Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 21
Filter
2.
Front Sociol ; 8: 910153, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37214599

ABSTRACT

In 2015, the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) called for immediate action to address the lack of access to health services for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Indigenous communities. They called for the provision of culturally safe, community-based, FASD diagnostic, intervention and prevention services. FASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect all aspects of functioning. The term refers to a spectrum of conditions occurring as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and associated risk factors. PAE can affect both physical and mental health leading to problems with learning, memory, attention, language, social behavior, executive functioning, sleep, and affect regulation. According to Elders in Mi'kmaq First Nations (FN) communities, FASD is a condition that is rooted in transgenerational trauma and the loss of relationship to their land, their language and the traditional community culture. The Elsipogtog Eastern Door (ED) Center opened in 2006 to provide culturally informed diagnosis, intervention and prevention for FASD and related conditions. The ED was the first FASD diagnostic team in Atlantic Canada and it served as a demonstration model for the New Brunswick FASD Center of Excellence as well as for Indigenous communities regionally and nationally. In this article, we outline the history and evolution of the Eastern Door Center and its programs and describe some of the successes of this model as well as some of its limitations in practice.

3.
J Am Acad Dermatol ; 88(2): 395-403, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36370907

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by depigmented patches of the skin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ritlecitinib, an oral JAK3 (Janus kinase)/TEC (tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocelluar carcinoma) inhibitor, in patients with active nonsegmental vitiligo in a phase 2b trial (NCT03715829). METHODS: Patients were randomized to once-daily oral ritlecitinib ± 4-week loading dose (200/50 mg, 100/50 mg, 30 mg, or 10 mg) or placebo for 24 weeks (dose-ranging period). Patients subsequently received ritlecitinib 200/50 mg daily in a 24-week extension period. The primary efficacy endpoint was percent change from baseline in Facial-Vitiligo Area Scoring Index at week 24. RESULTS: A total of 364 patients were treated in the dose-ranging period. Significant differences from placebo in percent change from baseline in Facial-Vitiligo Area Scoring Index were observed for the ritlecitinib 50 mg groups with (-21.2 vs 2.1; P < .001) or without (-18.5 vs 2.1; P < .001) a loading dose and ritlecitinib 30 mg group (-14.6 vs 2.1; P = .01). Accelerated improvement was observed after treatment with ritlecitinib 200/50 mg in the extension period (n = 187). No dose-dependent trends in treatment-emergent or serious adverse events were observed across the 48-week treatment. LIMITATIONS: Patients with stable vitiligo only were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Oral ritlecitinib was effective and well tolerated over 48 weeks in patients with active nonsegmental vitiligo.


Subject(s)
Vitiligo , Humans , Vitiligo/drug therapy , Vitiligo/pathology , Double-Blind Method , Skin/pathology , Janus Kinases , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Chronic Disease , Treatment Outcome
4.
JID Innov ; 2(6): 100156, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36277481

ABSTRACT

The 24-week, double-blind period of the ALLEGRO phase 2a trial (NCT02974868) evaluated the safety and efficacy of ritlecitinib (Jak3/tyrosine kinase expressed in the hepatocellular carcinoma inhibitor) and brepocitinib (tyrosine kinase 2/Jak1 inhibitor) in patients with alopecia areata; patients could subsequently continue treatment in a 24-week single-blind extension, followed by a crossover open-label extension, described in this article. Patients who did not achieve ≥30% improvement from baseline in Severity of Alopecia Tool score at the end of the single-blind extension entered a 24-week crossover open-label extension: the ritlecitinib group switched to brepocitinib, and the brepocitinib group switched to ritlecitinib. Eighteen patients switched to brepocitinib, and five switched to ritlecitinib. Six treatment-emergent adverse events were reported by five patients; no new safety risks were observed after crossover. An exploratory efficacy evaluation showed that none of the five patients receiving ritlecitinib in the crossover open-label extension achieved ≥30% improvement from baseline in Severity of Alopecia Tool score or improvement in eyebrow/eyelash assessments. Four of 16 patients receiving brepocitinib achieved ≥30% improvement from baseline in Severity of Alopecia Tool score or better; 4 of 15 and 5 of 12 showed improvement in eyebrow and eyelash assessments, respectively. Although the small number of patients precludes firm conclusions regarding efficacy, the data suggest that some patients with alopecia areata and inadequate response to ritlecitinib after ≥24 weeks show benefit after switching to brepocitinib.

