Degree of Knowledge and Commitment of the Spanish Podiatry Community to Green Podiatry: A Preliminary Report.

Climate change is real and we are witnessing its consequences, such as rising temperatures, water scarcity, and sea-level rise, among other significant impacts. As healthcare professionals, podiatrists should be concerned about climate change; however, they still contribute to the damage caused. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness among podiatrists regarding this issue and determine their attitudes toward the climate change process. The study involved conducting a survey comprising a series of questions, including personal information, Likert-scale questions, and short questions to evaluate attitudes toward environmental sustainability in their workplace and how they contribute to the climate change process. The questions addressed their commuting habits to determine sustainability, the number of hours of physical exercise per week, and their clinical attitudes, such as prescribing unnecessary treatments or emphasizing sports as the primary treatment. The results revealed that nearly 89% of the respondents were unaware of ecological podiatry or shoe recycling. Regarding clinical attitudes, 31.1% of the respondents stated that they prescribe sports as the primary treatment for all their patients, while 37.9% do so in most cases. They also tend to avoid prescribing unnecessary treatments, with 44.9% stating that they never prescribe them unless absolutely necessary. In conclusion, based on this survey, Spanish podiatrists do not undertake favorable actions for climate change and lack knowledge of the concept of "ecological podiatry". To improve the situation, efforts should focus on waste reduction, eliminating unnecessary treatments, and promoting and practicing ecological podiatry.

Thermoregulation in Two Models of Trail Run Socks with Different Fabric Separation.

BACKGROUND: Trail running socks with the same fibers and design but with different separations of their three-dimensional waves could have different thermoregulatory effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the temperatures reflected on the sole of the foot after a mountain race with the use of two models of socks with different wave separations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a sample of 34 subjects (twenty-seven men and seven women), the plantar temperature was analyzed with the thermal imaging camera Flir E60bx® (Flir systems, Wilsonville, OR, USA) before and after running 14 km in mountainous terrain at a hot temperature of 27 °C. Each group of 17 runners ran with a different model of separation between the waves of the tissue (2 mm versus 1 mm). After conducting the post-exercise thermographic analysis, a Likert-type survey was conducted to evaluate the physiological characteristics of both types of socks. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in temperature in all areas of interest (p < 0.001) after a 14 km running distance with the two models of socks. The hallux zone increased in temperature the most after the race, with temperatures of 8.19 ± 3.1 °C and 7.46 ± 2.1 °C for the AWC 2.2 and AWC 3, respectively. However, no significant differences in temperature increases were found in any of the areas analyzed between the two groups. Runners perceived significant differences in thermal sensation between AWC 2.2 socks with 4.41 ± 0.62 points and AWC 3 with 3.76 ± 1.03 points (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: Both models had a similar thermoregulatory effect on the soles of the feet, so they can be used interchangeably in short-distance mountain races. The perceived sensation of increased thermal comfort does not correspond to the temperature data.

Plantar pressures values related with appearance of mechanical hyperkeratosis before and after surgery of mild hallux valgus.

Background: Hyperkeratoses are thickenings of the stratum corneum, provoked by deviation of the ray and excessive plantar pressures. They are very common under the first metatarsal head (MTH) and on the big toe when there exists hallux valgus. The objective of this study was to assess plantar pressures pre- and post-surgery to try to define the threshold values that could determine the appearance of keratopathies. Materials and methods: Seventy-nine patients (100 feet) who had undergone percutaneous distal soft-tissue release and the Akin procedure were evaluated prospectively. The BioFoot/IBV® in-shoe system was used for objective baropodometric functional evaluations of the heel, midfoot, first through fifth MTHs, hallux, and lesser toes. The presence or absence of a hyperkeratosis (HK) or plantar callus under the first MTH or hallux was recorded. The average follow-up time at which the measurements were repeated was 28.1 months. Results: Pre-surgery, 62 feet presented a painful HK on the big toe, while post-surgery, only 9 of the feet presented the same lesion. Patients who presented a prior HK at the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint had a mean pressure of 417.2 ± 254.5 kPa as against a value of 359.6 ± 185.1 kPa for the rest. Post-surgery, these values dropped to 409.8 and 346.3 kPa, respectively. Conclusion: Patients with HK presented an 11% greater mean pressure than those without. The values obtained with the BioFoot/IBV® system in the present study can therefore be considered predictive of the appearance of HK under the first MTH and on the side of the big toe.

