Medical residents' perceptions of group biases in medical decision making: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Systematic biases in group decision making (i.e., group biases) may result in suboptimal decisions and potentially harm patients. It is not well known how impaired group decision making in patient care may affect medical training. This study aimed to explore medical residents' experiences and perspectives regarding impaired group decision making and the role of group biases in medical decision making. METHODS: This study used a qualitative approach with thematic analysis underpinned by a social constructionist epistemology. Semi-structured interviews of medical residents were conducted at a single internal medicine residency program. Residents were initially asked about their experiences with suboptimal medical decision making as a group or team. Then, questions were targeted to several group biases (groupthink, social loafing, escalation of commitment). Interviews were transcribed and transferred to a qualitative data analysis software. Thematic analysis was conducted to generate major themes within the dataset. RESULTS: Sixteen interviews with residents revealed five major themes: (1) hierarchical influence on group decision making; (2) group decision making under pressure; (3) post-call challenges in decision making; (4) interactions between teamwork and decision making; and (5) personal and cultural influences in group decision making. Subthemes were also identified for each major theme. Most residents were able to recognize groupthink in their past experiences working with medical teams. Residents perceived social loafing or escalation of commitment as less relevant for medical team decision making. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide unique insights into the complexities of group decision making processes in teaching hospitals. Team hierarchy significantly influenced residents' experiences with group decision making-most group decisions were attributed to consultants or senior team members, while lower ranking team members contributed less and perceived fewer opportunities to engage in group decisions. Other factors such as time constraints on decision making, perceived pressures from other staff members, and challenges associated with post-call days were identified as important barriers to optimal group decision making in patient care. Future studies may build upon these findings to enhance our understanding of medical team decision making and develop strategies to improve group decisions, ultimately leading to higher quality patient care and training.

Medical Admission Prediction Score (MAPS); a simple tool to predict medical admissions in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Overcrowding in the emergency departments (ED) is linked to adverse clinical outcomes, a negative impact on patient safety, patient satisfaction, and physician efficiency. We aimed to design a medical admission prediction scoring system based on readily available clinical data during ED presentation. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, data on ED presentations and medical admissions were extracted from the Emergency and Internal Medicine departments of a tertiary care facility in Qatar. Primary outcome was medical admission. RESULTS: Of 320299 ED presentations, 218772 were males (68.3%). A total of 11847 (3.7%) medical admissions occurred. Most patients were Asians (53.7%), followed by Arabs (38.7%). Patients who got admitted were older than those who did not (p <0.001). Admitted patients were predominantly males (56.8%), had a higher number of comorbid conditions and a higher frequency of recent discharge (within the last 30 days) (p <0.001). Age > 60 years, female gender, discharge within the last 30 days, and worse vital signs at presentations were independently associated with higher odds of admission (p<0.001). These factors generated the scoring system with a cut-off of >17, area under the curve (AUC) 0.831 (95% CI 0.827-0.836), and a predictive accuracy of 83.3% (95% CI 83.2-83.4). The model had a sensitivity of 69.1% (95% CI 68.2-69.9), specificity was 83.9% (95% CI 83.7-84.0), positive predictive value (PPV) 14.2% (95% CI 13.8-14.4), negative predictive value (NPV) 98.6% (95% CI 98.5-98.7) and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 4.28% (95% CI 4.27-4.28). CONCLUSION: Medical admission prediction scoring system can be reliably applied to the regional population to predict medical admissions and may have better generalizability to other parts of the world owing to the diverse patient population in Qatar.

