Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
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The COVID-19 pandemic represents one of the most stressful events of recent times. Among the population, healthcare professionals who treat COVID-19 patients are most likely to develop psychological distress and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The present study thus aimed to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Italian healthcare workers. ⋯ The current findings suggest that specific predisposing factors could identify healthcare workers who are at high risk of developing mental health symptoms when faced with COVID-19 patients.
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The prevalence and burdens of obesity-associated chronic conditions (OCC) are rising nationwide, particularly in health professional shortage areas (HPSA). This study examined the impact of access to primary care on health care utilization for vulnerable populations with OCC in the South. ⋯ Paradoxically, access to primary care may increase ED use while reducing potentially preventable hospital utilization for patients with OCC in HPSA. Increasing access to primary care alone, without strengthening its capacity to serve the needs of vulnerable patients, may be insufficient to reduce hospital utilization.
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Aspiration is a common sequela post stroke as a result of oropharyngeal dysphagia. It is primarily managed using the poorly empirically supported intervention of thickened liquids. Where evidence is limited, clinicians may rely on clinical practice guidelines to support decision making. The purpose of this systematic review and narrative synthesis was to evaluate the evidentiary bases of recommendations made by stroke clinical practice guidelines regarding the thickened liquids intervention. ⋯ Despite the limited evidence base for the thickened liquid intervention, there was consensus among stroke guidelines in recommending it. This is despite limited empirical support. Furthermore, much of the evidence used to support recommendations was not appropriate, suggesting less than satisfactory evidence-based practices in formulating recommendations. In this case, clinical guidelines may not be reliable decision-support tools for facilitating clinical decision making.
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Some drugs can only be dispensed in multiple-dose containers. Multiple-dose packaging may pose a problem for hospitals in terms of drug wastage and cost. Oral inhalers, such as fluticasone propionate and salmeterol combination inhalers, are only available as multiple-dose formats in Canada. ⋯ The use of drugs that are only available in multiple-dose formats results in significant drug wastage and unnecessary health care expenditure. To minimize wastage of drug product, procedures could be implemented to ensure that drugs are properly transferred with the patient when a patient transfers locations in the hospital. As well, a review of wardstock inventory may minimize waste. Further assessment of multiple-dose drug product waste and evaluations of methods to mitigate waste are encouraged.
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Multicenter Study
Prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized adult patients in Bursa, Turkey: A multicentre, point prevalence study.
Pressure ulcers (PUs), which are preventable complications, increase the cost of health care and the risk of prolonged hospital stay, as well as morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to describe the prevalence, clinical features, and risk factors for PUs among hospitalized patients. ⋯ The prevalence of PU is related to the age and severity of patient clinical status, as predicted by the Braden Scale score and APACHE II score, and length of hospital and ICU stay. Low albumin level is also related to development of PUs in ICU patients.