Changes in foot plantar pressure in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, the body undergoes many hormonal and anatomical changes causing several medical problems as the musculoskeletal system problems. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the plantar pressure distribution during pregnancy. SUBJECTS: Twenty two pregnant and non-pregnant females were selected from the King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. METHODS: All females were evaluated by inspection regarding their deformities of the spine, pelvis, lower extremities and feet. Pain was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the weight and height were recorded using a calibrated weighing scale. Finally, the plantar pressure distribution was examined by a Global Postural Analysis device (GPA). RESULTS: The results revealed significant asymmetry of weight bearing in the study group (pregnant) compared to the control group (non-pregnant) (p< 0.05). In addition, there was a significant increase in pain intensity in the study group (p= 0.02). On the other hand, the results showed a non-significant difference between study and control groups regarding the three points of pressure (calcaneus, 1st metatarasal and 5th metatarsal) (p> 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant direct relationship between the month of pregnancy and increased weight bearing on the 5th metatarsal in the study group (p= 0.04). CONCLUSION: There is an effect of pregnancy on plantar pressure distribution as well as weight symmetry which should be considered when designing an antenatal program.

Benchmarking the post-accreditation patient safety culture at King Abdulaziz University Hospital.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Accreditation is an internationally recognized evaluation process used to assess, promote, and guarantee efficient and effective patient care and safety. Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries in the eastern Mediterranean region to implement health care accreditation standards. This study provides valuable information pertaining to the impact of accreditation in the unique multicultural, multilingual competitive environment at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to perform an unbiased assessment of the impact of accreditation on patient safety culture. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional retrospective and prospective study post-accreditation at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 870 registered nurses from eight different cultural backgrounds working at 22 hospital units were given electronic access to the survey. A 5-point Likert scale was used, ranging from 1 for 'Strongly disagree' to 5 for 'Strongly agree.' The survey results were matched with the international benchmarks from the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture, 2005. RESULTS: A total of 605 nurses answered the survey questionnaire. The comparison between the percentages of nurses at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) and those at international hospitals who answered 'Agree' and 'Strongly agree' showed a post-accreditation improved perception of the culture of patient safety. CONCLUSIONS: Accreditation has an overall statistically significant improvement in the perception of the culture of patient safety.