Knowledge of final-year medical students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal about family medicine, and long-term career choices

Background: While international experience suggests that well-trained primary care physicians improve the quality and cost effectiveness of health care, family medicine (FM) as the discipline of the specialist primary care physician appears to not be an attractive career for medical graduates in South Africa (SA). The aim of this study was to establish final-year medical students' knowledge about FM and its relevance to the healthcare system, explore their perceptions of the discipline's relevance, and identify their specialty preference.Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted amongst final-year medical students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2017 attheconclusion of their seven-week FM module. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and results were analysed descriptively.Results: The response rate of completed questionnaires was 80.2% (157/196). Students reported limited exposure to FM in their early undergraduate years and low levels of awareness about essential public health programmes. Students showed good awareness of the six roles of family physicians (FPs), but FM was only the sixth most popular choice for specialisation. Conclusions: In general, students had favourable views concerning FM and its role in the future of healthcare delivery in SA,although their knowledge of essential health programmes was poor. The majority of students had limited interest in pursuing a career in FM. A key recommendation to address these issues is to introduce FM into the curriculum earlier, to cover the key roles of the FP, and provide teaching that highlights the relevance of FM to health system programmes

A review of the management and outcome of patients admitted with cryptococcal meningitis at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal province

Background: South Africa has 7.06 million people who are HIV-positive, with those having a low CD4 count being susceptible to cryptococcal meningitis (CCM), which has an estimated mortality of 30­50%. This study aimed to establish the outcome of patients admitted with CCM to a regional hospital in Durban between June 2015 and May 2016, and the extent to which the National Department of Health (NDoH) protocol was adhered to in managing their condition. Method: This retrospective observational descriptive study reviewed the records of patients ≥ 12 years old admitted with CCM between June 2015 and May 2016, from which their demographic and medical data were extracted.Results: Seventy-six complete records were found of which 49 were men and 27 were women. The average CD4 count was 55.9 cells/mm3, 85.5% were treated with intravenous amphotericin B and high-dose oral fluconazole, 6.7% received only amphotericin B and 5.2% received only fluconazole. There was an in-hospital mortality of 31.6%, and the NDoH protocol was adhered to in 72.4% (55/76) of patients. There was, however, no significant difference in outcome between those who were and were not managed as per the protocol (p = 0.177).Discussion and conclusion: In-hospital mortality for CCM continues to be significant despite high rates of adherence to the NDoH protocol in the majority of patients. For this to be addressed, early diagnosis of HIV and initiation of ART to prevent the profound immunosuppression is essential

Junior doctors' preparedness to prescribe, monitor, and treat patients with the antibiotic vancomycin in an Australian teaching hospital / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the preparedness of junior doctors to use vancomycin, and to determine whether attending an educational session and being provided pocket guidelines were associated with self-reported confidence and objective knowledge. METHODS: This was a 2-component cross-sectional study. A 60-minute educational session was implemented and pocket guidelines were provided. Preparedness was evaluated by a self-reported confidence survey in the early and late stages of each training year, and by continuing medical education (CME) knowledge scores. RESULTS: Self-confidence was higher among those later in the training year (n=75) than in those earlier (n=120) in the year for all questions. In the late group, vancomycin education was associated with higher self-confidence regarding the frequency of therapeutic drug monitoring (P=0.02) and dose amendment (P=0.05); however, the confidence for initial monitoring was lower (P<0.05). Those with pocket guidelines were more confident treating patients with vancomycin (P<0.001), choosing initial (P=0.01) and maintenance doses (P<0.001), and knowing the monitoring frequency (P=0.03). The 85 respondents who completed the knowledge assessment scored a mean±standard deviation of 8.55±1.55 on 10 questions, and the interventions had no significant effect. CONCLUSION: Attending an educational session and possessing pocket guidelines were associated with preparedness, as measured by higher self-reported confidence using vancomycin. High knowledge scores were attained following CME; however attending an educational session or possessing pocket guidelines did not significantly increase the knowledge scores. Our findings support providing educational sessions and pocket guidelines to increase self-confidence in prescribing vancomycin, yet also highlight the importance of evaluating content, format, and delivery when seeking to improve preparedness to use vancomycin through education.

