Team Approach Research Articles

Exploration of Management Strategies for Type 2 Diabetes among Wounded Patients: A Review

The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with wounds posed a complex challenge, requiring a multifaceted approach to optimize glycemic control and improve healing outcomes. T2DM impaired the body’s natural healing processes, increasing the risk of chronic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which can lead to severe complications such as infections and amputations. This review explored various management strategies tailored for wounded patients with T2DM, including the importance of maintaining optimal glycemic levels, dietary interventions, pharmacological treatments, and multidisciplinary care approaches. The review was conducted by synthesizing current research findings, clinical studies, and systematic reviews on glycemic control, dietary interventions, pharmacological treatments, and multidisciplinary approaches in managing wounds among patients with T2DM. Key findings indicate that tight glycemic control, particularly with target hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels between 7.0% and 8.0%, enhances wound healing, while overly aggressive management may have adverse effects. Nutritional strategies like Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, while pharmacological treatments like metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT-2 inhibitors improve glycemic control and overall health outcomes. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is highlighted as a critical factor in improving patient care, with evidence showing significant reductions in HbA1c levels among patients treated by MDTs. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols, leveraging emerging technologies, and assessing the long-term effects of integrated management strategies on wound healing and quality of life. Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Management, Glycemic Control, Wound Healing, Dietary Interventions, Multidisciplinary Care.

Clinico-microbiological profile of urosepsis patients in a tertiary care hospital in India: A 1-year study

Objectives: Urosepsis is a life-threatening bacterial infection resulting from a complicated urinary tract infection. Early diagnosis of urosepsis, its causative agent, and the susceptibility pattern are most important for accurate treatment to prevent mortality. Diagnosis includes recognition of the presence of sepsis and the investigations that help in the management of patients. The most common organism causing urosepsis is Escherichia coli, followed by other members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. With this background, this study was conducted to determine the clinical-microbiological profile of urosepsis patients in our tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study; patients with clinical urosepsis and growing identical bacteria from both urine and blood cultures taken simultaneously are included in the study. The details of the clinical presentation and laboratory investigation results were recorded on an Excel sheet. Statistical analysis: Statistical analysis was done using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics V.23. The categorical variables such as demographic, microbiological, and other laboratory characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed and expressed in terms of frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables were expressed in terms of median. Independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, Chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact test were used wherever applicable. Results: We found 87 urosepsis patients in one year with a mortality rate of 22.98%. The mean age of the patients was 61.5 years, with majority (42.42%) above 65 years. Gram-negative bacilli were frequently isolated, with the highest number of E. coli (68.96%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.68%). Sixteen (18.4%) of Gram-negative bacilli were Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Multiple risk factors were seen in 58/87 (66.66%) patients, with diabetes mellitus as the most common risk factor. Conclusions: Urosepsis is a critical condition with a high mortality rate. Meropenem can be used as an empirical therapy with careful observation of patients in view of the occurrence of carbapenem resistance. A multidisciplinary team approach comprising intensive care specialists, urologists, radiologists, and microbiologists is very important for the effective and rapid management of urosepsis.

Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy in Radiology: The Role of Efficient Radiology Staff at Eskag Sanjeevani Hospital, Kolkata, India

Diagnostic imaging is a cornerstone of modern medical diagnosis and treatment, yet missed diagnoses remain a significant issue within radiology, often resulting in delayed treatment and adverse patient outcomes. This article examines the pivotal role of radiology technicians in mitigating missed diagnoses and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Through a detailed analysis of practices at Eskag Sanjeevani Hospital in Kolkata, India, the article highlights how the radiology team's comprehensive approach to imaging encompassing rigorous adherence to protocols, pattern recognition, and thorough communication contributes to superior diagnostic precision. The discussion includes case studies illustrating the team’s proactive identification of incidental findings, such as abnormalities in paranasal sinuses during a brain CT and posterior abnormalities detected during an abdominal CT, which led to additional diagnostic procedures and timely intervention. These practices demonstrate the significant impact of efficient radiology staff on reducing diagnostic errors, improving patient outcomes, and optimizing healthcare delivery.

Effectively addressing burnout, well-being, and resilience: Individual, team, and system approaches.

