Hydration and meal habits of physicians and medical learners: a literature review.

PURPOSE: Nutrition and hydration are important components of physician and medical learner well-being; meal-skipping and insufficient hydration are known to negatively impact cognition. Existing data on these phenomena are sparse and rarely considered together; furthermore, there is a lack of literature on interventions to address these problems. We therefore aimed to characterize existing literature on this topic. METHODS: We conducted a literature review of existing literature on the prevalence of and reasons for meal-skipping and insufficient hydration in physicians and medical learners. RESULTS: Reported prevalences varied widely, as did the ways in which the data were collected. Reasons for meal-skipping and insufficient hydration are less studied, but a lack of time is the most commonly reported reason, among a variety of other barriers. CONCLUSION: Further research is required to better characterize the prevalences and reasons for meal-skipping in physicians and medical learners. By consolidating the state of current knowledge on this topic in this work, we establish the groundwork for future studies and allow intervention studies to be based on a broader data set.

Music in Waiting Rooms: A Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to review existing literature on the effects of background music in waiting rooms on patients. Furthermore, we examine existing neurobiological research for potential mechanisms by which music may affect patients. BACKGROUND: Music has been studied in healthcare in various forms, from formal interventions such as music therapy to passive listening as therapy. However, music is also present in the healthcare environment in the form of background music in waiting rooms. There has been interest in whether background music in such a setting may have beneficial effects on patient anxiety in order to potentially inform healthcare workers whether and what type of music may be suitable for waiting rooms. METHODS: We reviewed existing literature on music in healthcare waiting rooms and the neurobiological mechanisms by which music affects anxiety. RESULTS: We located several small studies performed in a range of settings, including physician office waiting rooms and preoperative waiting areas. The studies generally reported that most patients viewed music in these areas positively; some, but not all, studies showed positive effects on patient anxiety. A variety of theories by which music may impact patient anxiety was noted. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there exists some evidence to support an anxiety-reducing effect of background music on patients, though studies vary widely in methodology and music selection. A small amount of neurobiological research into the pertinent mechanisms has been conducted, but further research will be required to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which this intervention may reduce anxiety.

A review of astronaut mental health in manned missions: Potential interventions for cognitive and mental health challenges.

Space is an isolated, confined environment for humans. These conditions can have numerous effects on astronaut mental health and safety. Psychological and social issues affect space crew due to the isolation, confinement, and prolonged separation from family and friends. This area of research is particularly crucial given the space sector's plans for Martian colonies and space tourism, as well as to aid astronauts when under high stress. Therefore, this paper reviews the effects of isolation/confinement on psychological and cognitive health; impact of radiation and microgravity on cognitive health; and implications of disturbances to the circadian rhythm and sleep in space. Possible solutions to relevant mentioned cognitive and mental health challenges are also discussed.