Vulnerability identified in clinical practice: a qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although it is the moral duty of physicians to protect vulnerable patients, there are no data on how vulnerability is perceived in clinical practice. This study explores how physicians classify someone as "vulnerable". METHOD: Thirty-three physicians were initially questioned about resource allocation problems in their work. The results of these interviews were examined with qualitative study software to identify characteristics associated with vulnerability in patients. Data were conceptualized, classified and cross-linked to highlight the major determinants of vulnerability. The findings revealed the principal factors that make patients vulnerable in clinical practice, according to our definition of vulnerability: the likelihood of having one's interests unjustly considered. RESULTS: Vulnerability can arise as a result of a mismatch between the characteristics of patients and physicians, the healthcare system, the treatment, or the communication between physicians and patients. Vulnerability appears as a gap between a patient's needs and the means intended to meet them. Vulnerability can further be the result of doing too little or too much for patients. This result suggests that structures provided by healthcare systems are not as differentiated as they should be to cover all situations. Our initial definition of vulnerability was illustrated and supported by our results, showing that it encompasses all factors involved, not solely personal characteristics, indicating the need for a more pragmatic approach for use in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Vulnerability is not due to a single factor but appears under certain circumstances when there is a discrepancy between a patient's interests and the care provided, despite existing compensation systems.

[Neurological consequences and complications of alcohol consumption]. / Conséquences et complications neurologiques de la consommation d'alcool.

In Switzerland, alcohol consumption is often trivialized and widely accepted as normal behavior. However, even in small quantities, repeated alcohol intake can cause injury to both the central nervous system and the peripheral one. Various mechanisms are involved : direct neurotoxicity, metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiencies, systemic injuries (hepatic, cardiovascular, immune), and accidents. This article describes potential neurological complications and their mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of early screenings for abusive consumption.

En Suisse, la consommation d'alcool est une pratique bien ancrée dans les mœurs, considérée comme normale. Cependant, même pris en petites quantités, l'alcool peut provoquer une atteinte du système nerveux, tant central que périphérique. Les mécanismes impliqués sont divers : neurotoxicité directe, désordres métaboliques, carences vitaminiques, atteintes systémiques (en particulier du système hépatique, cardiovasculaire et immunitaire) ou accidents en tous genres. Cet article décrit les complications neurologiques possibles et évoque leurs mécanismes dans l'intention de souligner l'importance d'un dépistage précoce d'une consommation à risque.