Evaluation of Thermography as a Diagnostic Technique in Asymptomatic or Incipient Onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is usually diagnosed symptomatically due to the very clear signs caused by the fungus on the nail surface and structure, although the growth of the infecting agent must also be verified by culture in an enriched medium. This procedure is normally lengthy (four weeks), and samples can be contaminated, delaying the prescription of appropriate and effective treatment. Only one previous study has addressed the possibility of using thermography as a diagnostic method for onychomycosis in older people (31-70 years). The present study confirms this use but in individuals aged 18-31 years with incipient mycosis and no pathological signs. Using an FLIR E60 BX camera in a study with 214 samples, we found that men had more onychomycosis than women. We observed a relation between the presence of infection and nail temperature, with a higher temperature in yeast infections (+1 °C) and a lower temperature in dermatophyte infections (-2 °C). A higher temperature by almost 1 °C was also observed in older participants. Thermography can be viewed as a new diagnostic method in asymptomatic or incipient onychomycosis, providing the thermographic camera is sufficiently sensitive and the appropriate procedure is followed, although fungal culture is always necessary to confirm recovery after treatment.

Impact of creative workshops in an institutionalized patient with moderate/severe cognitive impairment with behavioral disorders: A case report.

The Hospital Care Unit for individuals with intellectual disabilities and behavioral disorders provides comprehensive care in a controlled and video-surveyed facility that minimizes access to potentially manipulative materials during aggression or pica episodes. The patient was admitted to the unit due to issues including ingestion of non-edible fluids, aggression toward staff and other patients, and self-injury. All patients participated in occupational activities led by an occupational therapist from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In addition, creative workshops such as cinema forums and cooking workshops were held on some afternoons. During the analyzed period from January to June 2022, the patient experienced three episodes of pica, 14 assaults toward staff, and eight toward peers. All of these incidents occurred after dinner and were triggered either by the inability to eat dessert or by refusal to brush teeth afterward. In our case study, the implementation of creative workshops such as cooking had a positive effect on decreasing instances of pica and aggression. These workshops slightly improved participation in other occupational therapy activities and stabilized the patient's behavior, increasing the likelihood of her being able to return to her habitual residence.

Impact of chronic kidney diseases in feet health & quality of life: A case-series study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is examine Quality of Life in subjects with chronic kidney disease utilizing Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 101 subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was studied in specialized clinics, in Extremadura (Spain). An observational descriptive study. The FHSQ was utilized to assess specific foot health (first section) and overall health (second division). The differences between clumps they were assessed using a t-test to independent samples. RESULTS: 59.40% (n = 60) were men and 40.59% (n = 41) women. The mean age was 68.77 ± 14.07. In first division of the FHSQ, a less score was registered in footwear domain (39.25) and in general foot health domain (46.37). In second division, less scores were resulted in general health domain (72) and vigour domain (60.43). CKD women got less scores in every domain. Women with CKD obtained significantly less scores in dimensions of foot pain, foot function, footwear, general foot health, general health and physical activity and there was no difference contrasted with men in the dimensions of social capacity and vigour. CONCLUSIONS: The studied CKD population has problems their feet. Quality of life of CKD subjects is negatively impacted by health of their feet, difficulties with footwear, their overall health, and lack of vitality. Women with CKD show lower values of quality of life contrasted to male patients, associated with inability to perform physical activity, lack of energy and tiredness.

Hand hygiene technique quality evaluation in nursing and medicine students of two academic courses.

OBJECTIVE: because they are health professionals, nursing and medical students' hands during internships can function as a transmission vehicle for hospital-acquired infections. METHOD: a descriptive study with nursing and medical degree students on the quality of the hand hygiene technique, which was assessed via a visual test using a hydroalcoholic solution marked with fluorescence and an ultraviolet lamp. RESULTS: 546 students were assessed, 73.8% from medicine and 26.2% from nursing. The area of the hand with a proper antiseptic distribution was the palm (92.9%); areas not properly scrubbed were the thumbs (55.1%). 24.7% was very good in both hands, 29.8% was good, 25.1% was fair, and 20.3% was poor. The worst assessed were the male, nursing and first year students. There were no significant differences in the age groups. CONCLUSIONS: hand hygiene technique is not applied efficiently. Education plays a key role in setting a good practice base in hand hygiene, theoretical knowledge, and in skill development, as well as good practice reinforcement.

Hand hygiene technique quality evaluation in nursing and medicine students of two academic courses / Avaliação da qualidade da técnica de higiene das mãos em alunos de enfermagem e medicina em dois cursos de graduação / Evaluación de la calidad de la técnica de higiene de manos en alumnos de enfermería y medicina en dos cursos académicos

AbstractObjective: because they are health professionals, nursing and medical students' hands during internships can function as a transmission vehicle for hospital-acquired infections.Method: a descriptive study with nursing and medical degree students on the quality of the hand hygiene technique, which was assessed via a visual test using a hydroalcoholic solution marked with fluorescence and an ultraviolet lamp.Results: 546 students were assessed, 73.8% from medicine and 26.2% from nursing. The area of the hand with a proper antiseptic distribution was the palm (92.9%); areas not properly scrubbed were the thumbs (55.1%). 24.7% was very good in both hands, 29.8% was good, 25.1% was fair, and 20.3% was poor. The worst assessed were the male, nursing and first year students. There were no significant differences in the age groups.Conclusions: hand hygiene technique is not applied efficiently. Education plays a key role in setting a good practice base in hand hygiene, theoretical knowledge, and in skill development, as well as good practice reinforcement.

