Bacteriophages for bronchiectasis: treatment of the future?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by dilated airways, persistent sputum production and recurrent infective exacerbations. The microbiology of bronchiectasis includes various potentially pathogenic microorganisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is commonly cultured from patients' sputum. P. aeruginosa is difficult to eradicate and frequently exhibits antimicrobial resistance. Bacteriophage therapy offers a novel and alternative method to treating bronchiectasis and can be used in conjunction with antibiotics to improve patient outcome. RECENT FINDINGS: Thirteen case reports/series to date have successfully used phages to treat infections in bronchiectasis patients, however these studies were constrained to few patients ( n  = 32) and utilized personalized phage preparations and adjunct antibiotics. In these studies, phage therapy was delivered by inhalation, intravenously or orally and was well tolerated in most patients without any unfavourable effects. Favourable clinical or microbiological outcomes were seen following phage therapy in many patients. Longitudinal patient follow-up reported regrowth of bacteria and phage neutralization in some studies. There are five randomized clinical controlled trials ongoing aiming to use phage therapy to treat P. aeruginosa associated respiratory conditions, with limited results available to date. SUMMARY: More research, particularly robust clinical trials, into how phages can clear respiratory infections, interact with resident microbiota, and how bacteria might develop resistance will be important to establish to ensure the success of this promising therapeutic alternative.

Protocol for the SELECT study: a sequential mixed methods study of the selection of UK medical students into clinical academic training.

BACKGROUND: Internationally, there has been a move towards fostering diverse healthcare workforces that are representative of the patient populations they serve. Selection criteria for academic-clinicians often aim to capture skills and attributes that demonstrate both clinical and academic excellence. Currently, it is not known whether the selection criteria for early academic-clinical careers advantage or disadvantage certain ethnic or socioeconomic groups. The UK has a structured route of integrated clinical academic training with entry level training for newly qualified doctors administered through the 'Specialised Foundation Programme' which provides protected time for research within the first two years of postgraduate clinical training. In this study, we aim to identify what selection criteria are used within the UK Specialised Foundation Programme, and how these relate to demographic factors. METHODS: We will perform a mixed methods study consisting of a document analysis of person specifications and selection criteria used in the 2024 UK Specialised Foundation Programme, and a national cross-sectional survey of current medical students in the UK. We will obtain the person specifications, selection criteria, white space (open ended questions used during shortlisting) and interview questions and mark schemes from each Specialised Unit of Applications via information available on their websites or through Freedom of Information requests. Our survey will collect information relating to demographic data, selection criteria, and perceptions of specialised foundation programme selection. DISCUSSION: International literature has demonstrated inequity in academic markers used in selection of post-graduate clinicians and that disadvantages caused by selection can compound over time. As such it is important to understand what inequity exists within the selection of early academic-clinicians, as this can help inform more equitable selection practices and help nurture a more diverse academic-clinical workforce.

Impact of COVID-19 on the management and outcomes of ureteric stones in the UK: a multicentre retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if management of ureteric stones in the UK changed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and whether this affected patient outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicentre retrospective study of adults with computed tomography-confirmed ureteric stone disease at 39 UK hospitals during a pre-pandemic period (23/3/2019-22/6/2019) and a period during the pandemic (the 3-month period after the first severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 case at individual sites). The primary outcome was success of primary treatment modality, defined as no further treatment required for the index ureteric stone. Our study protocol was published prior to data collection. RESULTS: A total of 3735 patients were included (pre-pandemic 1956 patients; pandemic 1779 patients). Stone size was similar between groups (P > 0.05). During the pandemic, patients had lower hospital admission rates (pre-pandemic 54.0% vs pandemic 46.5%, P < 0.001), shorter mean length of stay (4.1 vs 3.3 days, P = 0.02), and higher rates of use of medical expulsive therapy (17.4% vs 25.4%, P < 0.001). In patients who received interventional management (pre-pandemic 787 vs pandemic 685), rates of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (22.7% vs 34.1%, P < 0.001) and nephrostomy were higher (7.1% vs 10.5%, P = 0.03); and rates of ureteroscopy (57.2% vs 47.5%, P < 0.001), stent insertion (68.4% vs 54.6%, P < 0.001), and general anaesthetic (92.2% vs 76.2%, P < 0.001) were lower. There was no difference in success of primary treatment modality between patient cohorts (pre-pandemic 73.8% vs pandemic 76.1%, P = 0.11), nor when patients were stratified by treatment modality or stone size. Rates of operative complications, 30-day mortality, and re-admission and renal function at 6 months did not differ between the data collection periods. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were lower admission rates and fewer invasive procedures performed. Despite this, there were no differences in treatment success or outcomes. Our findings indicate that clinicians can safely adopt management strategies developed during the pandemic to treat more patients conservatively and in the community.