Predictors of site choice and eventual learning experiences in a decentralised training programme designed to prepare medical students for careers in underserved areas in south Africa

Background. There is a dire need for medical schools in South Africa to train medical doctors who have the capacity and willingness to work in primary healthcare facilities; particularly in rural areas. Objectives. To assess the effect of students' gender; race; place of birth and place of high school completion on their choice of training site location and to assess the extent to which the training programme enhanced students' learning experiences relevant to primary care across training sites. Methods. A survey design involving six cohorts of 4th-year undergraduate medical students (N=187) who were part of the 2013 Family Medicine rotation at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by students at the end of each rotation. Data analyses involved descriptive computations and inferential statistical tests; including non-parametric tests for group comparison and generalised polynomial logistic regression. Results. Students believed that their knowledge and skills relevant to primary care increased after the rotation (p0.0001). There were statistically significant differences between rural and urban sites on certain measures of perceived programme effectiveness. Male students were less likely to choose urban sites. Black students were less likely to choose rural sites compared with their white and Indian counterparts; as were students who attended rural high schools (odds ratio (OR) 9.3; p0.001). Students from a rural upbringing were also less likely to choose rural sites (OR 14; p0.001). Conclusion. Based on the findings; an objective approach for student allocation that considers students' background and individual-level characteristics is recommended to maximise learning experiences

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Patients Receiving ATRA with and without Voriconazole Prophylaxis: Effect on Incidence and Outcomes of Differentiation Syndrome.

Background: The combination of all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and voriconazole may lead to increased ATRA exposure resulting in a higher incidence of differentiation syndrome (DS). Patients and Methods: This single center analysis evaluated the incidence and outcomes of ATRA-induced DS in 46 adult patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) undergoing induction chemotherapy. Results: Thirty-one patients (69% by day 60) received a chemotherapy regimen including ATRA coinciding with voriconazole administration and 15 patients underwent treatment without voriconazole. The overall incidence of DS was 36% (n=16) by day 60, with patients receiving voriconazole showing a trend towards a higher incidence (HR 2.31, CI 0.78-6.847, p=0.1308). This trend persisted after adjusting for BMI (HR 1.96, CI 0.65-5.94, p=0.23); however, a small number of DS events precluded statistical significance. Conclusion: A trend towards an increased incidence and severity of ATRA-mediated DS was seen in adult APL patients receiving voriconazole prophylaxis during induction chemotherapy. This important finding warrants validation in larger studies.

The Impact of Cigarette Smoking on the Frequency of and Qualitative Differences in KRAS Mutations in Korean Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the relationship of cigarette smoking to the frequency and qualitative differences among KRAS mutations in lung adenocarcinomas from Korean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Detailed smoking histories were obtained from 200 consecutively enrolled patients with lung adenocarcinoma according to a standard protocol. EGFR (exons 18 to 21) and KRAS (codons 12/13) mutations were determined via direct-sequencing. RESULTS: The incidence of KRAS mutations was 8% (16 of 200) in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. KRAS mutations were found in 5.8% (7 of 120) of tumors from never-smokers, 15% (6 of 40) from former-smokers, and 7.5% (3 of 40) from current-smokers. The frequency of KRAS mutations did not differ significantly according to smoking history (p=0.435). Never-smokers were significantly more likely than former or current smokers to have a transition mutation (G-->A or C-->T) rather than a transversion mutation (G-->T or G-->C) that is known to be smoking-related (p=0.011). In a Cox regression model, the adjusted hazard ratios for the risk of progression with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) were 0.24 (95% CI, 0.14-0.42; p<0.001) for the EGFR mutation and 1.27 (95% CI, 0.58-2.79; p=0.537) for the KRAS mutation. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking did not influence the frequency of KRAS mutations in lung adenocarcinomas in Korean patients, but influenced qualitative differences in the KRAS mutations.

Description of Surgical and Anaesthetic Services Provided at Two District Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal in Relation to the Surgical Norms and Standards Outlined in the Service Package for District Hospitals

