Conectar
by Nicodemus Songose Awarayi, Frimpong Twum, James Ben Hayfron-Acquah, Kwabena Owusu-Agyemang
This study aims to develop an optimally performing convolutional neural network to classify Alzheimer’s disease into mild cognitive impairment, normal controls, or Alzheimer’s disease classes using a magnetic resonance imaging dataset. To achieve this, we focused the study on addressing the challenge of image noise, which impacts the performance of deep learning models. The study introduced a scheme for enhancing images to improve the quality of the datasets. Specifically, an image enhancement algorithm based on histogram equalization and bilateral filtering techniques was deployed to reduce noise and enhance the quality of the images. Subsequently, a convolutional neural network model comprising four convolutional layers and two hidden layers was devised for classifying Alzheimer’s disease into three (3) distinct categories, namely mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and normal controls. The model was trained and evaluated using a 10-fold cross-validation sampling approach with a learning rate of 0.001 and 200 training epochs at each instance. The proposed model yielded notable results, such as an accuracy of 93.45% and an area under the curve value of 0.99 when trained on the three classes. The model further showed superior results on binary classification compared with existing methods. The model recorded 94.39%, 94.92%, and 95.62% accuracies for Alzheimer’s disease versus normal controls, Alzheimer’s disease versus mild cognitive impairment, and mild cognitive impairment versus normal controls classes, respectively.Improving sustainable transportation options will help cities tackle growing challenges related to population health, congestion, climate change and inequity. Interventions supporting active transportation face many practical and political hurdles. Implementation science aims to understand how interventions or policies arise, how they can be translated to new contexts or scales and who benefits. Sustainable transportation interventions are complex, and existing implementation science frameworks may not be suitable. To apply and adapt implementation science for healthy cities, we have launched our mixed-methods research programme, CapaCITY/É. We aim to understand how, why and for whom sustainable transportation interventions are successful and when they are not.
Across nine Canadian municipalities and the State of Victoria (Australia), our research will focus on two types of sustainable transportation interventions: all ages and abilities bicycle networks and motor vehicle speed management interventions. We will (1) document the implementation process and outcomes of both types of sustainable transportation interventions; (2) examine equity, health and mobility impacts of these interventions; (3) advance implementation science by developing a novel sustainable transportation implementation science framework and (4) develop tools for scaling up and scaling out sustainable transportation interventions. Training activities will develop interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners able to work at the nexus of academia and sustainable cities.
This study received approval from the Simon Fraser University Office of Ethics Research (H22-03469). A Knowledge Mobilization Hub will coordinate dissemination of findings via a website; presentations to academic, community organisations and practitioner audiences; and through peer-reviewed articles.
This study aims to reduce potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) of statins and foster healthy lifestyle promotion in cardiovascular disease (CVD) primary prevention in low-risk patients. To this end, we will compare the effectiveness and feasibility of several de-implementation strategies developed following the structured design process of the Behaviour Change Wheel targeting key determinants of the clinical decision-making process in CVD prevention.
A cluster randomised implementation trial, with an additional control group, will be launched, involving family physicians (FPs) from 13 Integrated Healthcare Organisations (IHOs) of Osakidetza-Basque Health Service with non-zero incidence rates of PIP of statins in 2021. All FPs will be exposed to a non-reflective decision assistance strategy based on reminders and decision support tools. Additionally, FPs from two of the IHOs will be randomly assigned to one of two increasingly intensive de-implementation strategies: adding a decision information strategy based on knowledge dissemination and a reflective decision structure strategy through audit/feedback. The target population comprises women aged 45–74 years and men aged 40–74 years with moderately elevated cholesterol levels but no diagnosed CVD and low cardiovascular risk (REGICOR
The study was approved by the Basque Country Clinical Research Ethics Committee and was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04022850). Results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals.
EndoTrac is a line-attached sheath-type traction device that enables us to control the direction and the force of traction during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The efficacy of EndoTrac for gastric ESD has not been fully verified.
