Provincial Hospital Research Articles

Nurses’ perceptions regarding the establishment of clinical education and training units in public hospitals in the North-West Province: a qualitative study

BackgroundA Clinical Education and Training Unit is defined as a unit in which the clinical orientation, teaching, learning, and assessment, mentoring and support of student nurses are coordinated to achieve the outcomes of their learning programmes in the health establishment. In South Africa, Clinical Education and Training Unit was developed to reconstruct and revitalise nursing education and training. The clinical education is crucial to enable nursing students to put what they learn in the classroom into practice as they direct patient care, practise therapeutic communication, hone technical skills, demonstrate caring behaviours, investigate ethical dilemmas, and take on the roles of nurses. The clinical teaching unit is one of the models that show potential in advancing clinical education. Since the proposed clinical education and teaching model concluded that Clinical Education and Training Units should be established in 2012, to the researcher’s knowledge, no research study has been conducted to explore and describe the nurses’ perceptions regarding the establishment of Clinical Education and Training Units, particularly in the North-West Province. This has resulted in the scarcity of literature on their perceptions. Thus, the researcher believed that it was essential to explore and describe the perceptions of professional nurses regarding the establishment of Clinical Education and Training Units in the North-West Province of South Africa, so that their perceptions may be known and understood.AimThe study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of professional nurses regarding the establishment of Clinical Education and Training Units in public hospitals in the North-West Province.MethodsA qualitative-exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design was used. This method was used because it is known to unearth a wide range of views, opinions, thoughts, and feelings of the participants thus enabling a deeper understanding concerning perceptions of professional nurses regarding the establishment of Clinical Education and Training Units at the hospitals of interest. Participants were recruited using pamphlets and flyers. A non-probability convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to select participants based on an inclusion criterion. From 09 September 2023 to 07 December 2023, the researcher used face-to-face group discussions to collect data and it was analysed using six steps of inductive thematic data analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke.ResultsFour focus groups discussions were conducted with a total of 19 participants who were professional nurses. Responses were categorised into three domains: advantages of the Clinical Education and Training Unit, challenges of the Clinical Education and Training Unit, and recommendations for the Clinical Education and Training Unit. Subsequently, a total of three main themes with eight sub-themes were determined for advantages of the Clinical Education and Training Unit, two themes with six subthemes for challenges of the Clinical Education and Training Unit, and one theme with two sub-themes for recommendations for the Clinical Education and Training Unit respectively.ConclusionThe need to establish functional Clinical Education and Training Units is therefore very important not only to student nurses but also to health care professionals. Most of the participants emphasised that if Clinical Education and Training Units were fully established they would be beneficial in developing health care professionals, especially in terms of in-service training where nursing standards are emphasised as outlined by the South African Nursing Council. The research study results might contribute to the full establishment of CETUs in the hospitals of the North- West Province, South Africa.Trial registrationnot applicable to the study.

Application of anterior esophageal wall full layer fixation and gastric tube guidance in total laparoscopic overlap method for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy

Objective: To explore the application of anterior esophageal wall full layer fixation and gastric tube guidance in total laparoscopic overlap method for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy. Methods: Overlap esophagojejunostomy with anterior esophageal wall full layer fixation and gastric tube guidance is suitable for patients with advanced gastric cancer (clinical stage: cT1b~4aN0~3M0) and esophageal invasion <3 cm, who underwent radical total gastrectomy+ overlap esophagojejunostomy. The main operation procedure was performed as follows: A titanium clip was used for fixation of the full anterior wall of esophagus before overlap esophagojejunostomy, and the side-to-side esophagojejunostomy was performed with the linear stapler under the guidance of gastric tube. Then the titanium clip was removed after confirming that the correct cavity was entered. Finally, the common outlet was closed by two barbed sutures. A descriptive case series study was conducted. The clinical data of patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and overlap esophagojejunostomy with anterior esophageal wall full layer fixation and gastric tube guidance in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese medicine and the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese medicine from May 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 42 patients were collected, and all of them were successfully completed laparoscopic total radical gastrectomy without conversion to laparotomy or perioperative death. The esophagojejunostomy time, operative time, intraoperative blood loss was 17(5-25) minutes, (258.8±38.0) minutes and 50(20-200) ml, respectively. The incidence of esophageal false lumen was 0%, and there were no intraoperative complications. The time of gastric tube removal, initial fluid diet intake and the duration of postoperative hospital were 2(1-5) , 4(1-8) and 8(4-21) days, respectively. There were no postoperative anastomotic hemorrhage, anastomotic stenosis and other related complications. One patient (2.38%) developed a Clavien-Dindo IIIb complication, which was abdominal hemorrhage after operation. The second surgical exploration confirmed that the patient was bleeding due to gastroduodenal artery rupture. After intraoperative suture hemostasis, fluid expansion, blood transfusion and other treatments, the patient was discharged on the 15th day after the operation. Three patients (7.14%) developed Clavien-Dindo grade II complications, including anastomotic leakage, chylous leakage and pulmonary infection, and were discharged after conservative treatment such as anti-infection and prolonged retention of drainage tube. Conclusions: Laparoscopic overlap method for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy with anterior esophageal wall fixation and gastric tube guidance can shorten the time of esophagojejunostomy and prevent the occurrence of false lumen, and do not increase anastomose-related complications.