Background: Provision of surgical services at district hospitals (DHS) is cost effective and important. The District Hospital Service Package for South Africa (package of services) specifies the services that a district hospital should provide. The aim of this study was to document the surgical services provided at two DHS in KwaZulu-Natal and to compare this with the recommendations in the package of services. Methods: In a retrospective quantitative study; data from 2008 were collected from the theatre register at two DHS. Data were analysed and results compared with the norms and standards in the package of services. Results were presented to staff at the hospitals; who then commented on the challenges of providing surgical services at DHS. Results: Only 60and 30respectively of procedures listed in the package of services were being carried out at the two hospitals. In total; 3 900 procedures were carried out over the year. Dundee Hospital offered a broader range of surgical procedures and anaesthetics than the Church of Scotland Hospital (COSH). COSH has a large obstetric burden; with 3 666 deliveries each year. A large number of procedures were being carried out by a single operator. Conclusions: Many surgical procedures are being carried out even though neither hospital provides the full complement of surgical services as specified in the package of services. The wide variation between the surgical services offered reflects the surgical and anaesthetic skills at the respective hospitals. Potential medico-legal hazards that require urgent attention were identified. A review of the package of services is essential to identify core procedures that must be provided at DHS

Retention of Knowledge of and Skills in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among Healthcare Providers after Training

This study assesses the retention of core knowledge and skills among healthcare providers (HCPs) who attended a Basic Life Support (BLS) course. The format for teaching this course changed in 2006 and a review of the effectiveness and acceptability of the new course was considered vital. Studies indicate that early and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves the chances of survival in cardiac arrest victims; however; the knowledge and skills of HCPs in basic life support vary. International recommendations on the BLS course were that HCPs repeat the course every two years. However; no studies have been conducted in South Africa to determine the ideal time when HCPs should be re-evaluated to ensure that they retain adequate knowledge and skills. This study was conducted at a training centre in a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal; where a new format for training was introduced in 2006. Participants were HCPs who had completed a BLS course. The sample was taken sequentially from half of the annual intake of a BLS course three months after completion of the course. Data were collected using the accredited American Heart Association written test and the Critical Skills Checklist; and a further questionnaire was developed to collect variables such as demography and profession. Results indicate that skills retention was good and; although there was some fall-off in skills and knowledge; there was no significant difference between the scores at the end of the course and retest scores. Staff working in accident and emergency departments had more practical experience and their knowledge and skills retention was better than that of staff working in other areas of the hospital. Nurses performed nearly as well as doctors and are an important skills resource in the management of patients who need to be resuscitated. All participants were satisfied with the new format and had no suggestions on how to improve it

The Role of Monoclonal Antibody in Combination with First-Line Chemotherapy in Asian Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The strategies of incorporating monoclonal antibodies (MoABs) have now proved efficacy in the first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These include targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Bevacizumab is a MoAB targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important mediator of new blood vessel formation. Cetuximab is a MoAB directed at EGFR. Binding cetuximab to EGFR blocks signal transduction and promotes receptor internalization and degradation. In this review, we present current data of bevacizumab and cetuximab for the first line treatment of advanced NSCLC. We also refer to their potential for Asian patients with advanced NSCLC in the first-line setting.

The Retention of Community Service Officers at District Hospitals in KwaZulu Natal; Eastern Cape and Limpopo Provinces

Background: Community service (CS) is an effective recruitment strategy for underserved areas; using legislation as the driver; however it is not a retention strategy. By the end of each year; most CS officers working in district hospitals (DH) are skilled; valued and valuable members of the health team; able to cope with the demands of working in the public health service within the resources available at DHs. Their exodus at the end of each annual cycle represents a net loss of valuable skills and experience by the public service; measured by the time and effort required to orientate and induct the following cohort of CS officers. This in turn has a negative effect on the level of service delivery and the quality of patient care. This study sought to understand the motivations of CS officers to continue working at the same DH for a subsequent year after their obligatory year was over. The objectives were to determine the number of CS officers who actually remained at the same DH after completing their CS in 2002; the major factors that influenced them to remain; and factors that would encourage the 2003 cohort of CS officers to remain for an additional year at the same DH. Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was employed using qualitative methods with the cohort of CS officers who had completed their compulsory CS year in 2002 and who were still working at the same DH in July 2003. This was followed by a quantitative survey of CS officers doing their CS at DHs in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN); Eastern Cape (EC) and Limpopo Province (LP) in November 2003. Results: 22/278 (8) of the 2002 cohort of CS officers in KZN; EC and LP remained at the same DH in the year following their CS. The reasons given; in order of decreasing priority; were that they were close to home; had been allocated as part of their CS; were personally recruited; had bursary commitments; had heard about the hospital from friends; had visited the hospital prior to starting community service; and had visited as a medical student. Four others did not specify reasons. In the larger quantitative study 150 / 221 questionnaires were returned. More than 80of the respondents felt that there had been opportunities to develop confidence in their own ability to make independent decisions; that they had had good relations with the hospital staff; and that they had been able to make a difference in health care delivery. Between 67and 76of respondents felt that they were providing a good standard of care; that there were learning opportunities; that they were doing worthwhile work and saw CS as excellent work experience. However only 52of respondents felt that there had been opportunities for personal growth; 38felt that appropriate equipment was available; 37had a supportive mentor figure and 29felt that there were adequate levels of staffing at the hospital. In total 24 (16) of the 150 who responded to the questionnaire indicated a willingness to remain at the same DH after completion of their year of CS. The intention to continue for a further year was statistically significantly associated with the following factors: ethnic group; province; rural origin; allocation priority and bursary commitment. Conclusions: The retention in the same DH of only 8of the CS officer cohort in 3 rural provinces indicates a serious loss of skills on a recurrent annual basis. Local hospital management can do much to strengthen the factors that would attract CS officers to stay on by improving orientation; mentoring; teamwork; professional development opportunities; medical equipment and accommodation

