Prevalence, predictors, and consequences of workplace violence among female healthcare workers in tertiary care hospitals: A cross-sectional study in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, predictors and perpetrators of violence, and its impact on the mental health of female healthcare workers. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from June to October 2022 at three tertiary care hospitals after approval from the ethics review board of Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised female healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. Data was collected regarding workplace violence using a structured questionnaire adopted from literature. The incidence of verbal, physical and sexual violence in the preceding 12 months was noted, and predictors were analysed. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 140 subjects with an age range of 16-60 years, verbal violence was experienced by 102(72.9%) and physical violence by 26(18.6%), while verbal and physical forms of sexual violence were reported by 33(23.6%) and 13(9.3%), respectively. Those in the Medicine department had significantly lower odds of experiencing verbal violence compared to those from the Surgery department (adjusted odds ratio=0.223; 95% confidence interval: 0.078-0.036; p=0.005). Those in the Emergency department had significantly greater odds of experiencing physical violence compared to those in Surgery (adjusted odds ratio=8.716; 95% confidence interval: 1.693-44.87; p=0.01). Violence had a significant detrimental impact on the mental health of female healthcare workers (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Violence was found to be prevalent in the healthcare sector, specifically in stressful and critical-care departments, like Emergency and Surgery.

Navigating Glioblastoma Diagnosis and Care: Transformative Pathway of Artificial Intelligence in Integrative Oncology.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive brain tumor with high recurrence rates and limited survival, presents a pressing need for accurate and timely diagnosis. The interpretation of MRI can be complex and subjective. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising solution, leveraging its potential to revolutionize diagnostic imaging. Radiomics treats images as numerical data and extracts intricate features from images, including subtle patterns that elude human observation. By integrating radiomics with genetics through radiogenomics, AI aids in tumor classification, identifying specific mutations and genetic traits. Furthermore, AI's impact extends to treatment planning. GBM's heterogeneity and infiltrative growth complicate delineation for treatment purposes. AI-driven segmentation techniques provide accurate 2D and 3D delineations, optimizing surgical and radiotherapeutic planning. Predictive features like angiogenesis and tumor volumes enable AI models to anticipate postop complications and survival rates. It can also aid in distinguishing posttreatment radiation effects from tumor recurrence. Despite these merits, concerns linger. The quality of medical data, transparency of AI techniques, and ethical considerations require thorough addressing. Collaborative efforts between neurosurgeons, data scientists, ethicists, and regulatory bodies are imperative for AI's ethical development and implementation. Transparent communication and patient consent are vital, fostering trust and understanding in AI-augmented medical care. In conclusion, AI holds immense promise in diagnosing and managing aggressive brain tumors like GBM. Its ability to analyze complex radiological data, integrate genetics, and aid in treatment planning underscores its potential to transform patient care. However, carefully considering ethical, technical, and regulatory aspects is crucial for realizing AI's full potential in oncology.

Healthcare in Pakistan: Navigating Challenges and Building a Brighter Future.

A healthcare system is one of the most essential pillars of any country. The primary role of a healthcare system is to ensure that all people get the best available health facilities in a timely, acceptable, affordable, and accessible manner. However, for a healthcare system to function as such, it requires proper infrastructure and financial support. To a large extent, the healthcare system in Pakistan is facing several challenges. There is a massive shortage of hospitals, doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. Most life-saving medications are too expensive for people to afford. Now and then, there is a shortage of medicines in the market. Above all, there exists a lack of trust in the healthcare system, which gives way to the ever-increasing quackery in the country. Two parallel systems exist in the healthcare system of Pakistan. One consists of public hospitals, and the other consists of private hospitals. The former is short even of basic healthcare facilities, and the latter is too costly for the people of Pakistan to afford. Solutions to the stumbling and compromised healthcare system of Pakistan are adequate financial support and infrastructure development. Stakeholders need to invest in the healthcare system; otherwise, the healthcare system in Pakistan will continue fighting for its survival rather than improving and competing with the healthcare systems of other nations in the region.