This is an introduction to the special section "Effectively Addressing Burnout, Well-being and Resilience." In this special section, we aimed to present work that is uniquely pertinent to the mission of Families, Systems and Health. While the authors welcomed work that focused on the study of burnout, well-being, and/or resilience among individual clinicians, they were especially interested in more "upstream" study of these topics among health care teams and systems-level interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

554. SHORT TERM OUTCOMES OF ESOPHAGECTOMY FROM LOW VOLUME CANCER CENTRE IN INDIA

Abstract This study evaluates short term outcomes of esophagectomy at a low volume cancer hospital in Visakhapatnam, India. Fifteen patients who underwent esophagectomy from 2020 to 2023 were analysed. The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma. The mean age was 55 years and the majority were male. The common approaches used were open trans hiatal and transthoracic esophagectomy. The mean operative time was 9.5 hours and the mean hospital stay was 15.92 days. There were no perioperative deaths but complications included pulmonary issues, vocal cord paralysis, anastomotic leaks, chyle leaks and wound infections. Higher volume centres tend to have better outcomes after esophagectomy. However, factors other than volume like patient selection, ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols, specialized critical care and trained multidisciplinary teams also impact outcomes. At our centre, though a low volume hospital, proper patient selection, prehabilitation and a collaborative team approach helped achieve acceptable results. We recommend developing consensus on defining low and high-volume centres for esophagectomy in the Indian context, based on disease burden, resources and constraints. Overall, there is a lack of Indian data comparing outcomes between low and high-volume centres for esophagectomy.

Retinal changes in preeclampsia

Background: The eye undergoes a series of physiological changes during pregnancy in response to metabolic and hormonal adaptation. Preeclampsia (PE) is the main cause of maternal morbidity and is associated with serious pregnancy-related complications. Characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, PE affects 2–8% of pregnancies globally. Previous studies have indicated that PE compromises retinal health. We examined the effects of PE on retinal structure and vasculature. Methods: We conducted a literature review by searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus using terms pertaining to PE and the retina. The review included articles published between January 1, 1990, and May 30, 2024. The articles were selected based on their relevance to the topic. The key findings are summarized to offer a comprehensive overview of current knowledge, highlight the pathophysiology and manifestations of PE-related retinal changes, and propose clinical implications, diagnostic clues, and management strategies. Results: PE is associated with visual disturbances caused by various retinal changes, including arteriolar narrowing, vasospasm, hemorrhages, exudates, serous retinal detachment, macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and choroidal ischemia. These are mostly evident on fundus examination and frequently resolve postpartum. The underlying pathophysiology involves endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, inflammation, and coagulopathy. These retinal changes have immediate clinical implications and long-term risks, necessitating early detection, prompt multidisciplinary management, and close follow-up. Although most PE-associated retinal disturbances spontaneously resolve after the termination of pregnancy, one-third of patients are likely to experience long-lasting consequences Conclusions: Visual disturbances may precede and portend the onset of PE. Early detection and prompt management will mitigate fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology of PE-related retinal manifestations is crucial for optimal management, because the majority of manifestations are reversible. Although retinal changes secondary to PE typically resolves postpartum, some studies demonstrated that women with PE may have a higher long-standing risk of ocular disorders. A multidisciplinary team approach involving obstetricians, ophthalmologists, and healthcare providers is essential for the immediate and long-term management of ocular consequences in pregnancy. Consequently, additional studies associated with robust methodologies are required to develop clinical guidelines.

Physical activity and exercise in chronic kidney disease: consensus statements from the Physical Exercise Working Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology

The Italian Society of Nephrology has tasked its Working Group on Physical Exercise with developing a consensus statement document on physical activity and exercise in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This paper consists of 16 points that were discussed, and approved using the mini-Delphi method by 15 members of the working group. Each statement is based on a comprehensive review of the literature, clinical experience, and expert opinions. Overall, the statements affirm that regular physical activity and exercise training offer numerous benefits to CKD patients, including improved physical function, enhanced cardiometabolic and neuromuscular function, cognitive benefits, and an overall improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, exercise may provide nephroprotection and reduce mortality. These advantages are observed across all CKD stages, whether on conservative therapy or kidney replacement therapy (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), and in kidney transplant recipients. Moreover, when physical activity and exercise training are implemented with appropriate precautions, they are safe in CKD patients. Gradual physical activity and customized exercise programs should be tailored to the patient's exercise tolerance, potentially enhancing compliance. Clinicians are encouraged to use a series of questionnaires and tests to assess the patient's level of physical activity and performance. However, exercise and physical activity are poorly implemented in clinical practice due to many barriers related to patients and healthcare staff. Overcoming these barriers requires the proactive role of the nephrologists, who should actively incorporate exercise training and promote physical activity within routine care plans. Adopting a multidisciplinary team approach, which includes nephrologists, nurses, exercise professionals, and dietitians, is crucial for providing comprehensive rehabilitation for CKD patients. Integrating new technologies and remote check ups could further enhance the effectiveness of these interventions.Graphical abstract

