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Background: Subarachnoid block has been used for intracavitary radiotherapy (ICRT) for carcinoma cervix, but the literature on the appropriate dose of local anesthetic required to achieve the desired effect is lacking. We compared two different intrathecal doses of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (1.2 and 1.5 mL) for providing optimal surgical conditions and readiness to discharge in patients undergoing ICRT for carcinoma cervix. Materials and Methods: This prospective double?blind study was done in 80 patients undergoing ICRT. The patients were randomized into two groups (Groups I and II) to receive 1.2 and 1.5 mL of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine, respectively, for ICRT. The level of sensory achieved, the patient satisfaction score, radiation oncologist score, time to L5 regression, and time to motor recovery (walking unaided) were assessed. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 for Windows (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The time taken for the block to regress to L5 (Group I: 134.6 � 32.4 minutes vs. Group II: 143.2 � 43.0 minutes, P = 0.31) were comparable. However, the mean time for walking unaided (Group I: 220.87 � 47.12 minutes versus Group II: 247.00 � 49.83 minutes, P = 0.032) after the subarachnoid block was significantly less in Group I. The patient satisfaction with the procedure and overall satisfaction of the radiation oncologists regarding the operating condition were comparable in both the groups. Conclusions: Hence, a 1.2 mL dose of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine for ICRT provides optimal surgical conditions with hemodynamic stability and ensures the early discharge of the patient.
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BACKGROUND Palliative care for children is an innovative approach that helps improve the quality of life of children suffering from life-limiting illnesses, and their family members. The WHO recognized palliative care as a part of universal health coverage. However, there is inadequate availability and inequitable distribution of palliative care services for children in most parts of the world. We reviewed the existing literature to assess (i) the challenges in providing palliative care services for children suffering from life-limiting illnesses and (ii) the strategies or opportunities to overcome these challenges. METHODS We conducted systematic searches in the PubMed and Scopus databases to find articles published in the past 10 years (January 2011 to December 2020). The population, concept and context (PCC) framework was used to devise a search strategy in an electronic database. RESULTS A total of 1562 articles were found by searching the database and other sources. Title and abstracts of articles were screened, and 206 articles were selected for full-text review. After scrutiny 28 articles met the inclusion criteria. Barriers to and opportunities in the provision of palliative care services for children were identified at policy, organizational, healthcare provider, and patient/family levels. CONCLUSION We found that the majority of barriers to provision of palliative care services for children with life-limiting illnesses can be addressed by adopting research-driven strategies. Adequate and equitable distribution of palliative care services is required for improving children and their family members’ quality of life.
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BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is an evolving disease with newly generated evidence related to the clinical management of Covid-19 patients. We aimed to compare two online learning schedules for disseminating new cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines in terms of knowledge gain and acceptability among nurses. METHODS In a prospective randomized controlled study, 61 nurses trained in comprehensive cardiopulmonary life support (CCLS) were randomized to synchronous (n=31) and asynchronous learning groups (n= 30). The enhanced training module on CPR (ETMCPR) prepared by a team of experts was used to impart training to the nurses. Baseline data and pre-intervention knowledge of participants were collected using a structured demographic sheet and knowledge questionnaire (25 items) in a google form. Nurses in the synchronous group were provided training using ETMCPR through a licensed Zoom platform, while the nurses in the asynchronous group had access to the uploaded ETMCPR module in the e-learning platform. At the end of the intervention, the knowledge of the nurses was assessed along with their acceptability to the online learning schedule. RESULTS Both schedules of online learning were effective in improving the knowledge scores of the nurses (11.93 [3.26] v. 21.15 [1.90], p=0.01 and 11.71 [3.12] v. 20.32 [1.71], p=0.01). The mean acceptability scores of nurses in the asynchronous group were statistically lower than in the synchronous group (38.93 [2.50] v. 42.5 [3.08], p=0.007). CONCLUSION Both synchronous and asynchronous schedules of online learning were effective in disseminating updated CPR guidelines; however, nurses in the synchronous group were more satisfied with the learning schedule.
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BACKGROUND All medical graduates must know how to stabilize and manage critically ill patients. A 2-day intensive course, called the acute critical care course (ACCC), was conducted to train interns in technical and non-technical skills for managing a patient whose condition is deteriorating. This analysis aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of ACCC for interns. METHODS We developed and conducted the ACCC to train interns. It included lectures and skill stations. Twenty-four interns participated in the course. Immediate, post-course, quantitative and qualitative feedback was taken online. Qualitative information was also collected verbally and later by email. These data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyse and report the patterns of responses and behaviour. RESULTS The average score for the utility of the course was 4.7 and for the skill stations it was 4.6 on a scale of 5. The qualitative analysis of the feedback emphasized the need for the course before the clinical posting and more skill-based modules rather than lectures. The interactive style of teaching and training in communication using role-play was appreciated. Few suggestions to improve the course were provided. CONCLUSIONS Implementing the ACCC needed simulation, interactive discussions, role-play, modified Pendleton’s feedback, and reflective exercise that form the basis of a range of educational principles. The blended learning set of objectives of ACCC were the pillars for this successful internship training programme.
