Topical steroids: Awareness and misuse among patients, pharmacists and general medical practitioner.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the level of awareness among patients, pharmacists and general practitioners about commonly available topical steroids and its combinations.(2) To determine the source of recommendation/prescription of topical steroids and its combination creams.(3) To know and create awareness about the side effects of topical steroids in all the study groups. METHODS: This was a prospective questionnaire-based study where three study groups, namely patients, pharmacists and general practitioners, were included. This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. after ethical clearance. The patients who used topical steroids for dermatoses where it is an absolute contraindication, as well as those who developed side effects, were included in the study. ThoroughComplete cutaneous examination was done specifically to detect the side effects of steroids. Seminars were conducted and questionnaires were given to both the pharmacists and general practitioners of nearby areas. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding their prescription and dispensing practices of topical steroids and its combinations. RESULTS: Out of 95 patients seen, the most commonly used steroid molecule was clobetasol propionate 0.05% in 44 (46.3%) patients, the common source of recommendation was general practitioners in 36 (37.8%), the common indication was superficial dermatophytosis in 85 (89%) and the most common adverse effect was recurrence/increase in the extent of the infection in 72 (75.78%) patients. Out of total 44 general practitioners enrolled in the study, 22 (50%) were qualified allopathic medical practitioners and22 (50%) were homeopathic/ayurvedic doctors. Superficial dermatophytosis [19 (43.18%)] was the common dermatosis seen by them. While 29 (65.90%) preferred prescribing topical steroids or its combination, rest of them preferred plain steroid creams. Out of 179 pharmacists, 74 (41.34%) did not have appropriate knowledge of topical steroids, 35 (19.55%) were not aware that steroids are isschedule "H" drugs. Commonest molecule sold over the counterwas clobetasol propionate 0.05% by 74 (41.89%). The limitations of our study were small study group and short duration. CONCLUSION: As dermatologists, it is our responsibility, to correctly educate the society, particularly the non-dermatologist medical fraternity, about ethical and rational use of topical steroids.

Simple moulage for improving simulation for objective structured clinical examinations in undergraduate dermatology courses.

BACKGROUND: Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is being increasingly used as an assessment tool for undergraduate dermatology courses. One of the practical difficulties in conducting OSCEs in dermatology is getting patients with typical skin lesions which can be used for the whole group to ensure uniformity of assessment. We present a study on the use of simple moulage techniques to create uniform and standardized skin lesions for OSCEs in dermatology. METHODS: As a first step, the dermatology faculty in our department chose the clinical conditions which could be covered by using moulages. The main criteria considered were the importance of the condition to the exam blueprint, ease of making and resistance to handling (should not require frequent retouching). Moulages were created on volunteers after taking consent and the same were used in OSCEs s for a group of 5th-year students (N = 102). Difficulty and discrimination indices were compared between the stations using the moulage and the other stations. Qualitative feedback was obtained regarding the same from both the faculty and the students. RESULTS: There was consensus among the faculty and the majority of the students that the lesions were clearly recognizable. As far as other psychometrics were concerned, average difficulty and discrimination of the stations using the moulage were good (average difficulty index-0.78 and average discrimination index-0.68) and compared favorably with the other stations (average difficulty index-0.77 and average discrimination index-0.57). LIMITATIONS: Limited number of stations included, lack of detailed item analysis and lack of feedback from the simulated patients were the main limitations in this study. CONCLUSION: For most common skin conditions creating moulages to simulate the corresponding lesions is an easy procedure and can be an effective tool to standardize dermatology OSCEs for undergraduates, especially in resource-poor settings.

A Structural Competency Curriculum for Primary Care Providers to Address the Opioid Use Disorder, HIV, and Hepatitis C Syndemic.