Cleft lip and palate surgery in the Otolaryngology and Head-neck surgery department of a Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are one of the most common developmental anomalies in orofacial region. CLP surgery lies in the anatomical domain of Ear Nose Throat and Head - Neck Surgery. In Bangladesh specialty of plastic surgery is still in developing stage and plastic surgeons are not easily available everywhere. ENT and Head-Neck surgeon had to take up the responsibility of some of cleft patients. This article is a retrospective analysis of a series of 200 cases of cheiloplasty and palatoplasty done in ENT and Head-Neck Surgery department of Khulna City Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Results were satisfactory in our, patient and parent's consideration. Objective: Our aim is to discuss the demographic profile, presentations, degree & type of cleft and outcome of CLP surgery in Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery department of a Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh. We will also discuss the embryology of face & historical background of the cleft surgery. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of CLP surgery for 200 cleft patients. We based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for selection of patients. Majority of cleft lip patients were operated following the Millard modified rotation advancement technique and isolated cleft palate patients were operated following Von Langenbeck bipedicle flap and Veau-Wardil-Kilner V-Y pushback technique in the ENT and Head-Neck Surgery Department of a Medical College Hospital. Patients were advised for periodic follow up. Results: Total of 200 patients of CLP were operated in our department out of which male was 92 (46%) and female was108 (54%)), male and female ratio being 1:1.08. The age range was 3 months to 40 years with a mean of 8.38 years. Pre alveolar group both male and female comprised of 134 (67%) and alveolar group 66 (33%) patients and that of isolated cleft palate 7 (10.60%) patients. Pre alveolar unilateral CLP was high. The results of surgery were satisfactory in our postoperative evaluation. Patients and parents were also satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion: Majority of CLP patients don’t suffer functional problem apart from facial disfigurement. Restoration of normal anatomy, facial appearance and function can be achieved by surgery in appropriate time and age. Few cases may be associated with feeding difficulties, dental and hearing problems. Some cases are associated with other congenital anomalies and syndromes. Those cases demand team approach of different specialty.

Respiratory issues and current management in neuromuscular diseases: a narrative review.

Respiratory care is often embedded as a component of the overlapping management strategies in many patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD). Implementation of respiratory care strategies requires a sensitivity to the nature of the disease, the vulnerability during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and complicating comorbidities specific to each patient. Care must adjust to progression of the disease as well as the comfort and preferences of the patient. Clinical presentations are usually heterogenous based on the specific NMD and overall course of the disease making diagnosis and respiratory care challenging. The aim of this review was to review the state-of-the-art evidence-based clinical practices and updates in the management of respiratory complications in patients with NMDs. We conducted a search on the PubMed and Medline databases using these keywords: secretions, neuromuscular disease, neuromuscular disorders, non-invasive ventilator, neuromuscular respiratory weakness, respiratory failure. The specified timeframe began from 1980 to 2024. Timely use of non-invasive ventilation and overall respiratory care is most important as emerging evidence shows some benefits with improved mortality in this group of patients. In some settings, comorbid complications that dictate need for airway management and oral diversion may have a more profound impact on mortality than the effectiveness of ventilatory support that are chosen. A multidisciplinary team approach to care has been shown to improve the quality of life and survival in these patients in centers of excellence. Patients should have the ability to access services provided by neurology, pulmonology, speech pathology, sleep medicine, cardiology and respiratory therapy services. The cornerstone for management of respiratory failure and sleep disordered breathing in NMD is non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Initiation of this support and other respiratory cares need to be timely, and patients may have very subtle symptoms during the early stages of the disease which makes it challenging in recognizing the onset of respiratory muscle stress and fatigue. Close attention to these symptoms as well as respiratory and radiologic parameters is essential for appropriate incorporation of these cares.