Clinical support during COVID-19: An opportunity for service and learning? A cross-sectional survey of UK medical students.

PURPOSE: Medical students providing support to clinical teams during Covid-19 may have been an opportunity for service and learning. We aimed to understand why the reported educational impact has been mixed to inform future placements. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of medical students at UK medical schools during the first Covid-19 'lockdown' period in the UK (March-July 2020). Analysis was informed by the conceptual framework of service and learning. RESULTS: 1245 medical students from 37 UK medical schools responded. 57% of respondents provided clinical support across a variety of roles and reported benefits including increased preparedness for foundation year one compared to those who did not (p < 0.0001). However, not every individual's experience was equal. For some, roles complemented the curriculum and provided opportunities for clinical skill development, reflection, and meaningful contribution to the health service. For others, the relevance of their role to their education was limited; these roles typically focused on service provision, with few opportunities to develop. CONCLUSION: The conceptual framework of service and learning can help explain why student experiences have been heterogeneous. We highlight how this conceptual framework can be used to inform clinical placements in the future, in particular the risks, benefits, and structures.[Box: see text].

Missed opportunities to use rapid influenza testing and severity assessment to avoid hospital admission: A cohort study from an East London District General Hospital.

Annual outbreaks of seasonal influenza cause a substantial health burden. The aim of this study was to compare patient demographic/clinical data in two influenza patient groups presenting to hospital; those requiring O2 or critical care admission and those requiring less intensive treatment. The study was conducted from 1 December 2017 until 1 April 2019 at a district general hospital in East London. Patient demographic and clinical information was collected for all patients who had tested influenza positive by near-patient testing. χ2 test was used for categorical variables to see if there were significant differences for those admitted and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare the length of inpatient stay. Of 127 patients, 56 (44.1%) required oxygen or critical care. There were significant increases in National Early Warning Score (NEWS) observations (P %3C .001), Charlson comorbidity index (P = .049), length of inpatient stay (P %3C .001), and a strong association with increasing age (P = .066) when the more intensive treatment group was compared with the less intensive treatment group. A total of 13 (18.3%) of 71 patients not requiring oxygen or critical care were not admitted to the hospital. Following rapid influenza testing, NEWS scores, comorbidities, and age should be incorporated into a decision tool in Accident and Emergency to aid hospital admission or discharge decisions.

Atypical mycobacterial infections - management and when to treat.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasing for several reasons, including diagnostic advances, increased awareness and a larger at-risk population. NTM pulmonary disease is surpassing tuberculosis (TB) in some low incidence areas. This review summarizes the latest literature and guidelines and aims to be a concise source outlining treatment and management of NTM lung infections, integrating established treatment paradigms with novel pharmacological interventions. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent additions to NTM treatment are inhaled liposomal amikacin and the anti-TB drug bedaquiline. Several other new or repurposed treatments are being explored in vitro, in animal models and in clinical trials, including novel beta-lactamase inhibitor/lactam combinations, dual-lactam combinations, efflux pump inhibitors, novel antimicrobials, inhaled clofazimine suspension and bacteriophages. SUMMARY: Patients with NTM pulmonary disease are mainly female and older with significant delay between diagnosis and treatment being common. Treatment varies according to causative organism, drug susceptibilities, radiological type and disease severity. Underlying chronic conditions, drug intolerances and interactions require careful consideration. In all cases, at least three drugs should be used to minimize acquisition of drug resistance, and all patients should receive a minimum of 12 months of treatment. Expert advice should be taken. NTM treatment is longer than TB treatment, more likely to fail and more likely to cause toxicity. The relatively small numbers of patients affected by each NTM species has limited research. Novel treatments hold promise; nevertheless, it is likely that new solutions for NTM management will stem from the TB pipeline for the foreseeable future.

Computed Tomography Scanning for Sternal Wound Infections: A Systematic Review.

Background: Sternal wound infection (SWI) has always been a significant risk in patients who undergo sternotomies as part of their cardiac surgical procedures. Computed tomography (CT) imaging is often used to diagnose and assess sternal wound infections. Its purpose includes identifying and locating infection and any sternal dehiscence. Methods: A systematic literature review across PubMed, Embase, and Ovid was performed according to PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant articles that discussed the utility of CT scanning for SWI, common features identified, patient outcomes and sensitivity/specificity (Figure 1). Results: 25 papers were included. 100% (n=25) of the papers were published in peer-reviewed journals. CT scans in SWIs can be seen as a beneficial aid in diagnosing as well as determining the components of infection. Commonalities were identified such as fluid collection in the mediastinum, free gas, pleural effusions, and sternal dehiscence which point towards the presence of sternal wound infection. Conclusion: CT scanning is a novel and emerging methodology for imaging in SWI and post-sternotomy complications, hence increased research is required to expand the literature on this area as well as the creation of guidelines and cut-offs or signs for radiology professionals to identify and determine the extent of infection.

