Southern medical journal
-
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.
-
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.
-
Southern medical journal · Jun 2022
Multicenter StudyRisk Factors for Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with COVID-19 in a Mississippi Community Health System.
To evaluate differences between survivors versus nonsurvivors undergoing mechanical ventilation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated respiratory failure at two community medical centers. ⋯ Our results suggest that earlier intubation may be associated with reduced mortality in patients with COVID-19-associated respiratory failure and should be further evaluated in the form of a randomized controlled trial.
-
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.
-
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has produced an unprecedented amount of scientific research as well as a high number of article retractions. Social and news media have been used to disseminate scientific research, and this can include retracted or withdrawn research. This risks the persistence of low-quality research and may contribute to controversial ideas or conspiracy theories. ⋯ A significant, positive correlation was observed among Scimago Journal Rank, Immediacy Index, and Journal Citation Index, and total article mentions.