5.
J Allergy Clin Immunol ; 149(4): 1318-1328, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34863853

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have shown encouraging results in the treatment of alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune form of hair loss, in small, uncontrolled studies and case reports. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a biopsy substudy during the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled first 24 weeks of a phase 2a clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of ritlecitinib, an inhibitor of JAK3 and the tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (TEC) kinase family, and brepocitinib, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2)/JAK1 in the treatment of AA. METHODS: Change in biomarkers in lesional scalp biopsy samples between baseline and weeks 12 and 24 was an exploratory end point, and 46 patients participated from the ritlecitinib (n = 18), brepocitinib (n = 16), and placebo (n = 12) groups. Correlations of biomarkers with hair regrowth, measured using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, were also evaluated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02974868. RESULTS: At week 24, both ritlecitinib and brepocitinib demonstrated improvement exceeding 100% in the lesional scalp transcriptome toward a nonlesional profile. At week 12, the improvements in scalp tissue were greater with brepocitinib than ritlecitinib; however, at week 24, the improvements were greater with ritlecitinib. CONCLUSIONS: For both ritlecitinib and brepocitinib, improvement in the SALT scores was positively associated with expression of TH1 markers and negatively associated with expression of hair keratins. Larger, long-term clinical trials are warranted.


Subject(s)
Alopecia Areata , Janus Kinase Inhibitors , Alopecia/drug therapy , Alopecia Areata/drug therapy , Biomarkers/metabolism , Humans , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Scalp
7.
Arch Sex Behav ; 50(4): 1287-1309, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34105057

ABSTRACT

The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the associations of self-reported health, happiness, marital happiness, frequency of sexual activity, and number of partners from a multinational survey of individuals who are consensually non-monogamous (CNM) or open to being CNM, completed in 2012 with 4062 respondents. We compared data from this survey with the 2010-2014 US General Social Surveys (GSS). This study explored these variables and their predictors by gender (including 612 non-binary-gendered CNM individuals), marital status, number of partners, sexual frequency, age, education, and income and were broken down by behavioral sexual orientation, marital status, and other relevant categories. Respondents in our CNM sample generally reported being as healthy (sometimes healthier; e.g., all respondents M-W Z = 7.66, p < .001, η2 = 0.007), happy (frequently happier; e.g., multiple-partnered Z = 15.43, p < .001, η2 = 0.069), happy in their marriages (in some cases happier; e.g., multiple-partnered females Z = 2.61, p = .009, η2 = 0.067), and reported having more frequent sexual activity (e.g., all Z = 29.54, p < .001, η2 = 0.094) with more partners (e.g., all Z = 60.75, p < .001, η2 = 0.393) compared to corresponding individuals within the GSS. This study contributes to knowledge about commonalities and differences between the general population and those who are CNM regarding health, happiness, and happiness in marriage, including differences in optimal number of sexual partners and sexual frequency.


Subject(s)
Marriage , Sexual Partners , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Happiness , Humans , Male , Marital Status , Self Report , Sexual Behavior
8.
J Am Acad Dermatol ; 85(2): 379-387, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33757798

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune form of hair loss with limited treatments. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase inhibitors ritlecitinib and brepocitinib in patients who have AA with ≥ 50% scalp hair loss. METHODS: Patients were randomized to once-daily ritlecitinib, brepocitinib, or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was a 24-week change from baseline in the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score. The key secondary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving 30% improvement in SALT score (SALT30). RESULTS: The ritlecitinib, brepocitinib, and placebo groups included 48, 47, and 47 patients, respectively. At week 24, least-squares mean difference from placebo in SALT score change from baseline was 31.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.8-43.5) for ritlecitinib and 49.2 (95% CI, 36.6-61.7) for brepocitinib (P < .0001 for both comparisons with placebo). SALT30 was achieved by 50% (90% CI, 38%-62%) of patients receiving ritlecitinib, 64% (90% CI, 51%-75%) receiving brepocitinib, and 2% (90% CI, 0%-9%) receiving placebo. Two patients experienced a serious adverse event (rhabdomyolysis) in the brepocitinib group only. LIMITATIONS: Only a single-dosage regimen of each study drug was included. CONCLUSION: Treatment with ritlecitinib or brepocitinib for 24 weeks was efficacious and generally well tolerated.