The Pros and Cons of Use of Handheld Electronic Devices During Ward Rounds and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: The exponential use of handheld electronic devices (HEDs) among healthcare providers has shown the potential to enhance clinical workflows and improve patient care. However, the challenges and risks of carrying these devices during ward rounds and their impact on postgraduate trainees' (PGTs') training in general and more specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic need to be explored. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey was conducted to evaluate the perceptions of trainees and faculty at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International accredited residency and fellowships programs in Qatar on the use of HEDs on clinical workflow, trainees' education, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred and fifty-eight participants were enrolled in the study (87 postgraduate trainees and 71 faculty). Exploratory data analysis and descriptive statistics were performed using STATA version 12 and thematic analysis of 301 qualitative responses to the survey open-ended questions using Atlas. ti qualitative software, version 9.4.0. Results: Almost all PGTs, 83 (95.4%), and faculty 43 (62.3%) use HEDs during ward rounds. Accessibility of patient information by PGTs 73 (94.8%) and faculty 46 (84.4%) and work efficiency were the main perceived benefits. Hindering communication between team members, disruption of interaction with patients, increased risk of infection and breach of patient confidentiality were among the challenges associated with their use. Carrying devices reduced the frequency of hand hygiene practices and physical examinations of patients by trainees. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in the use of HEDs by both faculty [38(64%)] and PGTs [42(60%)]. Conclusion: HEDs' use is valued by both faculty and PGTs in enhancing workflow, trainees' education, patient experience, and patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduate medical education leaders should adopt measures to monitor their use during ward rounds as they can negatively impact trainees' education, reduce interaction with patients, increase the risk of infection, and breach patient confidentiality.

The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with pulmonary hypertension in association with hyperthyroid state: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) may occur in thyroid disorders, especially in hypothyroidism. However, there is increasing evidence of PHTN in hyperthyroidism (HTH). The etiology, clinical course, management, and factors associated with outcomes of PHTN in the setting of HTH are unascertained. This systematic review consolidates available evidence on patients with HTH who developed PHTN. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review on English articles from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar reporting PHTN in patients with hyperthyroidism. Data were analyzed and reported in Microsoft Excel 2020, SPSS version 26, and Jamovi version 1.2. RESULTS: We identified 589 patients with PHTN in the setting of HTH. Etiologies included Grave disease 66.7%), toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG) (16.8%), drug-induced HTH (0.3%), thyroiditis(0.8%), and toxic adenoma(0.1%). Most patients did not receive any specific management for PHTN and were managed by antithyroid treatment (97.4%). Outcomes of PHTN were reported in 181 patients, with a 94% recovery rate. Pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) before and after HTH management ranged from 22.5 to 75 mm Hg and from 24 to 50 mm Hg, respectively. Outcome analysis performed on data from case reports and series with individually identifiable data revealed a 67.6% female preponderance. An estimated 73.5% of the patients had PHTN at the initial presentation of HTH, which was associated with a better resolution rate of PHTN(OR: 12, P-value: 0.048). TRAB was positive in 47% patients with no clinical difference in outcomes. antiTG AB was reported positive in 29.4%, all of whom had an improvement, compared to an 83.3% improvement rate in those with negative antiTG AB. Various etiologies and treatments did not have any significant differences in the outcome of PHTN. CONCLUSIONS: PHTN can be present at the initial diagnosis of HTH, which is associated with better outcomes of PHTN. There is a clear female preponderance in the development of PHTN. However, resolution rates seem to be better in males. Although TRAB is associated with the development of PHTN, it does not seem to affect the outcomes. PHTN in patients with HTH does not need any specific management, with >90% resolution with antithyroid therapy. Whether any specific antithyroid therapy has a better outcome in PHTN needs to be explored prospectively.

Qatar Diabetes Mobile Application Trial (QDMAT): an open-label randomised controlled trial to examine the impact of using a mobile application to improve diabetes care in type 2 diabetes mellitus-a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) is increasingly advocated for diabetes management. It is unclear if mobile applications are effective in improving glycaemic control, clinical outcomes, quality of life and overall patient satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A new mobile application was specifically built for people with T2DM with the help of the local expertise. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile app. METHODS: The planned study is an ongoing open-label randomised controlled trial in which adults living with T2DM treated with insulin will be randomised 1:1 to the use of this diabetes application versus current standard care. The primary outcome will be the difference in mean HbA1c from baseline to 6 months. Other outcome measures include anthropometric measures, hypoglycaemic events, medication adjustments, number of clinical interactions and missed appointments and patient perceptions of their disease and diabetes self-management. The study will randomise 180 subjects for assessment of the primary outcome. DISCUSSION: We hypothesise that the diabetes-specific mobile application will improve glycaemic control, increase patient empowerment for self-management of diabetes and improve interaction between patients and healthcare providers. If the Qatar Diabetes Mobile Application Trial (QDMAT) demonstrates this, it will inform clinical services for the future self-management of T2DM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03998267 . Registered on 26 June 2019.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors induced euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis within four days of initiation.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA) is a well-known complication of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, and many cases with variable onset following the initiation of these agents are reported before, with a median onset of approximately 2 wk. This letter discusses a 45-year-old lady who initially presented with ischemic stroke but developed EDKA 4 d after starting empagliflozin, a rare occurrence. The patient had severe metabolic acidosis that necessitated admission into the intensive care unit. Prompt discontinuation of empagliflozin and DKA management resulted in clinical recovery.