Leveraging a Team Approach for Emergency Preparedness in Georgia

Leveraging a Team Approach for Emergency Preparedness in Georgia

Anesthesia for an infant with congenital mediastinal mass: a case report

BackgroundGiant anterior mediastinal masses in infants are one of the most challenging cases faced in pediatric anesthesia practice. They can pose unique challenges for resection such as cardiovascular collapse on induction of anesthesia and injury to surrounding structures that maybe compressed or displaced. Principles that must be followed and kept in mind during removal of giant mediastinal mass include appropriate diagnostic imaging to define mass extent, airway control during induction, a multidisciplinary team approach including cardiothoracic for sternotomy, cannulation to institute cardiopulmonary bypass, otolaryngology for rigid bronchoscopy, preservation of neurovascular structure, and complete resection whenever possible. Our patient had a mass that weighed twice his whole body weight.Case presentationHere we present a 3-month-old Middle Eastern infant weighing 3.2 kg with a large congenital teratoma who presented to the emergency room with cyanosis and respiratory distress. During his hospital course, he underwent three procedures, two of them under light-to-moderate sedation: a diagnostic computer tomography scan followed by mass content drainage by interventional radiology (Figs. 1, 2). On the third day, he had a thoracotomy with complete tumor resection under general anesthesia with the help of an epidural for pain control (Fig. 3). The resected tumor weighed 2.5 kg, which was equal to twice the patient’s total body weight (Fig. 4). After the surgery, he was extubated in the operating room and discharged home 3 days later.Fig. 1Anterior–posterior chest x-ray showing the anterior mediastinal mass (AMM)Fig. 2Cross-section computed tomography (CT) showing large anterior mediastinal mass (AMM)Fig. 3Gross anatomy of the tumor before resectionFig. 4Gross anatomy of the removed tumorConclusionAnterior mediastinal mass patients can be challenging for the anesthesiologist. They need meticulous thorough perioperative assessment to determine the extent of compression on major intramediastinal structures and to predict the complications. Planning by multidisciplinary team and discussion with the family is important. These types of cases should be preferably operated on by an experienced team in a well-equipped operation room in tertiary care institutes.

How We Would Treat Our Own Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Patient

The field of congenital cardiac catheterization (CCC) has changed dramatically since it began eight decades ago. New techniques and devices have expanded the indications for interventional catheterization. Heart teams who care for patients in the pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory are confronted with a growing number of patients presenting for a wide range of increasingly technically-challenging cases. Multiple societies have published expert guidelines for CCC management to provide recommendations for best practice. We reviewed risk stratification strategies for CCC and describe our institution's comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the periprocedural management of patients with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac catheterization, using the index case of a 6-year-old patient with multiple heart defects. We concluded that risk stratification and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team approach that begins when a procedure is booked is essential to inform management and optimize outcomes. Clinical decision-making should be informed by expert guidelines and evolving risk stratification research.

The Australian Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) hospital study: effect of a collaborative medication review on the number of current regular medicines for older hospital inpatients.

Potentially harmful polypharmacy is a growing public health concern. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) framework. We recruited patients at metropolitan hospitals for a randomised controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up. The intervention included a comprehensive medicines history, multidisciplinary meeting and medicines review prior to discharge, with engagement with the participants' general practitioner extending after discharge. The primary outcome was the change in the number of regular medicines used at 12 months from baseline. A cost consequence was performed to estimate costs per participant during the study period. There were 98 participants enrolled in the study. The number of regular medicines was significantly reduced from baseline in both groups (-1.7 ± 4.3, t = 2.38, P = 0.02 in the control group vs -2.7 ± 3.6, t = 4.48, P = 0.0001 in the intervention group), although there was no statistical difference detected between the two groups (1.0 (SE 0.9), t = 1.03, P = 0.31). The intervention was estimated to cost AU$644.17 and was associated with cost savings of AU$552.53 per participant in sustained reduced medicines cost. Health outcomes and healthcare costs were similar in both groups. Medicines were significantly reduced in both groups, with a trend to a larger reduction in medicines at 12 months in the intervention group. The intervention cost was approximately offset by sustained reduced medicines cost, although these results should be regarded cautiously because of the absence of significance in the differences in outcomes between groups.

