Coxiella burnetii-Associated Endocarditis in a Saudi Adolescent: A Rare Encounter.

Here, we present the case of a 15-year-old Saudi male with a history of cardiac interventions who initially presented with persistent fever. The patient's complex medical history, including cardiac procedures and recent antibiotic use, added layers to the diagnostic challenge. Despite initial empirical antibiotic therapy, persistent fever prompted further investigations, leading to the identification of vegetation causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Coxiella burnetii serology confirmed Q fever infective endocarditis. Tailored antimicrobial therapy, including doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and hydroxychloroquine, resulted in clinical improvement. During the last visit, he remained well, with a painless rash resolved. His parents were satisfied with the progress. Ongoing antimicrobial therapy, periodic ophthalmology assessments, and potential surgical interventions were planned.

Enhancing Patient Safety: A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Medical Interns' Attitude and Knowledge About Medication Safety in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction and aim Medication errors (MEs) pose a severe threat in the medical field. Since such errors are preventable, it is paramount for all healthcare workers to be educated on the matter. This study aimed to assess medical interns' attitudes and knowledge of medication safety and errors. We also aimed to validate current university programs to educate students about medication safety and errors. Methods A cross-sectional study that utilized a self-administered online questionnaire comprised 31 questions. The questionnaire was distributed via social media networks, such as WhatsApp, Twitter, email, Instagram, and Snapchat among 100 medical, pharmacy, and nursing interns in Saudi Arabia. The study population included both Saudi and non-Saudi interns. Results The majority of participants, comprising 92% (n=92), indicated that they were familiar with the definition of medication errors (ME). Additionally, 85% (n=85) expressed their willingness to report instances of MEs when medications were not prescribed but required. Moreover, 90% (n=90) of the surveyed individuals expressed their willingness to report MEs in situations where patients did not receive medications as prescribed. In cases where patients experienced harm and required treatment due to an ME, 91% (n=91) of respondents committed to reporting such incidents. A total of 52 (52%) respondents stated that they would report MEs regardless of whether they reached/harmed the patient. A good ME knowledge level was observed in 48% of respondents. A higher likelihood of good ME knowledge was significantly associated with safety reporting system (SRS) awareness and reporting MEs regardless of whether they reached/harmed the patient (p<0.05). College, awareness/attitude, or other demographic factors were not significantly related to ME knowledge (p>0.05). Conclusion This study showed that although interns in the healthcare field do have some knowledge about MEs, there is still a significant need to improve their knowledge. This can be achieved through various ways, one of which is by implementing this topic into the university curricula.