Analysis of social media use by European plastic surgery societies: A missing link for #PlasticSurgery.

PURPOSE: The field of Plastic Surgery is prominent on social media around the world. Board certified plastic surgeons and societies of plastic surgery play a role in providing accurate, evidence-based information to the public, patients, and colleagues. The aim of this study was to explore the use of social media by European Plastic Surgery Societies. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective analysis of the presence and activity of European Plastic Surgery Societies on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram was conducted between December 12th 2018 and December 12th 2019. The results have been compared to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. RESULTS: Twenty, eleven and nine European societies yielded an active account on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram respectively. Only seven European societies had an account on all three platforms and were therefore considered polypresent. The amount of followers of those seven societies was significantly higher than of the others (p-value = 0.02). Their activity yielded significantly more posts on Facebook (p-value = 0.02). The American Society of Plastic Surgeons had more followers on all three platforms than all European societies combined. CONCLUSION: Social media are still rather unexploited by European Plastic Surgery Societies. A tendency towards increased visibility can be observed, yet a higher penetration is required to further educate and engage through social media. The quantitative data provided serve as reasonable foundation for further studies and a guide for growth of #PlasticSurgery.

Assessment of the relationship between stress and performance in candidates for the Brazilian Bar Association examination

Abstract Objective: This study investigated stress and performance levels in candidates for the Brazilian Bar Association examination (Exame da Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil) in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Methods: The following instruments were used: A sociodemographic data sheet, Lipp's Stress Symptom Inventory for Adults, the Ways of Coping Scale, the Adult Self-Report Scale, and the Self-Report Questionnaire. The final sample comprised 117 candidates, aged from 18 to 59 years (mean = 29.7, standard deviation = 7.8), 76 women (65%) and 41 men (35%). Results: In the first phase of the examination, 67 candidates were approved (57.3%), but there was no significant difference in terms of stress: stress symptoms were present in 76.1% of the successful candidates and 62% of the unsuccessful candidates; (χ2 (1) = 2.09; p = 0.148). In terms of stress phases, 70.6% of the successful candidates (n = 36) were in the resistance phase and 78.4% of these had psychological symptoms. The mean age of successful candidates (28.2 years) was lower than that of unsuccessful candidates (31.7 years); (t (115) = −2.48; p = 0.015). Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms were detected in 18 successful candidates (26.9%) and 6 unsuccessful candidates (12.2%); (χ2 (1) = 2.85; p = 0.091). Conclusions: Candidates who were successful in the first phase of the Brazilian Bar Association examination tended to be younger and scored higher for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, but their stress levels did not differ from those of unsuccessful candidates.

Density of Peruvian anesthesiologists in 2020 / Densidad de médicos anestesiologos peruanos en 2020

It was with significant interest that I reviewed the Chapter entitled "Anesthesia and Analgesia in the Global Context," published in the last edition of the book Miller's Anesthesia. The article makes a practical review of the practice of anesthesiology in Colombia and Paraguay, under the South American section.1 However, the intro duction claims that Peru has the lowest density of anesthesia specialists in South America (1.7 per every 100,000 inhabitants). Such rate was estimated using a global survey conducted between 2015 and 2016. The survey was addressed to the National Societies of Anesthesiology in 150 countries (see third column, Table 1)

Con gran interés revisé el capítulo titulado "Anestesia y Analgesia en el Contexto Global", publicado en la última edición del libro Miller's Anesthesia. El artículo hace una revisión práctica de la práctica de la anestesiología en Colombia y Paraguay, en la sección de América del Sur.1 Sin embargo, la intro ducción afirma que Perú tiene la menor densidad de especialistas en anestesia en América del Sur (1,7 por cada 100.000 habitantes). Dicha tasa fue estimada mediante una encuesta global realizada entre 2015 y 2016. La encuesta fue dirigida a las Sociedades Nacionales de Anestesiología de 150 países (ver tercera columna, Tabla 1)

The impact of social capital on civil society organizations delivering voluntary counseling and testing HIV/AIDS service: a cross-sectional study in China.

In China, Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT) services are mostly provided by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). This cross-sectional study investigated the association between CSOs' social capital and VCT service availability in eight Chinese provinces during July-December 2015. Data on CSOs' characteristics were collected through questionnaire-based interviews. Social capital was measured using a purpose-developed questionnaire. Logistic regression models tested the association between social capital and the scale of VCT services. A total of 103 CSOs that provided VCT to MSM (MSM-focused CSOs), and 109 CSOs that provided such service to non-MSM population (other CSOs) were included. Overall, 144 (67.9%) CSOs were not registered with local governments, while 106 (50%) received RMB 50,000 ($7,670) funding in 2014. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the CSOs with a higher level of shared vision were more likely to provide a large-scale of VCT service than those with a lower level of shared vision (AOR = 1.95). Moreover, intra-networks were positively associated with the VCT service (AOR = 2.87) among other CSOs, while the level of shared vision was positively associated with the VCT service (AOR = 3.08) among other-MSM-focused CSOs. There was no significant association between social capital and total service scale. Our findings suggest that increasing social capital can potentially enhance VCT service and play an important role in AIDS prevention.

