ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Collaborative computing has attracted great interest in the possibility of joining the efforts of researchers worldwide. Its relevance has further increased during the pandemic crisis since it allows for the strengthening of scientific collaborations while avoiding physical interactions. Thus, the E4C consortium presents the MEDIATE initiative which invited researchers to contribute via their virtual screening simulations that will be combined with AI-based consensus approaches to provide robust and method-independent predictions. The best compounds will be tested, and the biological results will be shared with the scientific community. AREAS COVERED: In this paper, the MEDIATE initiative is described. This shares compounds' libraries and protein structures prepared to perform standardized virtual screenings. Preliminary analyses are also reported which provide encouraging results emphasizing the MEDIATE initiative's capacity to identify active compounds. EXPERT OPINION: Structure-based virtual screening is well-suited for collaborative projects provided that the participating researchers work on the same input file. Until now, such a strategy was rarely pursued and most initiatives in the field were organized as challenges. The MEDIATE platform is focused on SARS-CoV-2 targets but can be seen as a prototype which can be utilized to perform collaborative virtual screening campaigns in any therapeutic field by sharing the appropriate input files.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Molecular Docking Simulation , Proteins , Antiviral AgentsABSTRACT
The locations where healthcare organizations directly distribute medications to patients in specific circumstances, such as at hospital discharge, are settings at risk of professional errors. Using organizational ethnography methodology, we sought to explore the characteristics of points of direct distribution of drugs (PDD) in the AUSL of Parma and identify aspects of the delivery process that could potentially generate errors. We conducted 75 3-hour observations (225 hours at total) of the two Parma AUSL PDDs. The nature of the observations was known by PDD professionals but blinded to PDD patients. In one PDD, we shadowed the pharmacist responsible for the entire drug distribution process, as well as followed the pattern of drug packaging from the Centralized Logistic Pharmacy Unit in Reggio Emilia to the Parma Pharmaceutical Department. In the other PDD, we carried out observations in the patient waiting room and conducted interviews with patients and PDD professionals. Collected data were evaluated via content analysis and study results were presented to the study-working group for further discussion. Research findings highlighted a limited number of errors in drug delivery process. The most frequently observed errors by pharmacists were incorrect interpretation of prescriptions, dispensation of wrong dosage, and failure to deliver a prescribed drug to the patient. Potential sources of error were repeated interruptions of the pharmacist workflow, such as phone calls, helping colleagues in emergency situations and serving an excessive number of patients. Based on these results, the study-working group proposed logistical and organizational modifications of PDD and delivery process to improve quality and reduce risks.
Subject(s)
Anthropology, Cultural , Humans , Patient Discharge , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Pharmaceutical Services , PharmacistsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess General Pratictioner's (GPs) knowledge and attitudes about HPV infection and prevention. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A semi-structured survey was conducted from November to December 2013 among Italian GPs. Descriptive and univariate analyses were carried out. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS: 938 GPs were included in the study. 15% participated in continuing medical education courses focusing on HPV. GPs identified as HPV transmission routes: sexual (100%), cutaneous (15%), transplacental (13%), haematic (9%) and by air (2%); they considered HPV-related diseases: cervical (98%), vulvar and vaginal (42%), anal (39%), penile (38%) and oral (38%) cancer, genital warts (79%) and respiratory papillomatosis (12%). They knew HPV vaccination is to prevent HPV-associated cancer (60%), in particular cervical cancer (35%), genital warts (3%) and sexually transmitted diseases (2%). A total of 73% were aware of the existence of both available vaccines, 69% believed that immunization target population should be females before initiation of sexual activity, 87% knew the age of vaccine administration. No significant difference in knowledge was retrieved by age, gender, level of education or region of origin. CONCLUSION: We report a lack of knowledge on HPV infection and vaccination in GPs. GPs have a key role in the Italian health system. Although 12-year old patients are a small percentage of their patients, it is of fundamental importance to promote medical education and training among GPs in order to meet HPV coverage targets and control HPV-associated diseases.