The Impact of Ownership Authority on Cash Conversion Cycle in Public Hospitals: A Comparative Analysis of Provincial and County Hospitals

(1) Background: The aim of the paper is to identify and assess if there are differences concerning the cash conversion cycle (CCC) according to different types of ownership authority of hospitals. The main research hypothesis developed for the purpose of this study assumes that the ownership authority is of great importance for the short-term financial management analyzed through the prism of the cash conversion cycle in hospitals. (2) Methods: A statistical hypothesis testing method is employed in the empirical part of the study, analyzing differences both in the values of the cash conversion cycle itself as well as in the values of its components, i.e., inventory conversion period, receivables conversion period, and payables conversion period. The research sample consists of public hospitals subordinated to different types of ownership authorities, i.e., provinces and counties. (3) Results: It turns out that there are indeed statistically significant differences between the provincial and county hospitals as far as the cash conversion cycle and its components are analyzed, which supports the research hypothesis. (4) Conclusions: The county hospitals are characterized by a better financial situation as compared to their provincial counterparts concerning CCC management.

Study the Level of Patients’ Service Satisfaction of Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital

The purpose of this research was to study the level of patients’ service satisfaction of Luang Prabang provincial hospital and comparison of patients’ service satisfaction classified by personal information of Luang Prabang provincial hospital. The samples of this study were 385 patients and their relatives who received services at the Luang Prabang provincial hospital. The research were using the questionnaire as a tool to collect data. Data were analyzed by using mean, standard deviation, T-test, F-test (One-way ANOVA). Finding indicated that the overall opinion on service satisfaction was at a median level patient in Luang Prabang provincial hospital. The respondent with different personal demographic data by sex, status, age, education, occupation, income, and types of patient care; were no different in service satisfaction; but the respondent with different personal demographic data by who services at each unit were different in service satisfaction.

Towards 'Formalising' WhatsApp Teledermatology Practice in KZ-N District Hospitals: Key Informant Interviews.

District hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, do not have onsite specialist dermatology services. Doctors at these hospitals use WhatsApp instant messaging to informally seek advice from dermatologists and colleagues before possible referral. They have expressed the need to formalise WhatsApp teledermatology. To determine the views and perspectives of clinicians on the feasibility and practicality of formalising the current WhatsApp-based teledermatology activities within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health Dermatology Service. Key informant interviews with 12 purposively selected doctors at district hospitals and all 14 dermatologists in the KwaZulu-Natal dermatology service. Their views and perspectives on formalising the current informal use of WhatsApp for teledermatology were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Five primary themes (communication, usability, utility, process, and poor understanding of legal, regulatory, and ethical issues) and 22 sub-themes were identified. Clinicians wanted WhatsApp teledermatology to continue, be formalised, and be incorporated within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, facilitated by the provision of practical guidelines addressing legal, regulatory, and ethical issues. These findings will be used to develop a policy brief, providing recommendations and proposed guidelines for formalising the teledermatology service. The findings and methods will be relevant to similar circumstances in other countries.

Analysis of the clinical characteristics of 765 renal tuberculosis patients: based on 10years of experience in four provincial teaching hospitals.