Subject(s)
Alopecia Areata/drug therapy , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Pyrazoles/therapeutic use , Pyrimidines/therapeutic use , Pyrroles/therapeutic use , Adult , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
9.
Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev ; 10(3): 307-316, 2021 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33352008

ABSTRACT

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ascending, first-in-human study (NCT02766621) assessed the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of PF-06823859, an anti-interferon ß monoclonal antibody. Healthy subjects were randomized to single ascending doses (SADs) of intravenous PF-06823859 30, 100, 300, 900, or 2000 mg or placebo; to multiple ascending doses (MADs) of subcutaneous PF-06823859 100 or 300 mg or placebo (once every 2 weeks for a total of 3 doses); or to MAD of intravenous PF-06823859 600 mg or placebo (once every 3 weeks or once every 4 weeks for a total of 2 doses). The incidence, severity, and causal relationship of adverse events (AEs) were assessed, along with immunogenicity and PK. In total, 62 subjects were randomized to treatment (SAD, n = 35; MAD, n = 27). There were 76 treatment-emergent all-causality AEs in the SAD (PF-06823859: n = 25; placebo: n = 4) and MAD (PF-06823859: n = 40; placebo: n = 7) cohorts. In the SAD cohorts, all treatment-emergent all-causality AEs were mild in severity; 4 AEs of moderate severity were identified in the MAD cohorts. No dose-limiting AEs, serious AEs, treatment-related discontinuations, dose reductions, or deaths occurred. PF-06823859 exposure increased dose-proportionally, with half-life values ranging between 23 and 35 days. The estimated subcutaneous bioavailability was 43% to 44%. Immunogenicity incidence rates were low (antidrug antibodies, 12.5%; neutralizing antibodies, 2.1%). No immunogenically related clinical responses of concern were observed. In conclusion, PF-06823859 demonstrated an acceptable safety, tolerability, and PK profile that supports clinical development for treating disorders associated with increased interferon ß levels, such as dermatomyositis or systemic lupus erythematosus.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacokinetics , Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy , Immunity/drug effects , Interferon-beta/antagonists & inhibitors , Administration, Intravenous , Adult , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects , Antibodies, Neutralizing/drug effects , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Biological Availability , Case-Control Studies , Double-Blind Method , Drug Tolerance , Female , Half-Life , Healthy Volunteers , Humans , Injections, Subcutaneous , Interferon-beta/blood , Interferon-beta/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Pharmacokinetics , Placebos/administration & dosage , Safety
10.
Arthritis Rheumatol ; 72(10): 1621-1631, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32419304

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PF-06651600 (ritlecitinib), an irreversible inhibitor of JAK3 and the tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (TEC) kinase family, in comparison with placebo in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: An 8-week, phase II, double-blind, parallel-group study was conducted. Seventy patients who were seropositive for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and/or rheumatoid factor were randomized 3:2 to receive oral PF-06651600 (200 mg once daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. Eligible patients had an inadequate response to methotrexate, and the study design allowed up to 50% of patients to have previously received 1 tumor necrosis factor inhibitor that was inadequately effective and/or not tolerated. The primary end point was change from baseline in the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) score at week 8, assessed by Bayesian analysis using an informative prior distribution for placebo response. RESULTS: Mean change from baseline in the SDAI score at week 8 was greater in the PF-06651600 group (-26.1 [95% credible interval -29.7, -22.4]) than in the placebo group (-16.8 [95% credible interval -20.9, -12.7]; P < 0.001). Most adverse events (AEs) were mild in severity, and no treatment-related serious AEs, severe AEs, or deaths were reported. The most common classes of AE were infections and infestations as well as skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders; there was 1 mild case of herpes simplex in the PF-06651600 group that was considered to be treatment related, which resolved within 3 days without study treatment discontinuation or antiviral therapy. CONCLUSION: Treatment with the oral JAK3/TEC inhibitor PF-06651600 (200 mg once daily) was associated with significant improvements in RA disease activity and was generally well-tolerated in this small 8-week study.