The G-Trac study is a multicentre (nine general hospitals and two university hospitals in Japan) collaborative trial assessing the efficacy of EndoTrac for gastric ESDs. Patients with superficial gastric neoplasms will be enrolled and randomly assigned to undergo either conventional ESD or EndoTrac ESD. Allocation will be stratified according to tumour location, operator experience and tumour diameter at an allocation rate of 1:1. The type of endoknife used will be confirmed before randomisation. The primary outcome, procedure time, will be compared between the groups in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The efficacy-related, safety-related and device-related outcomes will be assessed in the secondary analysis. The planned sample size of the 142 patients in the two groups will enable us to detect a difference with a power of 80% by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, assuming an effect size of 0.54, asymptotic relative efficiency of 0.864 and a two-sided type 1 error rate of 5%.
This trial was approved by the certified review board of Kobe University (22 December 2022). The results from this trial will be disseminated through peer-review journals, presentations at national and international conferences, and data sharing with other researchers.
jRCT1052220166.
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of missed nursing care and its associated factors among public hospitals in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 randomly selected nurses.
The study was conducted in primary and secondary-level public hospitals in Bahir Dar City.
Nurses who had worked in hospitals in Bahir Dar City were included.
No intervention was needed in this study.
A binary logistic regression model was used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance of the association between outcome variables and independent variables was declared at a p value of
The prevalence of missed nursing care in this study was 46.3% (95% CI: 41.7% to 50.9%). The activities most frequently missed were physical examination (56.4%), patient discharge planning and teaching (50.9%), providing emotional support to the patient and family (50.8%), monitoring input and output (50.2%), assisting with patient ambulation (48.5%) and documentation (48%). Factors associated with missed nursing care include: male professionals (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.9, 95% CI: 1.8 to 4.8), those who had not received on-the-job training (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.6), those who worked full 24-hour shifts (AOR: 3.7, 95% CI: 2.0 to 6.5), those who were dissatisfied with the level of teamwork (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.8 to 7.6) and those who had an intention to leave the nursing profession (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.9). These factors were statistically associated with missed nursing care.
A significant proportion of nurses missed essential nursing care activities. Efforts should be made to enhance training, improve teamwork among nurses, provide stability and adjust work shifts to mitigate this issue.
Chronic wounds, characterized by prolonged healing processes, pose a significant medical challenge with multifaceted aetiologies, including local and systemic factors. Here, it explores the complex pathogenesis of chronic wounds, emphasizing the disruption in the normal phases of wound healing, particularly the inflammatory phase, leading to an imbalance in extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics and persistent inflammation. Senescent cell populations further contribute to impaired wound healing in chronic lesions. Traditional medical management focuses on addressing underlying causes, but many chronic wounds resist to conventional treatments, necessitating innovative approaches. Recent attention has turned to autologous orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as potential regenerative interventions. These biologically derived materials, including bone marrow aspirate/concentrate (BMA/BMAC) and adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs), exhibit promising cytokine content and regenerative potential. MSCs, in particular, have emerged as key players in wound healing, influencing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. This paper reviews relevant scientific literature regarding basic science and brings real-world evidence regarding the use of orthobiologics in the treatment of chronic wounds, irrespective of aetiology. The discussion highlights the regenerative properties of PRP, PRF, BMA, BMAC and SVF, showcasing their potential to enhance wound healing. Despite advancements, further research is essential to elucidate the specific roles of each orthobiologic and determine optimal applications for different wound types. The conclusion underscores the evolving landscape in chronic wound management, with a call for more comprehensive studies to refine treatment strategies and maximize the benefits of regenerative medicine.
This study aimed to assess the administration technique of eye medications, its determinants and disposal practices among ophthalmic outpatients.
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted.
Brhan Aini Ophthalmic National Referral Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea.
Samples of ophthalmic outpatients aged
Data were collected from August 2021 to September 2021, using an interview-based questionnaire. The collected data were entered and analysed using CSPro (V.7.3) and SPSS (V.26), respectively. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test were performed. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as significant.
A total of 333 respondents with a mean age of 56.4 (SD: 18.76) years were recruited in the study. More than half of the respondents (57.4%) did not have any information on the time interval between two successive eye medications. However, only 16.5% of the respondents managed to close their tear ducts after the administration of eye medication. The mean (SD) score for proper administration of eye medication was 4.16 (1.07) out of 7.0. Female sex (p=0.002), the absence of glaucoma (p=0.035) and the presence of cataract (p=0.014) were significant determinants of the proper administration technique of eye medication. The most favoured disposal practice for unused and/or expired eye medications was disposing of regular garbage (79.9%).
