J Formos Med Assoc
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Risk stratification for patients with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial. We aimed to investigate the role of the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index in predicting chronic hepatitis C (CHC)-related HCC. ⋯ The baseline FIB-4 index can stratify the risks of HCC in untreated CHC patients, even those without viremia. The FIB-4 index should thus be included in the management of CHC.
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In the health-care system within hospitals, Taiwanese patients usually play the role of passively cooperating with health-care professionals. Therefore, patients rarely make their own treatment decisions. This study evaluated the level of patient education and patient satisfaction in relation to empowerment level in Taiwan. ⋯ To move more toward highly patient empowerment, we suggest that health-care professionals advocate a patient-empowerment approach and to provide more counselling related to patients' illnesses and possible treatments.
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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fluctuating nurse resignation rates highlighted an understudied area in healthcare: post-pandemic challenges in clinical settings. This study, conducted from May to November 2023, employed a qualitative inquiry using focus groups to delve into these challenges. Six focus group sessions, involving 33 nurse participants recruited through snowball sampling from various hospital settings were conducted to explore their clinical experiences during and after the pandemic. ⋯ This research deepens understanding of post-pandemic nursing workforce challenges in Taiwan, highlighting the need for policy evolution to enhance recognition and support for the nursing industry. It is suggested to provide tangible compensation to acknowledge nurses' daily care and health education for patients. A healthier working environment can be enhanced by collaborative efforts between healthcare institutions and nurses.
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Both vestibular schwannoma (VS) and Meniere's disease (MD) patients underwent hydrops MRI to clarify the relationship between VS and endolymphatic hydrops (EH). ⋯ A very low (6%) rate of VS in EH patients indicates that VS in EH patients may be coincidental. In contrast, EH was identified in 18% prevalence of VS patients, mirroring the 22% prevalence of cochlear EH demonstrated in VS donors through histopathological studies.
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National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) has demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak in early 2020, NTUH has been at the forefront of Taiwan's healthcare system, taking proactive measures to prepare for and manage the pandemic. The hospital swiftly established dedicated outpatient clinics and wards, which were crucial in isolating and treating COVID-19 patients. ⋯ NTUH also shared its pandemic prevention experience internationally, participating in video conferences to discuss its preventive measures and best practices. In caring for frontline healthcare workers, NTUH established interdisciplinary care teams to provide psychological support, assistance with basic daily needs, and effective social, psychological, and mental health support programs. In conclusion, NTUH demonstrated efficient response capabilities and care for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing valuable insights for future challenges in dealing with emerging infectious diseases.