Needy Patients Research Articles

Health service quality and patients’ satisfaction among hospitals: the cohesive care of human beings and accomplishment of human rights

Purpose In this study, the researchers explored the influence of service quality-related constructs on patients’ satisfaction with Egyptian health-care centers. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the researchers used a quantitative approach and concluded the study based on 316 valid cases collected from patients of Egyptian health-care centers. Findings Using path analysis with analysis of moment structures (AMOS), this study's results demonstrate that reliability and responsiveness, empathy, nursing care and medical care positively affect patients' satisfaction. On the other hand, the tangibles have a negative effect on patient satisfaction. Practical implications This study’s findings benefit policymakers by shaping evidence-based policies. Health-care managers can implement strategies that prioritize the identified factors and can foster a more patient-centric and effective health-care system. Also, this study’s findings guide health-care institutes to maintain human rights by serving poor and needy patients. More generally, this study's outcomes enrich the depth of the domain literature. Originality/value This study’s findings add to the existing knowledge and fill contextual gaps by confirming patients’ satisfaction with the service quality of Egyptian health-care centers.

Holistic Approach in Strengthening of Primary Health Care Service

Holistic Approach in Strengthening of Primary Health Care Service

Awareness of importance of triaging in emergency department in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The emergency department (ED) is an important component of a healthcare system. Increased rates of visiting the ED, even for non-urgent cases, makes it necessary to prioritize patients who require immediate care over those who can wait. This process is called triage. However, although triage helps to deliver efficient service for the more needy patients, it results in delays for others, who may be left unsatisfied as a result. The aim of this research is therefore to assess the public awareness about triage in the ED and its importance in delivering improvements in healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To this end, a cross-sectional research method was adopted to conduct a study on the Saudi population between the periods from 01 November 2022 to 31 November 2022. The study used a self-administrated, validated and translated electronic questionnaire. SPSS software version 23 was used for data analysis. The study included 2056 participants, who reported the major causes for the last ED visit to be abdominal pain (26.4%) and headaches (14.4%). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score of knowledge was 8.79 ± 2.13. Moreover, this mean significantly differed between educational levels (p ˂ 0.001), current jobs (p = 0.001), and residence (p ˂ 0.001). The majority (82.9%) reported that increasing the working hours of primary healthcare (PHC) centers would reduce the ED’s crowdedness. The data thus showed there was inadequate knowledge and some gaps regarding triage in the ED among the public population in Saudi Arabia. Educational level, current job and residence were determinants for the level of knowledge. Allocating specialized physicians, improving the primary health care centers facilities, as well as increasing the working

Applying lessons learnt during Covid 19 era: hybrid ACLS training in low resource setting

Excellence in Advanced cardiac life support and other life support metrics are key items used in measuring the competency of essential personnel. These Life support certifications enable staff to be competent and efficient in providing critical lifesaving interventions to needy patients in a safe and structured manner. While these certifications can be offered by multiple providers, most institutions stick to certain providers due to their international accreditations. While available, their prohibitive cost discourages hospital wide training programs, budgets, and schedule. Internal capacity building has been a key solution to this ever-growing problem. First, recognizing that life support training is an essential part of all critical healthcare providers core competency, and that the competency must be maintained, through frequent training is the first hurdle. Second was developing a training curriculum based on the core skills required to provide life support at the facility, and finally a way of adequately assessing the competency as per the required level for certification. Utilizing a hybrid format of training encompassing participants undergoing an online training module as well as coming for a physical simulation case-based examination. Participants were allowed to take exams multiple times with different case scenarios to achieve a pass mark of 75%. 97 practical examinations for 76 participants were done for both Nurses and doctors over a 3-month period with a first-time success rate of 72%. Following the completion of the training, participants were more comfortable performing life support procedures. With an 80% cost reduction per participant, more staff participation, teamwork, and timely responses to patient resuscitation emergencies, quality in-house, hybrid life support training and certification can be done.

