Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
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To identify patient groups at risk for unplanned hospital re-admissions and risk factors for re-admission. ⋯ Actions to reduce re-admissions can be targeted to patient groups at risk, and should be aimed at the caring for chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, preventing complications and multiple ED visits, and ensuring continuity of care after discharge, especially for patients discharged on Friday.
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Pharmacists are expected to play an important role in applying pharmacogenomics discoveries to patient care. Despite the increased attention to genetic research in Qatar, clinicians' attitudes towards the application of pharmacogenomics are not yet explored. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and attitude of pharmacists compared with doctors towards pharmacogenomics and its implications by submitting an electronic-based survey to all pharmacists and doctors currently working in a large medical corporation in Qatar. ⋯ Despite doctors' and pharmacists' low level of awareness towards pharmacogenomics, they both have positive attitudes towards the clinical implications of pharmacogenomics. Pharmacists are more motivated to learn about pharmacogenomics and are more willing to take initiatives in its clinical application and patient education.
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Comparative Study
Does teledermatology reduces secondary care referrals and is it acceptable to patients and doctors?: a service evaluation.
Referrals to dermatology for skin lesions is increasing. Teledermatology allows patients to obtain specialist advice remotely. The aim of this study is to assess if teledermatology reduces secondary care dermatology referrals and evaluate its acceptability to patients and clinicians. ⋯ We did not find any evidence that teledermatology reduced secondary care referral rates but in this small pilot, we found that it increased referrals in the short term. It was very popular among patients and clinicians, especially for its educational value.
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This article reviews the ethics of rhetoric in critical care. Rational appeals in critical care fail to move patients or surrogates to a better course of action. Appeals to their emotions are considered illegitimate because they may preclude autonomous choice. ⋯ This definition helps to distinguish instances of persuasion from cases of manipulation, coercion and deception. Considering the fact that patients and families often make irrational decisions and the fact that doctors inadvertently influence their choices, the article suggested that persuasion can be a positive tool in medical communication. When patients or families clearly do not understand the risks or make decisions that contradict their long-term goals, persuasion can be used as a positive influence.
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Delusions are one of the most elusive concepts in psychiatry. There have been several theories on the nature and definition of delusions. Jaspers described them as entailing a total transformation of reality and considered primary delusions as un-understandable. ⋯ We will discuss relevant issues around the epistemology of the delusions. We think that in order to challenge the testimonial injustice, there needs to be an awareness of its possibility and thus recognition of the role of certain stereotypes in assessing these mental states. Challenging the stigma against mentally ill and adopting a holistic view of delusions can help tackle the prejudice that pre-empt the testimonial injustice.