Designing the future of prenatal care: an algorithm for a telemedicine-enhanced team-based care model.

This study provides a conceptual exploration of an innovative telemedicine-enhanced team-based care (TETC) model, tailored to prenatal care, integrating a multidisciplinary team approach with advanced telemedicine technologies. The algorithm developed for TETC aims to optimize communication and coordination among healthcare professionals, including obstetricians, midwives, nutritionists, and mental health experts. This cohesive team structure ensures a comprehensive care plan encompassing all facets of maternal and fetal health. Leveraging telemedicine tools like video conferencing and digital health records, the model supports remote consultations and coordinated care, proving particularly advantageous during pandemics or in regions with limited healthcare access. Central to the TETC model is patient-centered care, focusing on personalized care plans attuned to the individual needs, health status, and socioeconomic backgrounds of pregnant women. This approach not only enhances accessibility and convenience by diminishing the necessity for physical consultations but also ensures continuity of care throughout pregnancy. This continuity is crucial for consistent health parameter tracking and early risk identification. The paper discusses the model's design, operational workflow, and ethical and legal considerations, providing implementation guidelines and potential applications. The TETC model, rooted in current technological capabilities and healthcare frameworks, underscores the need for close collaboration with healthcare professionals to adhere to medical standards and address real-world requirements effectively.

Postpartum infections and antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens in Ukraine: results a multicenter study (2020-2022).

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To determine the current prevalence of postpartum infections and antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022 in fifteen hospitals from twelve regions of Ukraine. Definitions of healthcare- associated postpartum infection were adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Healthcare Safety Network. Antibiotic susceptibility was done by the disc diffusion test as recommended by EUCAST. RESULTS: Results: Among 21,968 women, 6,175 (28.1%) postpartum infections were observed. Of all postpartum infection cases, 83.1% were detected after hospital discharge. The postpartum infection rates were 17.3% after cesarean section and 10.8% after vaginal delivery. The most common postpartum infection types were endometritis (17.3%), followed by urinary tract Infection (3.5%), mastitis (3.4%), surgical site infection (excluding endometritis) (2.4%), and episiotomy site infection (1.5%). The predominant postpartum infection pathogens in Ukraine were: Escherichia coli (10.4%), Enterococcus spp. (9.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.8%), Enterobacter spp. (5.8%). In our study pathogens of postpartum infection had differently levels of resistance to antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Our results indicate that postpartum infections requiring medical attention are common in Ukraine and that most postpartum infections occur after hospital discharge, so that use of routine inpatient surveillance methods alone will lead to underestimation of postpartum infection rates. Optimizing the antibiotic prophylaxis may reduce the burden of postpartum infection, but prevention is the key element.

Endometritis after hysteroscopic procedures in Ukraine: results a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To determine the current prevalence of endometritis after hysteroscopic procedures and antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022 in fifteen hospitals from twelve regions of Ukraine. Definitions of endometritis were adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Healthcare Safety Network. Antibiotic susceptibility was done by the disc diffusion test as recommended by EUCAST. RESULTS: Results: Among 13,872 patients with hysteroscopic procedures, 1027 (7.4%) endometritis were observed. Of these cases, 0.4% were detected after diagnostic hysteroscopy, and 7.0% were detected after operative hysteroscopy. Of all endometritis cases, 64.2% were detected after hospital discharge. The most commonly reported bacterial species were Escherichia coli (24.3%), followed by Enterobacter spp. (12.7%), Enterococcus spp. (8.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.1%), Serratia marcescens (6.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (5.9%), Proteus mirabilis (5.8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (5.1%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (4.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.1%). A significant proportion of patients were affected by endometritis caused by bacteria developed resistance to several antimicrobials, varying widely depending on the bacterial species, antimicrobial group, and geographical region of Ukraine. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Our data suggest a high prevalence of endometritis after hysteroscopic procedures. Risk for endometritis was higher after operative hysteroscopy compared with diagnostic hysteroscopy. Many most of patients were affected by endometritis caused by bacteria developed resistance to several antimicrobials. These data underscore the importance of tracking antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens of HAIs in hospitals.