Urban public space initiatives and health in Africa: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Public space initiatives (PSIs) in African cities can significantly promote health and social well-being, yet their implementation and impact are unknown across the continent. There is a substantial gap in literature on PSIs in African countries, with most studies concentrated in wealthier cities and lacking comprehensive assessments of long-term health impacts. The objective of this study was to synthesise evidence on the typology, location, features, and outcomes of these initiatives as well as the guiding principles that underlie their design and implementation. Employing a mixed-methods model, the study systematically reviews peer-reviewed and grey literature articles, focusing on the types, settings, and outcomes of PSIs. Data is analyzed using the CASP appraisal tool and thematic analysis. We analysed 47 studies, 15 of which were mixed methods, 22 qualitative and 10 quantitative. Sports accounted for 50% of initiatives. 30 of the 47 papers originated from South Africa. Communities viewed initiatives' wellbeing impacts through social, economic, and ecological lenses, with health being but one dimension. The sustainability of initiatives was often limited by funding, historical marginalization, and competing land uses. Findings underscore the need for more comprehensive, long-term evaluations and cross-sector collaborations to sustain and enhance health-promoting public spaces in African cities.

Exposure and awareness of oral and maxillofacial surgery for first degree medical undergraduates in the United Kingdom.

Most of the current oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) specialty trainees in the United Kingdom (UK) remain as those who first undertook a degree in dentistry. However, OMFS is an increasingly popular career choice amongst 'first degree' medical school graduates. The UK medical school curriculum should reflect this trend by ensuring that there is sufficient teaching and exposure to allow medical students to make informed career choices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of awareness of, exposure to, and teaching on, oral and maxillofacial surgery amongst undergraduate medical students in the UK. An online survey was distributed via university representatives and responded to by 76 final year medical students from 15 medical schools across the United Kingdom. No OMFS-related clinical exposure was reported by 69 respondents throughout their time at medical school. Of the seven who did report exposure, the mean length of that exposure was four days. Sixty-three respondents believed that medical students would benefit from more guidance and information on OMFS. Clinical exposure to OMFS by medical undergraduates is low therefore awareness of the specialty is limited. With many dissatisfied with the OMFS exposure and teaching provided by their medical school it shows that there is no lack of interest in OMFS amongst medical undergraduates, rather a lack of opportunity for them.

Hospital-acquired E. coli bacteraemia at a large UK NHS Trust. A return towards baseline following implementation of a 5-year quality improvement programme.

Introduction: Until recently, healthcare-associated E. coli bacteraemia was a neglected area of infection prevention and control (IPC), despite a 30-day mortality of 15-20%. Recently, the UK Department of Health (DH) introduced a target to reduce hospital-acquired E. coli bacteraemias by 50% over a five-year period. Following implementation of multifaceted and multidisciplinary interventions, the aim of this study was to determine its impact on achieving this target. Methods: From April 2017 to March 2022, consecutive hospital-acquired E. coli bacteraemic inpatients within Barts Health NHS Trust were prospectively studied. Using quality improvement methodology, and implementing the plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycle at each stage, antibiotic prophylaxis for high-risk procedures were modified and 'good practice' interventions around medical devices introduced. Characteristics of bacteraemic patients were analysed and trends in bacteraemic episodes recorded. Statistical analysis was undertaken in Stata SE (version 16). Results: There were 770 patients and 797 episodes of hospital-acquired E. coli bacteraemias. Following a baseline of 134 episodes in 2017-18, this peaked at 194 in 2019-20 before dropping to 157 in 2020-21 and 159 in 2021-22. Most hospital-acquired E. coli bacteraemias occurred in those aged > 50, 551 (69.1%), with the highest proportion occurring in those age > 70, 292 (36.6%). Hospital-acquired E. coli bacteraemia occurred more commonly between October to December.Most episodes occurred in either medicine or care of the elderly patients, 345 (43.3%), specialist surgery, 141 (17.7%), haematology/oncology, 127 (15.9%) and patients requiring critical care, 108 (13.6%). The urinary tract, 336 (42.2%), both catheter and non-catheter associated, was the commonest sites of infection. 175 (22.0%) of E. coli bacteraemic isolates were extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESB) producing. Co-amoxiclav resistance was 315 (39.5%), ciprofloxacin resistance 246 (30.9%) and gentamicin resistance 123 (15.4%). At 7 days, 77 patients (9.7%; 95% CI 7.4-12.2%) died and by 30 days this had risen to 129 (16.2%; 95% CI 13.7-19.9%). Conclusion: Despite implementation of quality improvement (QI) interventions, it was not possible to achieve a 50% reduction from baseline although an 18% reduction was achieved from 2019-20 onwards. Our work highlights the importance of antimicrobial prophylaxis and medical device 'good practice'. Over time, these interventions, if properly implemented, could further reduce healthcare-associated E. coli bacteraemic infection.