To explore the clinical characteristics of the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for renal tuberculosis. Clinical diagnosis and treatment data from 765 patients definitively diagnosed with renal tuberculosis between January 2013 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed to identify optimal diagnostic and treatment modalities guiding clinical practice. The number of patients with clinically atypical renal tuberculosis has fluctuated in the last decade, but the changes are not statistically different. T-SPOT, CT, and endoscopy are still commonly used tests with high diagnostic value in clinical practice. The efficacy of anti-tuberculosis drugs was suboptimal, resulting in a cure rate of only 15.43% and a progression rate of only 68.55%. Ureteral stent placement, although effective in relieving hydronephrosis, does not reverse renal impairment and has a 21.43% cure rate and a 57.14% progression rate. Surgical resection was necessary for the majority of patients, with a nephrectomy rate of 76.34% and a cure rate of 81.12%. The prognosis for renal tuberculosis is generally poor, particularly in cases of bilateral involvement. Accurate diagnosis and surgical resection of the tuberculous kidney are essential for preventing complications associated with advanced renal tuberculosis.

Acupoint catgut embedding advantage in treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (ACE-GERD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundGastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent disorder worldwide and developing effective treatment strategies for GERD is a clinical priority. GERD is associated with anxiety and depression. Several approaches...

Considerations on 229 cases of V.I.G. in a provincial hospital in Lombardy

Not available.

Characteristics and risk factor analyses of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in older patients with colorectal polyps.

According to the degree of intradermal neoplasia in the colorectal exhalation, it can be divided into two grades: Low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN). Currently, it is difficult to accurately diagnose LGIN and HGIN through imaging, and clinical diagnosis depends on postoperative histopathological diagnosis. A more accurate method for evaluating HGIN preoperatively is urgently needed in the surgical treatment and nursing intervention of colorectal polyps. To explore the characteristics and risk factors of HGIN in older patients with colorectal polyps. We selected 84 older patients diagnosed with HGIN as the HGIN group (n = 95 colonic polyps) and 112 older patients diagnosed with LGIN as the LGIN group (n = 132 colonic polyps) from Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University. The endoscopic features, demographic characteristics, and clinical manifestations of the two patient groups were compared, and a logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for HGIN in these patients. The HGIN group was older and had a higher number of sigmoid colon polyps, rectal polyps, pedunculated polyps, polyps ≥ 1.0 cm in size, polyps with surface congestion, polyps with surface depression, and polyps with villous/tubular adenomas, a higher proportion of patients with diabetes and a family history of colorectal cancer, patients who experienced rectal bleeding or occult blood, patients with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 199 (CA199), and lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels. The polyp location (in the sigmoid colon or rectum), polyp diameter (≥ 1.0 cm), pathological diagnosis of (villous/tubular adenoma), family history of colorectal cancer, rectal bleeding or occult blood, elevated serum CEA and CA199 levels, lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels also are independent risk factors for HGIN. The occurrence of high-grade neoplastic transformation in colorectal polyps is closely associated with their location, size, villous/tubular characteristics, family history, elevated levels of tumor markers, and lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels.

The Mediator Role of Psychological Ownership in the Effect of Perceived Managerial Support on Individual Work Performance: A Research in the Health Care Sector

The study aimed to determine the mediator role of psychological ownership in the relationship between nurses' perceived managerial support and individual work performance. The descriptive and cross-sectional study sample included Osmaniye provincial and district hospital nurses. A mixed analysis, including both quantitative (n=414) and qualitative (n=23) analysis methods, was used for the study. While the quantitative data were tested using the Structural Equation Model (SEM), content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. According to the findings, it was concluded that psychological ownership partially mediated the effect of perceived managerial support on individual work performance.

Development of a self-assessment tool to evaluate the readiness of pharmacy departments for internship training in China: a two-phase study