Awareness, Understanding and Treatment Practices when Managing Cachexia in End-Stage Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Cachexia is a wasting syndrome found within a range of chronic illnesses/life-limiting conditions, however awareness and understanding of cachexia amongst renal Health Care Professionals has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the awareness, understanding and treatment practices of Health Care Professionals who provide care for people with cachexia and end-stage renal disease. METHODS: Health Care Professionals were recruited via the European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association in September 2018. This was an exploratory study using a mixed-methods approach with those who provide care for patients with end-stage renal disease and cachexia. An online survey and two focus groups were conducted. Descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis were used to explore current knowledge and practices in renal cachexia. RESULTS: A total of 93 participants from 30 countries completed the online survey. Twelve Health Care Professionals agreed to participate in the focus groups. Reduced appetite, weight loss and muscle loss in relation to cachexia were accurately described, but the percentage of weight loss was unknown. The importance of multi-professional collaboration was recognised, however, the current management of cachexia was wide-ranging. Quality of life, patient-clinician communication and specialist support for carers were regarded as vital. CONCLUSION: Timely identification and management of cachexia are needed to improve the quality of life for patients and appropriately support families. In order for these goals to be achieved, there is a need to increase awareness and understanding of cachexia amongst renal nurses.

Increasing Undergraduate Exposure to Oncology: the Role of Oncology Interest Groups.

This study describes a medical school oncology interest group (OIG) and assesses its influence on student perceptions of oncology, interest in pursuing oncology as a career, and comfort levels with oncology topics such as breaking bad news. From 2015 to 2017, the OIG annual event took place at a satellite campus of a larger Canadian undergraduate medical school. The event provided a question and answer period with a panel of physicians from multiple oncology specialties-discussions focused around lifestyle, training, clinical work, lifestyle, and career focus. Small physician-led groups taught breaking bad news using the SPIKES framework. The interest group also provided a mentoring and networking opportunity to interested students. Pre- and post-event surveys were distributed to students and physicians. For three consecutive years, the student-run, and physician-mentored OIG successfully recruited student and physician participants, providing a clinical skill teaching session as well as mentorship opportunities to students. Pre-event surveys found that only 20% of students believed their current curriculum was adequate as it relates to oncology education. In pre-session, 13% (6/45) of students indicated comfort with the skill of breaking bad news, compared with that in post-session with 81% (34/42) of students feeling comfortable. When asked "How likely are you to pursue a future elective opportunity in oncology?" 49% (20/41) of students indicated "likely" as their response in the pre-session. This response increased post-session to 70% (28/40). The event highlighted the potential for OIGs to increase student interest in pursuing oncology electives and student-perceived comfort with breaking bad news. OIGs are important in promoting interest in the field of oncology and in improving confidence in breaking bad news. This medical student-created, run and maintained oncology interest group supplemented standard curriculum by providing relevant educational and mentorship opportunities to students. This study highlights the feasibility of implementing a self-sustaining medical school oncology interest group and its potential to positively impact student learning and interest in oncology.

Knowledge production on sport economics: a systematic review / Produção do conhecimento sobre economia do esporte: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT The study analyzes the scientific production that deals with the economic activity of the sport. This is a systematic review that evaluates scientific papers published in the last Olympic cycle (2012-2016) in national and international journals, in English, Spanish and Portuguese, indexed to the Portal of Journals of Capes (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel). From the content analysis, 355 studies were examined that, despite their diversity, were grouped into 16 categories. The considerations suggest an ample process of commercialization of the sport as a cultural commodity and, also, vehicle of sale and propagation of other products.

RESUMO O estudo analisa a produção científica que versa sobre a atividade econômica do esporte. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática que avalia artigos científicos publicados no último ciclo olímpico (2012-2016) em periódicos nacionais e internacionais, em língua inglesa, espanhola e portuguesa, indexados ao Portal de Periódicos da Capes (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior). Foram analisados, a partir da análise de conteúdo, 355 estudos que, a despeito de sua diversidade, foram agrupados em 15 categorias. As considerações sugerem um amplo processo de comercialização do esporte enquanto uma mercadoria cultural e, também, veículo de venda e propagação de outros produtos.

Choosing Wisely, the reasons for its success.

