"I Have Failed Them and Failed My Duties": Experiences of Hospital Social Workers Discharging Patients into Homelessness.

Homelessness is a long-standing issue at the forefront of healthcare globally, and discharge of homeless patients from hospital settings can exacerbate gaps and burdens in healthcare systems. In hospitals, social workers often take on the majority of responsibility for facilitating patient discharge transitions out of hospital care. Research in this area to date has explored experiences and outcomes of homeless clients, and the experiences of social workers in these roles are not well known. The current study's objective was to elucidate observations and experiences of hospital social workers who discharge patients into homelessness. A total of 112 social workers responded to an online questionnaire, and responses to open-ended questions were analyzed for thematic content. Four overarching themes emerged: (1) complexity of clients, (2) systemic barriers, (3) resource gaps, and (4) negative impact on social workers. It is clear that significant change is required to address the multitude of challenges that intersect to reinforce health inequities. Results can be used by social workers, health authorities, community providers, researchers, and policymakers in discussions about best practices for homeless clients.

Novel approach to locating a hypoplastic kidney in a unique variant of uterine didelphys syndrome presenting with continuous incontinence.

Mullerian abnormalities such as uterine didelphys have an association with renal abnormalities. Ureteric ectopia must be considered as a differential diagnosis of incontinence. We describe the case of a 21-year-old woman who presented with low volume continuous incontinence with a history of right renal agenesis and uterus didelphys. A right kidney was not identified on CT intravenous pyelogram but excretory phase images suggested the presence of a right ureter. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid renogram confirmed an area of perfusion consistent with a poorly functioning right kidney remnant. Cystoscopic investigation demonstrated an orthotopic left ureteric orifice, and an ectopic right ureteric orifice was identified in the posterior fornix of the right vagina. A laparoscopic right nephrectomy was performed, with a new application of indocyanine green aiding in identification of the right hypoplastic kidney with fluorescence imaging. The patient recovered well postoperatively and experienced complete resolution of incontinence, with preserved normal renal function.

A pharmacological approach to first aid treatment for snakebite.

Snake venom toxins first transit the lymphatic system before entering the bloodstream. Ointment containing a nitric oxide donor, which impedes the intrinsic lymphatic pump, prolonged lymph transit time in rats and humans and also increased rat survival time after injection of venom. This pharmacological approach should give snakebite victims more time to obtain medical care and antivenom treatment.

Living with paraplegia: tensions and contradictions.

Although it is well established that paraplegia results in dramatic lifestyle changes, little is understood about living in the community with paraplegia, especially from the perspective of the person with paraplegia. To develop insight into this experience, in-depth, personal interviews were conducted with seven individuals with paraplegia who had been living back in the community for less than two years. Qualitative analysis of their transcribed interviews suggests that the transitional process revolved around their struggle to reposition themselves in a holististic way that reflects the injury while moving beyond it. Four interrelated challenges textured the experience: maintaining an identity beyond the medical; contending with the stigma of difference; addressing the invisible work of day-to-day living; and balancing independence and dependence. Implications for practice are discussed.