Subject(s)
Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Janus Kinase 3/antagonists & inhibitors , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Pyrimidines/therapeutic use , Pyrroles/therapeutic use , Adult , Aged , Antirheumatic Agents/adverse effects , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Pyrimidines/adverse effects , Pyrroles/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome
11.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 39(9): e220-e254, 2017 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28859770

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To establish national standards of care for the screening and recording of alcohol use and counselling on alcohol use of women of child-bearing age and pregnant women based on the most up-to-date evidence. EVIDENCE: Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library in May 2009 using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., pregnancy complications, alcohol drinking, prenatal care) and key words (e.g., pregnancy, alcohol consumption, risk reduction). Results were restricted to literature published in the last five years with the following research designs: systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to May 2010. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment (HTA) and HTA-related agencies, national and international medical specialty societies, clinical practice guideline collections, and clinical trial registries. Each article was screened for relevance and the full text acquired if determined to be relevant. The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the members of the Expert Workgroup established by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. The quality of evidence was evaluated and recommendations were made according to guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). SPONSOR: The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. ENDORSEMENT: These consensus guidelines have been endorsed by the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Quebec; the Canadian Association of Midwives; the Canadian Association of Perinatal, Women's Health and Neonatal Nurses (CAPWHN); the College of Family Physicians of Canada; the Federation of Medical Women of Canada; the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada; and Motherisk. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.


Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking , Pregnancy/psychology , Female , Humans , Mass Screening , Motivational Interviewing
13.
Cureus ; 9(4): e1196, 2017 Apr 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28560122

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The specialty of Neurology is faced with a fundamental problem of economics: supply and demand. The projected increase in provider supply is unlikely to keep up with projected increases in patient-care demand. Many large academic centers have used residents to meet this patient-care demand. However, the conflict between education of residents and patient-care needs has created a hindrance to both of those missions. Many specialties have been using advanced practice clinicians (APCs) to help address the need for patient care. In the setting of a residency program, this availability of APCs can help to alleviate patient-care demands for the resident and allow for better allocated educational time. Neurology has not historically been a popular choice for APCs and a standardized educational curriculum for a Neurology APC has not been established. METHODS: The authors share an example curriculum recently implemented for training new inpatient Neurology APCs. This curriculum includes a 12-week program complete with rotations through various subspecialties and proposes fundamental lecture topics for use in education. The authors share their expectations for clinical duties that evolve over the course of the 12-week program in conjunction with expectations for increasing clinical knowledge as well as efficiency in system utilization. CONCLUSION: The addition of APCs to support a busy inpatient Neurology practice has obvious beneficial implications but the integration and education of this new staff must be structured and well-designed to support the confidence of the APC in both their knowledge and their role as an indispensable member of the care team.

14.
Clin Rheumatol ; 36(5): 1173-1178, 2017 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28220270

ABSTRACT

The levels of 63 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were measured in the serum of four patients with idiopathic morphea and of one patient with vitamin K1-induced morphea employing a multiplex assay to identify the role of inflammatory/immunologic events in their pathogenesis. Full-thickness skin biopsies of affected skin were analyzed by histopathology. Luminex assays for 63 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were performed in the sera from four patients with idiopathic morphea and in two different samples of serum obtained in two separate occasions from one patient with vitamin K1-induced morphea. The serum values of numerous inflammatory cytokines and growth factors including IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IFNß were markedly increased in the serum of patients with idiopathic morphea, whereas, these values were normal in the serum of the patient with vitamin K1-induced morphea. In contrast, serum eotaxin levels were greater than threefold higher in the patient with vitamin K1-induced morphea compared to patients with idiopathic morphea. The results demonstrated remarkable increases in the levels of numerous cytokines and chemokines in the serum samples of all patients with idiopathic morphea indicative of a prominent role of inflammatory/immunologic events in its pathogenesis. The results also showed statistically significant differences between idiopathic morphea and vitamin K1-induced morphea suggesting that their development involves different pathogenetic mechanisms.


Subject(s)
Chemokines/blood , Cytokines/blood , Scleroderma, Localized/blood , Skin/pathology , Vitamin K 1/adverse effects , Aged , Biomarkers/blood , Biopsy , Female , Humans , Injections, Intramuscular , Scleroderma, Localized/etiology , Scleroderma, Localized/pathology , Skin/drug effects , Vitamin K 1/administration & dosage , Vitamins/administration & dosage , Vitamins/adverse effects
15.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 32(8 Suppl 3): S1-31, 2010 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21172102

