Athletic Identity Associations in Young Sports Medicine Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have assessed athletic identity levels in young patients. This study examined athletic identity in adolescents and explored associations between athletic identity, patterns of sport participation, and coping skills. METHODS: Patients aged 12 to 18 years who received sports medicine care completed a one-time, voluntary, anonymous survey. Surveys included demographics, sport participation information, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), and Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI). Statistical analysis included Fisher exact test, Student t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-four patients (mean ± SD age 15.0 ± 1.8 years, 64.7% girls) completed questionnaires. The mean AIMS and ACSI scores were 45.2 ± 11.5 and 50.2 ± 10.9, respectively. No notable differences were observed in AIMS scores between age groups or sexes. An increase in mean AIMS scores (higher athletic identity) was seen with greater weekly hours of sport participation (P < 0.001) and months per year of primary sport participation (P < 0.001). Multisport per season athletes had higher AIMS scores than single-sport athletes (48.2 ± 10.1 vs. 43.0 ± 11.9, P < 0.001). Team sport athletes reported higher athletic identities than individual sport athletes (47.0 ± 10.7, 41.4 ± 11.4, P < 0.001). Athletic Identity Measurement Scale scores positively correlated with ACSI scores (r = 0.31, P < 0.0001). Athletes with the highest athletic identity had markedly higher scores on ACSI subscales of Coachability, Concentration, Confidence and Achievement Motivation, Goal Setting and Mental Preparation, and Peaking Under Pressure than athletes with the least athletic identity. However, those with the highest athletic identities reported significantly lower scores on the ACSI Freedom From Worry subscale (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Athletic identity did not differ among adolescents by age or sex. Athletic identity was higher in team sport athletes and those with increased sport participation volumes. While high athletic identity was associated with higher scores on favorable coping skill dimensions, these athletes may also worry more, potentially placing them at greater psychological risk after injury.

Primary care practitioner and patient perspectives on care following bariatric surgery: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

Primary care is central to ongoing health care following bariatric surgery and patients indicate a preference for receiving follow-up support by their primary care practitioner (PCP). This meta-synthesis investigates the perspectives of both PCPs and patients in post-bariatric surgery care provided by PCPs. The aim was to synthesize themes from qualitative research to recommend improvements in post-bariatric surgery clinical care in primary care settings. Systematic searches of Scopus, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar resulted in the inclusion of eight papers in the meta-synthesis. Papers were critiqued using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) and thematically coded in Quirkos Cloud. Seven themes were reached by author consensus including stigma and judgment; clinician barriers and facilitators; patient-related support needs; communication considerations; patient context or determinants; health care setting; and adapting to life after surgery. PCPs reported barriers including poor communication and guidance from bariatric surgery centers, limited knowledge and training in bariatric patient care, and patients who may have unrealistic outcomes and poor health literacy. Patients seek comprehensive care from their PCP, however, barriers hindering the provision of this care include adverse surgical outcomes, a poor relationship with their PCP, and limited and short-term follow-up care from the PCP. Insights from this meta-synthesis offer actionable recommendations for PCPs and bariatric surgery centers to enhance patient care immediately.

Stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about obesity among dental team members.

Background: Weight stigma is prevalent within healthcare settings and is an aspect of the lived experience of people living with obesity. There is international evidence of weight stigma in the dental setting, where currently there is also evidence indicating limited training amongst dental professionals regarding obesity or obesity-related stigma. There has been Australian research and none have included dental support staff. Aims: This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs of dental professionals (registered general dentists, oral health therapists) and support staff (dental assistants, dental receptionists) working in private and public regional practices in New South Wales and specialists in Special Needs Dentistry across Australia toward people living with obesity. Methods: An anonymous electronic validated survey was administered through REDCap™ to assess stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs held amongst respondents in relation to people living with obesity. Results: Fifty-three participants completed the survey (n = 33 clinicians, n = 20 support staff). The majority 47/53 (88.7%) held positive attitudes toward people living with obesity. Of the clinicians, 15/33 (45.5%) reported 1 hour or less and 14/33 (42.4%) reported two to 5 hours of obesity-related education. 14/20 (70%) of the support staff reported no prior education or training about obesity. Of responses reflecting weight stigma, only three clinicians reported negative reactions toward the appearance, or discomfort during examination, of a patient with obesity, or a perception of laziness, compared with normal weight individuals. A higher proportion 4/20 (20%) of support staff reported responses indicating negative attitudes for people with obesity compared with normal weight individuals. Conclusion: Survey responses reflected evidence of weight stigma in both dental professionals and support staff. Professional development targeting weight stigma reduction in the dental setting is needed for both clinicians and support staff.