Feasibility of smart engineering solutions in hospitals to tackle with pandemic situation in smart cities

Operations management in healthcare sector is required for providing healthcare services what the doctor has ordered in this swiftly changing field. Giving hospital services worth of best cost to patients is challenging job. Main task is to arrange proper funding and using that wisely and perfectly to provide essential and beneficial services to patients.It is understood from the literature review and discussions with engineers and IT experts in hospitals that use of smart engineering tools by application of operations management are rare and less applied in the field of health care. Presently, hospitals are required to be smart to tackle such pandemic situation to serve patients smartly and satisfy them. Hence in this study smart city based smart hospital concept is highlighted. Aim of this study is to provide effective engineering solutions for smart hospital in smart City through operations management. The Objectives of this study are to optimize patient centric services using engineering tools and to empower smart hospitals equipped with innovative smart IoT based tools. The scope of study is use of smart engineering solutions to staff of hospital using engineering solutions and basically are not directly focusing on patients & their relatives,customer-patients who are not acquainted with IT. This study focus on how hospitals can adopt operations management with optimistic vision by giving reliable, affordable, highest quality medical services to needy patients without any discrimination with keeping objective of patient centric services as the top most priority. A hypothesis of study is: Application of different methods of smart technical majors in daily routine of hospitals in different departments can help to improve performance of hospital and treatment quality towards patients for their better lives.

Evaluation of fresh frozen plasma usage at Tezpur Medical College and Hospital: A two-year study

Background: Rational usage of blood components is important to ensure their availability to needy patients and to avoid unnecessary risk. Despite available guidelines, improvement in quality control, and standardization about the use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), many studies around the world show a high frequency of its inappropriate use. Aims and Objectives: (i) To evaluate the pattern of FFP usage in our hospital and to categorize usage as appropriate or inappropriate based on FFP transfusion guidelines. (ii) To evaluate the effectiveness of FFP transfusion based on pre- and post-transfusion international normalized ratio (INR) values by calculating P-value using a paired t-test. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was done by retrieving requisition forms of all the patients who received FFP transfusion in Tezpur Medical College, Tezpur, Assam, during the period of 2 years (November 01, 2020–October 31, 2022). Patients who received other blood products along with FFP were excluded from this study. Results: 1420 units of FFP were supplied to 850 patients during the study period of which 64% went to males. The most common age group receiving FFP was 30–39 years (28%). The most common indication for FFP was liver disease (33%). Appropriate usage was found in 74% of episodes and inappropriate usage in 26% of episodes. Statistically significant improvement was seen in post-transfusion INR when usage was appropriate (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlighted the pattern of FFP usage in various clinical settings. Regular screening of requisition forms for proper guidelines-based indications, administrative interventions, and meetings of the hospital blood transfusion committee for education and sensitization of medical staff will go a long way in ensuring appropriate usage and good transfusion practice.

IMPORTANCE OF PROCESS IMPROVEMENT IN MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS-A LITERATURE REVIEW

ABSTRACT Since last decade, Healthcare has been acknowledged as the most crucial service sector and even is reaching out remote areas to serve the needy and sick patients. Diagnostics Laboratories are the basic functional departments in hospitals meant to investigate on samples of patients and report about diseases that may be present. Available literature review reveals research being done in pathological aspects, disease management, procedures for biopsy, report formats etc. It is observed that not much of research has been done in the operational aspects of Diagnostics service. It is the need of the hour to lay emphasis on improving these processes. Hospitals and Diagnostics centres with well-defined processes would entail in increased level of customer satisfaction. Awareness of people about patients rights, safety is demanding delivery of service with quality. Hence the aspect of Process improvement needs deeper insight. Hospitals and Diagnostics Laboratories need to integrate people, process and productivity. The current study consolidates the findings in the literature from two perspectives: (i) evolution of healthcare and medical diagnostics (ii) process improvement in medical diagnostics. This study gives the direction for further research in improvisation of process aspects in healthcare in general and medical diagnostics in particular. KEY WORDS: Process, Process Improvement, Operations, Customer Satisfaction, Operational Effectiveness, Diagnostics, Healthcare

How Is It Possible to Treat Diseases Without Medicine?: A Qualitative Study on the Attitude and Perceived Benefits of Yoga and Naturopathy Among Patients Admitted at an Inpatient Hospital.

Background: Yoga and naturopathy (Y&N) is a system of medicine primarily focusing on restoration of health and well-being. Objective of this study is to understand the knowledge, attitude, and perception about Y&N among the inpatients of a government Y&N institution in south India. Methods: Focus group discussion was conducted in eight adult patients aged between 30 and 60 years who took Y&N treatments for a period of 10 days or more. Purposive sampling method was adopted. Oral informed consent was obtained. Results: Knowledge about the Y&N system of medicine was primarily through referral or "word of mouth." Perceived benefits were both physical and psychological. Uniqueness of the hospital as mentioned by participants includes individual attention, tailor-made treatment protocols, and one-to-one care to the needy patients. Conclusion: An integrated approach is very much essential that might bring about better treatment outcomes in patients.

