Military medicine
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Soldiers' lower limbs and feet are frequently affected by overload- and overuse-related injuries. In order to prevent or limit the incidence of these injuries, the use of foot orthoses is often recommended. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of shock-absorbing insoles on in-shoe plantar pressure magnitude and distribution in a group of professional infantry soldiers wearing military boots during standard indoor military training. ⋯ Shock-absorbing insoles can be an effective solution when fitted inside military boots. The present functional evaluation shows that wearing a prefabricated shock-absorbing insole can provide a significant amelioration of perceived foot comfort and plantar pressure parameters. Further studies are now needed with a larger population and more demanding exercises.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in recent military conflicts and deployment-related TBIs are most commonly caused by blast. However, knowledge of risk factors that increase susceptibility to TBI following an acute, high-level blast is limited. We hypothesized that recurrent occupational overpressure exposure (ROPE) may be one factor that increases susceptibility to mild TBI (mTBI) following blast. ⋯ Blast exposure and ROPE were independently associated with mTBIs, and Marines with both blast exposure during deployment and ROPE were especially likely to sustain an mTBI. This suggests that ROPE heightens the risk of mTBI following blast. Ongoing research is examining the severity, symptomology, and sequelae of TBIs as a function of ROPE.
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This study examined working memory impairment following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) among active duty service members charged with criminal offenses. The prevalence of mTBI among service members involved in the military justice system is unknown. Impairments associated with mTBI may affect cognitive processes related to psycholegal capacities, and history of mTBI may have a persuasive appeal when explaining questions of culpability. The degree to which mTBI affects psycholegal abilities through cognitive impairment, however, is unknown. ⋯ This study suggests that a history of mTBI is common among service members charged with criminal offenses. The findings that working memory scores were in the average range among service members with mTBI history may suggest that history of mTBI does not impair psycholegal relevant cognition. More research is needed to clarify how history of mTBI affects service member psycholegal capacities.
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As the healthcare system shifts from fee-for service toward value-driven healthcare, interest has grown in medication-related quality metrics to evaluate quality and value within the healthcare system. While the Defense Health Agency (DHA) has taken steps to align healthcare quality measures across the enterprise, the extent to which DHA utilizes pharmacy quality measures (PQMs) or evaluates the quality of direct and purchased pharmacy care is unknown. ⋯ Opportunities exist within the DHA to leverage PQMs to evaluate the quality of pharmaceutical care, build trust with beneficiaries by increasing transparency, and maintain parity with the civilian healthcare system. Existing models and commercially available technology could be considered to rapidly operationalize the use of PQMs within the MHS.
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In this research, the authors attempted to ascertain whether or not the Root Cause Analysis Event Support and Engagement Team (RESET) investigates the use of U.S. Army aviation-based techniques by staff members or organizations in which serious obstetrical events have occurred. Root cause analysis (RCA), originating in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, attempts to elucidate an underlying cause of a problem. Most recently, this process has been applied to the investigation of medical error. RESET was established in order to perform centralized investigation of significant medical error within U.S. Army medical and dental treatment facilities based on request from a hospital commander or general officer. Significant obstetric events are high profile, discussed in multiple safety forums, and an area of close RESET focus. Yet it is unclear if RESET investigates the use of aviation-based techniques by staff and/or organizations involved in serious obstetrical events. Therefore the present survey study was conducted. ⋯ Obstetric RESET investigations inconsistently ascertain whether or not some of the aviation-based techniques are utilized by staff members or organizations in which serious obstetrical events have occurred. Standardization of investigative procedures and education directed at under-investigated practices may optimize medical investigation using proven tenets of an aviation-based approach.