ABSTRACT
Despite available armored personal protection in troops, the incidence of abdominal wounds in modern wars is 6.6-9.0%. Of these, penetrating abdominal injuries comprise 75-80%. Thoracoabdominal injuries occupy a special place with incidence up to 88%. We present the first case of the "Koblenz algorithm" in the treatment of a patient with mine explosion wound, combined injury of the head, limbs, thoracoabdominal trauma, widespread peritonitis, small intestinal obstruction and septic shock in a military hospital. This algorithm was implemented under import substitution considering the peculiarities of abdominal adhesive process in a patient with thoracoabdominal wound. This case demonstrates the advantage of this algorithm for patients with severe combined wounds of the chest and abdomen complicated by diffuse purulent peritonitis. Clinical status of these patients does not allow not only open laparostomy, but also "classical" redo laparotomies.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Injuries , Algorithms , Hospitals, Military , Laparotomy , Thoracic Injuries , Humans , Abdominal Injuries/surgery , Abdominal Injuries/diagnosis , Thoracic Injuries/surgery , Thoracic Injuries/diagnosis , Thoracic Injuries/complications , Male , Laparotomy/methods , Peritonitis/surgery , Peritonitis/etiology , Peritonitis/diagnosis , Blast Injuries/surgery , Blast Injuries/diagnosis , Adult , Treatment Outcome , Multiple Trauma/surgery , Multiple Trauma/diagnosis , Shock, Septic/etiology , Shock, Septic/surgery , Shock, Septic/diagnosisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The first crucial step towards military hospitals performance improvement is to develop a local and scientific tool to assess quality and safety based on the context and aims of military hospitals. This study introduces a Quality and Safety Assessment Framework (Q&SAF) for Iran's military hospitals. METHODS: This is a literature review which continued with a qualitative study. The Q&SAF for Iran's military hospitals was developed initially, through a review of the WHO's framework for hospital performance, literature review (other related framework), review of military hospital-related local documents, consultations with a national and sub-national expert. Finally, the Delphi technique used to finalize the framework. RESULTS: Based on the literature review results; 13 hospital Q&SAF were identified. After reviewing literature review results and expert opinions; Iran's military hospitals Q&SAF was developed with 58 indictors in five dimensions including clinical effectiveness, safety, efficiency, patient-centeredness, and Responsive Management (Command and Control). The efficiency dimension had the highest number of indictors (19 indictors), whereas the patient-centered dimension had the lowest number of indices (4 indictors). CONCLUSION: Regarding the comprehensiveness of the developed assessment framework due to its focus on the majority of quality dimensions and important components of the hospital's performance, it can be used as a useful tool for assessing and continuously improving the quality of hospitals, particularly military hospitals.
Subject(s)
Hospitals, Military , Patient Safety , Iran , Hospitals, Military/standards , Humans , Patient Safety/standards , Delphi Technique , Quality Assurance, Health Care/methods , Safety Management/standards , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In healthcare settings, physical and verbal attacks are commonly encountered in the workplace among healthcare providers. Patients and patients' relatives and friends have been reported to be the perpetrators of workplace violence. Among all healthcare settings, emergency department (ED) have been designated as high-risk settings for violence, where more than one-quarter of emergency physicians reported that they were victims of physical assault. This study aimed to report the prevalence of workplace violence against emergency medicine physicians in military and non-military hospitals in Jeddah city. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional design has been used in this study. An electronic questionnaire was developed through the Google Form Platform and it included demographic data, the occurrence of verbal or physical violence in the workplace to participants, how many times they experienced this violence, the time of incidents, the location either inside or outside the hospital, whether the perpetrators were mostly patients, patient families, or friends, and whether they reported any violence or not. Categorical variables were used to describe frequencies and percentages, while descriptive statistics such as mean and 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) were used to summarize the scale variables. P < 0.05 was considered for statistically significant differences. RESULTS: Among the 100 participants, 76 experienced either physical or verbal violence, or both. The remaining 24 did not experience any sort of violence. 83% of the physicians who have been physically violated were working in non-military hospitals. Of the 72 participants who had experienced verbal violence, 51 (70.8%) were working in a non-military hospital, while 21 (29.2%) were in a military hospital. The most common reason for not reporting was that the participants felt that reporting the violence incidence was useless. Moreover, 92% of participants chose "Train healthcare workers to deal with violent attacks" as a suggested helpful factor in decreasing the number of work-related violence. In addition, "Education of the public" and "Raising awareness of healthcare workers" were chosen as helpful factors as well by 91% and 90% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSION: This revealed that physicians in non-military hospitals experience higher levels of violence compared to their military counterparts. However, it is concerning that instances of violence are substantially under-reported across both military and non-military healthcare facilities.