Oxygen Requirement and Associated Risk Factors in Post-COVID-19 Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Center: A Cross-Sectional Study.

COVID-19 commonly affects the lungs and may lead to mild to severe hypoxemia. The supplemental oxygen requirement gradually reduces with the improvement in lung pathology. However, a few patients may have exertional desaturation, and ongoing oxygen needs at the time of hospital discharge. The objective of this research was to study the requirement of oxygen therapy in the immediate post-COVID-19 period and its associated risk factors. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on the admitted post-COVID-19 patients who had recently tested real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) negative in a tertiary care center from August 2021 to mid of October 2021. Nonprobability consecutive sampling was used, and the sample size was 108. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS), version 23. The mode of oxygen therapy (nasal cannula, face mask, reservoir mask, or mechanical ventilation) in the first two weeks of the study was presented appropriately in a table. The nonparametric statistical tests were applied to determine the association between the duration of post-COVID-19 oxygen therapy and several other risk factors such as age, gender, comorbidities, smoking status, exposure to firewood, COVID-19 vaccination, and severity of COVID-19. 95 (87.96%) cases required oxygen therapy in their immediate post-COVID-19 period. The overall median duration of oxygen therapy was 6.00 (4.00-10.00) days. The nasal cannula was the most commonly used mode of oxygen supplement. The duration of oxygen therapy was significantly higher in patients aged more than 60 years (6.00 [5.00-11.00], p = 0.013), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10.00 [6.00-12.75], p = 0.006), history of chronic smoking (9.00 [5.50-13.00], p = 0.044), and severe COVID-19 infection (7.00 [5.00-10.50], p = 0.042). The proportion of patients requiring oxygen therapy in the immediate post-COVID-19 period was higher than that reported in other studies. In addition, old age (>60 years), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic smoking, and severe COVID-19 infection significantly increased the duration of oxygen therapy. So, these factors should be assessed while discharging patients from COVID-19 facilities, and oxygen supplementation should be planned for needy patients.

Charity Colonoscopy Event and Fund in Singapore: A Novel Method to Raise Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract Background: Despite the improvements in the incidence rate and mortality of colorectal cancer in Singapore, most cases are still diagnosed at later stages. This suggests limitations in the uptake of cancer screening, relating to suboptimal population awareness, unfamiliarity with tests, or cost concerns. Objective: We report our experience with a charity colonoscopy event to assist patients with endoscopy costs, raise public awareness of endoscopic cancer screening, and demonstrate the safety of colonoscopy. Design and Settings: The Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Preventing Rectal and Colon Cancer through Endoscopy (SPRUCE) fund was established in 2019. A charity endoscopic event was held to kickstart the official launch of the fund with corporate, individual, and industry support. Patients and Methods: The recruitment criteria were first-visit patients who required colonoscopic evaluation following specialist evaluation and those in possession of a Community Health Assist Scheme card, for which only Singapore citizens whose annual household per capita income was less than Singapore dollar (SGD) 24,000 (USD 17,500) were eligible. This enabled meaningful selection of patients who would most benefit from financial assistance. Main Outcome Measures: To determine the feasibility of a charity colonoscopy event while raising colorectal cancer public awareness. Sample Size: Forty-eight patients underwent colonoscopies by accredited endoscopists for the SPRUCE endoscopy event. Results: Of the 48 participants, 19 (39.5%) were men and 29 (60.4%) were women, with a median age of 64 years. Seven patients (14.6%) had a normal colonoscopy, while 42 (85.4%) had at least one abnormality documented. Forty-one benign polyps were detected and removed in 22 patients (45.8%), with an overall adenoma detection rate of 85.4%. One patient (2.1%) was diagnosed with colon cancer. No complications resulted from the procedures performed during the charity event. Conclusion: A charity colonoscopy event conducted in the form of a health fair for needy patients is feasible and may help raise colorectal cancer awareness. This framework may serve as a useful basis for similar future events held in Singapore or elsewhere. Limitations: Lack of longitudinal assessment of colorectal cancer awareness among the public, following the charity colonoscopy event. Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Is the Triage System Welcomed in the Tertiary Hospital of the Limpopo Province? A Qualitative Study on Patient's Perceptions.