The interrelated epidemics of opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been identified as one of the most pressing syndemics facing the United States today. Research studies and interventions have begun to address the structural factors that promote the inter-relations between these conditions and a number of training programs to improve structural awareness have targeted physician trainees (e.g., residents and medical students). However, a significant limitation in these programs is the failure to include practicing primary care providers (PCPs). Over the past 5 years, there have been increasing calls for PCPs to develop structural competency as a way to provide a more integrated and patient-centered approach to prevention and care in the syndemic. This paper applies Metzel and Hansen's (1) framework for improved structural competency to describe an educational curriculum that can be delivered to practicing PCPs. Skill 1 involves reviewing the historical precedents (particularly stigma) that created the siloed systems of care for OUD, HIV, and HCV and examines how recent biomedical advances allow for greater care integration. To help clinicians develop a more multidisciplinary understanding of structure (Skill 2), trainees will discuss ways to assess structural vulnerability. Next, providers will review case studies to better understand how structural foundations are usually seen as cultural representations (Skill 3). Developing structural interventions (Skill 4) involves identifying ways to create a more integrated system of care that can overcome clinical inertia. Finally, the training will emphasize cultural humility (Skill 5) through empathetic and non-judgmental patient interactions. Demonstrating understanding of the structural barriers that patients face is expected to enhance patient trust and increase retention in care. The immediate objective is to pilot test the feasibility of the curriculum in a small sample of primary care sites and develop metrics for future evaluation. While the short-term goal is to test the model among practicing PCPs, the long-term goal is to implement the training practice-wide to ensure structural competence throughout the clinical setting.

Ankle Fracture Classification: An Innovative System for Describing Ankle Fractures.

A good classification system is important for clinical handoffs, research, and clinical treatment guidelines. A reliable classification system shows good interobserver and intraobserver agreement. This study analyzed the interobserver and intraobserver agreement of a descriptive system for ankle fractures and the Lauge-Hansen classification. Three groups of observers (experts, semiexperts, and novices) scored a total of 20 ankle radiographs. All ankle radiographs were classified according to the Lauge-Hansen and Danis-Weber classifications. The ankle fractures were subsequently reviewed in a descriptive manner for the following features: number of affected malleoli, type of fracture of the lateral and medial malleolus, and congruence of the ankle joint. After 2 weeks, the same set of radiographs were reviewed. For interobserver and intraobserver variability, the separate groups were used for analysis, and the Fleiss (multirater) κ values were calculated. The interobserver agreement for the Lauge-Hansen classification was moderate for the experts, fair for semiexperts, and slight for novices (κ = 0.45, κ = 0.37, and κ = 0.16). All factors of the descriptive system had better interobserver agreement than the Lauge-Hansen classification, except for the agreement on the type of fracture of the lateral malleolus. The intraobserver agreement of the Lauge-Hansen classification was substantial for the experts, moderate for the semiexperts, and fair for the novice observers (κ = 0.70, κ = 0.49, and κ = 0.26). The intraobserver agreement was better for all factors of the descriptive system compared with the Lauge-Hansen classification. The descriptive system presented in this study shows less variability between observers than the Lauge-Hansen classification. This system has clinical implications and is easy to use for clinicians with mixed levels of experience. It has the potential to improve clinical and research handoffs and overcome the limitations of current classification systems.

Do primary care physicians require training in core clinical dermatology? A cross sectional needs assessment study from Western India.

BACKGROUND: Primary care physicians play a crucial role in managing patients with common skin disorders who form around one-third of outpatient attendees. AIM: This study aimed to assess the need for dermatology training among primary care physicians by assessing their knowledge, self-perception of ability to diagnose and manage skin disorders, and their difficulties in managing these patients. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, needs assessment study was done among primary care physicians (n = 61) of rural (n = 34) and urban (n = 27) areas of Vadodara district. A pre-validated semi-structured questionnaire (for self-rating of the ability to diagnose/manage skin disorders and difficulties faced in managing patients) was used along with a photo-quiz (for knowledge assessment) while approaching primary care physicians during their monthly review meeting with prior permission. Data were analyzed by Epi InfoTM software and manual content analysis. RESULTS: The mean score on the photo-quiz was 4.1/10. Forty-three (70.5%) participants rated their ability to diagnose/manage skin disorders as 'average' on a five-point Likert scale. Various difficulties (n = 89) narrated by participants were related to their knowledge/skill, disease factors, patients and administrative aspects. Three-fourths of the participants managed difficulties by referring patients to dermatologists. One-third suggested conducting training in common skin disorders. LIMITATIONS: The study population included primary care physicians from the government healthcare setup only. Knowledge assessment was done using a short ten-item photo-quiz instead of actual patients. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians had poor knowledge of skin disorders, and a majority overrated their own ability for clinical management of these disorders. Most common difficulties faced were related to clinical management. There is a need for training on common skin disorders.

