ABSTRACT
The present cross-sectional, observational study was done to assess the new norms of dental education, its effect on the students, and awareness in the post-COVID-19 era. Every question had 2 options- after complete lockdown and after partial lockdown. A higher percentage of the students believed that quarantine during the lockdown enhanced their collaboration with their fellow students. 60.7 % of the students during the complete lockdown and 76.9% during the partial lockdown, felt more motivated by the distant technology-dependent model of education. Students during the complete lockdown (69.20%) and partial lockdown (69.50%) felt that online group discussion and discussion of clinical-based case scenarios had an enhancing effect on their learning. Dental students (67%) in the complete lockdown and 75.70% in the partial lockdown felt comfortable with the e-learning. During the complete lockdown, 57.9% of the subjects were not confident in the clinical skills acquired, whereas during the partial lockdown only 38.2% were not confident in the clinical skills acquired. Mean scores for dental education, clinical readiness, and self-preparedness were higher after the partial lockdown as compared to the complete lockdown. However, the self - preparedness was more after the partial lockdown as compared to the complete lockdown. Dental colleges have to deal with e-learning methods being developed all of a sudden due to the pandemic. However, there are still problems with online learning and teaching that can be improved with the help of a supportive administration and tutors recording of learning videos as well as proper training of the staff and students. © The Author(s), 2022.
ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prominent cause of illness and mortality on a global scale. In 2019, it was predicted to rank as the sixth largest cause of mortality. COPD is one of the most prevalent non-communicable illnesses in the field of pulmonology. The DECAF score (Dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia, and Atrial Fibrillation) is a risk stratification tool for patients with AECOPD that can be used at the bedside to guide treatment, such as hospital at home for low-risk patients. The purpose of this study is to predict the in-hospital mortality in acute exacerbation of COPD patients with modified DECAF scores. Modified DECAF score includes Dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia and Frequency of Hospitalization. Material(s) and Method(s): A total of 50 patients attending Emergency Medicine Department with Acute Exacerbation of COPD were recruited to this hospital based observational study. This study was conducted at the Department of Emergency medicine & Pulmonary medicine, at APOLLO GLENEAGLES HOSPITALS, Kolkata. Result(s): COPD was more prevalent in the age groups of 41-50 years (28%) and 61-70 years (28%) followed by those having age between 51-60 years (22%). Majority of the COPD patients were males (88%) compared to (12%) females. Majority of the COPD patients were males (88%) compared to (12%) females. Most common co-morbid condition associated with COPD washypertension (16%) followed by IHD (8%), pulmonary hypertension (6%) and diabetes mellitus (4%). Out of 50 patients with COPD, 11 (22%) had previous history of AECOPD, 38 (76%) were regular user of inhaler, 33 (66%) had history of influenza vaccination, 16 (32%) had Pneumococcal Vaccination and 2 (4%) patients had COVID-19 pneumonia. Out of 50 patients, 24 (48%) had Dyspnea (eMRCD) score of 5a whereas 26 (52%) had Dyspnea (eMRCD) score of 5b as well as 7 (14%) had Eosinopenia (<50 cells/mm3) and 20 (40%) had Consolidation. Conclusion(s): We conclude that the Modified DECAF score is both sensitive and specific in predicting in-hospital mortality in AECOPD patients. Modified DECAF is a simple tool that predicts mortality that incorporates routinely available indices. It effectively stratifies COPD patients admitted with acute exacerbations into mortality risk categories. Copyright © 2022 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.