J Formos Med Assoc
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of FAST and Stroke-112: A randomized study in Taiwan.
FAST and Stroke-112 are two campaigns to reduce the emergency room arrival time of stroke patients. No study has compared the effectiveness of these campaigns. This study aimed to compare recalling capacity of people in these two campaigns. ⋯ We found no difference in recall ability between the 2 campaigns. Education level was associated with recallability of FAST, and age and stroke history were associated with recallability of Stroke-112.
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The present study was designed to evaluate the local cardiology infrastructure and services for heart failure (HF) care in Taiwan hospitals and to compare the HF care with the hospitals in European countries. ⋯ Our analysis clearly demonstrated discrepancies in cardiology subspecialties and CRT/ICD accessibilities between European countries and Taiwan. Variations in HF-focused services and facilities plus HF-directed medications have demonstrated significant differences among Taiwanese hospitals with or without HF care team.
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Early detection and timely quarantine measures are necessary to control disease spread and prevent nosocomial outbreaks of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of a quarantine strategy on patient safety and quality of care. ⋯ The quarantine ward is a key measure to prevent nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 but may carry a potential negative impact on patient care and safety. For patients with multiple comorbidities and a bedridden status, healthcare workers should remain alert to rapid deterioration and unexpected adverse events during quarantine.
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The association between sex and diagnostic behavior of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the effects of comorbid mental retardation (MR) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), were explored. ⋯ The general concept of a higher incidence of ASD among males was noted in this study of a Taiwanese population, but disappeared in those with comorbid MR or ADHD, indicating unique vulnerabilities to MR/ADHD or under-identification of high-functioning females with ASD in childhood. Increasing the diagnostic sensitivity of ASD in those with comorbid ADHD is important due to a delayed diagnostic age in this group.
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Observational Study
Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with acute stroke and brain trauma.
Neurological dysfunction is a common condition necessitating prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). We investigated the clinical features and outcomes of patients with acute neurological diseases requiring PMV. ⋯ Reduced RCC GCS score is an independent prognostic factor for weaning failure, and is associated with increased in-hospital mortality rates in patients with acute stroke and brain trauma requiring PMV.