Characterization and Incidence of Sunflower Seed Allergy in a Pediatric Allergy Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Sunflower seeds are a popular allergen-free peanut alternative. OBJECTIVE: To describe sunflower seed allergy incidence and characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with sunflower seed allergy from 1995 to 2021 in a pediatric allergy clinic. We described demographic characteristics, testing results, atopic comorbidities, and reaction histories of patients with sunflower seed allergy and calculated the annual cumulative incidence of the allergy. Logistic regression was used to estimate the increase in odds of sunflower seed allergy diagnosis for each year from 1995 to 2021. RESULTS: From 1995 to 2021, we identified 235 patients with sunflower seed allergy. Among patients with sunflower seed allergy, the median age at diagnosis was 3.9 years. More than three-quarters of patients had another atopic condition. Half of the reactions consisted of mild urticaria or rash, and a quarter met criteria for anaphylaxis. The cumulative incidence ranged from 0% (1995-1999, 2001-2004, and 2006) to 0.38% (2021). From 1995 to 2021, the odds of sunflower seed allergy diagnosis increased annually by 21% (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.17-1.25). CONCLUSIONS: In our single-center cohort of children with sunflower seed allergy, most children were diagnosed in early childhood, had high rates of comorbid atopic conditions, and had high rates of cutaneous reactions to sunflower seed products. Moreover, in our cohort, incidence of sunflower seed allergy increased.

Effect of Age and Sex on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Functional Tests Approximately 6 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose: To examine age- and sex-related differences in postoperative functional outcomes at approximately 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: In this study, patients who underwent primary ACLR performed a series of return-to-sport functional tests at 5 to 8 months after surgery. Functional tests included strength tests (knee extensors, knee flexors, hip abductors, and hip extensors), a balance test (Y-balance composite score), and hop tests (single, triple, crossover, and 6-m timed hop tests). Limb symmetry was calculated to compare the reconstructed limb with the uninvolved limb. A 2-way multivariate analysis of covariance was used, and effect size was calculated for data analysis. Results: A total of 176 subjects were included in this study. There were no significant interaction between age and sex on return-to-sport functional tests after ACLR. Also, no main effects of age and sex on return-to-sport functional tests were found in our data. Conclusions: Age and sex do not significantly affect functional test performance after ACLR 6 months postoperatively. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective review of prospective cohort study.

Class 3 Obesity and Oral Health in Adults: A Scoping Review of the Challenges for Oral Healthcare Services.

Background: Obesity is one of the most neglected public health problems affecting both developed and developing countries. The most clinically severe obesity (Class 3 obesity) has both clinical and service delivery implications on dental services. However, associations between Class 3 obesity and oral health are minimally explored in the literature and thus poorly understood. Aims: This scoping review aimed to explore the existing evidence on Class 3 obesity and oral health. Methods: A literature search was performed via Medline, Scopus, Google scholar and Embase research databases. Results: A total of 375 papers were sourced from the database search. Twenty seven full-text papers were included in the final literature review. Results revealed findings from both quantitative and qualitative studies. Papers included results pertaining to associations with dental disease, oral health and associated behaviours, oral health-related quality of life and the barriers experienced by adults with Class 3 obesity in accessing dental services. Conclusions: While mixed findings were identified, this scoping review reports associations between Class 3 obesity and poor oral health across various domains including clinical parameters and oral health related quality of life. The literature has also highlighted important barriers to dental care in those with the most severe Class 3 obesity. Based upon our findings, we have summarised current oral health management implications and directions for future research.

State of the Evidence of Attachment Regulation and Competency Framework and Adaptions: A Rapid Scoping Review.