Science of quality improvement - from vision to reality: Experience from a leading academic healthcare center in Qatar.

Quality improvement and patient safety are cornerstones to the delivery of effective patient care. The introduction of a quality improvement curriculum for medical students and trainee physicians can have a significant effect on their understanding of the science of improvement and its role in improving the quality of healthcare delivery and patient safety. The article describes the development and implementation of a quality improvement curriculum for trainee physicians in the department of internal medicine at a tertiary care center in Qatar through online training courses, workshops, didactic activities, and trainee-led quality improvement projects.

Time for change in practice of in-patient oxygen therapy: a period-limited, multidimensional approach to improve oxygen prescription compliance: quality improvement project at Hamad General Hospital, Qatar.

Prescription of oxygen therapy has traditionally poor compliance across the globe and mostly given to patients on verbal orders leading to under or overuse. The British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines (2017) recommend that oxygen therapy must be prescribed. Our study aimed to assess the prescription practice of oxygen therapy for patients admitted to acute medical assessment unit and general medical wards at Hamad General Hospital, Qatar and to achieve 80% compliance of valid oxygen therapy prescription implementing the quality improvement model against the BTS guidelines.The prescription practice of oxygen therapy was audited between April 2019 and August 2019. Using a Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) model of improvement and multiple interventions was performed in the eight PDSA cycles, including (1) educational sessions for residents/fellows/nurses, (2) introduction of electronic prescription, (3) emails, posters/flyers, (4) nurse-led reminders and (5) re-enforced teaching for new residents. Data were then collected using a questionnaire assessing electronic prescriptions and documentation. Our baseline study regarding oxygen therapy showed limited awareness of BTS guidelines regarding the documentation of initiation and further adjustment of oxygen therapy. There was a lack of compliance with oxygen prescription; none of the patients had a valid prescription on our computer-based prescription (Cerner). The duration, target range and indications of Oxygen therapy were documented in 25% (18/72), 45.8% (33/72) and 42% (30/72) patients, respectively. Oxygen was initiated by communication order only. In a total of 16 weeks period, the repeated PDSA cycles showed significant improvement in safe oxygen prescription practices. Following intervention, oxygen electronic prescription, documentation of indications for oxygen therapy, target oxygen saturation and wean-off plan improved to 93%, 85%, 86 % and 80 %, respectively.We concluded that poor compliance to oxygen therapy Orders is a universal issue, which can be successfully managed using small-scale PDSA cycles to ensure sustained improvement through multidimensional interventions, continuous reinforcement and frequent reassessments.

Perceived Barriers of Incident Reporting Among Internists: Results from Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar.

Background Adverse events (AE) are responsible for annual deaths that exceed deaths due to motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, and AIDS. Many AE are considered preventable. Thus, AE needs to be detected and analyzed. Incident reporting systems (IRS) are crucial in identifying AE. Nevertheless, the incident report (IR) process is flawed with underreporting, especially from the physicians' side. This limits its efficiency in detecting AE. Therefore, we aimed to assess the practice and identify the barriers associated with incident reporting among internal medicine physicians in a large tertiary hospital through a survey. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study. We distributed an online survey to physicians working in the Internal Medicine Department of Qatar's largest tertiary academic institute. The questionnaire was validated and piloted ahead of the start of the trial. The response rate was 53%. Results A total of 115 physicians completed the survey; 59% acknowledged the availability of an institutional IRS. However, only 29% knew how to submit an online IR, and 20% have ever submitted an IR. The survey revealed that participants were less likely to submit an IR when they or a colleague is involved in the incident; 46% and 63%, respectively. The main barriers of reporting incidents were unawareness about the IRS (36%) and the perception that IR will not bring a system change (13%); moreover, there exists the fear of retaliation (13%). When asked about solutions, 57% recommended training and awareness, and 22% recommended sharing learnings and actions from previous IR. Conclusions IRS is underutilized by internal medicine physicians. The main barrier at the time of the survey is the lack of training and awareness. Promoting awareness and sharing previous learning and actions may improve the utilization of the IRS.