Subject(s)
Hospitals, Military , Workplace Violence , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Saudi Arabia/epidemiology , Male , Female , Prevalence , Hospitals, Military/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Workplace Violence/statistics & numerical data , Physicians/statistics & numerical data , Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Middle Aged , Physical Abuse/statistics & numerical data , Emergency MedicineABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The declining operative volume at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) has resulted in Program Directors finding alternate civilian sites for resident rotations. The continued shift away from MTFs for surgical training is likely to have unintended negative consequences. METHODS: An anonymous survey was generated and sent to the program directors of military general surgery training programs for distribution to their residents. RESULTS: A total of 42 residents responded (response rate 21%) with adequate representation from all PGY years. Ninety-five percent of residents believed that their programs provided the training needed to be a competent general surgeon. However, when asked about career choices, only 30.9% reported being likely/extremely likely to remain in the military beyond their initial service obligation, while 54.7% reported that it was unlikely/extremely unlikely and 19% reported uncertainty. Eighty-eight percent reported that decreasing MTF surgical volume directly influenced their decision to stay in the military, and half of respondents regretted joining the military. When asked to assess their confidence in the military to provide opportunities for skill sustainment as a staff surgeon, 90.4% were not confident or were neutral. CONCLUSION: Although military surgical residents have a generally positive perception of their surgical training, they also lack confidence in their future military surgical careers. Our findings suggest that declining MTF surgical volume will likely negatively impact long-term retention of military surgeons and may negatively impact force generation for Operational Commander. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological, Level IV.
Subject(s)
General Surgery , Internship and Residency , Military Medicine , Humans , General Surgery/education , Surveys and Questionnaires , Military Medicine/education , Male , Career Choice , Clinical Competence , Female , Attitude of Health Personnel , Military Personnel/education , Military Personnel/psychology , United States , Hospitals, Military , AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: HIV remains a critical global public health challenge. In 2022, it was estimated that approximately 39.0 million people worldwide were living with HIV, and of these, around 29.8 million were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The objective was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile and factors associated with viral load (VL) non-suppression in people living with HIV/AIDS at the Maputo Military Hospital (CITRA/MMH). METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 9105 people aged 15 years and over. We use secondary data from participants on ART for at least 2 years being followed up between the years 2019-2020 at CITRA/MMH. Those recently enrolled (on ART < 1 year) were excluded and data analysis was performed using STATA version 16. Pearson's chi-square test and logistic regression were used for statistical modeling of viral non-suppression with a 95%/CI confidence interval and p < 0.05. RESULTS: Among a total of 9105 HIV participants included, 52.8% (n = 4808) were female and 13.6% (n = 1235) were military personnel. The average age was 47.9 years (standard deviation ± 12.1), with the most prevalent age group being individuals aged between 25 and 59, totalizing 7,297 (80.2%) participants. Only 5395 (100%) participants had VL results. Among these, 23.1% (n = 1247) had a result VL non-suppressed. Single marital status (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 4.8, 95%CI: 3.93-5.76, p < 0.001), with active tuberculosis (AOR = 4.6, 95%CI: 3.15-6.63, p < 0.001) and current ART regimen in categories TDF + 3TC + EFV (AOR = 12.7, 95%CI: 9.74-16.63, p < 0.001), AZT + 3TC + NVP (AOR = 21.8, 95% CI: 14.13-33.59, p < 0.001) and "other" regimens (AOR = 25.8, 95%CI: 18.58-35.80, p < 0.001), when compared to the TDF + 3TC + DTG regime, were statistically significant for viral non- suppression. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the crucial role of ART adherence and ongoing monitoring to achieve viral suppression, particularly among adults aged 25 to 59. It underscores the need for transitioning eligible individuals to DTG-based regimens and addressing the implications of single marital status and comorbid conditions like active tuberculosis. The study emphasizes the importance of ARV adherence and continuous monitoring to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and improve clinical outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Hospitals, Military , Viral Load , Humans , Female , Male , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Retrospective Studies , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/virology , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use , AdolescentABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the first year of COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and neonatal outcomes at a large military treatment facility in Southern California. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective review of maternal and neonatal medical records was conducted between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Outcomes measured included stillbirth rate, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal death, cesarean birth, and postpartum hemorrhage. RESULTS: A total of 4,425 records were analyzed. Rates of stillbirth between the years did not vary. The neonatal death rate decreased more than 50% in 2020 (p = .149). Cesarean births rose by 2.7% in 2020 (p = .046). Rates of postpartum hemorrhage did not vary between years. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The impact of COVID-19 on maternal and neonatal outcomes at a military treatment facility in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic provides guidance for optimizing perinatal health care. Vertical transmission of COVID-19 is low and routine testing of asymptomatic neonates of positive mothers may not be necessary. COVID-19 infections should not be an indication for cesarean birth and are not associated with neonatal deaths or NICU admission.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hospitals, Military , Stillbirth , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/mortality , Female , Retrospective Studies , Pregnancy , Hospitals, Military/statistics & numerical data , Infant, Newborn , Adult , California/epidemiology , Stillbirth/epidemiology , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemics , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal/statistics & numerical data , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal/organization & administration , Postpartum Hemorrhage/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The Russia-Ukraine war is associated with critical and severe thoracoabdominal injuries. A more specific approach to treating patients with thoracoabdominal injury should also include minimally invasive technologies. It remains unclear about the utility of using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and laparoscopy in patients with thoracoabdominal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the utility of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, laparoscopy as well as magnetic tool applications for the management of severe thoracoabdominal injury in combat patients injured in the ongoing war in Ukraine and treated in the Role 2 deployed hospital. Patients and methods 36 male combat patients thoracoabdominal injury were identified for the study during the first 100 days from February, 24 2022. These individuals were diagnosed with thoracoabdominal GSW in the Role 2 hospital (i.e. deployed military hospital) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) and laparoscopy with application of surgical magnetic tools were applied with regards to the damage control resuscitation and damage control surgery. Results In 10 (28%) patients, VATS was applied to remove the metal foreign body fragments. Both thoracotomy and laparotomy were performed in 20 (56%) hemodynamically unstable patients. Of these 20 patients, the suturing of the liver was performed in 8 (22%) patients, whereas peri-hepatic gauze packing in 12 (33%) patients. Massive injury to the liver and PI 2.0-3.0 were diagnosed in 2 (6%) patients. Lethal outcome was in 1 (2.8%) patient. Conclusions Thoracoabdominal gunshot injuries might be managed at Role 2 hospitals by using video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) and laparoscopy accompanied by surgical magnetic tools. Damage control surgery and damage control resuscitation must be applied for patients in critical and severe conditions.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Injuries , Laparoscopy , Thoracic Injuries , Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted , Wounds, Gunshot , Humans , Wounds, Gunshot/surgery , Ukraine , Male , Adult , Thoracic Injuries/surgery , Thoracic Injuries/diagnosis , Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted/methods , Laparoscopy/methods , Abdominal Injuries/surgery , Abdominal Injuries/diagnosis , Hospitals, Military , Young Adult , Treatment Outcome , Retrospective Studies , Laparotomy/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that patients who visit the surgical and trauma emergency units may be discharged with untreated or increased pain levels. This study explored nurses' pain assessment and management approaches at a trauma-surgical emergency unit in Ghana. METHODS: Seventeen nurses who work in the trauma department participated in this qualitative exploratory descriptive study. In-depth individual interviews were conducted, and the thematic analysis was utilized to identify emerging themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: patient pain indicators, pain management, and institutional factors influencing pain management. The study revealed that nurses rely on verbal expressions, non-verbal cues, physiological changes, and the severity of pain communicated. The findings highlighted staff shortage, inadequate resources, and lack of standardized guidelines as factors affecting pain and management. CONCLUSIONS: Although the study offers critical new perspectives on nurses' experiences regarding pain related issues at the trauma-surgical emergency units, its small sample size limited its generalizability.