ResumoObjetivo:assim como as mãos dos professionais de saúde, as mãos dos estudantes de Enfermagem e Medicina durante os estágios clínicos podem funcionar como veículo de transmissão das infecções hospitalares.Método:estudo descritivo com estudantes de Graduação em Enfermagem e Medicina. Avaliou-se a qualidade da técnica de higiene das mãos por meio de prova visual a partir de solução hidro-alcoólica marcada com fluoresceína e lâmpada de luz ultravioleta.Resultados:avaliaram-se 546 alunos, 73,8% da Graduação em Medicina e 26,2% da Enfermagem. As áreas das mãos com correta distribuição de sabão foram as palmas (92,9%); as áreas não esfregadas corretamente foram os polegares (55,1%). Em ambas as mãos, a higienização foi muito boa em 24,7%, boa em 29,8%, regular em 25,1% e má em 20,3%. Os piores foram: os homens, os estudantes de Enfermagem e os estudantes do primeiro ano de escola. Não houve diferenças significativas por idade.Conclusões:a técnica de higiene de mãos não foi realizada de modo eficaz. O papel educativo é fundamental para sedimentar as bases de boas práticas na higienização das mãos, em conhecimentos teóricos e no desenvolvimento de habilidades e reforço de boas práticas.

ResumenObjetivo:al igual que los profesionales sanitarios, las manos de los estudiantes de enfermería y medicina durante las estancias clínicas pueden funcionar como vehículo de trasmisión de las infecciones nosocomiales.Método:estudio descriptivo con estudiantes de Grado de Enfermería y de Medicina. Se evaluó la calidad de la técnica de la higiene de manos por prueba visual con solución hidroalcohólica marcada con fluoresceína y lámpara de luz ultravioleta.Resultados:se evaluó a 546 alumnos, Grado de Medicina 73,8% y 26,2% de Enfermería. Las zonas de las manos con una correcta distribución de desinfectante fueron las palmas (92,9%); las no frotadas correctamente fueron los pulgares (55,1%). En ambas manos fue muy buena en el 24,7%, buena en el 29,8%, regular en 25,1% y mala en 20,3%. Los peores han sido: los hombres, los estudiantes de enfermería y los de primer año de estudio. No hubo diferencias significativas por edad.Conclusiones:no se realizó la técnica de higiene de manos de una manera eficaz. El papel de la educación es fundamental para sentar las bases de buenas prácticas en higiene de manos, en conocimientos teóricos y en el desarrollo de habilidades y el refuerzo de buenas prácticas.

Conocimiento de la higiene de manos en estudiantes de enfermería / Knowledge of hand hygiene in nursing students

Las manos de los estudiantes de enfermería pueden ser el vector de la infección nosocomial. La mejora en el conocimiento sobre la higiene de manos (HM) reduce la infección nosocomial. Para ello debemos conocer el grado de adherencia al protocolo de lavado de manos (LM) por parte de los alumnos de enfermería Para ello se pasó un cuestionario estructurado de la OMS para profesionales de salud, antes y después de llevar a cabo un taller formativo. Han participado en el Estudio un total de 63 alumnos de dos cursos de grado en enfermería de la Universidad de Extremadura (UEX), con una predominancia del sector femenino en 76,2 % (48) y 23,8 % (15) para el masculino.Se obtuvo datos muy significativos (p<0,015) en el cuestionario en P9a (0,012), P9b (0,000), P10 (0,000), P11 e (0,005), P11f (0,002). Los estudiantes tienen un conocimiento moderado sobre HM. El estudio muestra la necesidad de seguir mejorando los programas de formación de HM existentes, para hacer frente a las lagunas en los conocimientos y obtener unos enfermeros altamente cualificados en el futuro (AU)

Nursing students’ hands can be the vector of nosocomial infection. Improving knowledge about hand hygiene (HM) reduces nosocomial infection. This is the reason we must know the degree of adherence to hand washing protocol (LM) by nursing students For this purpose, a WHO structured questionnaire for health professionals was done before and after putting a training workshop into practice. A total of 63 students from two nursing degree courses of UEX have participated in the study, with female sector predominance 76.2% (48) and 23.8% (15) for the male. Very significant data were obtained (p <0.015) in the questionnaire P9a (0.012), P9B (0,000) P10 (0,000) P11 and (0.005), P11f (0.002). Students have a moderate knowledge about HM. The study shows the need to improve existing HM training programs, to address gaps in knowledge and to obtain highly qualified nurses in the future (AU)