PREVALENCE OF AEROBIC VAGINITIS AFTER GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERIES AND ASSOCIATED ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN UKRAINE.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To determine prevalence of Aerobic Vaginitis (AV) after gynecologic surgery, risk factors and antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022 in fifteen medical clinics from eight regions of Ukraine. Smears were analyzed using Donders' classification method and Dong's modified AV diagnosis for Gram stains. Definitions of HAIs were adapted from the CDC/NHSN. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacteria was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test according to the protocol of the EUCAST. RESULTS: Results: Prevalence of AV among women's undergoing gynecologic surgery in Ukraine was 68.7%. Of the total AV cases, 70.3% were in non-pregnant and 29,7% in pregnant women. The most common pathogen of AV was Escherichia coli, followed by Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the S. aureus strains, 11,6% of MRSA (Methicillin resistant S.aureus) were isolated whereas none of the CoNS were cefoxitin resistant. History of vaginal infection, history of post-operative infection and antibiotic use acted as an important risk factor of AV incidence rate. The presence of AV worsened pregnancy outcomes, by increasing the incidence of preterm birth, the premature rupture of membranes, miscarriage, neonatal jaundice, and neonatal infection. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Aerobic Vaginitis after gynecological surgeries in Ukraine is a common medical problem in women that is associated with significant morbidity, adverse pregnancy outcome, and hence frequent medical visits.

Common clinical laboratory features among women with polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), with rates up to 33%. This is associated with long-term consequences such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cancer, sleep apnea, and psychological issues. The prevalence of MS worldwide is often associated with obesity and T2DM, yet regional variations are reported. In this study, 122 women consulting general practice and family medicine physicians were evaluated, revealing a BMI exceeding 30 kg/m2. Among MS criteria, the most common diagnoses were T2DM in 29 patients, insulin resistance (IR) in 36, arterial hypertension (AH) in 51, reduced HDL levels in 53, and elevated triglycerides in 39. Further analysis revealed 16 unique combinations of MS components in these patients, with 75% of PCOS cases exhibiting three MS components and 25% having four. Additionally, research indicated that most women with PCOS face persistent, treatment-resistant obesity, with a notably higher BMI (ρ=0.87; r=0.76). These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of PCOS and MS etiology.

HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AFTER GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERIES AND ASSOCIATED ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN UKRAINE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To determine the prevalence of healthcare-associated bacterial vaginosis after gynecological surgeries and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021 in eleven medical centers from eight regions of Ukraine. Vaginal cultures were obtained preoperatively from 3,502 women undergoing gynecologic surgery. Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis is based on the Nugent and Amsel criteria. RESULTS: Results: Healthcare-associated bacterial vaginosis (HA BV) was diagnosed in 1,498 of 3,502 women, giving a prevalence rate of 42.8%. HA BV was significantly associated with preterm birth (risk ratio [RR], 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-4.98), miscarriage (RR, 6.11; 95% CI, 3.22-14.11), low birth weight (RR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.29-7.94), and premature rupture of membranes (RR, 6.75; 95% CI, 3.11-14.67). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The HA BV after gynecological surgeries prevalence is high in Ukraine, with a concomitant adverse pregnancy outcome, including preterm birth, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, and miscarriage. A significant number of cases of bacterial vaginosis are associated with long-term use of antibiotics to treat post-operative infections.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN UKRAINE: RESULTS OF A MULTICENTER STUDY (2020-2022).

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To obtain the first national estimates of the current prevalence rate of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women and antimicrobial resistance of causing pathogens in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022. The study population consisted of 36,876 pregnant women from 17 regions of Ukraine. Antibiotic susceptibility was done by the disc diffusion test as recommended by European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing guidelines. RESULTS: Results: A total 29.5% pregnant women were found to have UTIs. Among these cases, 36.5% Asymptomatic bacteriuria, 51.7% Cystitis and 11.8% Pyelonephritis were observed. Of all cases, 87.9% were defined as healthcare-acquired UTIs and 12.1% community-acquired UTIs. The most common uropathogen was Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Many uropathogens isolated from UTI cases were found to be multidrug resistant. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: UTIs in pregnant women in Ukraine is a common occurrence and many cases are caused by pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics. Optimizing the management and empirical antimicrobial therapy may reduce the burden of UTIs in pregnant women, but prevention is the key element.

CATHETER-ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AFTER CAESAREAN SECTION IN UKRAINE: RESULTS A MULTICENTER STUDY (2020-2022).

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To obtain the first national estimates of the current prevalence rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) after caesarean section (CSEC) and antimicrobial resistance of causing pathogens in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Prospective multicentre surveillance was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022 in 15 women hospitals of Ukraine. Definitions of CAUTIs were adapted from the CDC/NHSN. Antibiotic susceptibility was done by the disc diffusion test as recommended by European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing guidelines. RESULTS: Results: A total of 15,892 catheterized women undergoing primary CSEC and 13.6% CAUTI were identified. The most common uropathogen was Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterococcus species followed by Providencia stuartii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Many uropathogens isolated from CAUTI cases were found to be multidrug resistant. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: This study showed that CAUTIs in catheterized women undergoing primary CSEC in Ukraine is a common occurrence and many cases are caused by pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics. Optimizing the management and empirical antimicrobial therapy may reduce the burden of CAUTIs in catheterized women undergoing primary CSEC, but prevention is the key element.

