ABSTRACT
The purpose of this case study was to raise awareness among forensic pathologists and medicolegal death investigators regarding two unique socioethnic practices and regional customs that have significant forensic implications. We present two cases involving coining (gua sha) and bloodletting (sapi) that represent two forms of traditional customs that involve the use of blunt force and sharp force trauma, respectively. In coining, the skin lesions are produced as a result of dermabrasion with oils and oval objects such as coin. In sapi, multiple superficial linear scrapes are made in the skin as part of a bloodletting ceremony. The identification of these lesions will prevent the interpretation of them as non-voluntary-inflicted trauma.
Subject(s)
Bloodletting , Ceremonial Behavior , Dermabrasion , Indians, North American , Medicine, East Asian Traditional , Adult , Asian , Asphyxia/pathology , Female , Humans , Male , Medicine, Traditional , Neck Injuries/pathology , New York , Suicide/ethnology , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Schwartz Center Rounds (SCRs) bring multidisciplinary caregivers together to discuss authentic patient cases from the social and emotional perspective. The monthly sessions provide a forum to share personal thoughts and feelings. The purpose of this paper is to learn why people attend SCR, understand what is gained from the experience, and identify key elements to use in measuring the program's effectiveness. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This qualitative descriptive study used four focus groups and three telephone interviews for data collection. Purposive sampling resulted in a multidisciplinary sample of 30 participants. Thematic analysis was conducted with complete transcripts by all researchers. FINDINGS: All parties viewed SCR as beneficial. Six themes emerged during data analysis: culture change, exposing emotions, walking in another's shoes, inequality of topics, influence of rules and boundaries, and personal impact. Institutional culture was positively influenced through SCR. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Limitations include a single institution and restricted data gathered from physicians. Future research should focus on identifying outcome measures to evaluate the long-term impact of SCR on healthcare organizations. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study confirms that the SCR program should be continued at the study organization, and expanded to increase availability to all staff. The growth of this program in healthcare organizations across the country is encouraged. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research provides support for healthcare organizations to offer SCR and highlights how the emotional aspects of patient care can be acknowledged, explored, and discussed.
Subject(s)
Hospitals, Urban , Program Evaluation , Teaching Rounds , Focus Groups , Humans , Interdisciplinary Communication , Interviews as Topic , Medical Staff, Hospital/psychology , Organizational Case Studies , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
Digital microfluidics, a technique for manipulation of droplets, is becoming increasingly important for the development of miniaturized platforms for laboratory processes. Despite the enthusiasm, droplet motion is frequently hindered by the desorption of proteins or other analytes to surfaces. Current approaches to minimize this unwanted surface fouling involve the addition of extra species to the droplet or its surroundings, which might be problematic depending on the droplet content. Here, a new strategy is introduced to move droplets containing cells and other analytes on solid substrates, without extra moieties; in particular, droplets with bovine serum albumin could be moved at a concentration 2000 times higher than previously reported (without additives). This capability is achieved by using a soot-based superamphiphobic surface combined with a new device geometry, which favors droplet rolling. Contrasting with electrowetting, wetting forces are not required for droplet motion.