Trauma care supported through a global telemedicine initiative during the 2023–24 military assault on the Gaza Strip, occupied Palestinian territory: a case series

Hospitals, patients, and health-care workers are legally protected by international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention. However, since Oct 7, 2023, the health-care system in the Gaza Strip, occupied Palestinian territory, has been under unprecedented direct military attacks by Israel, with support for patients proving to be challenging for the remaining health-care workers. Peer-to-peer telemedicine holds promise for assisting surgeons in high-risk, low-resource environments, but might be of reduced utility in extremely austere settings. We present a patient case series of traumatic injuries shared in an international telemedicine group by the surgical team at Nasser Medical Complex, also known as Nasser Hospital, the largest remaining partially functioning hospital in Gaza. WhatsApp (Meta; Menlo Park, CA, USA), a widely available and user-friendly end-to-end encrypted smartphone application, was used to facilitate consultations for weapon-inflicted injuries. All the presented patient cases were shared after obtaining verbal consent from the patients and discussed through a multidisciplinary team approach. The group was developed into a community with more than 15 specialty and injury-oriented subgroups and over 1000 members who joined through non-targeted social media outreach followed by snowball recruitment. Prospective registration and formal ethics approval in Gaza was impossible because the Ministry of Health, including the local Helsinki Committee, had suspended all operations. In June, 2024, we obtained ethics approval from the local Helsinki committee in Gaza. We present 12 select patient case studies from a pool of hundreds of patients admitted to Nasser Hospital between Jan 28 and Feb 12, 2024. Four (33%) of the 12 patients were female and eight (67%) were male, with four patients (33%) being children (younger than 18 years). The age range was between 3 years and 70 years, with a median age of 25 years. Most patients presented with penetrating injuries (11 [92%] of 12), with six patients presenting with wounds secondary to fragment injury, and five patients presenting with wounds due to gunshots. One patient presented with a direct blast injury. The site of reported injuries included head and neck areas (four [33%] of 12), abdomen (four [33%] of 12), chest (three [25%] of 12), pelvis (two [17%] of 12), and limbs (one [8%] of 12). Most patients were lost to follow-up (11 [92%] of 12) and were affected by the invasion of the hospital by the Israeli Defense Forces, which subsequently rendered the hospital non-functional. One patient died following their injury. The health-care team at the now non-functioning Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza adapted their allocation and distribution of extremely low resources and relied on smartphones for specialised telemedicine outreach purposes. This enhanced the capability of the medical teams in management of mass casualties of military assaults that few are trained to work in. Nonetheless, the options available to a health-care system that is under-staffed, under-served, and under siege, are extremely constrained, regardless of such telemedicine initiatives. None.

Embracing the challenges of neonatal and paediatric pulmonary hypertension.

Paediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) shares common features with adult disease, but is associated with several additional disorders and challenges that require unique approaches. This article discusses recent advances, ongoing challenges and distinct approaches for caring for infants and children with PAH, as presented by the paediatric task force of the 7th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension. We provide updates on diagnosing, classifying, risk-stratifying and treating paediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) and identify critical knowledge gaps. An updated risk stratification tool and treatment algorithm is provided, now also including strategies for patients with associated cardiopulmonary conditions. Treatment of paediatric PH continues to be hindered by the lack of randomised controlled clinical trials. The challenging management of children failing targeted PAH therapy is discussed, including balloon atrial septostomy, lung transplantation and pulmonary-to-systemic shunt (Potts). A novel strategy using a multimodal approach for the management of PAH associated with congenital heart diseases with borderline pulmonary vascular resistance is included. Advances in diagnosing neonatal PH, especially signs and interpretation of PH by echocardiography, are highlighted. A team approach to the rapidly changing physiology of neonatal PH is emphasised. Challenges in drug approval are discussed, particularly the challenges of designing accurate paediatric clinical trials with age-appropriate end-points and adequate enrolment.

Joubert syndrome: a rare cause of hypotonia with developmental delay

Joubert syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. It is characterized by congenital ataxia, hypotonia, developmental delay, and at least one of the following features: neonatal respiratory disturbances and abnormal eye movements; including nystagmus and oculomotor apraxia. Molar tooth appearance is an essential finding for the diagnosis of Joubert syndrome. Here we presented a case of an 18-month-old male who presented with developmental delay and marked hypotonia. The main purposes of the case report were to highlight the benefit of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team approach and describe the clinical features associated with Joubert syndrome. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a thick, elongated, and abnormally oriented superior cerebellar peduncle showing a molar tooth appearance with elongated bat-wing-shaped 4th ventricle and hypoplasia of the vermis suggestive of JS. Hypotonia during infancy and developmental delay with or without learning disability, associated with abnormal breathing patterns and abnormal eye movements (nystagmus) along with the radiological presence of a molar tooth sign on the brain MRI is an essential component to confirm the diagnosis.