HYPERPLASIA OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS IN UKRAINE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To determine the role of infectious diseases as the cause of the Cervical, Ovarian and Breast hyperplasia in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study from January 1st, 2020 to December 31st, 2022. This study included patients aged 20-59 years with a diagnosis of hyperproliferative pathology of the women reproductive organs without atypia, who sought medical care for hyperplastic processes admitted to the 12 hospitals from 9 regions of Ukraine. RESULTS: Results: We had examined 4,713 women; out of which 81.1% met the clinical definition of female reproductive organs hyperplasia. Of all hyperplasia cases, most frequently recorded types were breast hyperplasia (41,7%), followed by cervical hyperplasia (31,1%) and ovarian hyperplasia (27,2%). History of Cervicitis (p<0.001), Vaginal cuff infection (p<0.001), Oophoritis (p<0.001), and Mastitis (p<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors of Cervical, Ovarian and Breast hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: This study showed that surgical site infections after obstetric and gynecological operations are is the cause of Cervical, Ovarian and Breast hyperplasia. Therefore, early detection and treatment SSIs can reduce the risk of hyperplasia these organs.

The influence of psychological characteristics on managers efficiency within medical institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the activity of medical managers, the social and psychological climate within teams, and interpersonal relations. The goal of the study was to investigate the interpersonal interaction styles and intragroup relations between team members and managers, as well as to determine the impact of managers' psycho-emotional characteristics on their effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 158 medical workers participated in the study, which was conducted in 2021 using a self-developed questionnaire. The expert evaluation method and standardized psychodiagnostic methods were used. We identified negative factors that affected the management of medical institutions during the pandemic, such as deficiencies in material and economic support, low levels of managerial competence, violation of collegiality and fairness principles during duties and rewards distribution, and deficiencies in manager recruitment. The most psychologically challenging aspects of managing or working in a medical facility during a pandemic include excessive emotional tension and stress, high levels of responsibility, lack of management experience and/or competence in crisis conditions, physical overload, work outside of working hours, and lack of adequate rest. A mini-personality profile of the effective manager of medical institutions in pandemic conditions was developed. One of the psychological regularities of a manager's performance identified is the presence of self-regulative skills in negative emotional states, pronounced activity and energy, mobility, and a strong desire for action.

Determining the level of stromal and epithelial cells activity in normal and hyperplastic endometrium of late reproductive and perimenopausal women.

Hyperplastic processes of the endometrium (HPE) are a group of benign endometrial and stromal cells that have undergone altered growth. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of hypoxia (as indicated by Hif-1α) and apoptosis markers (p53 and BCL-2) in the development of hyperplastic processes of the endometrium (HPE). Results showed that endometrial cells with atypical hyperplasia had increased levels of Hif-1ɑ, which indicates the presence of endometrial hypoxia and may trigger pathological manifestations. Though this result was not statistically significant, it could be the cause of atypia hyperplasia in the late reproductive period (Hif-1ɑ=1.89±0.09 units) and the perimenopausal period (Hif-1ɑ=2.09±0.07 units). Additionally, the study found that p53 markers were elevated in epithelial cells in the late reproductive period, and similar patterns were observed in the perimenopausal period, with the biggest expression in atypical hyperplasia. The study also found that the high expression of BCL-2 indicator (+++) was less common in late reproductive period women with atypia than those without it (χ2=7.2 p=0.01). A similar situation was observed in women in the perimenopausal period (χ2=4.2 p=0.04). These findings suggest that hypoxia may play a role in the development of HPE, as well as changes in apoptotic markers present in the endometrial tissue.

VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS AFTER GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERIES AND ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN UKRAINE: A MULTICENTRE STUDY.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the epidemiology and microbiology of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) after gynecological surgeries, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022 and recruited pregnant and non-pregnant women aged 15-65 years who had sought medical help for vaginal dysbiosis the seven medical clinic from five regions of Ukraine. RESULTS: Results: Between 2020 and 2022, 2,341 women were followed in gynecological practices, and 1,056 (41.5%) women were diagnosed with VVC during the same period. Of the total VVC cases, 31.9% were in non-pregnant and 68.1% in pregnant women. The use of antibiotics (OR=3.48), use hormonal contracep¬tives (OR=2.75) and pregnancy (OR=1.13) were associated with an increase in the risk of VVC diagnosis. Diabetes mellitus (OR=0.44) were additional risk factors. The most common pathogen of VVC was C. albicans, Nakaseomyces glabratus (C. glabrata), followed by Pichia kudriavzevii (C. krusei), C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. kefyr, C. guillieromondii, C. lusitaniae, and C. rugosa. We found no significant difference in adverse pregnancy outcomes between Candida-positive and Candida-negative women. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Vulvovaginal candidiasis after gynecological surgeries in Ukraine is a common medical problem in women that is associated with significant morbidity, and hence frequent medical visits. High prevalence rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis in the present study warrants, the importance of conducting continuous epidemiological surveys to measure changes in species distribution from C. albicans to non-albicans Candida species in Ukraine.

PREVALENCE OF HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED CERVICITIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF THE RESPONSIBLE PATHOGENS IN UKRAINE: RESULTS OF A MULTICENTER STUDY (2019-2021).

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To obtain the first estimates of the current prevalence of healthcare-associated cervicitis (HACs) and antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective multicentre cohort study was based on surveillance data from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2021 in Ukraine. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test according to the protocol of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. RESULTS: Results: Of the 6,885 participants in this study, 1746 women (25.5%) met the clinical definition of cervicitis. Prevalence of HACs and cervcits caused sexually transmitted pathogens were 12.7% and 8.3%, respectively. The incidence of HACs among women with a history of gynecological procedures was 25.4%. The main causes of HACs were legal induced abortions (28.8%), vaginal hysterectomy (23.9%), and postpartum instrumental examination (12.8%). The predominant pathogens of HACs were: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis. Methicillin-resistance was observed in 20.8% of S. aureus (MRSA). Vancomycin resistance was observed in 7.4% of isolated enterococci (VRE). Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins was observed in 13.1% Klebsiella spp. and E.coli 17.5% isolates. Carbapenem resistance was identified in 11.6% of P.aeruginosa isolates. The prevalence of ESBL production among E. coli isolates was significantly higher than in K. pneumoniae (33.5%, vs 8.7%). The overall proportion of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) production among Enterobacteriaceae was 34.6%. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: This study showed that the prevalence of healthcare-associated cervicitis in Ukraine is high, and many cases were caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

CERVICITIS AS A CAUSE OF PRETERM BIRTH IN WOMEN.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To evaluate the prevalence of preterm birth and to determine the role of cervicitis as a cause of preterm birth in women in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective multicentre cohort study from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2021. This study included pregnant women aged 17-50 years admitted to the labor ward at the 13 hospitals from 10 regions of Ukraine. RESULTS: Results: Of the 8151 participants, the prevalence of preterm birth was 2226 (27.3%, [95% CI 26.8 - 27.8]) whereas 5925 (72.7% [95% CI 72.2-73.2]) delivered at term. Preterm birth associated with cervicitis was 76.3% (4,388/2666). History of cervicitis, maternal age, previous preterm labor or premature birth, and pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples were identified as independent risk factors of preterm birth. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Preterm birth in Ukraine is widespread, the number of which tends to increase. Infection and inflammation of the cervix seem to play a significant role for preterm birth. Early detection and treatment of cervicitis can reduce the risk of preterm birth. Women who have a history of poor pregnancy outcomes are at greater risk of poor outcomes in following pregnancies. Health providers should be aware of this risk when treating patients with a history of poor pregnancy outcomes.

Anaesthesiologists' simulation training during emergencies in obstetrics.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Methods of simulation training and quality assessment during obstetric emergencies are still ambiguous. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of anaesthesiologists' simulation training for emergency situations in obstetrics. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, descriptive, and comparative study to evaluate the anaesthesiologists' simulation training effectiveness during obstetrical emergencies. Data of 109 obstetrical anaesthesiologists trained over two years for invasive procedures and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, high-fidelity scenarios and medical personnel teamwork included were analyzed. We used the two-sided t-test (p < 0.05 considered significant). RESULTS: We noted during the fifth training sessions, the anaesthesiologists had a significant manipulation time decrease for all skills compared to the ones assessed during their first training session (p < 0.01). The 100-grade scale scores for all invasive techniques significantly improved during the anaesthesiologists' training (p < 0.01). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation effectiveness and team work also improved significantly during the fifth session (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of simulation training, significant improvement of speed and quality indicators, for invasive techniques in obstetrical emergency states treatment, was noted. For the fifth training sessions, there was a decrease in the practical skills execution time. The overall effectiveness and teamwork quality for cardiopulmonary resuscitation showed significant improvement.