Experiences of medical educational managers in the early COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative thematic analysis.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic changed and disrupted education at medical universities. Educational managers face new challenges and special complexities to manage this situation. This study aimed to explain the experiences of educational managers of Iranian medical universities in the early COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive-qualitative study was conducted at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2020-2021. The study population included all educational managers in one of the positions of the dean of the faculty, educational Vice-Chancellor, head of the department, and other relevant educational directors in medical sciences universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collected from semi-structured interviews were analyzed in MAXQDA2020 software using the thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Four main themes and nine subthemes were identified: "The ups and downs of the transition from face-to-face training to virtual training," "Crisis in educational management," "Testing and Evaluation: Obstacles and Problems," "Education and lessons learned from COVID-19." CONCLUSION: Themes identified from the experiences of educational managers provide new information about the negative and positive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the learning and teaching process of medical sciences students. Lessons learned and experiences of educational managers in medical sciences universities amid the COVID-19 pandemic will help health education policymakers so that they can create transformation and innovation in the education of medical science students. Strengthening the e-learning infrastructure will help to create a foundation for a rich way of educating medical students in the post-corona era and when the outbreak of other emerging diseases is inevitable in the future.

Efficacy of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a in Uveitic Macular Edema Refractory to Biologic Agents.

PURPOSE: To report the efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (Roferon, Hoffmann-La Roche brands, Switzerland) in uveitic macular edema refractory to biologic agents. METHODS: Herein, we present two cases of non-infectious uveitis with cystoid macular edema (CME) who were unresponsive to immunosuppressant treatment, and whose uveitis and macular edema recurrences were prevented with subcutaneous injections of pegylated interferon α-2a. RESULTS: Two young males (27- and 30-year-old) diagnosed with non-infectious uveitis and CME were on immunosuppressive treatment. Although both received systemic steroids and biologic agents, macular edema persists. After initiation of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (Pegasys, Genentech, USA) CME regressed significantly and did not occur during their follow-ups of 14 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Pegylated interferon-alpha-2a can be used as an effective alternative to interferon alpha-2a in uveitic macular edema cases, resistant to other immunosuppressive agents.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen in patients with haematological malignancy: a retrospective observational study.

Patients with haematological malignancies (HM) face high rates of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. High-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNCO) is increasingly used to support HM patients in ward settings, but there is limited evidence on the safety and efficacy of HFNCO in this group. We retrospectively reviewed all HM patients receiving ward-based HFNCO, supervised by a critical care outreach service (CCOS), from January 2014 to January 2019. We included 130 consecutive patients. Forty-three (33.1%) were weaned off HFNCO without ICU admission. Eighty-seven (66.9%) were admitted to ICU, 20 (23.3%) required non-invasive and 34 (39.5%) invasive mechanical ventilation. ICU and hospital mortality were 42% and 55% respectively. Initial FiO2 < 0.4 (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.81, p = 0.019) and HFNCO use on the ward > 1 day (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04, 0.59, p = 0.006) were associated with reduced likelihood for ICU admission. Invasive ventilation was associated with reduced survival (OR 0.27, 95%CI 0.1-0.7, p = 0.007). No significant adverse events were reported. HM patients receiving ward-based HFNCO have higher rates of ICU admission, but comparable hospital mortality to those requiring CCOS review without respiratory support. Results should be interpreted cautiously, as the model proposed depends on the existence of CCOS.

Cough in adolescent with cystic fibrosis, from nightmare to COVID-19 stigma: A qualitative thematic analysis.

PURPOSE: Cough is part of the daily life of patients with Cystic fibrosis (CF) and its most common symptom. This study explored the experiences of adolescents with CF in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to their cough. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, we conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with 21 adolescents with CF. We analyzed the data thematically. RESULTS: We identified three main themes among adolescents with CF in relation to coughing: 1. Cough is a permanent companion; 2. Coughing raises fear of double stigma; 3. Patients' individualized coping strategies to deal with coughing. Participants complained that cough interrupted daily tasks and sleep, drew unwanted attention in public places, and elicited questions about whether they were COVID-19 patients or substance users-both highly stigmatized identities. CONCLUSION: Although coughing is a protective mechanism for CF patients, frequent coughing often causes major challenges, particularly during the COVID pandemic, when people were acutely sensitive and aware about coughing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to taking care of themselves and managing the disease, CF patients therefore had to also overcome issues related to social stigma and isolation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare workers play an important role in increasing public awareness about CF and its symptoms, including cough. During the pandemic, healthcare workers can help reduce the stigma of coughing through public education. Healthcare workers can actively communicate with patients to identify severe and ineffective cases of cough due to exacerbation of the disease and refer them to a specialist.