A triage system in the emergency department is necessary to prioritize and allocate scarce health resources to the medical needs of the patients to facilitate quality health service delivery. This paper aimed to ascertain if the triage system is welcomed in the tertiary hospital of Limpopo Province by exploring patients' perceptions in the emergency department in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used in this study with descriptive, explorative, and contextual research design to reach the research objective. Purposive sampling was used to select the patients who participated in semi-structured one-on-one interviews, which lasted between 30 and 45 min. The sample size was determined by data saturation after 14 participants were interviewed. A narrative qualitative analysis method was used to interpret and categorize the patients' perceptions into seven domains of Benner's theory. The six relevant domains illustrated mixed patients' perceptions regarding the triage system in the emergency departments. The domain-helping role of the triage system was overweighed by the dissatisfaction of the needy patients who waited for an extended period to receive emergency services. We conclude that the triage system at the selected tertiary hospital is not welcomed due to its disorganization and patient-related factors in the emergency departments. The findings of this paper are a point of reference for reinforcing the triage practice and improved quality service delivery by the emergency department healthcare professionals and the department of health policymakers. Furthermore, the authors propose that the seven domains of Benner's theory can serve as a foundation for research and improving triage practice within emergency departments.

A Review of Blood Delivery for Sustainable Supply Chain Management (BSCM)

The management and supply of blood are critical yet considered a challenging exercise within the healthcare industry. The inventory managers within the sector concerned with blood storage and transportation always focus on their consumers’ effective and timely responses. A lack of blood during emergencies significantly impacts patients’ lives needing a blood transfusion. On the other hand, blood transfusion to needy patients must be effective and timely, requiring adequate transportation and supply chain policies. A weak transportation system could lead to blood shortages, delivery inefficiencies, and even contamination during the process. There are few blood donors globally; therefore, any wastage due to a poor delivery solution is ineffective. The current review aims to offer a comparative study of blood delivery within crowded cities, specifically using cars and motorcycles as the leading delivery solutions. Based on the systematic literature review, the most effective and responsive blood delivery system in a congested city may be identified considering SC costs, time availability, and emergency severity. The present research provides a comparative analysis of the available blood delivery systems in a congested city. It also helps the stakeholders to take quick and responsive decisions quickly.

Abstract WP78: Low Cost Stroke Management Strategy With Hospital Outcome And One Year Follow-up From A Single Stroke Center, India

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of economic burden in the Low Middle Income countries (LMIC’s). We want to study the outcome of acute strokes treated under Government scheme with minimal package (For Ischemic Stroke - 257 USD & For hemorrhagic stroke - 399 USD), but offered evidence-based stroke care other than thrombolysis. Methods: From January 2021 to March 2021, a total of 350 cases were treated in our Ankineedu stroke center. Out of these 125 (36%) acute stroke patients are treated under subsidized economical stroke care from admission to discharge. In-patient mortality, 3 months follow up and 1 year follow up recorded. All patients received standard medical treatment in Stroke unit with Antiplatelets, statins, DVT prophylaxis, Antihypertensives, dysphagia assessment, physiotherapy and Neurosurgery when required. All basic stroke investigations done - CT scan, MRI scan, MR Angio, Neck vessel doppler, Lipids, Renal Function test, RBS, ECG and ECHO. All patients discharged on secondary prevention. Average length of stay is 10 days. Results: There were 94 men and 31 women, age ranged from 18 years to 85 years (median 55 yrs). Type of stroke: Ischemic Stroke -74% and Haemorrhagic stroke - 26%, 4 patients (3.2%) underwent Neurosurgery. Risk factors: Hypertension - 82 (66%), Diabetes - 45 (36%), Cardiac problems - 17 (13.6%), Smoking - 20 (16%), Alcohol - 15 (12%). Total In-house mortality 5 (4%) and the remaining patients outcome at 3 months - Good outcome with modified rankin scale (mRS) 0-2 in 83 patients (66%), Fair Outcome with mRS (3-4) - 35 (28%), 1 patient (0.8%) bedridden and 1 patient (0.8%) died at home. Out of 125 patients, 60 patients (48%) came for 1 year follow up, of these 88% had mRS (0-2), 12% had mRS (3-5). Conclusion: In resource poor countries we can offer basic stroke care model to all needy patients with reasonable outcome. However, the follow up needs to be strengthened.