Subject(s)
Accidents, Traffic , Hospitals, Military , Pain Management , Pain Measurement , Qualitative Research , Humans , Ghana , Male , Female , Adult , Pain Management/methods , Interviews as Topic , Middle Aged , Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology , Attitude of Health PersonnelABSTRACT
AIM: Musculoskeletal conditions constitute a remarkable portion of disability cases in the military. This study evaluated the distribution and types of musculoskeletal problems and estimated the direct and indirect costs due to these complaints in an Iranian military hospital. METHODS: All medical records of patients with musculoskeletal complaints that were referred to the medical committee of a military hospital, including rheumatology, orthopedics, and neuro-surgical specialists, from 2014 to 2016, were reviewed. Details of each complaint and the final opinion of the medical committees were recorded. The cost of each diagnostic step was calculated based on the recorded data. The treatment costs were estimated for each complaint by calculating the average cost of treatment plans suggested by two specialists, a physical medicine and a rheumatologist. The estimated cost for each part is calculated based on the army insurance low. Indirect costs due to absences, inability to work, and disability were assessed and added to the above-mentioned direct costs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: 2,116 medical records of the committee were reviewed. 1252 (59.16%) cases were soldiers (who had to spend two years of mandatory duty in the army), and 864 (40.83%) cases were non-soldiers. The three most common complaints were fractures (301 cases, 14.22%), low back pain due to lumbar disc bulges and herniations (303 cases, 14.31%), and genu varus/genu valgus (257 cases, 12.14%). The most affected sites were the lower limbs and vertebral column. According to an official document in these subjects' records, 4120 person-days absent from work were estimated annually, and nearly $1,172,149 of annual economic impact was calculated. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal problems are common in the army, and establishing preventive strategies for these conditions is essential. The conservative and medical approach and the proper education for correct movement and the situation should be mentioned for the reduction of disability and its economic burden on the army's staff.
Subject(s)
Hospitals, Military , Military Personnel , Musculoskeletal Diseases , Humans , Hospitals, Military/economics , Iran/epidemiology , Musculoskeletal Diseases/economics , Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology , Musculoskeletal Diseases/therapy , Male , Adult , Female , Military Personnel/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Retrospective Studies , Health Care Costs/statistics & numerical data , Cost of Illness , AdolescentABSTRACT
Dengue necessitates accurate diagnosis. Rapid tests such as Bioline™ DENGUE DUO have gained traction, but validation in specific populations is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Bioline™ test, alongside assessing the socio-epidemiological profile of symptomatic patients in a Brasília Military Hospital. The serum of 404 symptomatic patients was analyzed by the Bioline™ DENGUE DUO test, followed by Dengue virus detection and discrimination of the four serotypes by RT-qPCR. Accuracy was assessed using parameters including sensitivity (S), specificity (E), positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and positive (RV +) and negative (RV-) likelihood ratios. The NS1 component exhibited a sensitivity of 70.37%, a specificity of 97.30%, and an overall efficiency of 90.10% when compared to RT-qPCR as the gold standard. The IgM component demonstrated a sensitivity of 26.85%, a specificity of 89.53%, and an overall efficiency of 72.77% when compared to RT-qPCR as the gold standard. The IgG component demonstrated a sensitivity of 23.15%, a specificity of 68.92%, and an overall efficiency of 56.68% when compared to RT-qPCR as the gold standard. Several rapid tests are commercially available. However, considering variations across regions and demographic groups, it is important to question their accuracy in specific populations. Rapid tests are important screening tools, but they can have limitations for the certainty of diagnosis. Bioline™ DENGUE DUO displayed good specificity, but sensitivity was slightly below optimal levels. While helpful for confirming dengue, improvements are needed to effectively rule out the disease.
Subject(s)
Dengue Virus , Dengue , Hospitals, Military , Sensitivity and Specificity , Humans , Dengue/diagnosis , Dengue/blood , Dengue/virology , Brazil/epidemiology , Dengue Virus/immunology , Dengue Virus/genetics , Dengue Virus/isolation & purification , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Adolescent , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Child , Aged , Immunoglobulin M/blood , Child, Preschool , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic/standardsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term incidence, risk factors, and the management of corneal melt following Boston type I keratoprosthesis (B-KPro I) implantation. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational case series. Data were collected regarding demographics, preoperative characteristics, incidence, and outcomes of corneal melt in 102 patients who underwent B-KPro I in the Chinese PLA General Hospital between 2011 and 2018, with a follow-up period ranging from 4 to 11 years. RESULTS: Chemical burn was the most common indication for B-KPro I (n = 56; 53.8%), followed by ocular trauma (n = 26; 25.0%). During the follow-up period (107 ± 25.7 months), corneal melt occurred in 60 cases among 37 eyes (35.6%), with an incidence of 20.2% at 1 year after surgery. Fourteen cases presented with recurrent corneal melt. Patients with multiple corneal allograft failures had a higher risk of corneal melt. Thermal burns, compared with alkali burns, significantly elevated the odds ratio (OR) of corneal melt (OR, 5.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-24.86; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal melt significantly reduced the retention time of KPro ( P < 0.01), and its coexistence with other complications further shortened the retention time. A specific pattern of corneal melt occurrence was identified, with a peak incidence at 1 year postoperatively. Our findings suggest variations in the risk of corneal melt among different indications, with thermal burns carrying the highest OR. Moreover, each previous failed keratoplasty doubled the risk of corneal melt after B-KPro I.