This research revealed that there was an inappropriate administration technique and disposal practices of eye medications among ophthalmic outpatients. This requires immediate attention from policy-makers, programme managers and healthcare professionals to ensure the appropriate use of eye medications by the patients.
This scoping review mapped and synthesised original research that identified low-value care in hospital settings as part of multicomponent processes.
Scoping review.
Electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane CENTRAL) and grey literature were last searched 11 July and 3 June 2022, respectively, with no language or date restrictions.
We included original research targeting the identification and prioritisation of low-value care as part of a multicomponent process in hospital settings.
Screening was conducted in duplicate. Data were extracted by one of six authors and checked by another author. A framework synthesis was conducted using seven areas of focus for the review and an overuse framework.
Twenty-seven records were included (21 original studies, 4 abstracts and 2 reviews), originating from high-income countries. Benefit or value (11 records), risk or harm (10 records) were common concepts referred to in records that explicitly defined low-value care (25 records). Evidence of contextualisation including barriers and enablers of low-value care identification processes were identified (25 records). Common components of these processes included initial consensus, consultation, ranking exercise or list development (16 records), and reviews of evidence (16 records). Two records involved engagement of patients and three evaluated the outcomes of multicomponent processes. Five records referenced a theory, model or framework.
Gaps identified included applying systematic efforts to contextualise the identification of low-value care, involving people with lived experience of hospital care and initiatives in resource poor contexts. Insights were obtained regarding the theories, models and frameworks used to guide initiatives and ways in which the concept ‘low-value care’ had been used and reported. A priority for further research is evaluating the effect of initiatives that identify low-value care using contextualisation as part of multicomponent processes.
Resumen
En esta editorial el autor reflexiona acerca de la dicotomía teoría/práctica y como la integración de teorías transdisciplinarias pueden contribuir a acercar posturas. Para ello comenta la teoría de la práctica desarrollada por Bourdieu y la interseccionalidad aportando un ejemplo de como su interconexión puede mejorar tanto la teoría como la práctica de la enfermería y por tanto contribuyendo a su vertebración y epistemología.
El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo, caracterizar la violencia en pareja en personas con seropositividad (prevalencia, tipos de acciones violentas, variables de riesgo/ protectoras y consecuencias), para lo cual se realizó una revisión sistemática a través del protocolo PRISMA. La búsqueda de artículos se realizó en Scopus, Web of Science, Eric, Scielo y Pubmed publicados hasta 2021. Se encontraron 113 artículos, de los cuales 22 cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad. Los resultados indican que la violencia en pareja en personas seropositivas, además de manifestarse de manera física, psicológica, patrimonial, sexual y verbal, se puede presentar a través del uso del VIH para ejercer la violencia. La prevalencia varía en función del contexto geográfico en un intervalo del 19,6% al 43,1%; la cual es superior en población migrante y en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) mujeres seropositivas, parejas no heterosexuales y en parejas en la que ambos miembros son seropositivos. Las variables de riesgo/protectoras identificadas se asociaron con las dimensiones: informativas, motivacionales, de habilidades conductuales, sociodemográficas, culturales, de salud, sociofamiliares y políticas. Asimismo, se evidenciaron consecuencias sociales, económicas y de salud.
To assess the quality of childbirth care and its determinants along the continuum of care in Gondar town public health facility in Ethiopia.
An institution-based, cross-sectional study was employed. Completed data were imported to Stata V.16 for cleaning and analysis. A generalised structural equation model was employed to examine the relationships along the continuum of childbirth care and to determine the factors affecting the quality of childbirth care.
This study was conducted among a total of 865 women who delivered in the public health facility of Gondar, Ethiopia, from 19 May to 30 June 2022.
The study revealed the proportion of good-quality childbirth care during admission, intrapartum and immediate postpartum period was 59% (95% CI 55.7, 62.4), 76.8% (95% CI 73.8, 79.5) and 45% (95% CI 41.7, 48.5), respectively. Postsecondary educational status of mothers (β=0.60, 95% CI 0.16, 1.04) and maternal age of 25–35 (β=0.68, 95% CI 0.33, 1.02) were predictors of quality of care at admission. Referral hospital (β=0.43, 95% CI 0.10, 0.76), presence of guidelines (β=1.36, 95% CI 0.72, 1.99) and provider age of 25–35 (β=0.61, 95% CI 0.12, 1.10) affected the quality of care during the intrapartum period. Urban residence (β=0.52, 95% CI 0.12, 0.93), skilled birth attendant experience (β=0.19, 95% CI 0.11, 0.28) and number of delivery couches (β=–0.29, 95% CI –0.44, –0.13) had significant associations with the quality of childbirth care during the immediate postpartum period.