Recurrent thyrotoxic periodic paralysis with normokalemia in a 36-year-old man: A case report.

Among patients with thyrotoxicosis and proximal muscle weakness, some patients with TPP may present with apparent normokalemia in whom a careful administration of potassium may lead to rapid reversal of muscle weakness.

Myxedema Psychosis: Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The term myxedema psychosis (MP) was introduced to describe the occurrence of psychotic symptoms in patients with untreated hypothyroidism, but the optimal assessment and treatment of this condition are unclear. We aimed to synthesize data from the literature to characterize the clinical presentation and management of MP. METHODS: We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines in PubMed (Medline), Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases, including observational studies, case series, and case reports published from 1/1/1980 to 31/12/2019 in the English language. Descriptive statistics along with univariate and multivariate analysis were used for data synthesis. RESULTS: Out of 1583 articles screened, 71 case reports met our inclusion criteria providing data on 75 MP cases. The median age at diagnosis was 42 years [32-56]. About 53% had no prior hypothyroidism diagnosis. Delusions occurred in 91%, with a predominance of persecutory ideas (84%), while hallucinations occurred in 78%. Physical symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism were absent in 37% and 26%, respectively. If symptoms occurred, nonspecific fatigue was seen most frequently (63%). The median thyroid-stimulating hormone value was 93 mIU/L [60-139]. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies were found positive in 75% (23/33) of reported cases. Creatinine kinase was reported abnormal in seven cases. Cranial imaging (CT or MRI) and electroencephalogram were normal in 89%, 75%, and 73% of the cases reported. The majority of patients were treated orally with thyroxine in combination with short-term antipsychotics. More than 90% of them showed complete recovery. Univariate analysis revealed a trend towards a shorter duration of psychosis with IV thyroid hormone therapy (p= 0.0502), but the effect was not consistent in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: While we identified a substantial lack of published research on MP, our pooled analysis of case observations suggests that the condition presents a broad spectrum of psychiatric and physical symptoms lending support to the value of screening for thyroid dysfunction in patients with first-ever psychosis. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020160310.

Do the selection criteria of internal medicine residency program predict resident performance?

BACKGROUND: Well-performing physician reflects the success of the residency program in selecting the best candidates for training. This study aimed to evaluate the selection criteria, mainly the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) results and applicants' status as international or locally trained applicants, used by the medical education department and the internal medicine residency program in Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar to predict the residents' performance during their training. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for three batches of graduates who started residency training in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Each group completed 4 years of training. The USMLE Step 2 CK status of the applicant, in-training exam (ITE) scores, formative evaluation scores, Arab Board written and clinical exams pass rate, and other indicators were analyzed. Statistical analysis included chi squares and independent t-test to identify associations. Multivariable analyses were conducted using logistic and linear regressions to test for adjusted associations. RESULTS: The study included 118 (81 international/37 locally trained applicants) internal medicine residents. The ITE score correlated positively with the USMLE Step 2 CK score (r = 0.621, r = 0.587, r = 0.576, r = 0.571, p < 0.001) over the 4 years of training and among the international compared with locally trained applicants (p < 0.001). The rate of passing part 1 and 2 written exam of the Arab Board was higher in international than in local applicants, whereas clinical Arab Board exam and formative evaluation were not associated with any criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Higher USMLE Step 2 CK score correlated with better performance on ITE but not with other performance indicators, whereas international applicants did better in both ITE and Arab Board written exam than local applicants. These variables may provide reasonable predictors of well-performing physicians.