The nail as an investigative tool in medicine: What a dermatologist ought to know.

The nail is an important skin appendage, but not many dermatologists are aware of the importance it receives outside our specialty. This article focuses on the nail in non-dermatological contexts. The nail is a keratinized matrix capable of continuous growth with the ability to incorporate various compounds within its structure. Therefore it can be used to monitor long-term consumption of drugs. It is also an excellent source of germ-line DNA for genetic analyses. With an increased undrstanding of nail physiology, there is now a better understanding of its connection to various pathologies as well. Nails, being peripherally placed, are easy to sample without significant discomfort to the patient, making them a valuable diagnostic tool. For this narrative review, we carried out a PubMed search using the key words "nail clipping," "nail DNA," "nail diabetes mellitus;" "nail clipping oncology," and "nail forensics". Retrieved articles were searched for information pertaining to non-dermatologic uses of nail for evaluation, which is presented in a narrative fashion. It is clear from recent literature that the nail is not just an inert skin appendage, but a dynamic window into the ever-changing metabolic and genetic milieu. We highlight the numerous roles of nail specimens, as well as point towards future research needed therein.

Computer assisted Objective structured clinical examination versus Objective structured clinical examination in assessment of Dermatology undergraduate students.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of dermatology undergraduates is being done through computer assisted objective structured clinical examination at our institution for the last 4 years. We attempted to compare objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and computer assisted objective structured clinical examination (CA-OSCE) as assessment tools. AIM: To assess the relative effectiveness of CA-OSCE and OSCE as assessment tools for undergraduate dermatology trainees. METHODS: Students underwent CA-OSCE as well as OSCE-based evaluation of equal weightage as an end of posting assessment. The attendance as well as the marks in both the examination formats were meticulously recorded and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Intercooled Stata V9.0 was used to assess the reliability and internal consistency of the examinations conducted. Feedback from both students and examiners was also recorded. RESULTS: The mean attendance for the study group was 77% ± 12.0%. The average score on CA- OSCE and OSCE was 47.4% ± 19.8% and 53.5% ± 18%, respectively. These scores showed a mutually positive correlation, with Spearman's coefficient being 0.593. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between attendance scores and assessment score was 0.485 for OSCE and 0.451 for CA-OSCE. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for all the tests ranged from 0.76 to 0.87 indicating high reliability. LIMITATIONS: The comparison was based on a single batch of 139 students. Such an evaluation on more students in larger number of batches over successive years could help throw more light on the subject. CONCLUSIONS: Computer assisted objective structured clinical examination was found to be a valid, reliable and effective format for dermatology assessment, being rated as the preferred format by examiners.

[High complication rate after surgical treatment of ankle fractures]. / Høj komplikationsrate efter kirurgisk behandling af malleolfraktur.

The purpose of this study was to determine the quality and re-operation rate of the surgical treatment of ankle fractures at a large university hospital. X-rays and patient records of 137 patients surgically treated for ankle fractures were analyzed for: 1) correct classification according to Lauge-Hansen, 2) if congruity of the ankle joint was achieved, 3) selection and placement of the hardware, and 4) the surgeon's level of education. Totally 32 of 137 did not receive an optimal treatment, 11 were re-operated. There was no clear correlation between incorrect operation and the surgeon's level of education.

Computer Assisted Objective Structured Clinical Examination: a useful tool for dermatology undergraduate assessment.