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: to establish national standards of care for the screening and recording of alcohol use and counselling on alcohol use of women of child-bearing age and pregnant women based on the most up-to-date evidence. EVIDENCE: published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library in May 2009 using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., pregnancy complications, alcohol drinking, prenatal care) and key words (e.g., pregnancy, alcohol consumption, risk reduction). Results were restricted to literature published in the last five years with the following research designs: systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to May 2010. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment (HTA) and HTA-related agencies, national and international medical specialty societies, clinical practice guideline collections, and clinical trial registries. Each article was screened for relevance and the full text acquired if determined to be relevant. The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the members of the Expert Workgroup established by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. The quality of evidence was evaluated and recommendations were made according to guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. VALUES: the quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). SPONSOR: the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. ENDORSEMENT: these consensus guidelines have been endorsed by the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Quebec; the Canadian Association of Midwives; the Canadian Association of Perinatal, Women's Health and Neonatal Nurses (CAPWHN); the College of Family Physicians of Canada; the Federation of Medical Women of Canada; the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada; and Motherisk. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: 1. There is evidence that alcohol consumption in pregnancy can cause fetal harm. (II-2) There is insufficient evidence regarding fetal safety or harm at low levels of alcohol consumption in pregnancy. (III) 2. There is insufficient evidence to define any threshold for low-level drinking in pregnancy. (III) 3. Abstinence is the prudent choice for a woman who is or might become pregnant. (III) 4. Intensive culture-, gender-, and family-appropriate interventions need to be available and accessible for women with problematic drinking and/or alcohol dependence. (II-2). RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Universal screening for alcohol consumption should be done periodically for all pregnant women and women of child-bearing age. Ideally, at-risk drinking could be identified before pregnancy, allowing for change. (II-2B) 2. Health care providers should create a safe environment for women to report alcohol consumption. (III-A) 3. The public should be informed that alcohol screening and support for women at risk is part of routine women's health care. (III-A) 4. Health care providers should be aware of the risk factors associated with alcohol use in women of reproductive age. (III-B) 5. Brief interventions are effective and should be provided by health care providers for women with at-risk drinking. (II-2B) 6. If a woman continues to use alcohol during pregnancy, harm reduction/treatment strategies should be encouraged. (II-2B) 7. Pregnant women should be given priority access to withdrawal management and treatment. (III-A) 8. Health care providers should advise women that low-level consumption of alcohol in early pregnancy is not an indication for termination of pregnancy. (II-2A).


Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking , Alcoholism , Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders , Fetal Diseases , Pregnancy Complications , Adolescent , Adult , Alcohol Drinking/adverse effects , Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology , Alcoholic Beverages/analysis , Alcoholism/complications , Alcoholism/diagnosis , Alcoholism/therapy , Canada/epidemiology , Consensus , Counseling , Female , Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/etiology , Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/prevention & control , Fetal Diseases/etiology , Fetal Diseases/prevention & control , Humans , Mass Screening , Patient Education as Topic , Preconception Care , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications/diagnosis , Pregnancy Complications/therapy , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Risk Factors , Temperance
16.
Clin Nurse Spec ; 24(5): 260-6, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20716979

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Describe nurses' ability to recognize delirium on both intensive care unit and medical-surgical units. DESIGN: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using a convenience sample. SAMPLE AND SETTING: Sixty-one registered nurses (RNs) were recruited from both medical-surgical and intensive care units from 2 midsized hospitals in the Midwest. METHODS: : For this study, a survey was developed using true/false and Likert-type scale questions to assess (1) nurse knowledge of symptoms associated with delirium, (2) negative sequelae associated with delirium, and (3) confidence levels regarding assessing for delirium. CONCLUSION: Tremendous opportunity exists in nursing education for learning about negative outcomes associated with delirium and the importance of routine assessment. Clarification of negative sequelae related to delirium will lead nurses to value and understand the importance of early detection. Appropriate use of a standard cognitive assessment and an instrument designed to detect delirium is vital in a successful delirium prevention program. Providing nurses with educational resources and opportunities to apply knowledge will increase confidence in identification and management of delirium.