Although our study found improvements in the quality of childbirth care along the continuum compared with previous studies, more workers are needed to alleviate the problem of poor-quality service. Different maternal, provider and facility factors were found to be predictors of the quality of childbirth care.
In Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, there were the rule and goal size changes at the blind football competition. This study aimed to compare the scoring and head impact characteristics during blind football competition between the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games using the official videos.
Video-based observational study.
In total, 36 blind football (men’s football 5-a-side) game videos were obtained from the official International Paralympic Committee.
Head impact was defined as the sudden contact of any object with the head. Videos were analysed to assess the number of scores and head impacts along with their corresponding details (ie, round, playing phase, scoring situation, impact situation, occurrence area, impact object, head impact site, fall and foul).
The total number of goals scored at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games was nearly double that at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Regarding head impacts, a total of 2036 cases (Rio 2016, n=1105; Tokyo 2020, n=931) were evaluated. Significant differences were observed in head impact characteristics between the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games among seven outcomes (round, scoring situation, impact situation, occurrence area, impact object, site of head impact and fall).
Compared with the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games showed an increase in the number of points scored and different head impact characteristics.
To assess the return on investment (ROI) of the New York Tobacco Control Programme (NY TCP).
New York and other states of the USA.
NY TCP.
Smoking prevalence, smoking-attributable healthcare expenditures (SAEs), smoking-attributable mortality, years of life lost (YLL), the dollar value of YLL and the ROI for healthcare expenditures and mortality.
We used a synthetic control method to estimate the effectiveness of NY TCP funding on smoking prevalence. The synthetic control method created a comparison group that best matched the adult smoking prevalence trend in New York state in the period prior to implementation of the NY TCP and compared smoking prevalence in the state to smoking prevalence in the synthetic control in the period after treatment (2001–2019). The synthetic control group represents what the trend in smoking prevalence in New York would have been had there been no tobacco control expenditures. The ROI was calculated as net savings for each outcome divided by net programme expenditures.
Cumulative savings in SAE in New York from 2001 to 2019 amounted to US$13.2 billion. An estimated 41 771 smoking-attributable deaths (SADs) were averted in New York from 2001 to 2019, and an estimated 672 141 YLL averted as a result of NY TCP funding in the same period. From 2001 to 2019, the ROI for SAE in New York was approximately 14, the economic value ROI of the YLL due to SAD was nearly 145 and the combined ROI was almost 160.
In this study, we found relatively large ROIs for the NY TCP, which suggests that the programme—which lowers SAE and saves lives—is an efficient use of public funds.
To investigate the experience of nursing assistants being delegated nursing tasks by registered nurses.
Mixed method explanatory sequential design.
A total of 79 nursing assistants working in an acute hospital in Australia completed surveys that aimed to identify their experience of working with nurses and the activities they were delegated. The survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Interviews with 11 nursing assistants were conducted and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Results were triangulated to provide a richer understanding of the phenomena.
Most nursing assistants felt supported completing delegated care activities. However, there was confusion around their scope of practice, some felt overworked and believed that they did not have the right to refuse a delegation. Factors impacting the nursing assistant's decision to accept a delegation included the attitude of the nurses, wanting to be part of the team and the culture of the ward. Nursing assistants who were studying to be nurses felt more supported than those who were not.
Delegation is a two-way relationship and both parties need to be cognisant of their roles and responsibilities to ensure safe and effective nursing care is provided. Incorrectly accepting or refusing delegated activities may impact patient safety.
Highlights the need for implementing strategies to support safe delegation practices between the registered and unregulated workforce to promote patient safety.
Describes the experiences of nursing assistants working in the acute care environment when accepting delegated care from nurses. Reports a range of factors that inhibit or facilitate effective delegation practices between nurses and nursing assistants. Provides evidence to support the need for stronger education and policy development regarding delegation practices between nurses and unregulated staff.