Common Health Hazards in Healthcare Facilities & Impact on Healthcare Workers/Professionals/Patients – Remedial Measures – An Analysis

Globally in any healthcare facility there are numerous healthcare hazards such as Infectious diseases, Occupational diseases are common and affecting not only healthcare workers, professionals and such other healthcare workforce attending patients but also patients and their accomplice. While providing healthcare services i.e. preventive, curative and rehabilitative to the patients who visit the healthcare facilities for their ailments / discomfort in some unavailable circumstances the healthcare personnel (healthcare workforce, professionals etc) face healthcare hazards. Unlike other service oriented organizations where one can choose any service that the consumer wants on their own but where as in healthcare it is case specific and the customer namely the patient has to go to a specific place (healthcare facility) and to a specific professional who is capable of extending that particular service needed by the patient. Hence, the healthcare providers and the healthcare professionals should be very careful in handling / treating the needy patients and at the same time to protect themselves from the healthcare hazards and the communicable diseases that are common in any healthcare facility. Though much development took place in medical science/medical technology, procedures and the present system of medical modern technology has made healthcare very complex with many hazards. The main healthcare hazards that are common in any healthcare facility are Biological hazards (viruses, bacteria and parasites), Chemical hazards (disinfectants, drugs and diagnostics), Physical hazards, Ergonomic hazards, Occupational hazards, Occupational exposure to Vancomycin, BRSA Infections, Radiation effect, Violence, Exposure to reproductive health hazard, Stress disorders etc. In this article an attempt is made to discuss about various healthcare hazards that are commonly prevalent in the healthcare facilities in addition to occupational diseases and infectious diseases causing innumerable damage and hardship not only to the workforce and professionals and to the patients in form of other but mainly though transmission and improperly used equipment and maintaining the healthcare facilities in improper environment. Due to increased work load because of human immune deficiency virus, hardships of increased. Also the preventive measures and necessary infrastructure to combat such hazards and infectious diseases, as per the guidelines of the World Health Organization the steps that are to be taken in this regard by the healthcare facility providers are also discussed threadbare. The Constitution of India though does not expressly guarantee a fundamental right to health, there are multiple references in the Constitution to the public health and the role of the stake, the provision of healthcare to others. In India this right which is a natural corollary to promoting public health is protected under the Constitution of India in multiple ways.

Management of chronic non-cancer pain in primary care.

Management of chronic non-cancer pain in primary care.

Time Trend and Prevalence Analysis of Transfusion Transmitted Infections among Blood Donors: A Retrospective Study from 2001 to 2016.

Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) remain a major threat to the patients receiving blood. The incidence of the transmission of various infectious agents has reduced ever since the introduction of various molecular techniques for detection. The study tried to figure out accurate estimates of risk and trend of TTI over a period of sixteen years, essential for monitoring the safety of blood supply and evaluating the efficacy of the currently employed screening procedures. A total of 57942 blood donors' records were analyzed for the period from January 2001 to December 2016. Chi-square test (χ2) was used to evaluate the relationship between serological positivity and particular donor characteristics. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 57942 donations, overall prevalence of TTI was 2.7%. Of these, the reactivity rate of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and malaria was 1.8%, 0.42%, 0.2%, 0.31%, and 0.017%, respectively with significant P value (P < 0.05, CI: 95%). Overall prevalence was higher in replacement donors as compared to voluntary blood donors. Trend of TTI prevalence decreased from 2001 to 2016. This epidemiological research on TTI is important for the region, as estimated disease burden based on comprehensive epidemiological research provides the foundation for public policy to ensure an easily accessible and adequate supply of safe and quality blood and blood components to the needy patients.

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in a sample of patients with oral diseases - A cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome or snoring is a life-threatening disorder affecting patients and its associated dental problems. The disease is associated with dynamic collapse of the upper airway involving several underlying factors such as decrease in oxygen saturation, loud disruptive snoring, abrupt awakening, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is essential to take proper steps in time for the diagnosis of this common-seeming disease. Furthermore, dentists themselves should be aware of this disorder, only then they can provide necessary treatment to the needy patients. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OSA and the awareness of OSA-related oral diseases by a self-administered questionnaire among its patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 individuals were screened through a cross-sectional single-center analytical study to assess the presence of comorbidities and other dental diseases in each individual attending a dental outpatient department over the age of 20 years with complaints of nocturnal snoring. Results: The present authors observed that the prevalence of OSA increases with increasing age and obesity, and in some senior groups it is as high as 43.80% in men (37%–90% in previous published epidemiological studies) and 41.20% in women (in previous published epidemiological studies 50%–78%) in this epidemiological survey. High blood pressure, stress, poor oral hygiene, smoking and alcohol consumption have also been suggested as risk factors, but results are conflicting. Conclusion: The dentist must have the proper knowledge, management, and ability to treat patients at risk of OSA. Therefore starting with a dedicated section of the sleep questionnaire asking questions for sleep disorders, questionnaires for early diagnosis (such as the STOP-BANG questionnaire), a multidisciplinary approach, and pneumological examination can support this. Furthermore, the medical factors have to be addressed well to obtain successful treatment. These results may be related to a relationship between several dental diseases/factors (periodontitis, gingivitis, and hypertension) associated with mild OSA. Its difficult diagnosis, and the absence of a dedicated section on sleep disorders in the medical/dental record, can make its treatment more difficult.