More than 100 years of neglect: a bibliometric analysis of global research on noma (cancrum oris).

BACKGROUND: Research plays a significant role in quantifying and addressing the burden of disease, improving healthcare delivery and developing evidence-based policy for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Since noma is not a recognised NTD by the World Health Organization (WHO), research activity is hypothesised to be low. This study aims to understand patterns and trends of research conducted on noma, to understand the patterns of citations, highlight networks of collaboration and analyse stakeholders in noma research. METHODS: The SCOPUS database was selected and searched. Data analysis was conducted using the bibliometrix package for R in RStudio. Areas of interest included the distribution of research output on noma by year and location, the academic impact of publication output, mapping the major academic community and conducting a thematic analysis of high-frequency keywords. RESULTS: A total of 208 documents were identified. The annual growth rate of publications is 4.3%. The average number of citations per publication was 11.0 (rounded from 10.98) and the average citations per year per publication was 0.57. The USA was the country with the highest percentage 10.6% (n=22) of corresponding authors, followed by Nigeria (6.7% [n=14]), the UK (6.3% [n=13]) and India (5.8% [n=12]). For those papers with multiple authors, there was an average of 3.22 co-authors per document. The collaboration index was 3.3. Upon plotting collaboration networks between authors, only 11 clusters were identified (frequency and intensity of collaboration). Mapping of trending topics showed a focus on skin grafting and transplantation within the literature. CONCLUSIONS: In order to progress towards eventual elimination of noma it is key that more research should be undertaken and more interest and funding should be dedicated to work on noma. Recognition of noma as an NTD by the WHO would be a first step in moving towards increased awareness.

A framework for student-led education conferences.

Attendance at conferences as part of undergraduate studies is key in health professional education for exploring speciality interests, sharing research, exchanging expertise and passing on knowledge. In addition, conferences offer valuable opportunities to present work and the potential to win prizes and network with others in the field. This article provides insight and guidance into how student-led and designed health science and education conferences can be implemented more effectively. It is aimed at students hoping to organise conferences and also to clinical educators and staff who help facilitate these. We present recommendations, a framework of steps to be followed and a case study, as well as an exploration of the challenges that COVID-19 has presented and how these have been overcome.

'It's like juggling fire daily': Well-being, workload and burnout in the British NHS - A survey of 721 physicians.

BACKGROUND: Physicians are at higher risk for burnout than workers in other fields. Burnout negatively impacts physician health, care delivery and healthcare cost. Existing studies quantify the workforce affected by burnout whilst qualitative studies use specific specialty groups limiting generalisability of solutions. This is important given increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to understand the causes of work-related burnout, identify what supportive resources physicians utilise, and to propose solutions. METHODS: A questionnaire was circulated between March and May 2019 via the 'Doctors' Association UK' website and social media. RESULTS: 721 responses were received. 94%of respondents worked in the NHS, with over half being either general practitioners (GPs) or consultants. One in two (53%) respondents felt unable to raise workplace concerns regarding wellbeing, stress or workload. Almost all respondents (97%) felt the NHS has a culture of viewing excessive stress and workload as the norm. Three themes emerged from qualitative analysis: negative workplace culture; high workload and lack of resources; and generational change. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents described system-level factors which negatively impacted their wellbeing whilst organisations focused on physician-level factors. The research literature supports multi-level change beyond the individual tackling work unit and organisational factors. These include providing infrastructure to allow delegation of administrative work and physical space for relaxation and flexible work with time for leave. At a national level, there is greater urgency for an increase in healthcare funding and resourcing especially during increased clinician workloads during a pandemic where burnout rates will increase.

Remote risk-stratification of dyspnoea in acute respiratory disorders: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Telephone and video-based triage of dyspnoea has become commonplace and clinicians are faced with a new challenge in risk stratification of patients with dyspnoea due to suspected COVID-19. This review aimed to identify existing remote assessment modalities for acute dyspnoea which can be applied during pandemics. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and medRxiv for studies of remote assessment of dyspnoea [PROSPERO ID: CRD42020202292]. A total of 3014 abstracts were screened independently by two reviewers and 32 studies were progressed to full text screening. RESULTS: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Commonly assessed clinical features included respiratory rate, work of breathing, counting time and mental status. All studies found remote triage modalities to be appropriate for detecting severe respiratory distress or the need for emergency level care. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based tools to remotely assess dyspnoea will reduce resource strain during current and future pandemics.