ObjectivesInternships in the pharmacy departments of training hospitals represent a crucial stage in the professional development of pharmacy students. However, the quality of internship training varies significantly across training hospitals in China, and there is a lack of standardized readiness evaluation tools. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a self-assessment tool to evaluate the preparedness of training hospitals for providing internship training.MethodsThis study employed an exploratory mixed-methods approach and was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, during 2021, focus groups were conducted with 16 interns from three tertiary hospitals in Henan Province. In 2022, 14 preceptors from tertiary hospitals in various provinces were interviewed either one-on-one or in focus groups. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis to compile a set of self-assessment indicators for internship training readiness. Subsequently, the initial draft of the self-assessment tool for internship training readiness was developed by integrating the indicators derived from the interviews and literature review. In the second phase, the Delphi method was utilized. In 2023, the experts participated in two rounds of correspondence (21 experts in the first round and 19 in the second round), and consensus was reached on the indicators of the self-assessment tool after the two rounds. Meanwhile, these experts assessed the current status of internship training in training hospitals across China.ResultsThe qualitative findings of the first phase included five themes and 22 sub-themes, which were integrated with the indicators derived from the literature review to develop an initial indicator framework for the second phase. This initial framework comprised five domains and 37 items. The second phase involved two rounds of expert surveys, with effective response rates of 90.48% and 89.47%, respectively. Ultimately, the self-assessment tool for evaluating the readiness of pharmacy departments in training hospitals for internships included five dimensions and 35 secondary indicators: (1) organizational structure, (2) training content, (3) training mode, (4) effectiveness evaluation, and (5) emergency management. Additionally, experts assessed the readiness of pharmacy departments in Chinese training hospitals for internships, yielding varied results. Emergency management preparedness scored the highest, followed by organizational structure and training content preparation. However, the modes of internship training and the evaluation of training effectiveness received lower scores.ConclusionThe developed tool provides a comprehensive self-assessment checklist for the pharmacy departments of training hospitals and possesses the potential to enhance the development of more effective internship training programs.

An integrative predictive model for orthokeratology lens decentration based on diverse metrics.

To develop a predictive model for orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lens decentration 1 month after wear. This study included myopic children who were fitted with Ortho-K lenses at Fujian Provincial Hospital between December 2022 and May 2024. Corneal topography parameters and other relevant metrics were collected pre- and post-treatment. Feature selection was conducted using univariate logistic regression and Lasso regression analysis. A machine learning approach was used to develop multiple predictive models, including Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, Multilayer Perceptron, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, ROC curves, DCA curves, and calibration curves. SHAP values were employed to interpret the models. The Logistic Regression model demonstrated the best predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.69-0.95), accuracy of 77.59%, sensitivity of 85%, and specificity of 61.11%. The most significant predictors identified were age, 8 mm sag height difference, 5 mm Kx1, and 7 mm Kx2. SHAP analysis confirmed the importance of these features, particularly the 8 mm sag height difference. The Logistic Regression model successfully predicted the risk of Ortho-K lens decentration using key corneal morphological metrics and age. This model provides valuable support for clinicians in optimizing Ortho-K lens fitting strategies, potentially reducing the risk of adverse outcomes and improving the quality of vision for patients. Further validation in clinical settings is recommended.

Service Quality Influencing Patient Satisfaction at Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital

The objective of this research were to study 1) the attitude of the patient toward service quality at the Luang Prabang provincial Hospital, and 2) The service quality influencing patient satisfaction at Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital. The participants of this study were 385 patients; these covered the patient and their relatives who received services at the Luang Prabang provincial Hospital. The research used the questionnaire as a tool to collect data. Data were analyzed by calculating mean, standard deviation, analyze the relationship of variables and analyze the multiple regression. The findings indicated that 1) the attitude of the patient toward service quality at the Luang Prabang provincial Hospital found that a high level such as well diagnosis, well convenience, well and quick treatment, well cleanness, for the well hospitality was a median level. 2) The service quality well cleanliness factor, well convenience, and well and quick treatment influencing patient satisfaction at Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital.

Yunpi Rougan Prescription in Treating Constipation-Predominant IBS: Clinical Observation and Gut Microbiota Effects.

Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) is a chronic functional intestinal disease that can significantly reduce patients' quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effect and mechanism of YunPi RouGan (YPRG) prescription on IBS-C patients with liver-depression and spleen-deficiency syndrome. 42 IBS-C patients receiving treatment at Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from May 2022 to March 2023 were recruited and randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group, with 21 patients in each group. The patients received either a YPRG prescription or a linalotide capsule for 4 weeks. A series of scales were utilized to evaluate the clinical symptoms, psychological aspects, and quality of life in IBS patients. Meanwhile, fresh fecal samples were collected to analyze the changes in gut microbiota by 16SrDNA sequencing. In terms of clinical treatment, both YPRG prescription and the first-line drug linaclotide have similar effects for IBS-C. However, YPRG prescription has demonstrated significant improvements in several symptoms, such as abdominal distension and belching. Furthermore, it has been shown to upregulate the diversity of gut microbiota and induce changes in the types of dominant microbiota in IBS-C patients. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroides increased, while Proteobacteria, actinobacteria, and desulphurobacteria decreased. At the genus level, Bacteroides, Spirillum, Clostridium praxis, Roxella, Para-salmonella, Haemophilus, koala bacillus, Micrococcus rare, Spirillum, and Streptococcus increased significantly. The effect of YPRG prescription on improving the clinical symptoms of IBS-C may be attributed to its potential to regulate gut microbiota.

