RÉSUMÉ
Objectives: We sought to evaluate the factors affecting the outcome of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy [ESWL] in urinary stone treatment
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 235 adult patients treated with ESWL, for radiopaque renal or ureteric stones between January 2015 and December 2016. Patient's age, sex, stone size, laterality, location, density, skin-to-stone distance [SSD], and presence of double J stent were studied as potential predictors. At the end of three months, the patients were divided into success and failure groups and the significance was determined
Results: Of the 235 patients [188 males and 47 females] analyzed, ESWL was successful in 79.1%. Univariate analysis of both groups revealed no significant difference in patient's age and stone laterality. Statistically significant differences in gender, stone size, stone site, stone density, SSD, and patients with stents were observed. Statistically significant factors in multivariate logistic regression analysis were sex and stent. Females had three-times higher risk for ESWL failure than males [odds ratio [OR] = 3.213; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.194-8.645; p = 0.021] and a higher failure rate when a stent was used [OR = 6.358; 95% CI: 2.228-18.143; p = 0.001]
Conclusions: This study revealed that ESWL can treat renal and ureteric stones successfully with an inverse association between outcome and predictors such as stone size and density, SSD, and stent presence. These factors can help us in improving patient selection and ensure better results at lower cost
RÉSUMÉ
Objectives: To evaluate new residents' perceptions of their own preparedness for clinical practice and examine the associated factors
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on August 20-23, 2016. New residents accepted for postgraduate training by Oman Medical Specialty Board were asked to complete the Preparation for Hospital Practice Questionnaire [PHPQ]. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22
Results: A total of 160 residents were invited to participate in this study. Out of 160, 140 residents participated [87.5%], 70.7% were female and 59.3% were graduates from Sultan Qaboos University [SQU]. Ninety-nine percent of the graduates were either 'well prepared' or 'fairly well prepared' for hospital practice. Male residents scored higher in the confidence scale, while residents who did a postinternship general practice placement scored higher in understanding science. Graduates from Oman Medical College felt more prepared compared to graduates from SQU
Conclusions: Most of the new residents were well prepared to clinical work. Factors such as place of undergraduate study, training, and duration of internship significantly influenced the residents' perception of preparedness. Addressing these factors will enhance residents' preparedness for clinical work
RÉSUMÉ
Objectives: transfusions are a common medical intervention. Discussion of the benefits, risks and alternatives with the patient is mandated by many legislations prior to planned transfusions. At the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital [SQUH], Muscat, Oman, a written transfusion consent policy was introduced in March 2014. This was the first time such a policy was implemented in Oman. This study therefore aimed to assess adherence to this policy among different specialties within SQUH
Methods: the medical records of patients who underwent elective transfusions between June and August 2014 were reviewed to assess the presence of transfusion consent forms. If present, the consent forms were examined for completeness of patient, physician and witness information
Results: in total, the records of 446 transfused patients [299 adult and 147 paediatric patients] were assessed. Haematology patients accounted for 50% of adult patients and 71% of paediatric patients. Consent was obtained for 75% of adult and 91% of paediatric patients. The highest adherence rate was observed among adult and paediatric haematology specialists [95% and 97%, respectively]. Consent forms were correctly filled out with all details provided for 51% and 52% of adult and paediatric patients, respectively. Among inadequately completed forms, the most common error was a lack of witness details [20-25%]
Conclusion: in most cases, the pre-transfusion consent policy was successfully adhered to at SQUH. However, further work is required to ensure full compliance with the consent procedure within different specialties. Implementation of transfusion consent in other hospitals in the country is recommended