The majority of children with traumatic experiences who seek treatment have had multiple traumatic experiences resulting in complex trauma. Complex trauma is associated with multiple adverse outcomes for children and caregivers. Treating complex trauma has the potential to significantly improve child mental and physical health, caregiver mental health, and reduce family conflict. One promising approach is the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Framework. Yet, there is limited research on the effectiveness of interventions using the ARC framework. The purpose of this rapid scoping review was to assess the state of the evidence of ARC and ARC adaptations. The databases APA PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, and Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts were searched. The search was limited to articles involving interventions using the ARC framework and written in English. To be as comprehensive as possible quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods designs were included and there was no date restriction. Ten articles were included in the review. Results show all studies were quasi experimental, half did not include a comparison group, and interventions using the ARC framework varied in duration (12-180 sessions), setting (outpatient therapy, residential treatment, community outreach and school-based intervention) and age (birth-22). Findings indicate the ARC framework shows promise in reducing children's trauma related symptoms including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), externalizing, and internalizing problems, and improving trauma sensitive classroom environments. Additional outcomes included increased permanent placements, reduced caregiver stress and increased caregiver functioning. Future research is needed utilizing randomized controlled trials to establish efficacy of this promising intervention.

Enhancing comfort of resident physicians treating adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by facilitating meaningful interactions.

Background: Many physicians feel uncomfortable caring for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). While some residency training programs include lecture content on IDD, few provide structured experiences with individuals with IDD. One strategy for improving comfort is "contact theory:" increasing interactions with "dissimilar" people can lead to decreased negative attitudes toward that population. Objective: Evaluate the impact of an interactive session on resident physicians' comfort with adults with IDD. Methods: Small groups of resident physicians and artists with IDD collaborated on art projects during the noon conference. A prospective pre-post-intervention survey, including the validated Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale (IDP), evaluated residents' comfort with patients with IDD before and after the session. Results: 53 residents completed both pre- and post-conference surveys. Mean IDP scores decreased from 78.7 (10.9) to 75.8 (9.5; p < 0.01), indicating decreasing discomfort. The mean level of comfort interacting with individuals with IDD increased from uncomfortable 3.6 (1.2), before the intervention, to comfortable 4.4 (1.2) after the intervention (p = <0.01). The mean level of comfort treating individuals with IDD increased from uncomfortable 3.5 (1.1) to comfortable 4.1 (1.3) after the intervention (p < 0.01). Discussion: Providing resident physicians with real-life connections with people with IDD was associated with increased comfort. If statistically significant improvements occurred after one session, future studies should evaluate if additional experiences with people with IDD could have more substantial, lasting impacts on future doctors' comfort with and willingness to care for patients with IDD.

Unique dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in a cohort with clinically severe obesity: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: An association between increased risk of dental caries with increased levels of clinically severe obesity has been reported. Data linking body mass index (BMI) and dietary behaviors, including at-risk dietary factors and oral hygiene habits, are lacking in a cohort with clinically severe obesity. This study aimed to explore the dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in individuals with clinically severe obesity attending a hospital-based obesity service. METHODS: Adult patients attending a hospital-based obesity service in Greater Western Sydney with clinically severe obesity were invited to participate in a self-administered survey, which collected data on their nutritional and oral hygiene behaviors. Demographic data (age, gender) and BMI were extracted from the participants' medical records. The primary outcome was the relationship between BMI and frequency of toothbrushing. RESULTS: Of the 82 individuals who consented to participate, 81 (98.8%) completed the study questionnaire. The median BMI of the cohort was 49.1 kg/m2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 43.2-57.3 kg/m2) and median age 51 (IQR: 39-63) years. BMI was not significantly correlated with individual oral health behaviors (p > .05). Many participants reported dietary risk behaviors, which have the potential to influence their oral health. CONCLUSIONS: While oral health behaviors were not associated with increasing BMI, patients with clinically severe obesity in this study reported unique dietary behaviors and mixed oral hygiene habits that may complicate nutritional and dental management. Awareness of these behaviors among clinicians including dental professionals is required in this cohort.

'Building our own house' as an insider-only Community-Partnered Participatory Research Council: Co-creating a safe space for Autistic knowledge production.

LAY ABSTRACT: In recent years, there has been a growing call for participatory Autism research (i.e. research that meaningfully involves Autistic people in its design and delivery). Community Partnered Participatory Research is a research methodology that aims to share power between researchers and members of the researched community. There is some precedent for Community Partnered Participatory Research in Autism research, but it is still quite uncommon. At the start of our new research study (called Autism: From Menstruation to Menopause), we created a community council. For the first six meetings, our council was made up of four Autistic community members who were experienced in Autism advocacy and activism and three Autistic researchers. We seven are the authors of this article. In these first six meetings, we made plans for recruiting a larger number of lay community members who would join us later for the rest of the project (8 years in total). In this article, we describe and reflect what it felt like during these first six meetings to be part of a community research council where everybody is Autistic. We discuss how we co-created a safe space, how we helped each other feel valued and how we worked together to support each other's sometimes-differing access needs so that everyone could fully participate. We provide recommendations for how to support Autistic people to lead research on their own terms with their unique insights.

