team.

Exploring the Role of Narrative Medicine in the Cultivation of Humanistic Spirit among Respiratory Medicine Interns

Objective: To explore the role of narrative medicine in cultivating the humanistic spirit of respiratory medicine interns. Methods: Thirty interns were selected, all of whom were received by the respiratory department of our hospital from September 2023 to June 2024 and underwent narrative medicine teaching. Scores on narrative medicine knowledge, empathy ability, humanistic care ability, and teaching recognition were compared before and after the internship. Results: Compared to before the internship, the interns’ scores on narrative medicine knowledge were significantly higher after the internship, as were their empathy and humanistic care scores (P < 0.05). Among the 30 interns, 25 expressed interest in narrative medicine, and 29 were willing to continue with the narrative medicine teaching model. Conclusion: The application of narrative medicine in respiratory medicine internship teaching is highly effective. It cultivates the humanistic spirit of interns, improves their empathy and humanistic care abilities, and is worthy of wider implementation.

Knowledge graph driven medicine recommendation system using graph neural networks on longitudinal medical records

Medicine recommendation systems are designed to aid healthcare professionals by analysing a patient’s admission data to recommend safe and effective medications. These systems are categorised into two types: instance-based and longitudinal-based. Instance-based models only consider the current admission, while longitudinal models consider the patient’s medical history. Electronic Health Records are used to incorporate medical history into longitudinal models. This project proposes a novel Knowledge Graph-Driven Medicine Recommendation System using Graph Neural Networks, KGDNet, that utilises longitudinal EHR data along with ontologies and Drug-Drug Interaction knowledge to construct admission-wise clinical and medicine Knowledge Graphs for every patient. Recurrent Neural Networks are employed to model a patient’s historical data, and Graph Neural Networks are used to learn embeddings from the Knowledge Graphs. A Transformer-based Attention mechanism is then used to generate medication recommendations for the patient, considering their current clinical state, medication history, and joint medical records. The model is evaluated on the MIMIC-IV EHR data and outperforms existing methods in terms of precision, recall, F1 score, Jaccard score, and Drug-Drug Interaction control. An ablation study on our models various inputs and components to provide evidence for the importance of each component in providing the best performance. Case study is also performed to demonstrate the real-world effectiveness of KGDNet.

Comparing the impact of different transfusion medicine teaching methods—A mobile application versus task-based learning—On two dimensions of clinical competence among nursing students: A quasi-experimental study

AimTo evaluate and compare the impact of a transfusion medicine training course delivered via two different teaching methods—a mobile application and task-based learning—on nursing students' knowledge and clinical decision-making skill. BackgroundTo advance nursing education and clinical competence, it is crucial to integrate innovative methods, such as mobile applications and task-based learning, that promote active and competency-based learning. Evaluating these methods provides educators with insights to enhance nursing students' knowledge and clinical decision-making skill, ultimately improving patient care and supporting professional development. DesignA quasi-experimental study using a pretest-intervention-posttest design with a control group. MethodsThis study included 82 nursing students from the 6th to 8th semesters, selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups—mobile application (n=30), task-based learning (n=30) and control (n=30). The first group received educational content through a mobile application, the second group through task-based learning and the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a valid and reliable three-part researcher-made tool, including a demographic/educational checklist and questionnaires on knowledge and clinical decision-making skill, administered before and two weeks after the intervention. Analysis was done using paired t-test, analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post hoc test, with a significance level set at p<0.05. ResultsFollowing the intervention, both intervention groups showed a significant increase in knowledge and clinical decision-making skill scores (p<0.05). Although both groups had higher knowledge scores than the control group, the differences were not significant (p>0.05). In contrast, clinical decision-making scores were significantly higher in both intervention groups compared with the control (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the intervention groups regarding the mean post-test knowledge and clinical decision-making skill scores (p>0.05). ConclusionBoth teaching methods effectively improved nursing students' knowledge and clinical decision-making skills in transfusion medicine. To leverage these findings effectively, educational authorities should integrate mobile applications and task-based learning into nursing curricula, test these methods in various settings to assess their impact and use the findings to update curricula in line with current educational needs.

Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Study of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in Yunnan Province, China

The traditional medicinal knowledge in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China have been poorly studied. Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PPvY) is widely cultivated and used as indigenous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat cancer in northwest Yunnan. This study aims to reveal the traditional medicinal knowledge of PPvY and folk formulas related to PPvY through literature research and ethnobotanical investigation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 highly regarded folk doctors in the northwest of Yunnan, China, based on relevant data collected in the initial phase of the research. We identified twenty-three traditional treatments, thirty pairing herbs used with PPvY in therapy, and eight processing methods of PPvY. The results indicated that PPvY and its associated formulas containing PPvY were primarily used for treating cancer and inflammation and for clearing heat and detoxifying. The TCM herbs most frequently used alongside PPvY included Engleromyces sinensis and Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis. The commonly employed processing methods primarily involved using PPvY in both its dry and fresh forms, while special processing methods, such as processing in wine and honey, steaming, and foil-packet boiling, were worth further research. Our results highlight the diversity of medicinal plants and the richness of traditional medical knowledge in northwest Yunnan, China. This study may offer clues for the development and research of indigenous medicinal plants. Additionally, a collective effort is needed to create a plan for the sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, enhancing local economic development while safeguarding biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge.

Virtual Obstetric Emergency Simulations: Enhancing Knowledge, Skills, and Confidence of Emergency Medicine and Obstetric Professionals.

Between 2008 and 2016, 23% of pregnancy-related deaths in Ohio occurred in an emergency department (ED) or outpatient setting. Prior research showed that 98% of Ohio's delivery hospitals conduct obstetric (OB) emergency simulations, whereas only 30% include ED staff. The goal of the grant was to increase the knowledge, skill, and self-efficacy of emergency medicine (EM) professionals in managing OB emergencies. In addition to EM professionals, there was high interest by obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and other professionals in the course. Therefore, the goal of the project was to increase these elements for all professionals including EM and non-EM professionals in managing OB emergencies. Twelve virtual training courses using simulated patient encounters and video-based skills training were conducted across Ohio on the management of OB emergencies. Scenarios focused on common causes of pregnancy-related death using data from the Ohio Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Committee. Pre- and posttests assessed training effectiveness. Between August 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023, 258 learners completed the course. Most were female (76.76%), White (90.61%), and under 45 years old (69.40%). Most (66.49%) were from EM, followed by OB/GYN (18.09%), and other specialties (15.43%) including family medicine and pediatric EM. Most worked in hospital settings (89.19%). Learners reported a median 10.00 (interquartile range [IQR]: 15.00) years in clinical practice. Overall, mean knowledge scores increased by 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62, 1.01), after the course (p < 0.001). Mean knowledge scores increased by 0.90 (95% CI: 0.64, 1.16; p < 0.001), 0.67 (95% CI: 0.24, 1.09; p = 0.003), and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.16, 1.04; p = 0.01) for those from EM, OB/GYN, and other specialties, respectively. Median scores for reported self-efficacy increased by 24.00 (IQR: 22.33) and self-reported skills increased by 30.42 (IQR: 22.83) points (p < 0.001). Virtual simulations can be effective in improving EM, OB, and other professionals' knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-reported skills in managing OB emergencies. · Obstetric knowledge and skills can be taught effectively in a virtual environment.. · Educational interventions can use pregnancy-associated mortality data to target local patterns.. · Simulation can teach management of high-acuity, low-frequency obstetric emergencies to learners..

The Physician King Buddhadasa: A Mine of Virtues, as the Sea is of Jewels.

King Buddhadasa was a monarch of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, in the 4th century A.D. He was a unique king with sound knowledge and skill in medicine according to the traditional medical system. The primary source of Sri Lankan history describes him as "a mine of virtues, as the sea is of jewels." This is due to his virtue of being a righteous king and a compassionate physician, whose healing extended to both humans and animals. His contributions went beyond curative medicine to include preventative care, medical administration, and scholarly work such as the Sarartha Sangrahaya. Similar to Charaka and Sushruta in the South Asian region, his life and work are exemplary and inspirational to modern-day physicians. This review provides an account of the life of King Buddhadasa as recorded in the primary chronicle of Sri Lankan history. Some of his healing accounts may seem mystical to the reader. The article also endeavours to find plausible explanations for those occurrences based on allopathy and science. These records serve as important lessons for modern-day physicians, encouraging the inculcation of good conscience and morality in medical practice.

