Compliance of camps in the United States with guidelines for health and safety practices.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the compliance of US camps with guidelines for health and safety practices as set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Department of Homeland Security. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was distributed to US camps during the summer of 2012 as identified by 3 online summer camp directories. RESULTS: Analysis was performed on 433 completed questionnaires. Fourteen percent of camps were considered medically related. Ninety-three percent of camps have established relationships with community emergency medical services, 34% with local orthodontists, and 37% with local mental health professionals. Camps reported the immediate availability of the following: automated external defibrillators (75%), respiratory rescue inhalers (44%), epinephrine autoinjectors (64%), cervical spine collars (62%), and backboard with restraints (76%). Camps reported the presence of the following written health policies: dehydration (91%), asthma and anaphylaxis (88%), head injuries (90%), seizures (78%), cardiac arrest (76%), and drowning (73%). Although 93% of camps have a disaster response plan, 15% never practice the plan. Sixty-eight percent of camps are familiar with community evacuation plans, and 67% have access to vehicles for transport. Camps reported the presence of the following written disaster policies: fire (96%), tornadoes (68%), arrival of suspicious individuals (84%), hostage situations (18%). CONCLUSIONS: Areas for improvement in the compliance of US camps with specific recommendations for health and safety practices were identified, such as medically preparing campers before their attendance, developing relationships with community health providers, increasing the immediate availability of several emergency medications and equipment, and developing policies and protocols for medical and disaster emergencies.

Guidance and practice on frequency of HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing in men who have sex with men - what is the European situation?

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at particular risk for HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI). To investigate the European guidance used for MSM STI and HIV screening, risk level profiling and how this translated to practice, we conducted a questionnaire survey of leading physicians in the European branch of the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI). We identified that most European countries have limited guidance on screening intervals for MSM. Where risk profiling is advised, it is often left to clinicians to weight different behaviours and decide on screening frequency. Our results suggest that European MSM STI and HIV testing guidelines be developed with clear and specific recommendations around screening intervals and risk profiling. These guidelines will be particularly helpful due to rapidly evolving models of sexual healthcare, and the emergence of new providers who may benefit from guidelines that require less interpretation.