Scot Med J
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Our departmental planning for COVID-19 was actioned a week before the lockdown (13th March 2020). We look at a 7- week lockdown activity for all scheduled outpatient clinics and urgent procedures. ⋯ Hospitals and urologists can benefit from the model used by our hospital to mitigate the impact and prioritise patients most in need of urgent care. Reorganisation and flexibility of healthcare delivery is paramount in these troubled times and will allow clinical activity without compromising patient safety.
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An online teaching programme for Core Surgical Trainees (CSTs) was designed and delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and the reception of a fully online teaching programme. ⋯ An entirely online teaching programme is feasible and well-received by CSTs. Trainees preferred live, interactive, procedure-based, consultant-led sessions lasting approximately thirty minutes to one hour and covering a myriad of surgical specialties. This feedback can be used to improve future online surgical teaching regionally and nationally in order to gain training opportunities lost during the pandemic.
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The unparalleled epidemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), during early December 2019 in Wuhan, China, has rapidly evolved into a global pandemic, became a matter of grave concern. The pandemic presented a unique challenge to government agencies worldwide. ⋯ This presents an extreme challenge for educators and, given the rapidly evolving situation, there have not yet been training authorities recommendations. We propose several innovative solutions to deliver medical education while maintaining the safety of residents and educators.
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COVID-19 pandemic has predisposed patients undergoing surgery to post-operative infection and resultant complications. Appendicitis is frequently managed by appendicectomy. After the onset of the pandemic, selected cases of appendicitis were managed with antibiotics which is a recognised treatment option. Our objective was to compare the management of appendicitis and post-operative outcomes between pre- and post-COVID-19. ⋯ CT/MRI scan was preferred to laparoscopy in diagnosing appendicitis and conservative management of uncomplicated appendicitis was common practice after the onset of pandemic. Health boards can adapt their management of surgical conditions during pandemics without adverse short-term consequences. Long term follow-up of this cohort will identify patients suitable for conservative management.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
The effects of percutaneous coronary intervention on mortality in elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing coronary angiography.
Although it is recommended that elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) should undergo an assessment for invasive revascularization, these patients undergo fewer coronary interventions despite the current guidelines. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention on all-cause mortalities monthly and annually in the population. ⋯ The present study has revealed that percutaneous coronary intervention was effective on one-year mortality in NSTEMI patients over the age of 65. It is considered that percutaneous coronary intervention would decrease mortality in these patients but it should be addressed in larger population studies.