A study of the correlation between residents’ humanistic care skills and their level of emotional intelligence—A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThere is variability in the structure of junior doctors’ knowledge of humanistic medicine. The level of residents’ emotional intelligence affects their professional development and the doctor-patient relationship. Currently, there is a paucity of research examining the humanistic competence and emotional intelligence of medical residents, both domestically and internationally.The primary objective of this study was to scrutinize the prevailing status of residents’ humanistic competence and emotional intelligence levels, aiming to assess the correlation between humanistic competence and emotional intelligence.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using the Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, the Humanistic Care Competence Scale, and the Emotional Intelligence Scale was conducted in September 2022 among residents of a tertiary general hospital in Sichuan Province. The relationship between humanistic care competence scores and emotional intelligence scores among residents was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe mean score of residents’ humanistic care competence was 188.82 ± 20.80, and the mean score of emotional intelligence was 87.08 ± 13.49.The Pearson correlation results demonstrated a significant correlation (r = 0.400, p = 0.000) between the level of emotional intelligence and humanistic care competence. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that self-emotional appraisal, emotional appraisal of others, emotional control, emotional use, and school community work experience independently predicted humanistic care competence.ConclusionThe scores for residents’ humanistic care competence were notably low, influenced by a multitude of factors that also exhibited varying levels of impact on emotional intelligence development. Emotional intelligence was positively associated with humanistic care competence. Emotional intelligence is an important consideration in the development, implementation, and evaluation of humanistic care interventions. Residency programs should provide education and training in humanistic competencies to improve residents’ levels of emotional intelligence and promote the overall health of society.

Brief analysis of SA Ren's experience of Nanhai Tiaoshen acupuncture technique

The paper introduces the clinical experience of SA Ren in Nanhai Tiaoshen technique of acupuncture in terms of theoretical basis, acupoint selection and needling manipulation. Guided by the clinical thoughts of acupuncture, "regulating the spirit as the priority, harmonizing yin and yang, and holistic treatment", and associated with the theoretic knowledge of modern medicine, SA Ren proposes a new sancai technique of acupuncture on the head, delivered in the region from Shenting (GV 24) to Baihui (GV 20), and the area 0.5 cun bilateral to this midline (the governor vessel), named Shenting (heaven), Muyang (human) and Baihui (earth). In operation, the needle tip should be directed to the lesion, with dynamic needling manipulation combined, and long needle retention considered specially. This acupuncture technique is applicable for brain diseases and the symptoms after central nervous system injury.

CHENG Dan'an's collection of books and his philosophy on traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture education

The medical books that CHENG Dan'an once studied and collected are the significant physical evidence of his educational experiences of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture. Some of these books are stored in Jiangsu Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Through systematic collation, it is found that the collection of books is closely related to his experiences in education, teaching and medicine communication. Aimed to the research and education, these books serve for the clinical effects of acupuncture, cover the knowledge in both Chinese and western medicine. CHENG Dan'an's collection of books is of diversity and global. It reflects that CHENG Dan'an emphasizes the classics, places the the equal importance on Chinese and western medicine and assimilates new knowledge of the philosophy on traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture education. It enriches the biographical information of CHENG Dan'an and has great significance for the today's education of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture by learning from the past.

Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Skin Diseases and for Cosmetic Purposes in Norway

Skin diseases in Norway represents an important area of study due to their incidence and prevalence, yet ethnobotanical research in this context remains scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Norwegian traditional medicine regarding the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes through a comparative analysis with EMA monographs. Participants were surveyed using semi-structured interviews. The two samples comprised 22 individuals from Bodø and 26 individuals from other Norwegian communities, all of whom use medicinal plants for the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes. The indications for skin diseases identified in the study were compared with the European Union herbal monographs published by the European Medicines Agency. Fieldwork was conducted between June 2022 and September 2023, during which 42 plant species from 22 families were recorded. More than half of these plant species (65.38%) were used without European Medicines Agency-approved medical indications. From a public safety perspective, ensuring the safety of self-treatment for skin diseases is a critical research focus for future ethnobotanical studies.

Practices and attitudes of herbalists regarding informed consent in Uganda: a qualitative study

BackgroundInformed consent (IC) is a fundamental principle in medical ethics that upholds respect for patient autonomy. Although widely applied in healthcare, its feasibility and implementation in herbal medicine have been underexplored. This study therefore aimed to explore the practices and attitudes of herbalists regarding informed consent.MethodsTo achieve these objectives, a qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2020. Twenty-one in-depth interviews with herbalists and four key informant interviews with leaders of the different traditional medicine organizations were conducted. The data were analyzed thematically using NVivo version 12 software.ResultsSixteen of the twenty-one participants acquired oral herbal medicine knowledge from their relatives. Although a positive inclination toward obtaining IC was evident, the focus was on disclosing basic information. Discussions of alternative treatments and herbal specifics were less frequent. Disease management decisions often involve shared responsibility within families or societies. Documented IC procedures are rare among herbalists, who deem consent forms unnecessary, although they recognize the potential benefits of IC in fostering trust and professionalism. Challenges hindering IC implementation included regulatory gaps, inadequate skills, and the absence of mechanisms to protect the intellectual property rights of herbal medicine.ConclusionThis study illuminates how educational, cultural, familial, and regulatory factors influence herbalists’ practices and attitudes toward informed consent.