Hamstring injuries: risk assessment and injury prevention

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Hamstring injuries are one of the most common injuries associated with sports participation. The aim of this review is to outline identified risk factors and examine preventative strategies for reducing the occurrence of this form of injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An electronic search of Medline and SCOPUS was carried out for key words related to the area.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A number of risk factors, including both intrinsic and modifiable, were identified. Important aspects of an exercise programme were then outlined based on these risk factors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A programme specifically designed to reduce the risk of hamstring injury by taking a strategised approach to exercise prescription may reduce the risk of hamstring injury. However, further research is required to determine the optimal programme for reducing the risk of injury.</p>

Invasive group A streptococcal disease in North Queensland (1996 - 2001).

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The incidence of group A streptococcal (GAS) invasive infections have been increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to characterize clinical and microbiological features of isolates obtained from invasive GAS infections in North Queensland, Australia between 1996 and 2001. METHODS: Clinical and demographic data were collected prospectively. Isolates were biotyped, emm sequenced, M typed and tested for antibiotic sensitivity using E-test. Detection of the presence of the streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (spe) and fibronectin binding protein (prtF1) genes was also carried out. RESULTS: There were 109 isolates from blood and sterile sites. All isolates were sensitive to penicillin. Tetracycline and erythromycin resistance was seen in 11 and 2.7 per cent of isolates respectively. The isolates were evenly distributed by age and sex. The overall mortality was 7 per cent and there were 18 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in which the mortality was 22 per cent. Indigenous patients had a crude incidence rate of 82.5 per 100,000 per year compared with 10.3 per 100,000 per year in the non-indigenous patients. There was no predominance of emm / M type or association of spe type with STSS. There was also no relationship between the presence of the prtF1 gene and invasive disease. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Invasive group A streptococci from North Queensland are similar to those from the Northern Territory of Australia in that no single strain is predominant. The indigenous population is overrepresented. Invasiveness and the development of streptococcal toxic shock is not related to the presence of the prtF1 gene or spe a or c.

Highlights on the World Bank Loan Schistosomiasis Control Program in China (1991-1998): a special focus on Hunan Province.

A region-wide sampling survey was conducted in 1995 in order to evaluate the current epidemiological status of schistosomiasis japonica in Hunan Province, China. A total of 45,590 humans and 3,726 domestic animals, from 52 villages, were examined parasitologically and/or serologically for current Schistosoma japonicum infections. In uncontrolled endemic areas (43 villages) the overall human prevalence of S. japonicum was 7.81% across the different geographical subtypes. The geometric mean intensity of infection was 17.71 eggs per gram (epg) among infected individuals and only 1.25 epg in the general population. The bovine prevalence, as determined by the hatching test, was 9.63% in the uncontrolled endemic villages. Only one sero-positive (by indirect hemagglutination assay) child was found among 1,072 children tested aged 10-14 years in the 9 endemic villages under effective control. No infection was confirmed by the Kato-Katz thick smear stool examination. When the results of this survey were compared to those seen at baseline (1989) an overall reduction of 45.65% was seen in the human prevalence but no significant change was apparent in the lake-beach ecotype. Additionally, there was more than a 60% reduction in the prevalence among bovines over the same sampling period. The results demonstrate that the World Bank Loan Schistosomiasis Program was successful in achieving its most basic objectives for this province - to reduce human and bovine infections by 40%.