Complied with the APA Style JARS-MIXED reporting criteria for mixed method research.
No patient or public contribution.
No abstract available Objetivo. Describir los registros enfermeros sobre heridas quirúrgicas en pacientes intervenidos en una unidad de Cirugía General y Digestiva. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo transversal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas electrónicas de adultos hospitalizados en una Unidad de Cirugía General y Digestiva que tuvieron una herida quirúrgica durante su estancia en el hospital. Se revisó la documentación de las heridas quirúrgicas en el registro específico de heridas, las notas de los evolutivos de enfermería, los planes de cuidados y el informe de continuidad de cuidados (alta de enfermería). Resultados: muestra de 200 pacientes con una edad media de 58,24 (±17,12) años. En ningún caso se documentó la herida quirúrgica utilizando el registro específico. Las heridas sí se documentaron en las notas del evolutivo de enfermería, con comentarios sobre realización de curas en el 85,5% de los pacientes y sobre el estado o valoración de la herida en el 41%. En el plan de cuidados no se programó ninguna actividad sobre el cuidado de la herida quirúrgica en el 48% de los casos y en el informe de continuidad de cuidados no se refleja la evaluación de la herida quirúrgica en el 85,5% de los casos. Discusión. El registro de las heridas quirúrgicas se realiza de forma incompleta, desigual y poco sistemática, sin utilizar registros específicos estructurados. Detectando las deficiencias de los registros enfermeros sobre las heridas quirúrgicas podemos plantear estrategias para mejorarlos y así incrementar la calidad y seguridad de los cuidados postquirúrgicos.
ABSTRACT
Objective. To describe nursing records of surgical wounds in patients who underwent surgery in a General and Digestive Surgery Department. Methodology. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Electronic medical records of adult inpatients admitted to a General and Digestive Surgery Department who had a surgical wound during their hospital stay were reviewed. Documentation of surgical wounds in the specific wound register, nursing progress notes, care plans and continuity of care reports (nursing discharge reports) were reviewed. Results. 200 patients with a mean age of 58.24 (±17.12) years were analyzed. There were no surgical wounds documented using the specific register. However, they were documented in the nursing progress notes, with comments on wound/dressing management and wound status or assessment in 85.5% and 41% of patients, respectively. No activity on surgical wound care was scheduled in the 48% of care plans, and surgical wound assessment was not included in the 85,5%m of the continuity of care reports. Discussion. Surgical wound documentation is performed in a incomplete, inconsistent and unsystematic way, without using specific structured registers. By identifying deficiencies in nursing records of surgical wounds, we would be able to suggest strategies to improve them and, therefore, to increase the quality and safety of post-surgery care.
Commentary on: Marko S, Wylie S, Utter J. Enablers and barriers to healthy eating among hospital nurses: a systematic review. Int J Nurs Stud. 2023 Feb;138:104412. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104412. Epub 2022 Dec 5
Multi-faceted interventions are key in addressing various influences on nurses’ healthy eating beyond individual choices. Rigorous studies are needed to assess multi-level socio-ecological interventions’ effectiveness on nurses’ eating habits.
Nurses, despite playing a significant role in healthcare, have been found to possess poor dietary habits and face elevated rates of chronic illnesses. A recent systematic review by Marko and colleagues explored factors influencing healthy eating among nurses in hospital settings. Barriers included high accessibility of unhealthy foods, high costs and lack of storage/preparation facilities. Enablers included proximity to healthy options, roster planning and structured workplace programmes. Supportive networks were an interpersonal enabler, while work culture and...
This study outlines a protocol aimed at identifying and mapping health promotion practices in need of development from the perspectives of key sectors responsible for it at the local level and from an intersectoral perspective across four Spanish regions.
A complementary multi-method study combining survey methods and qualitative interviews will be adopted.
Purposive snowball sampling will be employed to select potentially rich informants from city councils, primary care centres, primary and secondary schools, and public health and civil society organizations in 12 municipalities sensitive to local health. Data on the degree of execution of health promotion activities, the level of intersectorality in their implementation, and their origins will be collected using PromoACTIVA questionnaires, an intersectoral typology model and an interview protocol. A parallel mixed analysis encompassing descriptive statistics and a ‘framework analysis’ will be performed.
