ABSTRACT
Myopia is a major public health problem worldwide, including India, with the global prevalence of myopia increasing rapidly over decades. The clinical and socioeconomic impact of myopia is also expected to rise with rising prevalence. Therefore, the focus has now been shifted to prevent the incidence and progression of myopia. However, there is lack of any standardized guidelines for myopia management. This document aims to generate a national-level expert consensus statement on the management of childhood myopia in the Indian scenario. The expert panel of pediatric ophthalmologists consisted of 63 members who met in a hybrid meeting. A list of topics deliberating discussion in the meeting was provided to the experts in advance and they were instructed to provide their opinions on the matter during the meet. The panel of experts then gave their views on each of the items presented, deliberated on different aspects of childhood myopia, and reached a consensus regarding the practice patterns in the Indian scenario. In case of opposing views or lack of a clear consensus, we undertook further discussion and evaluated literature to help arrive at a consensus. A written document is prepared based on recommendations explaining definition of myopia, refraction techniques, components and methods of workup, initiation of anti-myopia treatment, type and timing of interventions, follow-up schedule, and indications for revised or combination treatment. This article formulates evidence-based guidelines for progressing myopes and pre-myopes and also establishes uniformity in the management of childhood myopia in the country.
ABSTRACT
In this commentary, it is argued that greater attention paid to ethical considerations related to doing Public Health Research with Scheduled Tribes (STs) should be prioritized. Given the high levels of health needs among STs as well as their high levels of deprivation, cultural oppression, and impingement on their rights, there is a need to revisit our research practices to contribute to better health and overall empowerment. Specific strategies that could be integrated into research practice are offered. The paper concludes with a call for the development of national guidelines for Public Health Research with STs.
ABSTRACT
Un comité de seis sociedades científicas en Argentina desarrolló guías para la atención de pacientes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de cumplimiento con el cuidado recomendado en las guías nacionales en pacientes hospitalizados con NAC en Argentina. Usando indicadores de calidad, la atención de 436 pacientes hospitalizados en 12 centros de Argentina fue evaluada en las áreas de hospitalización, oxigenoterapia, terapia antibiótica empírica, terapia switch, alta hospitalaria y prevención. El nivel de cumplimiento fue clasificado como óptimo (>90%), intermedio (60% a 90%), y bajo (<60%). La selección de antibióticos empíricos y la administración dentro de las primeras ocho horas de admisión tuvieron una adherencia superior al 80%. Se identificó un nivel de cumplimiento bajo en las áreas del pasaje de antibióticos de la vía endovenosa a la vía oral (53%), la prevención con vacunación antineumocóccica (51%) y el ofrecimiento para dejar de fumar (29%). Usando indicadores de calidad se pueden identificar áreas específicas de atención en pacientes con NAC con un bajo nivel de cumplimiento con las guías nacionales. En Argentina se deben desarrollar inicialmente intervenciones enfocadas a mejorar el manejo del pasaje de antibióticos de la vía endovenosa a la vía oral y prevención de la NAC.
A committee of six scientific organizations from Argentina developed guidelines for the management of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of adherence with the recommended care suggested by the guidelines in patients hospitalized with CAP in Argentina. Using quality indicators the management of 436 patients who were hospitalized in 12 Argentinean institutions was evaluated. The care given among the following areas was reviewed: need for hospitalization, need for oxygen therapy, empiric antibiotic therapy, switch therapy, hospital discharge, and prevention. The level of adherence was classified as optimal (>90%), intermediate (60% to 90%), and low (<60%).The selection of the empiric antibiotic therapy and the administration of antibiotics between the first 8 hours after arrival had an adherence greater to 80%. A low level of adherence was found in the areas of switch therapy (53%), prevention of CAP with pneumococcal vaccine (51%) and smoking cessation offered (29%). Using quality indicators it is possible to identify specific areas of management in patients with CAP to a low level of adherence with national guidelines. In Argentina interventions to improve switch therapy and prevention of CAP should be developed.