Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2022
ReviewWhat's Up Your Sleeve? A Scoping Review of White Coat Contamination and Horizontal Microbial Transmission.
White coats have been suggested to serve as fomites carrying and transmitting pathogenic organisms and potentially increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We aimed to examine the current evidence regarding white coat contamination and its role in horizontal transmission and HAIs risk. We also examined handling practices and policies associated with white coat contamination in the reviewed literature. ⋯ There is robust evidence that white coats serve as fomites, carrying dangerous pathogens, including multidrug-resistant organisms. A knowledge gap exists, however, regarding the role of contaminated white coats in HAI risk that warrants further research to generate the evidence necessary to guide the current attire policies for healthcare workers.
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2022
Differences in Motivating Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Perceptions of Infection Risk among Healthcare and EMS Personnel in South Carolina.
Although medical workers were prioritized to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, many have declined. Even though studies have investigated differences in COVID-19-related attitudes and vaccination for workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities, none have included emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. We investigated the association between type of medical worker (EMS vs healthcare worker [HCW]) and COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine beliefs, vaccine motivators, personal protection behaviors, and risk perceptions. ⋯ EMS personnel were significantly less concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in their community and significantly less likely to wear a mask all/most of the time while outside the home as compared with HCWs. Differences in the COVID-19-related attitudes and personal protection behaviors of EMS personnel should be used to develop targeted interventions to increase vaccine motivation and adherence to personal protection protocols.
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This single-center retrospective review examines the unique characteristics of young patients (ages 18 to 40 years) who were diagnosed as having non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at Markey Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the state of Kentucky. ⋯ Lung cancer is rare in young patients; when present, often it presents at the advanced stage. Despite many diagnostic tools and treatment modalities available, long-term survival remains poor. Our experience showed a small proportion of patients with NSCLC aged 18 to 40 at diagnosis; among this unique patient population, there is a predominance of smokers, women, adenocarcinoma, and advanced disease.
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2022
Association of Referral Source and Substance Use with Hepatitis C Virus Outcomes at a Southern Academic Medical Center.
Therapeutic advances make the cure of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection achievable for individuals aware of their diagnosis who can access care. Identifying barriers to accessing care is critical to achieve population-level HCV elimination and improve the cascade of care from diagnosis to cure. ⋯ Active substance use, mental health disease, and referral from an emergency department or obstetrics-gynecology provider were associated with a lower odds of presenting for evaluation and initiation of HCV treatment. Innovative models to improve access to care and increase outreach to vulnerable populations will be essential to eliminate HCV.
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2022
Role of Socioeconomic Factors on Physical and Mental Distress Reported by Alabama Adults with COPD.
Educational attainment, income, and race play significant roles in managing and treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of these socioeconomic factors and others on the physical and mental distress reported by patients with COPD living in Alabama. ⋯ Public health and healthcare practitioners across Alabama should use these analyses to direct more targeted, high-yield interventions that will address existing health disparities among state residents living with COPD.