Clinical Features of COVID-19 in Newborns, Infants, and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Although it was thought that children were not susceptible to 2019-nCoV in the early days of the COVID-19 infection outbreak, there are currently reports of children and even one-day-old newborns being infected by the virus and hospitalized around the world. Recognizing the symptoms of the infection in children is of great value since a large number of children are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, which may act as facilitators of the virus transmission. This review aimed to identify and summarize the existing evidence on clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in pediatric patients. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and WHO database for eligible publications. The review proposal was registered with the PROSPERO. The quality assessment was done based on JBI Critical appraisal tools. The random-effects model was used to pool clinical features in the meta-analysis. From the identified 256 potentially relevant studies, 32 articles met the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty-one studies fulfilled the criteria for this meta-analysis. Fever (58%) and cough (48%) were reported as the most common symptoms of infected children. Disease severity was mild in 51% and moderate in 39% of cases. A total of 63% of cases had respiratory and 25% of children had gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly diarrhea and nausea/vomiting. Approximately 24% of patients were asymptomatic. Results demonstrated that fever and cough were the most common symptoms of COVID-19-infected children and the majority of cases had mild-to-moderate disease severity.

The role of a critical care outreach service in the management of patients with haematological malignancy.

INTRODUCTION: Although improvement in survival from haematological malignancies has been reported, a substantial number of these patients develop life threatening complications. Critical care outreach services (CCOS) aim to avert inappropriate ICU admissions, while ensuring timely patient review. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients with haematological malignancy reviewed by an outreach service between January 2014 and December 2015 at a single institution. The aim of our study was to describe the patient population assessed by a well-established outreach team, identify predictors of ICU admission, as well as ICU and hospital mortality. RESULTS: Sixty of 126 patients reviewed (47.6%) were admitted to ICU. ICU and hospital mortality were 25.3% and 45.2%, respectively. The odds of being admitted to ICU was 13 times higher (p = 0.013) if the patient was referred for hypoxia, 20 times higher (p = 0.006) if they were referred for sepsis or 14 times higher (p = 0.027) if they were referred to CCOS for hypotension, compared to when the team was automatically alerted. The odds of not surviving hospital admission increased 1.27 times for every extra day of CCOS review (p = 0.02). When a patient was referred having a refractory or progressive haematological condition, the odds of not surviving to hospital discharge increased by four or 12 times, respectively, compared to when the referred patient was in remission. Receiving high flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNCO) was associated with a reduction in ICU admission (p = 0.03), irrespective of the underlying diagnosis, performance status or location of delivery. The CCOS participated in end-of-life discussions in 29% patients. CONCLUSIONS: ICU and hospital mortality of patients with haemato-oncological malignancy continue to improve. CCOS are heavily involved in the recognition and management of these patients, as well as in the facilitation of end-of-life discussions. Sepsis was associated with increased risk of ICU admission and mortality. Initiation of HFNCO outside ICU appears to be feasible and safe and was not associated with increasing risk in this single centre study.

HIV Prevalence and Sexual Behaviors Among Transgender Women in Tehran, Iran.

To date, no study has looked at the prevalence of HIV and the high-risk behaviors among transgender women in Iran. Between May 2013 and February 2014, 104 transgender women were recruited for participation in this study. Inclusion criteria consisted of having an official letter from the Tehran Psychiatric Institute, or a well-known psychiatrist, that showed a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and/or completed Gender-Affirming Surgery at least 6 months prior to this study. Of the 104 participants, 2 were diagnosed with HIV, which translates to a HIV prevalence of 1.9%. Condom use with a non-paying partner, casual partner, and paying partner was respectively 39.7%, 34.6%, and 53.3%. A high percentage of transgender women in Tehran engage in high-risk sexual behaviors including condomless receptive anal sex, which is of particular concern given the low rates of HIV testing. Targeted public intervention programs and research are desperately needed for this high-risk group.

Effect of recorded male lullaby on physiologic response of neonates in NICU.

PURPOSE: Most infants in the NICU are exposed to sensory overloads and deprivations as part of their care. This study conducted to assess the effect of lullaby on physiologic response of neonates admitted to NICU. METHOD: This is a randomized double-blind intervention trial which was performed on 52 neonates in Jahrom (Iran) 2013-2014. The samples were randomly assigned into lullaby group and a control group (sampling was sequential and randomization was by lottery). Neonates in lullaby group (n=26) listened to male lullaby via headphones during 3days and daily for 20min. Headphones without sound were placed for the control group (n=26) during this period. Immediately before the intervention, 10min later, 20min after the start and 20min after the completion of it, changes in heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded by heart monitor, then data were analyzed by software SPSS:V 21, Greenhouse-Geisser test, repeated measures and t-test. RESULTS: The mean of Heart rate in secondday at 20th and 40th minutes in lullaby group were less than control and this differences were significant (respectively p=0.013, 0.026). Also the blood oxygen saturation levels on the first day at 20th minutes, secondday at 10th minutes-20th and 40th minutes and the third on 40min were significantly different among groups. CONCLUSION: Lullaby (male voice and without music) could significantly reduce heart rate and increase blood oxygen saturation of neonates. Future studies are required to make music as a part of evidence-based strategies to promote outcome of neonates in NICUs.