Subject(s)
Corneal Diseases , Humans , Male , Female , Retrospective Studies , Middle Aged , Adult , Corneal Diseases/surgery , Incidence , Aged , Risk Factors , Cornea , Visual Acuity/physiology , China/epidemiology , Follow-Up Studies , Postoperative Complications , Artificial Organs , Hospitals, General , Prosthesis Implantation , Eye Burns/surgery , Young Adult , Prostheses and Implants , Adolescent , Hospitals, Military , East Asian PeopleABSTRACT
Infectious aortitis is a rare disease process which can be of fungal, viral or bacterial aetiology. This disease process is often incidentally found during concomitant infectious processes, likely due to haematogenous spread. Common sources are from cardiac, genitourinary and gastroenterologic sources. CT imaging of the aorta is essential in identifying physiological changes-wall thickness changes, ectasia and stenosis. We present a case of a female in her early 60s with a medical history of cardiomyopathy with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, who was initially admitted for acute cholecystitis complicated by the development of gallstone pancreatitis. Imaging evaluation incidentally noted findings consistent with aortitis with a penetrating ulcer, and blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia, confirming her diagnosis of infectious aortitis. She was started on intravenous antibiotics, required preoperative nutritional optimisation, and subsequently underwent an open aortic resection and aortoiliac reconstruction with rifampin-soaked Dacron graft.
Subject(s)
Aortitis , Bacteremia , Soft Tissue Infections , Staphylococcal Infections , United States , Humans , Female , Aortitis/diagnosis , Aortitis/therapy , Aortitis/complications , Bacteremia/complications , Hospitals, Military , Staphylococcal Infections/complications , Staphylococcus aureus , Soft Tissue Infections/complicationsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Vaccinations are an essential aspect of preventive medicine. In October 2021, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine-20 (PCV-20) and PCV-15 were authorized for use in adults by the U.S. FDA. In 2022, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) subsequently published updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations that incorporate both PCV-20 and PCV-15. Pneumococcal vaccination is effective in reducing pneumococcal disease, particularly in high-risk patient groups such as those with chronic lung disease; however, the updated dosing schedule for pneumococcal vaccinations can be quite confusing, especially if patients have previously received "older" vaccinations, such as pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine-23 or PCV-13. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase providers' knowledge of current ACIP pneumococcal vaccination recommendations, including indications and dosing schedule, and to improve pneumococcal vaccination rates among eligible adults and children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Focused education sessions were presented to primary care and subspecialty residents, fellows, and staff at Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center regarding current ACIP pneumococcal vaccination recommendations. Sessions included information about PCV-15 and PCV-20 vaccines, indications for vaccination, and dosing schedules. Subjective knowledge of updated ACIP pneumococcal vaccination recommendations was assessed among primary care and subspecialty residents, fellows, and staff via an anonymous survey both pre- and post-intervention. Number of PCV-20 vaccinations given and estimated vaccination rates of patients aged 19 to 64 years with asthma were assessed pre- and post-intervention over a 6 month time span. RESULTS: Of surveyed providers, only 9% discussed vaccinations at every visit and 11% did not discuss vaccinations at all. There was a statistically significant increase in providers' knowledge of pneumococcal vaccination guidelines for children post-intervention (P = .01) but no statistically significant increase in knowledge for guidelines for adults, for patients that have received prior pneumococcal vaccines, or in overall confidence in recommending pneumococcal vaccines. There was a 17% increase in the number of PCV-20 vaccinations given post-intervention (198 pre-intervention, 232 post-intervention). The estimated PCV-20 vaccination rate for adults aged 19 to 64 years with asthma increased from 14.9% pre-intervention to 19.5% post-intervention (P = .33). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant knowledge gap regarding ACIP pneumococcal vaccination recommendations among military providers and a low pneumococcal vaccination rate for adults aged 19 to 64 years with asthma at Joint Base-San Antonio MTFs. Focused education sessions were effective in increasing providers' knowledge of updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations, confidence in recommending vaccines, total number of pneumococcal vaccinations given, and estimated pneumococcal vaccination rate for adults with asthma. The validity of conclusions drawn from our data were limited because of discordant numbers of survey respondents as well as potentially inaccurate estimates of pneumococcal vaccination rates pre- and post-intervention. Despite this, the results warrant continued education of pneumococcal vaccines, indications, and dosing schedules.