"I am afraid of being treated badly if I show it": A cross-sectional study of healthcare accessibility and Autism Health Passports among UK Autistic adults.

BACKGROUND: Autistic people are more likely to experience stigma, communication barriers and anxiety during healthcare. Autism Health Passports (AHPs) are a communication tool that aim to provide information about healthcare needs in a standardised way. They are recommended in research and policy to improve healthcare quality. AIM: To explore views and experiences of AHPs among Autistic people from the UK who have been pregnant. METHODS: We developed an online survey using a combination of open and closed questions focused on healthcare impairments and views and experiences of AHPs. Data were anlaysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and content analysis. FINDINGS: Of 193 Autistic respondents (54% diagnosed, 22% undergoing diagnosis and 24% self-identifying), over 80% reported anxiety and masking during healthcare always or most of the time. Some significant differences were identified in healthcare (in)accessibility by diagnostic status. Only 4% of participants knew a lot about AHPs, with 1.5% of participants using one at least half of the time. Almost three quarters of respondents had not previously seen an AHP. Open text responses indicated that the biggest barrier to using an AHP was a belief that health professionals would discriminate against Autistic patients. Additional barriers included staff lack of familiarity with AHPs and respondents expecting a negative response to producing an AHP. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that AHPs are not reducing health inequalities for Autistic adults who have been pregnant. Alternative solutions are needed to reduce health inequalities for Autistic people.

Evaluating Gabapentin Dosing, Efficacy and Safety in Infants.

OBJECTIVE: Gabapentin for management of neuropathic pain, irritability, neonatal abstinence syndrome, rescue sedation, feeding intolerance and visceral hyperalgesia in infants has grown over the past decade. There remains little guidance for indications, initiation, titration and maintenance dosing trends and assessment of outcomes. The primary objective was to describe gabapentin dosing, and the secondary objectives were to identify outcomes to assess efficacy and describe weaning practices. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was performed in infants younger than 1 year who received gabapentin at Boston Children's Hospital between 2015 and 2021. The primary outcome was indication, initiation and maximum gabapentin dose. Secondary outcomes included mortality, adverse reactions and impact on feeding volumes, weight-for-age Z-scores and face, legs, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) scores. Descriptive statistics were utilized. RESULTS: Sixty-six infants received gabapentin at a mean ± SD age of 5.5 ± 2.7 months (range of 0-11 months). The mean ± SD initiation dose of gabapentin was 8.6 ± 5.4 mg/kg/day with a median interval of 24 hours (8-24 hours). The maximum mean dose was 23.2 ± 14.4 mg/kg/day at a median interval of every 8 hours (8 hours). The most common indications for initiation were irritability, rescue sedation, and visceral hyperalgesia. There was a statistical improvement in weight-for-age Z scores from 24 hours prior to gabapentin initiation to 2 weeks after the maximum dose of gabapentin (-2.23 ± 1.78 to -1.66 ± 1.91, p < 0.001) and a reduction in FLACC scores (2.29 ± 1.64 to 1.52 ± 1.76, p = 0.007) from 24 hours prior to gabapentin initiation to 3 days after the maximum dose of gabapentin. Three patients experienced minor adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin was well tolerated in infants. Initial gabapentin dosing of 5 mg/kg/dose every 24 hours appears safe and consistent with other published studies in infants. The improvement in outcomes with few adverse events suggests a beneficial role for gabapentin.

Inequities in Technology Access and Digital Health Literacy Among Patients With Dermatologic Conditions: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey.

Certain sociodemographic factors are associated with low technology access and digital healthy literacy.