SGLT-2 inhibitors associated euglycemic and hyperglycemic DKA in a multicentric cohort.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EuDKA) secondary to Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a rare but increasingly reported phenomenon. Not much is known about the burden of EuDKA in patients on SGLT2i or the associated factors. This retrospective cohort study tries to delineate the differences in factors associated with the development of EuDKA as compared to hyperglycemic DKA. We conducted a multicentre, retrospective study across three tertiary care centers under Weill Cornell affiliated-Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. The cohort comprised of T2D patients on SGLT2i who developed DKA between January 2015 to December 2020. The differences between the subjects who developed EuDKA or hyperglycaemic DKA (hDKA) were analyzed. A total of 9940 T2D patients were on SGLT2i during 2015-2020, out of which 43 developed DKA (0.43%). 25 developed EuKDA, whereas 18 had hDKA. The point prevalence of EuDKA in our cohort was 58.1%. EuDKA was most common in patients using canagliflozin, followed by empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin (100%, 77%, and 48.3%, respectively). Overall, infection (32.6%) was the most common trigger for DKA, followed by insulin non-compliance (13.7%). Infection was the only risk factor with a significant point estimate between the two groups, being more common in hDKA patients (p-value 0.006, RR 2.53, 95% CI 1.07-5.98). Canagliflozin had the strongest association with the development of EuDKA and was associated with the highest medical intensive care unit (MICU) admission rates (66.6%). In T2D patients on SGLT2i, infection is probably associated with an increased risk of developing EuDKA. The differential role of individual SGLT2i analogs is less clear and will need exploration by more extensive prospective studies.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physicians Regarding Screening of Colorectal Cancer in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of internal medicine residents' and faculties' (specialists and consultants) compliance to colorectal cancer screening in Hamad Medical Corporation (Doha, Qatar) and to identify barriers as well as facilitators that will assist in drawing up changes that would enhance physician-related cancer screening. METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey was distributed among internal medicine physicians at three component hospitals of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC); focusing on knowledge and practice of colorectal cancer screening, its barriers and facilitators. Chi-square and t-test statistics were used to draw conclusions where appropriate. RESULTS: The response rate for the survey was 91% and over 75% of the survey respondents were post-graduate trainees. The majority (90.6%) of the physicians (n=144) mentioned that they would recommend colorectal cancer screening for their asymptomatic patients, though trainees tend to choose the correct modality of screening compared to the consultants, 86.21% vs 40.74%. Only 43.4% of the survey participants always to usually recommend screening to their patients in their clinics while only 29.4% do so for their inpatients. Even though there was no statistically significant difference among the frequency of outpatient colorectal cancer screening among trainees, specialists or consultants (p=0.628), there was a clear increase in the reported referrals as the training years or the years of experience increases (p=0.049 for trainees and p=0.009 for faculty). Unclear pathway was reported as the main obstacle to outpatient cancer screening by 30.2% (n= 48) and 54% (n=87) pointed out that an easy and clear pathway for cancer screening would facilitate the same. CONCLUSION: While the attitude towards colorectal cancer screening is positive, the actual practice of recommendation is sub-optimal. Further initiatives are required to facilitate awareness and compliance to colorectal cancer screening.

Examining aptitude and barriers to evidence-based medicine among trainees at an ACGME-I accredited program.

BACKGROUND: The aims of Evidence-Based medicine (EBM) are to promote critical thinking and produces better patients' outcome (Profetto-McGrath J, J Prof Nurs Off J Am Assoc Coll Nurs 21:364-371, 2005). Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies require trainees to locate, appraise and apply clinical evidence to patients' care. Despite the emphasis that ACGME place on EBM, few organizations provide adequate training in EBM. This is even more critical in regions where medical trainees matriculate from diverse backgrounds of undergraduate medical education, where EBM may not be emphasized nor taught at all. EBM practice has a history of research in the West, however, EBM has not been widely studied in the Middle East. METHODS: Clinicians and trainees at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) matriculate from many countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia. Because trainees in Graduate Medical Education (GME) come to HMC from a variety of geographic backgrounds, it is assumed that they also have a variety of experiences and aptitudes in EBM. To assess trainees EBM attitudes and knowledge in the internal medicine department at HMC in Doha, Qatar, the authors surveyed residents and fellows using a two-part survey. The first part was adapted from the evidence-based practice inventory by Kaper to assess trainees' attitudes and perceptions of EBM. Trainees were also asked to complete the Assessing Competency in Evidence Based Medicine (ACE) tool to evaluate their aptitude in different elements of EBM. The results from the two parts were analyzed. RESULTS: The average score on the ACE tool among the participants was 8.9 (±1.6). Most participants rated themselves as beginners or intermediate in their EBM capabilities. Higher ACE scores were observed from participants with educational background from South Asia, and among those with more favorable attitudes towards EBM. There was no clear pattern that early incorporation of EBM into practice will result in better ACE score. Participants also reported reasonable abilities in EBM tasks and a favorable work atmosphere for EBM implementation. Lack of knowledge, resources, and time were the most reported barriers to utilizing EBM. CONCLUSIONS: While it is clear that participants are enthusiastic about EBM and see it as a useful method for clinical decision making, their aptitude in EBM is not optimal and there are gaps and barriers for them to practice.