The philosophy and the history of the International Choosing Wisely movement, launched in the U.S. in 2012, are described. It grew and spread beyond what it was anticipated at the beginning because there is a rising concern of the medical community regarding the appropriate use of procedures and treatments placed into the market before an adequate evaluation of risks and benefits. Not only healthcare providers, but also patients, citizens and politicians, are becoming aware of the consequences of inappropriate decisions and behaviors since inappropriateness has economic (waste of resources), clinical (risks), but also ethical implications. In Italy the movement was launched and still is coordinated by the Slow Medicine organization, that created the campaign Doing more does not mean doing better - Choosing Wisely Italy, which aimed to improve clinical appropriateness through the reduction of unnecessary tests and treatments and the dialogue between physicians and patients. Currently, 44 societies of physicians, nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists identified 230 recommendations about tests, treatments and procedures commonly used in Italy's clinical practice that do not provide any benefit to most patients but may cause harm.

Distress and self-care among chaplains working in palliative care.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of burnout and distress among palliative care professionals has received much attention since research suggests it negatively impacts the quality of care. Although limited, research suggests low levels of burnout or distress among healthcare chaplains; however, there has been no research among chaplains working in specific clinical contexts, including palliative care. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the distress, self-care, and debriefing practices of chaplains working in palliative care. METHOD: Exploratory, cross-sectional survey of professional chaplains. Electronic surveys were sent to members of four professional chaplaincy organizations between February and April 2015. Primary measures of interest included Professional Distress, Distress from Theodicy, Informal Self-care, Formal Self-care, and debriefing practices. RESULT: More than 60% of chaplains working in palliative care reported feeling worn out in the past 3 months because of their work as a helper; at least 33% practice Informal Self-care weekly. Bivariate analysis suggested significant associations between Informal Self-care and both Professional Distress and Distress from Theodicy. Multivariate analysis also identified that distress decreased as Informal and Formal Self-care increased. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Chaplains working in palliative care appear moderately distressed, possibly more so than chaplains working in other clinical areas. These chaplains also use debriefing, with non-chaplain palliative colleagues, to process clinical experiences. Further research is needed about the role of religious or spiritual beliefs and practices in protecting against stress associated with care for people at the end of life.

Evaluation of Orthopaedic Interest Groups in American Medical Schools.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic interest groups (OIGs) are student-run organizations that can provide medical students with early exposure to orthopaedic surgery. OIGs can serve as venues for musculoskeletal education, clinical experiences, and mentorship to students with otherwise limited access to orthopaedics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and opportunities offered by OIGs. METHODS: The websites of all allopathic medical schools in the United States were evaluated. Each website was examined for an established OIG and any pertinent information regarding shadowing, research opportunities, lectures, workshops, or opportunities to interact with residents. OIGs were categorized based on the number and type of offerings provided to their members. RESULTS: Of the 141 allopathic medical school websites evaluated, 108 (108/141, 76%) had evidence of an orthopaedic interest group. Sixty-nine (69/108, 64%) of these schools described the opportunities provided. The most common opportunities were clinical skills workshops (41/69, 59%), lectures (32/69, 46%), and opportunities to interact with current residents (30/69, 43%). The majority of OIGs (39/69, 57%) offered fewer than half of the possible opportunities and only 6 groups (9%) offered all five opportunities. CONCLUSION: The majority of allopathic medical schools in the United States have an OIG; however, the opportunities provided to orthopaedic interest group members vary widely from institution to institution.

Discrepancies in the female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgeon workforce.

INTRODUCTION: It is unclear whether the current distribution of surgeons practicing female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery in the United States is adequate to meet the needs of a growing and aging population. We assessed the geographic distribution of female pelvic surgeons as represented by members of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) throughout the United States at the county, state, and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists district levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: County-level data from the AUGS, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the United States Census were analyzed in this observational study. State and national patterns of female pelvic surgeon density were mapped graphically using ArcGIS software and 2010 US Census demographic data. RESULTS: In 2013, the 1058 AUGS practicing physicians represented 0.13% of the total physician workforce. There were 6.7 AUGS members available for every 1 million women and 20 AUGS members for every 1 million postreproductive-aged women in the United States. The density of female pelvic surgeons was highest in metropolitan areas. Overall, 88% of the counties in the United States lacked female pelvic surgeons. Nationwide, there was a mean of 1 AUGS member for every 31 practicing general obstetrician-gynecologists. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have implications for training, recruiting, and retaining female pelvic surgeons. The uneven distribution of female pelvic surgeons throughout the United States is likely to worsen as graduating female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellows continue to cluster in urban areas.