Effect of Nurse-Led Telephone Follow ups (Tele-Nursing) on Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Hemodialysis Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Depressive and anxious patients on hemodialysis have a higher risk of death and hospitalizations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nurse-led telephone follow ups (tele-nursing) on depression, anxiety and stress in hemodialysis patients. METHOD & MATERIAL: The subjects of the study who were selected based on double blind randomized clinical trial consisted of 60 patients with advanced chronic renal disease treated with hemodialysis. The patients were placed in two groups of 30 individuals. Before the intervention, a questionnaire was completed by patients.  There was no telephone follow up in the control group and the patients received only routine care in the hospital. The participants allocated to the intervention group received telephone follow-up 30 days after dialysis shift, in addition to conventional treatment. Every session lasted 30 minutes, as possible. Then the DASS scale was filled out by the patients after completion of study by two groups. RESULT: Significant differences were observed between the two groups in the posttest regarding the dimensions scores of DASS scale. CONCLUSION: The result of this trial is expected to provide new knowledge to support the effective follow-up for hemodialysis patient in order to improve their emotional and health status.

Comparison Patients and Staffs Satisfaction in General Versus Special Wards of Hospitals of Jahrom.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Patient satisfaction is the most important indicator of high-quality health care and is used for the assessment and planning of health care. Also, Job satisfaction is an important factor on prediction and perception of organizational manner. The aim of this study is to identify and compare patient and staff satisfaction in general versus special wards. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In order to identify the various indicators of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, a descriptive study (cross sectional) was done to assess patients' satisfaction with in-patient care at Jahrom University of Medical Science hospitals. The sample size was 600 patients that selected by sequential random sampling technique and are close to their discharge from the hospital. Patients were asked to indicate the scale point which best reflected their level of satisfaction with the treatment or service. Also we assess the staff satisfaction (sample size was 408 staffs) in general ward using a researcher made questionnaire. It should be noted that the participants were anonymous and there was no obligation to participation. We tried to set a secure and comfortable environment for filling out the questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 600 patients, 239 (n=38.67%) were men and 368 (61.33%) were female. Number of nurses was 408, of which 135 (33.08%) were men and 273 (66.92%) female. There was a significant correlation between working experience and professional factors of personnel. The mean total patient satisfaction in general and special wards is (2.75±.35, 3.03±.53) respectively. Differences of patient satisfaction in domains such respect, care and confidence in general wards versus special ward were statistically significant, but there was no difference in expect time of patients in these wards. Differences Between the mean patient and staff satisfaction in the general wards versus special wards were statistically significant using independent t-tests (p=.018, p=.029). Spearman test showed a statistically significant correlation between patient and staff satisfaction (p=.044). CONCLUSION: For improving quality of medical services and effective functioning needs maximizing efforts to obtain full patient and staff satisfaction.

Effect of streptokinase on reperfusion after acute myocardial infarction and its complications: an ex-post facto study.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction is very important. Streptokinase in Iran is often as the only clot-busting medication is used. The purpose of using streptokinase medication is to revive the ischemic heart tissue, although has dangerous complications too. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of streptokinase on reperfusion after acute myocardial infarction and its complications, has been designed and conducted. MATERIALS & METHODS: This is an Ex-post facto study. The study population included patients who suffer from acute myocardial infarction. The sample size was 300 patients, and 2 groups were matched, in variables of age, sex, underlying disease, frequencies and area of MI. Data collection did by researcher making questionnaire, that accept face and content validity by 10 expert researcher, the reliability was conducted with Spearman's test (r=0.85) by Test-retest method. Data analysis did by SPSS software: V 12. FINDINGS: Mean of EF in SK group was (46.15±8.11) and in control group was (43.11±12.57). Significant relationship was seen between SK, arrhythmia occurring and improve EF reperfusion by chi-square test (p=0.028), (p=0.020).The most arrhythmia in SK group was Ventricular Tachycardia (20.7%). Significant statistical relation between SK and mortality were found by Chi-square test (p=0.001). But a meaningful statistical relation was not found between SK and pulmonary edema incidence (p=0.071). CONCLUSIONS: Nurses of CCU should be aware about SK complications such as hypotension, bleeding and arrhythmias. Proposed compare SK and tissue plasminogen drug in reperfusion and complications effect.

Effectiveness of diabetes self-management education on quality of life in diabetic elderly females.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires continuing medical care and patient self-management education to reduce the risk of long-term and acute complications. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education on quality of life in elderly females with diabetic mellitus (type 2) in Shiraz, Iran, 2013. METHOD: The study was conducted from January to April 2014 at the Jahandidegan center, a day center affiliated to Shiraz welfare organization. The instrument used for the study was the Quality of life Questionnaire (WHO QOL-BREF) SF26. After an explanation of the aim of the study by the researcher, 90 participants with all the required criteria and G.H.Q score ? 23 were selected as the study sample for the intervention. Participants divided into experimental and control groups, and completed WHO QOL-BREF before the intervention, 2 and 3 months after the last session of education. RESULT: It is shown that 2 and 3 months after the intervention, QOL scores had a significant difference between the two groups. In other words, the training sessions improved the score of QOL in the intervention group (P < 0.001) versus control group (P = 0.5). CONCLUSION: The Behavioral Intervention Program significantly improved the quality of life outcomes of the diabetic elderly females. Thus, it is concluded that the diabetic individuals can be significantly improved following instruction by health care providers.