The Brussels Breast Surgery Fellowship | A Three-Month Experience in Advancing Skills in Breast Surgery.

The Brussels Breast Surgery Fellowship at Brussels University Hospital offers a unique 3-month clinical immersion in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. Under the guidance of fellowship director Prof. Moustapha Hamdi and his esteemed colleagues, the fellow is exposed to a high volume and wide breadth of cases spanning autologous and implant-based breast reconstruction, oncoplastic surgery, breast reduction and mastopexy, implant augmentation, revision breast surgery, and fat grafting. The multidisciplinary team approach, involving close collaboration with breast surgeons, provides valuable experience in oncoplastic planning and execution. In addition to time in the operating theater, the fellow gains knowledge through outpatient clinics, didactic teaching sessions, and clinical research opportunities leveraging the department's extensive prospective database. As the 2023 fellowship awardee, I had the privilege of learning directly from Prof. Dr. Moustapha Hamdi and participating in over 130 cases across the reconstructive and aesthetic spectrum. Unique features of the fellowship included exposure to lymphedema surgery utilizing the Symani robotic system, advanced techniques like the internal bra, volume distribution mastopexies, observation of private aesthetic clinic cases, and optional participation in academic workshops. This fellowship represents an outstanding opportunity to refine one's skills in breast surgery and microsurgery while experiencing the rich culture of Belgium.

Advancing Refugee Health Data Management: The Implementation of ICD-11 in UNRWA's Primary Care System.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was one of the earliest healthcare systems globally to implement the International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11) across its 140 clinics serving 5.9 million Palestine refugees. This paper discusses the integration of ICD-11 into UNRWA's cloud-based electronic medical record (EMR) system, identifying both the barriers and facilitators involved and analyzing trends in clinical documentation and healthcare utilization. The key challenges included data privacy provisions, integration into a coordinated care model, complex classification schema for primary care settings, frequent staff turnover, and limited data analysis capabilities. Conversely, facilitators included physician-tailored training and on-site support, system compatibility, a multidisciplinary team approach, policy support from UNRWA and the World Health Organization (WHO), and leadership commitment and effective change management. Medical officers (MOs) using ICD-11 reported greater satisfaction with the system's capabilities in managing and visualizing health information. This article contributes to the discourse on health data management in complex humanitarian settings, offering insights into the benefits and challenges of implementing advanced classification systems like ICD-11. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts and further integration with global health systems, ensuring that the advancements in classification continue to support the overarching goal of health equity and access in vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations.

Addressing financial hardship in malignant hematology and hematopoietic cell transplant: a team approach

AbstractFinancial hardship is a common experience for patients and their families after the diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy and is associated with worse outcomes. Health care costs, increased costs of living, income poverty, and inadequate wealth contribute to financial hardship after the diagnosis and treatment of a hematologic malignancy and/or hematopoietic cell transplant. Given the multidimensional nature of financial hardship, a multidisciplinary team-based approach is needed to address this public health hazard. Hematologists and oncologists may mitigate the impact of financial hardship by matching treatment options with patient goals of care and reducing symptom burden disruptive to employment. Social workers and financial navigators can assist with screening and resource deployment. Policymakers and researchers can identify structural and policy changes to prevent financial hardship. By alleviating this major health care burden from patients, care teams may improve survival and quality of life for patients with hematologic malignancies.

Malignant Hyperthermia.

A narrative expert review aiming to summarize the clinical epidemiology and management of critically ill patients with malignant hyperthermia (MH). Medline searches were conducted to identify relevant articles describing the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of MH. Guidelines from key MH organizations were also incorporated into this review. Relevant studies regarding MH in both ICU and perioperative settings were reviewed. Data from relevant studies were summarized and qualitatively assessed. MH is a severe reaction triggered by inhalational volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine in genetically susceptible patients. The condition is characterized by an early onset (min to hr) rise in temperature, hypercarbia, and muscular rigidity following exposure to triggering medications with potential complications of coagulopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury. Acute management necessitates a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach with specific management using dantrolene, active cooling, and hyperventilation. A suspected MH reaction has important implications for future anesthetic exposure for both the patient and their family. All suspected reactions should be followed up at a specialized MH testing center using muscle contracture and genetic testing. Increasing use of inhalational anesthetics in the ICU underscores the need for enhanced education on the diagnosis and management of MH to ensure optimal patient sedation care and safety.