Knee Joint Replacement: A Study Of The Patient Profile In Central India

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are increasing worldwide [1]. The rates have almost increased to 60% more in the last decade in theelderly. Total knee replacement or Knee arthroplasty has made a revolution the field of orthopedics as the earlier thought of painfulconditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis could now be solved by replacing the damaged joint with an artificial joint whichdramatically improves the pain of the patient and the person who could barely walk due to pain starts walking again pain free. Whilemost years these joint replacement surgeries were out of reach for common patients, various schemes implemented by the Govt hasmade it possible that even poor needy patients can get the total knee arthroplasty done and can live a better quality of life free of painand suffering.Methodology: This study was a record based observational study conducted retrospectively in the department of Orthopaedics in atertiary care hospital in central India from 1st March 2021 to 28th February 2022.Observation and Results: A total of 40 patients were studied in total. Out of them 22 were males and 18 were females. The mean ageof the patients was 58.2 years. Out of the 40, 15 patients had yellow ration card i.e. belonging to lower socio economic status while 15had saffron ration card and only 10 had white ration card. Majority of the population was Hindu (40%) followed by Muslims (25%),Buddhist (25%) and 10% were Christians, Sikhs and Jains. Majority of the population was educated up to 10th standard while 15%were illiterate. Osteoarthritis was the most common indication for hip joint replacement (70%).Conclusion: Knee joint replacement is being done commonly in the right candidate and helps in alleviating patients from theirsufferings.

UTILITY OF MINI-POOL NAT STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING BLOOD SAFETY BY DETECTING OCCULT HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION : A 5 YEAR STUDY

Introduction: The prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) is high in India. The aim of our study was to evaluate the sero-prevalence of TTIs using Nucleic acid technology (NAT) and detection of Occult Hepatitis B virus infection by Minipool NAT Strategy. A total of 89,639 units of blood donated at Dhanvanta Materials and Methods: ri Voluntary Blood Bank, Rajahmundry during the period from January 2012 to July 2016. The sero-prevalence for HIV, HBV and HCV was tested by 4th generation ELISA. Only sero-negative samples were tested on mini pool nucleic acid test (MP-NAT) to detect HIV1, HIV2, HCV and HBV viral nucleic acids. Combined NAT yield was calculated and compared the NAT yield with MPX test and MPX V2.0. We also evaluated the optical density (OD) values of ELISA for MP-NAT reactive donor samples to evaluate the efcacy of NAT in detecting window period cases. The Results: overall sero-prevalence of TTIs was 2.41% and HBV was predominantly present (66%). Total 29 ELISA negative blood donor samples were found reactive on NAT. All NAT reactive donors were of HBV only. Out of 29 cases, 12 were detected by MPX test from 26,008 donations and 17 by MPX V2.0 from 25,619 donations, providing NAT yield of 1:2169 and 1:1507 respectively. OD and Signal cut off values of ELISA for NAT reactive samples were found to be much below extended grey zone value (&lt;0.3). Additiona Conclusion: l testing of nucleic acids by MP-NAT in combination of mandated primary serology by ELISA provides 99.99% of safe blood to needy patients; thus signicantly reduces the risk of TTIs by identifying the window period cases.

Kolhapur Cancer Centre … Aiming for Perfection at Grass Root Level, Spreading Care to Those in Need!

There is a big need for more comprehensive cancer centres in tier 3 cities in India. These small cities are the most accessible to the majority of the rural population of India. Most of these patients are economically compromised and thus cannot manage treatment options in metropolitan cities. Kolhapur Cancer Centre was started with the philosophy of "paying back to society" and serving these needy patients in rural India.