Subject(s)
Pneumococcal Infections , Pneumococcal Vaccines , Humans , Pneumococcal Vaccines/administration & dosage , Pneumococcal Vaccines/therapeutic use , Pneumococcal Vaccines/standards , Pneumococcal Infections/prevention & control , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Vaccination/methods , Vaccination/standards , Adult , Quality Improvement , Male , Middle Aged , Immunization Schedule , Hospitals, Military/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Military/standardsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic surgery is technically challenging, with mortality rates at high-volume centers ranging from 0% to 5%. An inverse relationship between surgeon volume and perioperative mortality has been reported suggesting that patients benefit from experienced surgeons at high-volume centers. There is little published on the volume of pancreatic surgeries performed in military treatment facilities (MTF) and there is no centralization policy regarding pancreatic surgery. This study evaluates pancreatic procedures at MTFs. We hypothesize that a small group of MTFs perform most pancreatic procedures, including more complex pancreatic surgeries. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of de-identified data from MHS Mart (M2) from 2014 to 2020. The database contains patient data from all Defense Health Agency treatment facilities. Variables collected include number and types of pancreatic procedures performed and patient demographics. The primary endpoint was the number and type of surgery for each MTF. RESULTS: Twenty-six MTFs performed pancreatic surgeries from 2014 to 2020. There was a significant decrease in the number of cases from 2014 to 2020. Nine hospitals performed one surgery over eight years. The most common surgery was a distal pancreatectomy, followed by a pancreaticoduodenectomy. There was a decrease in the number of pancreaticoduodenectomies and distal pancreatectomies performed over this period. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic surgery is being performed at few MTFs with a downward trajectory over time. Further studies would be needed to assess the impact on patient care regarding postoperative complications, barriers to timely patient care, and impact on readiness of military surgeons.
Subject(s)
Pancreatectomy , Pancreaticoduodenectomy , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Pancreatectomy/statistics & numerical data , Pancreatectomy/mortality , Male , Pancreaticoduodenectomy/statistics & numerical data , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Female , United States , Middle Aged , Adult , Military Personnel/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Military/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
Background: Of the four Asian countries, Indonesian COPD patients have the worst clinical features, which puts them at a high risk for treatment failure. There are a number of variables and patient traits that influence clinical results as a predictor of therapy outcomes. Objective: to identify the contributing components and how much they influence COPD patients therapy results. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-observational study at a tertiary army hospital involved 74 patients. A questionnaire and medical records were utilized to obtain sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data. Correlation and logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify significant factors. Results: The results showed that tumor/cancer comorbidities affected the worsening of CAT values (OR=10.89, 95%CI=1.01-117.23, p=0.049), use of ICS/LABA drugs affected the improvement of mMRC values (OR= 0.26, 95%CI=0.08-0.84, p=0.024), history of TBC disease affected the increase in exacerbation severity (OR=7.25, 95%CI=1.05-50.23, p=0.045), age from smoking >20 years affected the reduction in exacerbation severity (OR=0.03, 95%CI=0.002-0.61, p=0.022). History of alcohol use (OR=7.26 and 167.56, p=0.014 and 0.004) and comorbid pneumonia (OR=28.14 and 44.25, p=0.035 and 0.014) contributed to an increase in the frequency of exacerbations and hospitalization per year. Medium economic status affects the decrease in hospitalizations per year (OR=0.06, 95%CI=0.00-0.91, p=0.043) while the diagnosis of severe COPD and history of alcohol affected the decrease in COPD severity (ABCD) (OR=0.12 and 0.24, p=0.039 and 0.009). Conclusion: comorbidities, disease history, history of alcohol use, COPD status and the use of COPD medications contributed to variations therapeutic outcomes COPD patients. Therefore, it must be taken into account when making clinical decisions.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Treatment Outcome , Treatment Adherence and Compliance , Hospitals, Military , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/diagnosis , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy , Indonesia , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The consequences of traumatic spine fracture (TSF) are complex and have a major burden on patients' social life and financial status. In this study, we aimed to investigate the return to work (RTW) after surgically treated TSFs, develop eventual predictors of delayed or failure to RTW, and assess narcotics use following such injuries. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study that was performed in a tertiary care center. TSF patients who required surgical intervention from 2016 to 2021 were enrolled. Demographic, operative, and complication data, as well as narcotics use, were recorded. RTW was modeled using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Within the 173 patients with TSF, male patients accounted for 82.7%, and motor vehicle accidents were the most common mechanism of injury (80.2%). Neurologically intact patients represented 59%. Only 38.15% returned to work after their injury. Majority of the patients didn't use narcotics more than 1 week after discharge (93.1%). High surgical blood loss, operation time, and hospital length of stay were significantly associated with not returning to work. In multivariant regression analysis, every increase of 100 ml of surgical blood loss was found to decrease the chance of RTW by 25% (P = 0.04). Furthermore, every increase of one hour in operation time decreases the chance of RTW by 31% (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: RTW is an important aspect that needs to be taken into consideration by health care providers. We found that age and high surgery time, blood loss, and hospital stay are significantly impacting patients' RTW after operated TSF.