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Background. Effective patient–doctor communication is a key component of patient-centred care, which is one of the six pillars of quality healthcare delivery. Structured and effective communication skills training for healthcare providers is the need of hour in medical education. We assessed the efficacy of role play and simulation in developing communication skills. Methods. As a key component of an acute critical care course (ACCC), communication skills are taught using role play models and simulation. Live feedback is critical in learning during this course as per the principles of adult learning (andragogy). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess the efficacy of ACCC. Results. The 19th ACCC was introduced to interns at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi in December 2018. The teaching methodology and objective-oriented structured training in ACCC were much appreciated for training in human factors with emphasis on communication. A positive response was obtained from the candidates 3 weeks after they completed the course to assess whether interns are able to make use of this training in their day-to-day clinical practice amounting to a reliable evidence level of Kirkpatrick's ‘return of investment’. Conclusion. The use of ‘role play’ to teach communication skills is effective and superior to lecture-based teaching. Further structured and interactive programmes in communication skills training will improve patient care, relatives’ satisfaction and the image of medical profession.
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Background: The mental foramen may be round or oval in shape, it may be absent, unilateral, bilateral and in some cases may be multiple on one or both sides of the mandible. It is also often reported to open with a posterosuperior orientation. Thus it is important to have knowledge of the probable location the mental foramen on the basis of age gender and symmetry of the mental triangle. Methods: The present study was conducted in Department of oral & maxillofacial surgery in Mahatma Gandhi Dental College And Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan. The study comprised of 400 digital panoramic radiographs of age group ranging from 18-60 years of both sex (200 male and 200 female), from the database of oral medicine and radiology department, which satisfied inclusion criteria. Results: The present study showed that the maximal percentage of mental foramen as oval shaped seen in right side (87.5% & 98.0% in male and female respectively) and in left side (75.0% & 96.0% in male and female respectively). The maximum number of mental foramen was seen between first and second premolar (109 in right side & 110 in left side), followed by 79 in right side & 72 in left side mental foramen situated in line with second premolar in male and in female, the maximum number of mental foramen was seen between first and second premolar 96 in right side & 108 in left side, followed by 92 in right side & 79 in left side mental foramen situated in line with second premolar in panoramic view in radiograph. Conclusions: An accurate assessment of position of mental foramen is very useful for the prevention of postsurgical neurovascular complications and also holds the potential of contributing as an aid for forensic identification. Multicenter studies within different populations would help in establishing its role in forensic odontology.
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Background: The chronic inflammation of periodontal disease (PD) with the constant release of inflammatory mediators may be a risk factor for the development of systemic inflammatory disease. Hence, development of both diseases brings considerable consequences for public health and for the quality of life of affected individuals. To test whether a relationship exist between Periodontitis and RA, this study is being conducted. Methods: This is hospital based case control study, a total of 100 subjects between the ages 20-70 years were included in the study. Group A: includes selection of 50 patients diagnosed RA by the Rheumatologist, Group B: 50 general patients without rheumatoid arthritis. All participants underwent a full-mouth periodontal examination on six sites per tooth assessing probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (AL). Results: The prevalence of periodontitis was 78% and 42% for RA and control group. Thus, the present study reported that more severe form of periodontitis existed in rheumatoid arthritis patients. These results indicated that the prevalence of mild to moderate periodontitis was seen in control group. Conclusions: persons who are suffering from RA are also very likely to suffer from moderate to severe periodontitis. Our finding suggests large population-based studies will be needed to define the role of periodontitis in RA disease susceptibility. However, our findings suggest greater attention to periodontal care among the RA patients.
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Simultaneous isolated bilateral patellar fractures are very rare injuries and most often associated with systemic disorders such as hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, stress fracture and kidney failure. Isolated bilateral traumatic fracture of patella following an unusual mode of injury is seldomly reported in the literature. We reported such a case following a road traffic accident without any associated injuries or co-morbid condition. The patella on the right side had transverse open fracture which was fixed with two Kirschner wires following tension band principle, and that on the left side sustained upper pole comminution which was treated by partial patellectomy. The patient achieved good outcome: at 6 months he was able to squat and sit cross legged; at one year he obtained nearly normal muscle strength and full range of motion. We discussed the injury mechanism, management and rehabilitation in such a case and reviewed the available literature regarding such a presentation.