Correction to: Examining aptitude and barriers to evidence-based medicine among trainees at an ACGME-I accredited program.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Quality improvement project for improving inpatient glycaemic control in non-critically ill patients admitted on medical floor with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A significant number of patients admitted to the medical floor have type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Lack of a standardised inpatient hyperglycaemia management protocol leads to improper glycaemic control adding to morbidity in such patients. American Diabetes Association, in its 2019 guidelines, recommends initiation of a regimen consisting of basal insulin (long-acting insulin) or basal plus correctional insulin for non-critically ill hospitalised patients with poor or no oral intake. A combination of basal insulin, bolus (short-acting premeal or prandial) insulin and correctional scale insulin is recommended for inpatient hyperglycaemia management in non-critical patients with type 2 DM who have proper oral intake. Baseline data of 100 patients with diabetes admitted to Hamad General Hospital Doha, Qatar, showed that although insulin was used in the majority of patients, there was lack of uniformity in the initiation of insulin regimen. Adequate glycaemic control (7.8-10 mmol/L) was achieved in 45% of patients. Using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model of improvement, a quality improvement project was initiated with the introduction of a standardised inpatient hyperglycaemia management protocol aiming to achieve 50% compliance to protocol and improvement in inpatient glycaemic control from baseline of 45% to 70%. Interventions for change included development of a standardised inpatient hyperglycaemia management protocol and its provision to medical trainees, teaching sessions for trainees and nurses, active involvement of medical consultants for supervision of trainees to address the fear of hypoglycaemia, regular reminders/feedbacks to trainees and nurses about glycaemic control of their patients and education about goals of diabetes management during hospitalisation for patients with diabetes. Overall, glycaemic control improved significantly with target glycaemic control of 70% achieved in 4 of the 10 PDSA cycles without an increase in the number of hypoglycaemic episodes. We conclude that development of a standardised inpatient insulin prescribing protocol, educational sessions for medical trainees and nurses about goals of diabetes management during hospitalisation, regular reminders to healthcare professionals and patient education are some of the measures that can improve glycaemic control of patients with type 2 DM during inpatient stay.

Myxedema psychosis: A protocol for a systematic review and a pooled analysis.

BACKGROUND: Myxedema psychosis (MP) is a rare presentation of hypothyroidism. Although known for >70 years, a significant lack of systematic literature describing this condition exists. This limits the clinician's ability to identify and manage this entity properly. Hence, we aimed to systematically review the literature and summarize the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of this rare entity. METHODS: Systematic review following PRISMA guidance. We will perform a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar (first 300 hits), and Cochrane databases for published observational studies, case series, and case reports. We will use descriptive statistics to provide summary estimates of demographics, common presenting features, laboratory test results, imaging findings, treatment administered, and outcomes. Moreover, continuous variables will be compared by the Wilcoxon Mann Whitney test, whereas categorical variables will be assessed by the χ test. Bivariate and multivariate regression will be performed to assess risk factors associated with poor outcome. A scoping review revealed that a meta-analysis might not be feasible owing to the paucity of systematic studies describing the condition. RESULTS: This is the first systematic review examining this rare entity. Thus, the result of which will be significant. We hope that this review will help in identifying relevant predictive clinical or laboratory characteristics. Additionally, it identifies the best treatment strategies. The findings of this review will help increase our knowledge of this condition so as to recognize this condition promptly. Also, it will assist in differentiating MP from masqueraders, such as Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE). The results of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: This is the first systematic review exploring MP demographics, diagnosis treatment, and outcomes. The information gathered by this review will be necessary for patients, clinicians, researchers, and guideline makers. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020160310.