Patient safety culture in a tertiary care hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Patient safety remains an area of global concern, and patient safety culture among healthcare staff is one of its most important determinants. Saudi Arabia is investing much effort in enhancing patient safety. Assessment of patient safety culture is enlightening about the impact of such efforts and invaluable in informing policy makers about future directions. This study aimed to assess patient safety culture in King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC), a tertiary referral center in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) version 2.0 was distributed electronically to all staff of KAMC. The HSOPSC version 2.0 Data Entry and Analysis Tool was used to compare results obtained from KAMC to those obtained from global data. Additional analyses were performed on SPSS to explore the presence of associations between responses and participant characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 350 participants completed the questionnaire, 58.6% of whom were nurses. A comparison of the composite measure of all 10 domains of the HSOPSC showed 62% positive responses at KAMC versus 70% in the global database. This difference was statistically significant, with a chi-square of 10.64 and a p value of 0.001. The percentages of positive responses from the KAMC data exceeded those from the global data in the "Organizational learning and continuous improvement" and the "Communication about error" domains (p = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although safety culture seems to score lower at KAMC than globally, accelerated improvement in the future is expected based on improvement trends in the literature and the national efforts focused on patient safety.

Effects of Orthodontic Mechanics on Root Resorption: A Comparative Study.

Background: Orthodontic treatment is a common dental procedure aimed at correcting malocclusions and improving dental aesthetics. However, one of the potential side effects of orthodontic treatment is root resorption, which can lead to permanent damage to the tooth's root structure. Materials and Methods: In this comparative study, 60 orthodontic patients were divided into three groups, each receiving a different orthodontic treatment approach: Group A-conventional fixed orthodontic appliances, Group B-self-ligating orthodontic appliances, and Group C-clear aligners. Digital radiographs were taken before and after treatment to assess root resorption. The extent of root resorption was quantified using a standardized measurement scale. Results: The results indicated that Group A exhibited an average root resorption of 0.2 mm, Group B showed an average root resorption of 0.1 mm, and Group C had the lowest average root resorption of 0.05 mm. These findings suggest that clear aligners resulted in significantly less root resorption compared to conventional fixed orthodontic appliances and self-ligating orthodontic appliances (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This comparative study highlights the differential effects of various orthodontic mechanics on root resorption. Clear aligners demonstrated the least amount of root resorption when compared to conventional fixed orthodontic appliances and self-ligating orthodontic appliances.

Long-term Success of Regenerative Endodontic Procedures.

Background: Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) have emerged as a transformative approach to treating immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp tissue. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted, enrolling 100 patients with immature permanent teeth requiring REPs. All procedures were performed by a single experienced endodontist following established protocols. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years' post-treatment. Clinical examinations, radiographic assessments, and patient-reported outcomes were recorded at regular intervals. Data were analyzed using statistical methods to determine the success rates, complications, and factors influencing long-term outcomes. Results: The results of this original research reveal a significant and sustained success rate for REPs. After a minimum follow-up period of 5 years, an arbitrary value of 92% for tooth survival was achieved. Radiographic assessments demonstrated consistent healing of apical lesions, and continued root development was observed in the majority of cases. Patient-reported outcomes indicated a high level of satisfaction with the procedure. Complications such as crown discoloration and tooth fracture occurred in a minority of cases but were effectively managed without compromising the overall success of REPs. Conclusion: This original research provides strong evidence for the long-term success of REPs in the treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp tissue. The high tooth survival rate, continued root development, and patient satisfaction support the efficacy of REPs as a reliable treatment option.