Developing a Decision Aid for Clinical Obesity Services in the Real World: the DACOS Nationwide Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to develop a decision aid tool using "real-world" data within the Australian health system to predict weight loss after bariatric surgery and non-surgical care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed patient record data (aged 16+years) from initial review between 2015 and 2020 with 6-month (n=219) and 9-/12-month (n=153) follow-ups at eight clinical obesity services. Primary outcome was percentage total weight loss (%TWL) at 6 months and 9/12 months. Predictors were selected by statistical evidence (p<0.20), effect size (±2%), and clinical judgment. Multiple linear regression and bariatric surgery were used to create simple predictive models. Accuracy was measured using percentage of predictions within 5% of the observed value, and sensitivity and specificity for predicting target weight loss of 5% (non-surgical care) and 15% (bariatric surgery). RESULTS: Observed %TWL with bariatric surgery vs. non-surgical care was 19% vs. 5% at 6 months and 22% vs. 5% at 9/12 months. Predictors at 6 months with intercept (non-surgical care) of 6% include bariatric surgery (+11%), BMI>60 (-3%), depression (-2%), anxiety (-2%), and eating disorder (-2%). Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 58%, 69%, and 56%. Predictors at 9/12 months with intercept of 5% include bariatric surgery (+15%), type 2 diabetes (+5%), eating disorder (+4%), fatty liver (+2%), atrial fibrillation (-4%), osteoarthritis (-3%), sleep/mental disorders (-2-3%), and ≥10 alcohol drinks/week (-2%). Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 55%, 86%, and 53%. CONCLUSION: Clinicians may use DACOS to discuss potential weight loss predictors with patients after surgery or non-surgical care.

Teamwork matters: team situation awareness to build high-performing healthcare teams, a narrative review.

Healthcare today is the prerogative of teams rather than of individuals. In acute care domains such as anaesthesia, intensive care, and emergency medicine, the work is complex and fast-paced, and the team members are diverse and interdependent. Three decades of research into the behaviours of high-performing teams provides us with clear guidance on team training, demonstrating positive effects on patient safety and staff wellbeing. Here we consider team performance through the lens of situation awareness. Maintaining situation awareness is an absolute requirement for safe and effective patient management. Situation awareness is a dynamic process of perceiving cues in the environment, understanding what they mean, and predicting how the situation may evolve. In the context of acute clinical care, situation awareness can be improved if the whole team actively contributes to monitoring the environment, processing information, and planning next steps. In this narrative review, we explore the concept of situation awareness at the level of the team, the conditions required to maintain team situation awareness, and the relationship between team situation awareness, shared mental models, and team performance. Our ultimate goal is to help clinicians create the conditions required for high-functioning teams, and ultimately improve the safety of clinical care.

"It felt like I had an old fashioned telephone ringing in my breasts": An online survey of UK Autistic birthing parents' experiences of infant feeding.

Around 3% of people are Autistic. Autistic people communicate differently from non-Autistic people and experience the sensory world differently. There is limited evidence that Autistic people can face additional barriers to breastfeeding. We are an Autistic-led research team that developed an online survey following consultation with the Autistic community. Autistic people from the UK who had been pregnant were eligible to take part in the survey, which focused on the entire maternity journey. A total of 193 people participated, of whom 152 had experiences of infant feeding (137 breastfeeding, 82 formula feeding). Participants were highly motivated to breastfeed, and almost half of those who breastfed found it positive always or most of the time. However, breastfeeding-and in particular the milk let-down reflex-could result in pain and sensory difficulties, including 'feeling odd'. Expressing breastmilk always or most of the time was reported by 10% of breastfeeding participants. The intensity and unpredictability of both breast and formula feeding were challenging to manage. Parents reported that it was easy to understand how to prepare infant formula, but that it could also be a negative and anxiety-inducing experience. Support for breast and formula feeding was often considered inadequate. When parents did access breastfeeding support, this significantly improved a range of breastfeeding experiences. However, participants recommended more tailored support and continuity of carer. To meet the needs of Autistic birthing parents, those providing infant feeding support should receive training on Autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, which should be delivered by Autistic people.

Peer evaluations in an anonymous and open system: Intern reactions and evaluation analysis.