Subject(s)
Delirium/diagnosis , Nursing Diagnosis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Delirium/nursing , Humans , Risk Factors , United States
17.
Can J Clin Pharmacol ; 16(1): e242-63, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19372602

ABSTRACT

A woman's alcohol use during pregnancy is one of the top preventable causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities that are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The social and economic burden of FASD is substantial. Lifetime direct tangible costs per individual related to health care, education and social services in Canada have been estimated to be $1.4 million. Screening women of child-bearing age and pregnant women and recording their alcohol consumption is a practical process to identify and evaluate women at-risk and to identify potentially exposed infants. The FASD Advisory Workgroup proposes the following three levels of screenings which should be done on consenting women: Level I screening involves practice-based approaches that can be used by health care providers when talking to women about alcohol use, such as motivational interviewing and supportive dialogue. Level II screening includes a number of structured questionnaires that can be used with direct questioning (TLFB) or indirect /masked screening (AUDIT, BMAST / SMAST, CAGE, CRAFFT, T-ACE, TWEAK). Level III screening includes laboratory-based tools that can be used to confirm the presence of a drug, its level of exposure and determine the presence of multiple drugs. There are challenges and limitations in the use of the screening and assessment tools outlined. For example, the single question about alcohol use and the various questionnaires rely on a woman to provide details about her alcohol use. There is no consensus on the appropriate screening to use across Canada as each provincial / territorial jurisdiction, health care organization and healthcare provider uses a variety of formal and informal screening tool. In addition, there are inconsistent processes across Canada for the recording of the alcohol use in a woman's chart and the transfer of the information to the infant and the child's health records. The FASD Advisory Workgroup proposes eleven recommendations to improve the screening and recording processes for alcohol use in women of child-bearing age and pregnant women.


Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking/adverse effects , Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/prevention & control , Mass Screening , Prenatal Care , Women's Health , Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology , Canada/epidemiology , Female , Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/epidemiology , Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/etiology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Patient Education as Topic , Pregnancy , Risk Assessment , Surveys and Questionnaires
18.
Can J Clin Pharmacol ; 15(2): e306-13, 2008.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18678920

ABSTRACT

Results of a provincial survey of Judges and Crown Prosecutors to determine specifically, their attitudes, knowledge, behaviors and training needs related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. In general, the survey results suggest that while aware of some aspects of FASD, Judges and Prosecutors both desire and need more education and training to support them in their work with individuals with FASD who come into conflict with the law. The findings also suggest that access to accurate and timely assessment and diagnoses of FASD would be beneficial. Survey findings point to the need for specific action to improve the ability of Judges and Prosecutors to recognize and to work with people affected by FASD in the Criminal Justice System. The results further indicate the need for changes and improvements in several areas regarding legal policy issues, research, and professional education and practice.


Subject(s)
Criminal Law , Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Persons with Mental Disabilities/legislation & jurisprudence , Female , Humans , Judicial Role , New Brunswick , Pregnancy
19.
Crit Care Med ; 34(12): 2925-8, 2006 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17075365

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: For healthcare providers, witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is controversial. However, little is known about the public's stance on this issue. This study was performed to develop insight concerning the general public's thoughts about witnessed CPR. DESIGN: A random telephone survey. SETTING: Rural southwest Pennsylvania. SUBJECTS: Four hundred and eight respondents, >/=18 yrs old, residing in Conemaugh Health System's Memorial Medical Center's service area. INTERVENTIONS: : Demographic information was gathered concerning the respondents, who rated their level of agreement with questions concerning witnessed resuscitation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the respondents, 49.3% desired to be present while CPR is performed on a loved one. Respondents desiring CPR were more apt to believe that significant others have a right to be present during CPR (p = .010) and want significant others present with them while undergoing CPR than those declining CPR (p < .001). Respondents desiring CPR felt more strongly that the presence of family or friends during CPR would benefit the patient (p = .022). The desire to be present in the room with a loved one during CPR did not reach statistical significance (p = .275) between the two groups, nor did the belief that that being present would benefit family and friends (p = .093). Of the respondents, 43% believed that the physician should have the most authority in making decisions about witnessed resuscitation, 40% believed that the patient should have the most authority, and 17% believed that family and friends should have the most authority (p < .001). Those who believed that family and friends should have the most authority were more favorable toward witnessed resuscitation than were those who believed that either the patient or the physician should have the most authority. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers insights into the public's attitude concerning witnessed resuscitation. A large segment of the population desires the presence of significant others during CPR and conversely want to be with loved ones during CPR. Further studies should investigate the public's attitude in more diverse settings, and formal programs to accommodate those who wish to remain together during CPR should be developed.


Subject(s)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/psychology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Public Opinion , Attitude of Health Personnel , Decision Making , Family/psychology , Female , Friends/psychology , Humans , Male , Rural Population
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...