Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
A pilot study of a machine-learning tool to assist in the diagnosis of hand arthritis.
Arthritis is a common condition, which frequently involves the hands. Patients with inflammatory arthritis have been shown to experience significant delays in diagnosis. ⋯ The present study demonstrates a novel application combining image processing and a patient questionnaire with applied machine-learning methods to facilitate the diagnosis of patients presenting with hand arthritis. Preliminary results are encouraging for the application of such techniques in clinical practice.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
Diabetic ketoacidosis: a canary in the mine for mental health disorders?
Recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has been linked to mental health disorders, but less is known about single DKA episodes. Most studies are retrospective, lacking control groups. ⋯ Mental health disorders and adverse socioeconomic factors appear to be common in patients with DKA. The diagnosis of DKA presents an excellent opportunity to screen for depression and offer appropriate intervention.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
ICU trainee perception of end of life care provided during medical emergency team activation events.
Hospital medical emergency team (MET) activation events involving end-of-life care (EOLC) are common. The issues faced by medical staff attending these events are incompletely described. ⋯ Victorian intensive care trainees were confident managing EOLC MET activation events. However, distress was reported commonly and strategies are required to address the areas of concern.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
The majority of the Australian public are willing to have a Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. It is unclear whether people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have the same attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. ⋯ Two-thirds of surveyed patients with IBD were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccine. Females and younger patients were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, as were those who had never had a discussion around vaccines.
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Internal medicine journal · Jun 2022
The AMA supports all doctors in relation to voluntary assisted dying.
This article outlines the Australian Medical Association's (AMA) current policy on voluntary assisted dying (VAD), arguing that, when read in good faith in its entirety as intended, the policy lacks neutrality or balance. As written, it is a wide-ranging policy reflecting the diversity of views among medical professionals that still exists on the issue of VAD. While recognising that relevant legislation is a matter for governments and society, the policy advocates for the protection of doctors and patients, whether they choose to participate in VAD or not. Consistent with a proper interpretation of the policy as a whole, the AMA has been active in supporting the VAD legislative process, implementation and the practitioners involved including providing practical guidance now that legislation has been passed in several jurisdictions.