Subject(s)
Hospitals, Military , Return to Work , Spinal Fractures , Humans , Male , Return to Work/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Female , Retrospective Studies , Spinal Fractures/surgery , Spinal Fractures/etiology , Middle Aged , Hospitals, Military/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Military/organization & administration , Cohort Studies , Logistic ModelsABSTRACT
The Nuclear Medicine Department of Sainte-Anne military hospital in Toulon uses 99mTc, 123I and 18F unsealed sources to provide therapeutic and diagnostic care. For a few years, only ambient air and surface monitoring were performed to check the absence of internal contamination risk for workers. To verify this risk assessment hypothesis, confirmatory monitoring programme including in vivo and in vitro measurements was performed by the French defence radiation protection service (SPRA, Clamart). Here, due to the short half-life of targeted radionuclides, the analytical sensitivity was determined with estimations of minimal detectable activities and derived recording levels. It was shown that sensitivity was sufficient to detect an internal contamination leading to an effective dose of 0.1 mSv for few days post intake. At the same time, around 20 whole-body countings were performed. Results were below minimal detectable activity and were confirmed by 24-hours urine analysis. So, actual working conditions do not lead to measurable internal contamination for nuclear medicine staff.
Subject(s)
Nuclear Medicine , Occupational Exposure , Radiation Monitoring , United States , Humans , Radiation Dosage , Hospitals, Military , Radioisotopes/analysis , Whole-Body Counting/methods , Occupational Exposure/analysis , Radiation Monitoring/methodsABSTRACT
Introducción: La fundación de la Cruz Roja Española se puede remontar a la tercera Guerra Carlista, los fines, principios y el servicio de esta institución repercutieron en el desarrollo de la profesión de enfermería en la época. Objetivo: determinar la implicación de la Cruz Roja Española en la profesionalización enfermera entre 1912 y 1939. Material y método: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en los principales portales de búsqueda, así como en bibliotecas de especialización en historia de la enfermería. Resultados: la Cruz Roja Española participó en el desarrollo asistencial y formativo de la enfermería, fundando y regentando hospitales propios y hospitales de campaña para atender a los heridos surgidos de diferentes conflictos bélicos, como las propias Guerras Carlistas, la Guerra del Rif o la Guerra Civil Española. En la formación fundaron diversos Hospitales-Escuelas que impartían una formación teórico-práctica, supervisada por monjas religiosas. Conclusión: la participación de la Cruz Roja en la profesionalización enfermera radica en la colaboración, atención y asistencia de los heridos en numerosos conflictos bélicos a nivel nacional, como fueron las Guerras Carlistas, la Guerra del Rif y la Guerra Civil Española. La Cruz Roja también participó en el avance y mejora de la formación reglada hasta la época, contando con figuras como la de Dama Enfermera, Enfermeras profesionales y enfermeras especialistas. (AU)
Background: The foundation of the Spanish Red Cross can be traced back to the third Carlist War, the purposes, principles, and service of this institution had an impact on the development of the nursing profession at the time. Objective: to determine the involvement of the Spanish Red Cross in nursing professionalization between 1912 and 1939. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the main search portals, as well as in specialized libraries in nursing history. Results: The Spanish Red Cross participated in the development of nursing care and training, founding and running its own hospitals and field hospitals to care for the wounded from various wars, such as the Carlist Wars themselves, the Rif War or the Spanish Civil War. In the training they founded various Hospital-Schools that provided theoretical practical training, supervised by religious nuns. Conclusion: The participation of the Red Cross in the professionalization of nursing lies in the collaboration, care, and assistance of the wounded in numerous armed conflicts at the national level, such as the Carlist Wars, the Rif War and the Spanish Civil War. The Red Cross also participated in the advancement and improvement of regulated training up to that time, with figures such as the Lady Nurse, professional nurses, and specialist nurses. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , History, 20th Century , Red Cross/history , History of Nursing , Hospitals, Military , Military Nursing , Nursing Research , SpainABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is among the most common nontraumatic indications for emergent abdominal surgical procedures. However, accurately diagnosing all cases can be challenging, physical examination, biochemical markers, and imaging techniques can sometimes be insufficient. This study aimed to (a) compare the mean platelet volume (MPV) and total white blood cell count (TWBCs) in patients with or without histological evidence of an inflamed appendix and (b) determine the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of both MPV and TWBCs as diagnostic biomarkers in the diagnosis of AA. We conducted this research at Omdurman Military Hospital, focusing on patients who presented with symptoms suggestive of AA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study conducted at Omdurman Military Hospital from December 2020 - December 2021. The study population was patients who presented to our emergency department with symptoms and signs suggestive of AA. Participants were patients operated on as cases of AA. Data variables included sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentations, intraoperative appendix macroscopic findings, preoperative MPV and total white blood cell count (TWBCs), and postoperative histopathological findings. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included in this study, with 75 (68.2%) males; half were 10-19 years old. Sixty-three patients (57.3%) had low (< 7.5 fL) MPV, whereas 47 (42.7%) had normal values. Comparing MPV to total white blood cells (TWBCs) revealed that MPV was more sensitive (84.6%) and specific (90%) than TWBCs during the first 24 h of inflammation. However, the TWBCs were more sensitive (97.2%) but less specific (94.7% vs. 100%) after 24 h of onset. CONCLUSION: In this study, MPV was lower in patients with AA, while there was an increase in TWBCs. The high sensitivity and specificity of TWBCs and MPV indicated that they form a promising diagnostic marker for AA.
Subject(s)
Appendicitis , Mean Platelet Volume , Male , United States , Humans , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Female , Appendicitis/diagnosis , Appendicitis/surgery , Cross-Sectional Studies , Hospitals, Military , Leukocyte Count , Biomarkers , Acute Disease , Leukocytes , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
La infección causada por el SARS-CoV-2, tuvo una repercusión negativa en la evolución clínica de un número importante de gestantes y puérperas en todo el mundo. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo, exponer los principales resultados de la organización del proceso de atención a la paciente obstétrica en el contexto de la pandemia por la COVID-19. Está basado en la organización y elementos fundamentales seguidos con las pacientes que ingresaron, por afecciones relacionadas con el aborto, embarazo o puerperio, con sospecha de COVID-19 o con RT-PCR para SARS-CoV-2 positivo, en el año 2020, y las positivas al SARS-CoV-2 en 2021, de las provincias La Habana, Mayabeque y Artemisa, que fueron atendidas en el Hospital Militar Central Dr. Luis Díaz Soto. Se tuvo en cuenta el total de casos ingresados, pacientes confirmadas, ingresos en unidad de cuidados intensivos obstétricos, en servicio de vigilancia intensiva obstétrica, y la evolución clínica Con la organización de la atención médica a las pacientes obstétricas con la COVID-19, se logró el cumplimiento de los protocolos establecidos y la integración multidisciplinaria en el seguimiento de los casos, lo cual contribuyó a la evolución favorable de la mayoría de las pacientes(AU)
The infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 had a negative impact on the clinical evolution of a significant number of pregnant and puerperal women worldwide. The aim of this work is to present the main results of the organization of the obstetric patient care process in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is based on the organization and fundamental elements followed with the patients who were admitted, for conditions related to abortion, pregnancy or puerperium, with suspicion of COVID-19 or with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2, in the year 2020, and those positive to SARS-CoV-2 in 2021, from Havana, Mayabeque and Artemisa provinces, who were attended at the Central Military Hospital Dr. Luis Díaz Soto. The total number of cases admitted, confirmed patients, admissions to the obstetric intensive care unit, obstetric intensive surveillance service, and clinical evolution were taken into account. With the organization of medical care for obstetric patients with COVID-19, compliance with established protocols and multidisciplinary integration in the follow-up of cases was achieved, which contributed to the favorable evolution of most patients(AU)