Analysis of hospitalization expenditures and influencing factors for inpatients with chronic bronchitis based on SHA2011 in a central Province of China.

This study compared the hospitalization expenses of patients with chronic bronchitis in a central province (Province A) in China to estimate the direct medical cost of the family. Our data included hospitalization records of 30,341 patients with chronic bronchitis from five urban general hospitals in Province A. Using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, we explored the relevant factors affecting hospitalization expenses. Our study results have indicated that from 2016 to 2020, the medical expenditure of patients with chronic bronchitis increased annually, with an average annual growth rate of 22.65%. Among all kinds of expenses, the hospitalization expenses, drug cost, bed cost, test cost and other cost of UEMI (Urban Employee Medical Insurance) are higher than that of other types of medical insurance. The check-up fees of CMI (Commercial Insurance) are lower than that of other types of insurance. Between 2016 and 2019, the average medical expenses per patient with chronic bronchitis increased by 44%, which is the highest average medical expenses among patients aged 60-70. And the highest average medical expenditure emerged when the number of service days is between 5 and 10 days. The increase in expenditure could be attributed to the rapid development of medical technology and the increasing medical demand of the people. Overall, the results of our study implied a significant increase in medical expenses for patients with chronic bronchitis from 2015 to 2020, indicating that chronic bronchitis could bring heavy economic pressures to patients, their families and society.

Increased access to pediatric specialist healthcare using eConsult: A retrospective observational cohort and case–control study

ABSTRACT Objectives Primary care practitioners (PCPs) report that using the Champlain BASE™ eConsult service (eConsult) averts one-third of face-to-face (FTF) specialist referrals, however, there are concerns about duplication of services and adverse patient outcomes. Following an eConsult, we evaluated patient healthcare utilization and associated treatment costs. Methods Retrospective cohort study (2014 to 2018) of patients (&amp;lt;18 years old) for whom an eConsult visit averted a FTF specialist referral. Patients were linked to provincial health administrative databases and hospital electronic medical records for healthcare use for the same diagnosis and specialty for the 18 months following the eConsult. Concurrently, a retrospective case–control study compared utilization and costs between an eConsult versus a matched FTF visit for the same diagnosis. We also assessed PCP satisfaction. Results In follow-up, &amp;lt;5% of the study cohort of eConsult patients (n = 242) later accessed the healthcare system for the identical diagnosis and specialty type. FTF visits generate more frequent outpatient visits (12.6 times more [95% CI: 2.28 to 69.66, P = 0.002]) and higher costs compared to eConsult visits. There were no hospital admissions or deaths in patients with eConsult. PCPs (98%) described eConsult as an excellent service. Conclusions Using eConsult is associated with &amp;lt;5% of patients subsequently having a FTF visit for the same reason. Matched FTF visits generated more healthcare utilization and higher costs compared with eConsult. eConsult in pediatrics is safe and can minimize FTF specialist visits in elective cases and increase capacity, towards a more efficient and cost-effective healthcare system.

Analysis of the accuracy between orthopedic robot-assisted and traditional manual pedicle screw placement techniques in adult degenerative scoliosis posterior surgery

