Early menopause in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Premature menopause can occur in women living with human HIV. In this study, we analyzed and reviewed published literature using the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases since the year 1990 using a combination of MeSH terms such as "Early," "Premature," "Menopause," "HIV," and "Hormones." Monitoring and implementation of targeted interventions for premature or early menopause among HIV-infected women might prevent or delay complications such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.

Audit: Prescribing PRN medication.

BACKGROUND: PRN prescriptions enablehealthcare staff to respond quickly to the urgent clinical needs of the user without having to contact the responsible clinician (RC). One problem, established amongst most institutions by NICE regarding the use of PRN, is that most of these institutions struggle to keep an updated or full record on the PRN medications. Thus, the aim of this audit was to check the record keeping of PRN medications, of two adolescent wards in St Andrews Healthcare Hospital, against the established standards. METHODS: The standards were acquired from the local trust's medicine policy and are based on good clinical practice and principles. Data were collected over a 3-month period covering all the 16 in-patients of two wards in St Andrew's Healthcare Hospital. Medical case records and drug charts were reviewed retrospectively. All PRN prescriptions were reviewed against the standards. The total percentage of compliance with the standards was analyzed using spreadsheet software. RESULTS: The significant results obtained were that 36% of PRN medications were not cancelled even if they had not been used for >1 month and 23% did not have clear indications of use. Majority of the other standards showed full compliance. RECOMMENDATIONS: Some PRN medications were not cancelled even if not used for >1 month, most likely because it is often uncertain when a service user may require the PRN. This could be overcome by having screening tools such as START/STOP to alert the RC after a month. Also, when filling in the PRN medication chart, clear indication for use must be an obligatory section on the system, in addition to increasing awareness among staff about this common error. Finally, regular review by the RC is required through seasonal audits, especially by medical and pharmaceutical staff, which will help monitor errors as well as increase awareness about PRN prescribing practice.

Community immersion project to enhance medical students understanding of the health needs of the most vulnerable in the community.

AIM: A group of eight fourth year medical students formed the 'UBMS public health crew' to conduct a community immersion project within elderly ethnic minority communities. The aim of the study was to understand their health perceptions regarding influenza vaccinations and learn about the enablers and barriers in accessing the vaccination. METHODOLOGY: Interviews were held by the students at community lunch clubs with the help of questionnaires. RESULTS: 76 people participated in the focus groups of which 56.5% were Asians and 43% were Irish. Feedback was sought from the students in the form of an online survey. CONCLUSION: This project helped the medical students improve their public health knowledge, gave them an opportunity to interact with members of the community and learn about the health and social problems faced by underserved/vulnerable communities. The students were also able to appreciate the cultural, sociodemographic and psychological determinants of health in an underserved community. Providing such community immersion projects can enable future doctors to be better prepared for care closer to the community and have better insight into patient-centred care. RESULTS: 76 people participated in the focus groups of which 56.5% were Asians and 43% were Irish. Feedback was sought from the students in the form of an online survey. this project helped the medical students improve their public health knowledge, gave them an opportunity to interact with members of the community and learn about the health and social problems faced by underserved/vulnerable communities. The students were also able to appreciate the cultural, sociodemographic and psychological determinants of health in an underserved community. Providing such community immersion projects can enable future doctors to be better prepared for care closer to the community and have better insight into patient-centred care. METHODS: Interviews were held by the students at community lunch clubs with the help of questionnaires. 76 people participated in the focus groups of which 56.5% were Asians and 43% were Irish. Feedback was sought from the students in the form of an online survey which found that this project helped the medical students improve their public health knowledge, gave them an opportunity to interact with members of the community and learn about the health and social problems faced by underserved/vulnerable communities. The students were also able to appreciate the cultural, sociodemographic and psychological determinants of health in an underserved community. Providing such community immersion projects can enable future doctors to be better prepared for care closer to the community and have better insight into patient-centred care. AIM: A group of eight fourth year medical students formed the 'UBMS public health crew' to conduct a community immersion project within elderly ethnic minority communities. The aim of the study was to understand their health perceptions regarding influenza vaccinations and learn about the enablers and barriers in accessing the vaccination. Interviews were held by the students at community lunch clubs with the help of questionnaires. 76 people participated in the focus groups of which 56.5% were Asians and 43% were Irish. Feedback was sought from the students in the form of an online survey which found that this project helped the medical students improve their public health knowledge, gave them an opportunity to interact with members of the community and learn about the health and social problems faced by underserved/vulnerable communities. The students were also able to appreciate the cultural, sociodemographic and psychological determinants of health in an underserved community. Providing such community immersion projects can enable future doctors to be better prepared for care closer to the community and have better insight into patient-centred care.