BACKGROUND: Dermatology is a minor subject in undergraduate medical curriculum in India. The dermatology clinical postings are generally poorly attended, and the clinical acumen of an average medical graduate in this specialty is quite low. AIMS: To develop and implement Computer Assisted Objective Structured Clinical Examination (CA-OSCE) as a means of end of dermatology posting evaluation. Also, to assess its effectiveness in improving the motivation, attendance and learning of undergraduate students with respect to their visual recognition skills and problem solving ability. METHODS: We designed and introduced CA-OSCE as a means of end of posting assessment. The average attendance and assessment scores of students undergoing CA-OSCE were compiled and compared using 'independent t test' with the scores of previous year's students who had undergone assessment with essay type questions. RESULTS: The average attendance and average assessment scores for the candidates undergoing CA-OSCE were found to 83.36% and 77.47%, respectively as compared to 64.09% and 52.07%, respectively for previous years' students. The difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant. Student acceptability of the technique was also high, and their subjective feedback was encouraging. CONCLUSION: CA-OSCE is a useful tool for assessment of dermatology undergraduates. It has the potential to drive them to attend regularly as well as to test their higher cognitive skills of analysis and problem solving.

[Estimation of the execution of the national strategy of leprosy elimination in the "Hauts Bassins" region in Burkina Faso]. / Evaluation De La Mise En Oeuvre De La Strategie Nationale D'Elimination De La Lepre Dans La Region Des Hauts Bassins, Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Burkina Faso achieved the leprosy elimination as a public health problem but this benefit was being lost. So, the National Program for Fighting against Leprosy has defined a strategy to reverse this situation. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the performance of the national program in the execution of this strategy in the region of "Hauts Bassins" (Burkina Faso) from 2005 to 2009. METHOD: The survey was led through the five sanitary districts of the region. It consisted in interview with the mean actors of leprosy control program and the analysis of the data notified on the leprosy cases, in order to estimate the progression of the key indicators of detection and follow-up care for patients having leprosy. RESULTS: During the survey period, 248 cases of leprosy were recorded including 236 new cases and 12 relapses. The prevalence of leprosy was 0.28 per 100 000 inhabitants in 2009. The detection rate decreased from 3.77 per 100 000 in 2005 to 2.75 per 100 000 in 2009. Among the 236 new cases of leprosy, 194 (82.2 %) were multibacillary form (MB). MB patients proportion increased from 69,3 % in 2005 to 91.1 % in 2009. The proportion of children was on average 3.8 %, the one of female cases 38.9 %. Newly diagnosed cases with grade 2 disabilities moved up from 21.4 % in 2005 to 42.2 % in 2009. The completion of cure rate was globally 88.26 %. The losts from follow-up among the patients who started multi-drug therapy were 7.14 %. CONCLUSION: The aim of the leprosy elimination as a public health problem is achieved but some challenges may be taken up, particularly in the organization of leprosy detection by the heath structures.

Worldwide experience with the robotic navigation system in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: methodology, efficacy and safety.

INTRODUCTION: The Hansen Robotic system has been utilized in ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, because of the lack of tactile feedback and the rigidity of the robotic sheath, this approach could result in higher risk of complications. This worldwide survey reports a multicenter experience on the methodology, efficacy, and safety of the Hansen system in AF ablations. METHODS AND RESULTS: A questionnaire addressing questions on patient's demographics, procedural parameters, ablation success rate and safety information was sent to all centers where more than 50 robotic AF ablation cases have been performed. From June 2007 to December 2009, 1,728 procedures were performed at 12 centers utilizing the Hansen robotic navigation technology. The overall complication rate was 4.7% and the success rate was 67.1% after 18 ± 4 months of follow-up. In 5 low volume centers there appeared to be a learning curve of about 50 cases (complication rate 11.2% for the first 50 cases vs 3.7% for the 51-100 cases; P = 0.044) and a trend showing a decrease of complication rate with increasing case volume. However, in the remaining 7 centers no learning curve was present and the complication rate was stable over time (3.7% for the first 50 cases vs 3.6% for the 51st case thereafter; P = 0.942). CONCLUSION: The Hansen robotic system can be used for AF ablation safely. In low volume centers, there appeared to be a learning curve of the first 50 cases after which the complication rate decreased. With a higher case volume, the success rate increased.