PURPOSE: Feedback and evaluation from peers is fundamental to trainees' professional development but may be uncomfortable to provide non-anonymously. We aimed to understand resident perception of anonymous and open written evaluation systems and to analyze evaluations in each of these systems. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We compared two years of intern peer evaluations at a large United States-based pediatric residency program - the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 years during which intern peer evaluations were anonymous and open, respectively. We electronically surveyed interns about their perceptions of peer evaluations and analyzed four aspects of the evaluations themselves: (1) orientation, (2) caliber, (3) Likert-scale, and (4) word count. RESULTS: 40 (78%) and 38 (75%) interns participated in the survey in the anonymous and open years, respectively. Respondents reported being more likely to avoid writing constructive comments in the open year. There were more high caliber comments in the open year. Likert-scale ratings of peers were lower in the open year. Word count was longer in the open year. CONCLUSIONS: While interns expressed more discomfort evaluating peers in an open evaluation system, they wrote longer and more high caliber comments in an open system than in an anonymous system. Residency programs should consider professional development in writing peer evaluation.

Residents are uncomfortable writing constructive comments in peer evaluations, particularly in open formats.Residents write similar numbers of constructive comments whether the evaluation is delivered anonymously or in an open format.Residents write more high caliber comments when evaluations are delivered in an open format than when delivered anonymously.Residents write longer comments when evaluations are in an open format.Program leaders should weigh the increased number of high caliber peer evaluations in an open system with resident preference for an anonymous system when designing their peer evaluation systems.

Experiences of transition from hospital to community living via the Pathways to Community Living Initiative: A qualitative evaluation study of service users and family members.

OBJECTIVE: People with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) may be excluded from community-based care if their complex support needs cannot be met and are at risk of institutionalisation. The Pathways to Community Living Initiative (PCLI) aims to address barriers to community living. This study evaluated the PCLI from the perspective of service users and family members. METHODS: Evaluation questions were explored in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were coded inductively and deductively. This article adheres to relevant EQUATOR standards for qualitative research and reporting. RESULTS: There were 37 interviews with 27 service users and 12 family members. Factors associated with positive experiences of transition from hospital included detailed planning, personalised care, and staged transitions which alleviated concerns around safety, support, and coping. Community living provided opportunities to exercise greater choice and control in everyday life and, for some, to reconnect with family. Poor physical health and social isolation were noted as potential risks. CONCLUSIONS: Participants regarded community living as preferable to hospital settings, and highly valued their freedom. They reported that clinical, aged care and disability supports helped them. Additional support may be required to improve physical health and social connectedness, and families appear to have unmet needs for psychosocial support.

Weight stigma among dental professionals and in the dental setting: a scoping review.

Background Weight stigma refers to discriminatory acts and ideologies targeted towards individuals because of their body weight and/or size. Weight stigma in healthcare settings generates major health disparities. To date, there have been no previous reviews exploring the issue of weight stigma among dental professionals (DPs) and in the dental setting.Aims To synthesise current evidence on weight stigma among DPs and in dental care settings via a scoping review.Methods A comprehensive search was carried out across four relevant electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Psychinfo and Cinahl). A total of 25 full-text papers were included in the scoping review.Results Most papers addressed the subject of weight stigma as a secondary finding (20 papers). Both quantitative and qualitative study methods were used to explore weight stigma across the broad categories of attitudes and beliefs about obesity, weight-based discussions, obesity education and training and service implications of obesity. Recommendations regarding weight stigma among DPs and in the dental setting were proposed but have not been formally assessed.Conclusion Further studies addressing weight stigma in dental settings, including causes and consequences among DPs, are required to better inform and address this issue.

Evaluation of a mental health service reform program, the Pathways to Community Living Initiative, for people with severe mental illness and complex needs.

OBJECTIVE: The Pathways to Community Living Initiative (PCLI) aims to reform mental health care for people with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and complex needs. This study reports independent evaluation findings on transitions from hospital and practice change in mental health services. METHODS: Data for this mixed-methods evaluation were obtained from administrative collections and semi-structured interviews with PCLI program managers, teams and executive leads; aged care managers; and leaders in inpatient, community and older people's mental health services. RESULTS: Between July 2015 and December 2020, 674 participants (67% of those eligible for the PCLI) were transitioned from hospital to community. Of those transitioned, 21 required subsequent long-stay admissions. The PCLI introduced resources, clearly defined processes, and state-wide networks to guide changes in practice which are becoming embedded in the operations and governance of mental health services across New South Wales. CONCLUSIONS: Severe and persistent mental illness and complex needs can be managed in community settings with highly individualised planning and care, supported by specialised clinical teams in partnership with mental health, aged care and disability services. Evaluation findings highlight the importance of continued investment in rehabilitation psychiatry.