Compendio estadístico: información de recursos humanos del sector salud, Perú 2013 - 2015 / Statistical Compendium: Health Sector Human Resources information, Peru 2013-2015

Con la publicación del "Compendio Estadístico: Información de Recursos Humanos del Sector Salud, Perú 20132015", la Dirección General de Gestión del Desarrollo de Recursos Humanos reafrma su compromiso para continuar brindando información de recursos humanos en salud a gestores, planifcadores y decisores para contar con un amplio panorama para la elaboración de estrategias de dotación de recursos humanos, a fin de ofrecer la mejor calidad de atención a todos los peruanos. (AU)

Characteristics of professionally-led and peer-led cancer support groups in the United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: Support group participation has various benefits for cancer survivors. This study explored the provision of support groups for cancer survivors in the United Kingdom (UK), and examined differences between professionally and peer-led groups. METHODS: Leaders of cancer support groups in the UK were invited to take part in a national postal survey. Questionnaires included sections for group structure information, and leader characteristics and training needs. RESULTS: Survey response was 59.6% with a total of 315 participants. Of these, 227 (72.1%) were peer-leaders, and 88 (27.9%) health-professional leaders. Peer-led groups were more likely to be run by a committee (66.1% vs 27.3%; χ (2)=38.6; p<0.001) and provide additional activities (e.g., home visits, telephone support, social events) than professionally-led groups. There were no differences between professional and peer leaders in the number of years of support group leadership experience, and previous support group training. However, more professional leaders perceived a need for training than peer leaders (67.0% vs 48.0%; χ (2)=9.2; p=0.002), although the types of training desired were not different. CONCLUSIONS: Support group provision was widespread and varied in nature. Few differences were observed between peer and professional groups. More professional leaders identified training needs than peer leaders, although types of training desired were similar. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: A wide range of support groups are available for cancer survivors in the UK. Peer-led groups are more common, and they are more likely to offer services in addition to regular meetings than professionally-led groups.

Empirical analysis of current approaches to incidental findings.

This paper presents results found through searching publicly available U.S. data sources for information about how to handle incidental findings (IF) in human subjects research, especially in genetics and genomics research, neuroimaging research, and CT colonography research. We searched the Web sites of 14 federal agencies, 22 professional societies, and 100 universities, as well as used the search engine Google for actual consent forms that had been posted on the Internet. Our analysis of these documents showed that there is very little public guidance available for researchers as to how to deal with incidental findings. Moreover, the guidance available is not consistent.

Descriptive study comparing routine hospital administrative data with the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland's National Vascular Database.

OBJECTIVE: To compare patient volume and outcomes in vascular surgery between an administrative data set (Hospital Episode Statistics) and a clinical database (National Vascular Database). DESIGN: Descriptive study. METHODS: Volume of cases determined by age, sex, year and procedure and in-hospital mortality by procedure for both datasets for patients undergoing either repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid endarterectomy or infrainguinal bypass over a three year period between 1st April 2001 and 31st March 2004. RESULTS: There were 32,242 admissions with a mention of the three selected vascular procedures within the administrative data set compared to 8462 within the clinical database. For NHS trusts common to both datasets, there were twice as many procedures (16,923) recorded within the administrative dataset compared to the clinical database. Patient characteristics were similar across both databases. Further analysis limiting the administrative data to records attributed to consultants known to contribute to the clinical database showed much closer agreement with only 11% more repairs of abdominal aortic aneurysm recorded within the administrative dataset compared to the National Vascular Database. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in total numbers between HES and the NVD. If the National Vascular Database is to become a credible source of information on activity and outcomes for vascular surgery, there is a clear need to increase the number of contributing surgeons and to increase the completeness of data submitted. Further analysis at individual record level is needed to identify other reasons for discrepancies which could help to enhance data quality, both within Hospital Episode Statistics and within the National Vascular Database.

Survey of diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons regarding postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation in horses undergoing abdominal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain information from specialists in equine surgery as to prevalence of, predisposing factors for, and methods to prevent postoperative adhesion formation in horses undergoing abdominal surgery. DESIGN: Survey. PROCEDURE: Surveys were mailed to 196 diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons involved in equine practice. RESULTS: 60 (31%) surveys were returned. Most respondents (55/60) routinely informed clients of the risk of postoperative adhesion formation in horses with small intestinal lesions. When asked after which procedures they routinely used measures to prevent adhesions, 56 of 60 (93%) indicated that they did after small intestinal resection and anastomosis and 56 of 60 (93%) indicated that they did after any abdominal surgery in foals. The 4 methods most frequently listed when respondents were asked which methods were effective at preventing adhesion formation were meticulous surgical technique, administration of antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intraoperative peritoneal lavage, and methods that prevent abdominal contamination. Most respondents (50/60) thought that at least some horses with colic secondary to adhesion formation could be managed medically. Fifty-four (90%) respondents indicated that they were successful less than half of the time when treating horses with adhesions severe enough to require additional surgery. CONCLUSION: In general, respondents thought that less than 15% of horses undergoing abdominal surgery would develop adhesions, but that horses with small intestinal disease and foals were most prone to develop adhesions. Meticulous surgical technique was thought to be the most important factor in preventing adhesions, and many prevention regimens reported to be effective in the literature were not commonly used in practice.