BMJ open
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To evaluate the predictive utility of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care '6-Clicks' daily activity and basic mobility functional assessment short forms on inpatient discharge to home compared with skilled nursing facilities, including by diagnostic group (trauma injury, major lower joint replacement/reattachment, spinal fusion excluding cervical), as well as assess the effect of the short forms on 30-day inpatient readmissions. ⋯ 6-Clicks performed well when distinguishing between discharge home or skilled nursing facilities, especially by diagnostic group, supporting use by occupational and physical therapists in discharge planning. Future research could assess where additional intervention or training may reduce 30-day readmissions.
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To report frontline healthcare workers' (HCWs) experiences with personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. To understand HCWs' fears and concerns surrounding PPE, their experiences following its guidance and how these affected their perceived ability to deliver care during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ This study found that frontline HCWs persisted in caring for their patients despite multiple challenges including inappropriate provision of PPE, inadequate training and inconsistent guidance. In order to effectively care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline HCWs need appropriate provision of PPE, training in its use as well as comprehensive and consistent guidance. These needs must be addressed in order to protect the health and well-being of the most valuable healthcare resource in the COVID-19 pandemic: our HCWs.
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We aimed to assess the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and to identify factors associated with non-adherence. ⋯ Despite compulsory restrictions imposed by the government, only about half of the respondents adhered to COVID-19 preventive measures in the DRC. Disparities across the provinces are remarkable. There is an urgent need to further explore the reasons for these disparities and factors associated with non-adherence.
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Biliary colic (BC) is a severe pain associated with nausea and vomiting, which is the most common symptom among the gallstone population. This protocol proposes a methodology for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to assess the benefits and safety of acupuncture in patients with BC. ⋯ Ethics approval will not be required for this review, as it will only involve the collection of literature previously published. The results of this meta-analysis will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal or relevant conference, through publication.
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Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) is a last resort treatment option in patients with severe COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Mortality in these critically ill patients is high. Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in these severe courses are associated with poor outcome. Extracorporeal cytokine adsorption is an approach to lower elevated IL-6 levels. However, there is no randomised controlled data on the efficacy of cytokine adsorption and its effect on patient outcome in severe COVID-19 related ARDS requiring V-V ECMO support. ⋯ The protocol of this study was approved by the ethical committee of the University of Freiburg as the leading institution (EK 285/20). Additional votes will be obtained at all participating centres.