Satisfaction levels of paediatric surgeons in Canada

BACKGROUND:

Surgeons’ satisfaction levels may affect patient care and the stability of the surgical workforce.

METHODS:

A detailed Internet-based satisfaction survey was administered to paediatric surgeons in Canada in 2005 and 2012. Satisfaction was rated 1 (most) to 5 (least), in five areas: quality of life, financial compensation, work environment, academics and patient care.

RESULTS:

Responses were received from 21 surgeons in 2005 and 61 in 2012, representing 43% and 98% of practicing paediatric surgeons in Canada, respectively. Satisfaction levels were generally moderate to high in most areas during both years. In academics, surgeons were more satisfied in 2012 with the amount of teaching they provided (1.8 versus 2.2; P=0.02), and clinical research they performed (2.5 versus 3.0; P=0.04). In patient care, there was higher satisfaction with the ability to provide elective services without impediment (2.5 versus 3.0; P=0.02). Over the seven-year period, surgeons increasingly preferred the Canadian health care system over that of the United States (1.7 versus 2.2; P=0.02). In the 2012 survey, no differences in levels of satisfaction were found between male and female surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS:

During the recent seven-year period, satisfaction levels of paediatric surgeons in Canada have been stable with regard to quality of life, compensation and work environment, and improving in areas of academics and patient care. Male and female surgeons are equally satisfied. The Canadian health care system is preferred over that of the United States.     

Focus on Fluorides: Update on the Use of Fluoride for the Prevention of Dental Caries

Improving the efficacy of fluoride therapies reduces dental caries and lowers fluoride exposure.BackgroundFluoride is delivered to the teeth systemically or topically to aid in the prevention of dental caries. Systemic fluoride from ingested sources is in blood serum and can be deposited only in teeth that are forming in children. Topical fluoride is from sources such as community water, processed foods, beverages, toothpastes, mouthrinses, gels, foams, and varnishes. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have proposed changes in their long standing recommendations for the amount of fluoride in community drinking water in response to concerns about an increasing incidence of dental fluorosis in children. Current research is focused on the development of strategies to improve fluoride efficacy. The purpose of this update is to inform the reader about new research and policies related to the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries.MethodsReviews of the current research and recent evidence based systematic reviews on the topics of fluoride are presented. Topics discussed include: updates on community water fluoridation research and policies; available fluoride in dentifrices; fluoride varnish compositions, use, and recommendations; and other fluoride containing dental products. This update provides insights into current research and discusses proposed policy changes for the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries.ConclusionsThe dental profession is adjusting their recommendations for fluoride use based on current observations of the halo effect and subsequent outcomes. The research community is focused on improving the efficacy of fluoride therapies thus reducing dental caries and lowering the amount of fluoride required for efficacy.     

Double degree destinations: Nursing or midwifery

BackgroundDouble degrees in nursing and midwifery have evolved in Australia as a proposed solution to possible impending shortages of qualified midwives in the healthcare workforce. The double degree is seen as a more acceptable option in non-metropolitan areas in particular. Concern has been expressed however, about dilution of midwifery philosophy and graduates’ opportunities in respect of future clinical practice.AimThis study aimed to provide a better understanding of motivations and intentions of students who undertake the Bachelor of Nursing Science/Bachelor of Midwifery double degree.MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was employed at four universities that offered double degrees in nursing and midwifery in three states of Australia. Students enrolled in first and fourth year of a double degree and graduates of a double degree were invited to complete an online survey comprised of Likert scales and items requiring free text responses. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data.FindingsParticipants indicated a clear preference for midwifery as a career with this preference increasing for each cohort at each stage of study.DiscussionPrimary reasons for selecting a double degree were perceived increased opportunity for employment and use of nursing skills to enhance midwifery practice in a population with growing co-morbidities. A strong identification with midwifery philosophy and identity was also demonstrated.ConclusionAn understanding of motivations and career intentions of students undertaking double degree studies can inform future program development and workforce planning.     

French Spine Surgery Society guidelines for management of spinal surgeries during COVID-19 pandemic

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 in China, various measures have been adopted in order to attenuate the impact of the virus on the population. With regard to spine surgery, French physicians are devoted to take place in the national plan against COVID-19, the French Spine Surgery Society therefore decided to elaborate specific guidelines for management of spinal disorders during COVID-19 pandemic in order to prioritize management of patients. A three levels stratification was elaborated with Level I: Urgent surgical indications, Level II: Surgical indications associated to a potential loss of chance for the patient and Level III: Non-urgent surgical indications. We also report French experience in a COVID-19 cluster region illustrated by two clinical cases. We hope that the guidelines formulated by the French Spine Surgery Society and the experience of spine surgeons from a cluster region will be helpful in order optimizing the management of patients with urgent spinal conditions during the pandemic.     

2023年版WHO基本药物示范目录特点分析及启示

对2023年版世界卫生组织的基本药物示范目录(第23版)与儿童基本药物示范目录(第9版)进行分析,首先梳理目录调整的工作流程与递交申请所需的材料;接着归纳新版目录的调整依据和特点,目录内的药物数量创历史新高、广泛纳入创新药、审慎遴选儿童药、重视临床获益证据与公共卫生可负担性。建议参考WHO经验,结合国情尽快对我国基本药物目录进行更新,注意基药目录与医保目录的区别与联系,做好目录衔接,满足基本用药需求,确保药品可及性,优化卫生资源配置。     

Prognostic value of serial serum KL-6 measurements in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background

The prognostic significance of serial measurements of serum KL-6 levels in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is unclear; hence, it was assessed in this study.

Overexpansion of the SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve: An Ex Vivo Bench Study

Objectives

This study assessed the effect of overexpansion beyond labeled size (diameter) of transcatheter heart valves through an ex vivo bench study.

Workload of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Korea: A Nationwide Survey

BackgroundAs the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is ongoing, heavy workload of healthcare workers (HCWs) is a concern. This study investigated the workload of HCWs responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 16 to October 15, 2020, involving 16 healthcare facilities (4 public medical centers, 12 tertiary-care hospitals) that provide treatment for COVID-19 patients.ResultsPublic medical centers provided the majority (69.4%) of total hospital beds for COVID-19 patients (n = 611), on the other hand, tertiary care hospitals provided the majority (78.9%) of critical care beds (n = 57). The number of beds per doctor (median [IQR]) in public medical centers was higher than in tertiary care hospitals (20.2 [13.0, 29.4] versus 3.0 [1.3, 6.6], P = 0.006). Infectious Diseases physicians are mostly (80%) involved among attending physicians. The number of nurses per patient (median [interquartile range, IQR]) in tertiary-care hospitals was higher than in public medical centers (4.6 [3.4–5] vs. 1.1 [0.8–2.1], P = 0.089). The median number of nurses per patient for COVID-19 patients was higher than the highest national standard in South Korea (3.8 vs. 2 for critical care). All participating healthcare facilities were also operating screening centers, for which a median of 2 doctors, 5 nurses, and 2 administrating staff were necessary.ConclusionAs the severity of COVID-19 patients increases, the number of HCWs required increases. Because the workload of HCWs responding to the COVID-19 outbreak is much greater than other situations, a workforce management plan regarding this perspective is required to prevent burnout of HCWs.     

世界卫生组织《慢性乙型肝炎病毒感染预防、关怀和治疗指南》制定方法学和核心建议点评

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