This study is expected to yield thorough and reliable insights into health promotion practices and omissions at the local level by focusing on key stakeholders, both individually and collaboratively. This information can enhance health promotion planning and improve its effectiveness, efficiency and contextual relevance. The development and testing of a methodology for the integration and interpretation of these data will ensure sustainable capacity building.
Managers and practitioners interested in health promotion planning in the researched settings can benefit from a comprehensive map of the current state of their practices and insights into the starting points of collaboration. In addition, planners from other local settings will gain access to tools and methodologies to replicate and expand these maps to their own contexts.
Engaging key stakeholders with experience working in or with primary care centres, public health organizations, primary and secondary schools, civil society organizations, and city councils was vital to ensure the study's relevance and feasibility.
by Mamaru Melkam, Demeke Demilew, Tilahun Kassew, Biruk Fanta, Sewbesew Yitayih, Kassahun Alemu, Yassin Muhammed, Berhanie Getnet, Eden Abetu, Gebrekidan Ewnetu Tarekeg, Mohammed Oumer, Goshu Nenko
IntroductionAnxiety disorder is an unpleasant emotional feeling with symptoms related to psychological and autonomic symptoms such as headache, perspiration, palpitations, dizziness, and stomach discomfort. The use of substances become a worldwide problem among youth which brings situation that leads to serious social and health-related problems. Anxiety disorders with substance use have a huge impact on their high prevalence, therapeutic issues, and poor prognosis on clinical effects. Although the prevalence of anxiety disorders is significant among young people who use substances, limited studies were conducted. Therefore, this study revealed the burden of anxiety disorders among youth with substance use and associated factors in Ethiopia.
MethodA community-based multi-stage with a simple random sampling technique was conducted. A total of 372 substance users study participants were recruited for this study. Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Tests, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and other tools were used to assess anxiety disorders with substance use and associated factors. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6, and exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Bi-variables logistic regression analysis was employed to identify variables with a p-value of Results
From a total of 372 respondents the overall prevalence of anxiety disorders with substance use was 48.1%. Male sex [AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: (1.01–3.93)], low educational status of the father [AOR = 6.38 95%CI: (1.50–7.08)], and the presence of stress [AOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 2.48(2.43–4.40)] were significantly associated factors with anxiety disorders with substances use.
Conclusions and recommendationsThe prevalence of anxiety disorders with substance use was 48.1% therefore; it is recommended that the zonal administration give collaborative work with the health bureau and facilitate awareness creation about the impact of substance abuse. Clinicians are recommended to mitigate anxiety disorders with substance use to get a good prognosis for clients with controlling their stress.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a significant public health threat. Without any interventions, it has been modelled that AMR will account for an estimated 10 million deaths annually by 2050, this mainly affects low/middle-income countries. AMR has a systemic negative perspective affecting the overall healthcare system down to the patient’s personal outcome. In response to this issue, the WHO urged countries to provide antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs). ASPs in hospitals are a vital component of national action plans for AMR, and have been shown to significantly reduce AMR, in particular in low-income countries such as Madagascar.
As part of an ASP, AMR surveillance provides essential information needed to guide medical practice. We developed an AMR surveillance tool—Technique de Surveillance Actualisée de la Résistance aux Antimicrobiens (TSARA)—with the support of the Mérieux Foundation. TSARA combines bacteriological and clinical information to provide a better understanding of the scope and the effects of AMR in Madagascar, where no such surveillance tool exists.
A prospective, observational, hospital-based study was carried out for data collection using a standardised data collection tool, called TSARA deployed in 2023 in 10 hospitals in Madagascar participating in the national Malagasy laboratory network (Réseau des Laboratoires à Madagascar (RESAMAD)). Any hospitalised patient where the clinician decided to take a bacterial sample is included. As a prospective study, individual isolate-level data and antimicrobial susceptibility information on pathogens were collected routinely from the bacteriology laboratory and compiled with clinical information retrieved from face-to-face interviews with the patient and completed using medical records where necessary. Analysis of the local ecology, resistance rates and antibiotic prescription patterns were collected.
This protocol obtained ethical approval from the Malagasy Ethical Committee n°07-MSANP/SG/AGMED/CNPV/CERBM on 24 January 2023. Findings generated were shared with national health stakeholders, microbiologists, members of the RESAMAD network and the Malagasy academic society of infectious diseases.
FreshRSS 