Assessment of knowledge and practice of private practitioners regarding tuberculosis control in Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Ethiopia has a growing private health sector. In recent years, the directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) strategy was initiated in selected private health facilities in the country. The objective of the present study was to assess knowledge and practice of private practitioners in tuberculosis (TB) control in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 private practitioners selected from all private health facilities in the region. The study was conducted between May and August 2008 and data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Group differences were analyzed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Fifty-nine (52.7%) of the private practitioners suspected TB in patients with three weeks' duration of cough. Only 37 (33.0%) of the private practitioners were able to precisely list the correct treatment regimens for all categories as recommended in the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program guidelines. The correct frequency of TB treatment monitoring was provided by 44 (50%) of the respondents. Overall 44 (39.3%) of the private practitioners did not have satisfactory knowledge about the directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) strategy. Those who attended DOTS training during the two years prior to the survey were more likely to have satisfactory knowledge compared to those who did not receive training (OR 4.45, 95% CI: 1.33, 14.87, p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of private practitioners did not have satisfactory knowledge and practice about DOTS. The provision of regular DOTS refresher courses improves TB management for patients in the region.

The influence of training on the recognition of gross features of dermoscopy images.

BACKGROUND: In a dermoscopic examination, besides structural components, inexperienced clinicians should also be able to recognize the gross features of the images. AIM: The aim of this study is, whether or not an inexperienced clinician has problems in the recognition of gross features of the images on dermoscopic examination. METHODS: Two dermatologists, of whom one was experienced in the field of dermoscopy and the other was not, examined 161 dermoscopic images of melanocytic lesions in the gross features of their borders. Inner and outer borders were defined for each lesion. Both dermatologists separately evaluated the borders of the lesions for irregularity, asymmetry, and wideness of fading. For subjective image analysis they scored each lesion by using the four-point ordinal scale. For computerized image analysis they manually marked borders with dots, by using a computer program. We used quadratic-weighted kappa for interobserver reliability assessments for subjective scores and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for automatically calculated scores. RESULTS: In a subjective evaluation the inexperienced observer used a higher score than the experienced observer and the kappa values were between 0.241-0.286. ICC for the automatically calculated scores were between 0.357 and 0.522. According to both the outer and the inner borders, the concordance between experienced and inexperienced observers was almost perfect in measurements of diameter, perimeter, and area (ICC scores were between 0.948 and 0.990). CONCLUSIONS: An inexperienced person, in comparison with an experienced person, sees lesions in the same sizes, but in different shapes on dermoscopy. Therefore, it is advisable that making learners familiar with the borders of lesions should be included in the training on dermoscopy.

Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding leprosy among general practitioners at Hyderabad.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of knowledge, social attitude towards patients, and diagnostic and management capabilities of general practitioners (KAP) regarding leprosy, practicing at Hyderabad, Pakistan. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, during October to December 2007. METHODOLOGY: A pre-tested and well-structured questionnaire consisting of 54 questions was administered to general practitioners working at various areas in Hyderabad. The questions were grouped under different headings and covered clinical features, common and uncommon presentations, complications, referral practices and stigma. The sum of correct answers marked by doctors was taken to classify the respondents. The doctors who responded correctly for upto 10 questions were assigned level 1 (poor), from 11 to 25: level 2 (average), from 26 to 40: level 3 (good), while those who marked correct answers for more than 40 questions were assigned level 4 (excellent). Chi-square test was used to determine significance at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 200 doctors were surveyed. Fourteen doctors (7%) had poor knowledge of disease (number of correct answers less than 10), 32 (16%) had average (number of correct answers between 11 and 25), 140 (70%) doctors good (number of correct answers between 26 and 40) while 14 (7%) had excellent (number of correct answers more than 40) knowledge of the disease. CONCLUSION: There is inconsistency and deficiencies in the knowledge, referral pattern and treatment of leprosy among general practitioners, which needs to be improved by conducting awareness activities.