Objective: To comparing the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in posterior surgery for adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) between robotic-assisted and traditional freehand techniques. Methods: This retrospective study included 92 patients with ADS who underwent posterior spinal surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Jiangsu Province Hospital) between March 2019 and December 2023. There were 19 males and 73 females with a mean age of (63.6±9.8) years. The patients were divided into two groups based on the technique used for pedicle screw placement: robot-assisted group (34 cases) and manual group (58 cases). Operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, facet joint violation, postoperative complications, magnitude of curve correction, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively, and 1 month postoperatively were compared and analyzed between the two groups. The Gertzbein-Robbins classification criteria was used to assess the accuracy of screw placement. Results: Differences in baseline data, operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, magnitude of curve correction, and VAS and ODI scores preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively, and 1 month postoperatively between the two groups exhibited no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). The accuracy of pedicle screw placement in the robot-assisted group was significantly higher than that in the manual group [90.9% (416/458) vs 80.1% (697/870), P<0.001]. In terms of surgical segments, in T1-T12 and L1-S1 segments, the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in the robot group were both significantly higher than those in the control group [91.5% (130/142) vs 77.8% (186/239), P=0.001; 90.3% (271/300) vs 80.8% (502/621), P<0.001]. However, no significant differences was observed in the accuracy of S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) screw placement between the two groups [90.0%(9/10) vs 93.8%(15/16), P=0.727]. Moreover, no significant differences was found in the deviation direction of the cortical screw penetration between both groups (P=0.133). Significant differences were observed in the accuracy of screw placement between the Nash Moe 2 and 3 vertebral bodies in the robot group compared with those in the control group [88.9% (88/99) vs 71.0% (115/162), P=0.001; 89.2% (83/93) vs 60.2% (68/113), P<0.001]. Additionally, the incidence and grade of facet joint violation in the manual group were both significantly higher than those in the robot-assisted group (both P<0.001). No statistically significant differences was identified in postoperative complications between the two groups (P=0.841). Conclusion: It suggests that robot-assisted pedicle screw placement in posterior surgery for patients with ADS can significantly improve the accuracy of screw placement and reduce the incidence of facet joint violation.

PRESCRIBING PATTERNS OF ANALGESICS FOR DENTAL PAIN IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KP)

Background: Analgesics are prescribed for dental pains and inflammation. Dentists need to analyze the prescribing patterns of analgesics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Objectives: The study aims to assess the rational use and patterns of prescribing analgesics for dental pain and inflammation management based on information obtained from dentists in KPK. Methodology: The current investigation utilized prescriptions to study dentists’ prescribing patterns of analgesics. The data was collected during October 2022 and August 2023. The prescriptions were collected from tertiary care hospitals in KP province. Results: A total of 400 patients’ prescriptions were analyzed, comprising males (55%) and females (45%). The most frequently prescribed generic analgesics were flurbiprofen (n= 174), ibuprofen (n= 49), paracetamol (n= 19), naproxen sodium (n= 18), lornoxicam (n= 18), and nimesulide (n= 17). The most common brand prescriptions included Tornil (n= 97), Brufen (n= 48), Inflamatix (n= 44), Synflex (n= 3), and Ansaid (n= 8), and Panadol (n= 10), among others. The prescribed dosage forms for male patients were primarily tablets (92.73%), followed by syrup (0.91%) and suspension (0.45%), and for female patients were primarily tablets (98%), followed by syrup (2%), capsules (1%), and gel (1%). Among the patients, 91 drugs were prescribed from the Essential Drug List (EDL), while 304 drugs were not from the list. Conclusion: The current study’s findings showed that flurbiprofen and ibuprofen were the medications that dentists prescribed most frequently as analgesics for dental pain therapy. Many of the drugs chosen were not from the EDL.

Rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis and Associated Factors Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Mahakali Provincial Hospital, Nepal

The study aims at assessing the prevalence of RR-TB and identify associated factors among pulmonary TB patients using GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay data from January to December 2023. Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant global health threat, with rifampicin-resistant (RR) strains presenting a formidable challenge to disease control efforts. This study based the retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Mahakali Provincial Hospital in Nepal. Out of 2587 presumptive TB cases, 11.8% were confirmed positive for TB, with males constituting a significantly higher proportion (66.1%) than females (33.9%). Among TB-positive cases, 3% showed resistance to rifampicin, predominantly affecting males (77.8%). Age group analysis revealed higher TB detection rates in the 46-60 years group, while rifampin -resistance tuberculosis (RR-TB) cases were more evenly distributed across age groups without statistical significance. Ethnicity and residential locality did not show significant associations with RR-TB. Multivariate logistic regression highlighted gender as RR-TB and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in a Mahakali Provincial Hospital, Nepal. Rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) remains a significant challenge at Mahakali Provincial Hospital, with a 3% prevalence, predominantly affecting males. Gender is a key factor in RR-TB prevalence. To manage and reduce RR-TB effectively, it is necessary to implement targeted interventions for high-risk groups, particularly males, and to enhance diagnostic capabilities.

Erythromycin as a prokinetic drug for the treatment of feeding intolerance in preterm and low birth weight infants at a provincial hospital in Thailand

Erythromycin as a prokinetic drug for the treatment of feeding intolerance in preterm and low birth weight infants at a provincial hospital in Thailand