National inventory of authorized diagnostic imaging equipment in Ghana: data as of September 2020.

Introduction: to address the challenge of inadequate and non-equitable distribution of diagnostic imaging equipment, countries are encouraged to evaluate the distribution of installed systems and undertake adequate monitoring to ensure equitability. Ghana´s medical imaging resources have been analyzed in this study and evaluated against the status in other countries. Methods: data on registered medical imaging equipment were retrieved from the database of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority and analyzed. The equipment/population ratio was mapped out graphically for the 16 regions of Ghana. Comparison of the equipment/population ratio was made with the situation in other countries. Results: six hundred and seventy-four diagnostic imaging equipment units from 266 medical imaging facilities (2.5 units/facility), comprising computed tomography (CT), general X-ray, dental X-ray, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) gamma camera, fluoroscopy, mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were surveyed nationally. None of the imaging systems measured above the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average imaging units per million populations (u/mp). The overall equipment/population ratio estimated nationally was 21.4 u/mp. Majority of the imaging systems were general X-ray, installed in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. The regional estimates of equipment/population ratios were Greater Accra (49.6 u/mp), Ashanti (22.4 u/mp), Western (21.4 u/mp), Eastern (20.6 u/mp), Bono East (20.0 u/mp), Bono (19.2 u/mp), Volta (17.9 u/mp), Upper West (16.7 u/mp), Oti (12.5 u/mp), Central (11.9 u/mp), Northern (8.9 u/mp), Ahafo (8.9 u/mp), Upper East (6.9 u/mp), Western North (6.7 u/mp), Savannah (5.5 u/mp) and North-East (1.7 u/mp). Conclusion: medical imaging equipment shortfall exist across all imaging modalities in Ghana. A wide inter-regional disparity in the distribution of medical imaging equipment exists contrary to WHO´s recommendation for equitable distribution. A concerted national plan will be needed to address the disparity.

Pediatric Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Japan: A Proposal for Shared Access to Equipment.

BACKGROUND: Regular assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is essential for detecting glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in juvenile-onset autoimmune diseases. Z-score is used to standardize osteoporosis assessment in children and is evaluated with only one of three devices in Japan. The purpose of this study was to determine how many Japanese medical facilities for pediatric rheumatic diseases were unable to use Z-scores to evaluate osteoporosis. METHODS: Electronic questionnaires were distributed between 2017 and 2019 to hospitals belonging to the Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan and to university hospitals and public children's hospitals that provide medical care for pediatric rheumatic diseases. The questionnaire inquired about the location of DXA measurement, manufacturer (Hologic, GE healthcare, Hitachi), and measurement site, and the answers were collected using Google Forms. Statcel 4 was used for analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 120 facilities responded to the survey, of which 117 had DXA. In the remaining three facilities, DXA was not installed in two and was out of order in one. Bone loss in childhood was evaluated using a Z-score calculated from age-based reference values; however, 30% of hospitals without HOLOGIC DXA could not evaluate osteoporosis by Z-score in Japanese childhood. The characteristics of the hospitals enrolled in this study did not bias the selection of Hologic DXA. CONCLUSIONS: Neighboring institutions should consider sharing access to Hologic DXA equipment, to ensure use of uniform reference values. GE BMD reference values should be established for Japanese children.

Cotton-Tipped Plastic Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR Diagnosis to Prevent Supply Shortages.

CDC and WHO guidelines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis only recommend synthetic fiber swabs for nasopharyngeal (NP) sampling. We show that cotton-tipped plastic swabs do not inhibit PCR and have equivalent performance to rayon swabs. Cotton-tipped plastic swabs are massively produced worldwide and would prevent swab supply shortages under the current high SARS-CoV-2 testing demands, particularly in developing countries.

3D-Printing to Address COVID-19 Testing Supply Shortages.

The recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has placed immense pressure on supply chains, including shortages in nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs. Here, we report our experience of using 3D-printing to rapidly develop and deploy custom-made NP swabs to address supply shortages at our healthcare institution.

Distribution of mammograms and mammography offering in relation to the parametric care of the Public Health Care System in Pernambuco / Distribuição dos mamógrafos e da oferta de mamografia em relação ao parâmetro assistencial do Sistema Único de Saúde em Pernambuco

Abstract Objective: to describe the distribution of available mammograms in the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (Public Health Care System) and the mammography offering were carried out by this system, throughout the health regions in Pernambuco State, and compared them with the parametric care recommended by the Ministry of Health. Methods: this is a descriptive cross-sectional study that used secondary mammograms data in December 2016 by the Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (National Registy on Health Establishments); and about mammography performed at SUS in 2016 by the Sistema de Informação Ambulatorial (Ambulatory Information System). The parametric care document No. 1.631/2015 was used as a comparability standard in relation to the distribution of the equipment and the mammography offering. Results: Pernambuco State presented approximately the double amount of mammograms and mammography was performed about 46% below the recommended parameter used in this study. All the health regions presented sufficient quantity of mammograms. However, the use of the installed capacity was less than 50% in all the health regions in the state. Conclusions: this study shows the need for a better use of the installed capacity for mammograms in Pernambuco State taken by the insufficient mammography offering and the poor distribution of the equipment in its territory.

Resumo Objetivo: descrever a distribuição dos mamógrafos disponíveis para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e da oferta de mamografias realizadas através desse sistema, por região de saúde em Pernambuco e compará-los aos parâmetros assistenciais preconizados pelo Ministério da Saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo, que utiliza dados secundários sobre mamógrafos, em dezembro de 2016, através do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde; e sobre mamografias realizadas pelo SUS, em 2016, através do Sistema de Informação Ambulatorial. Utilizou-se o parâmetro assistencial da Portaria N° 1631/2015 como padrão de comparabilidade em relação à distribuição dos equipamentos e da oferta de mamografia. Resultados: Pernambuco apresentou aproximadamente o dobro de mamógrafos e realizou aproximadamente 46% mamografias abaixo do que preconiza o parâmetro de necessidade utilizado nesse estudo. Todas as regiões de saúde apresentaram quantidade de mamógrafos suficiente. Contudo, a utilização da capacidade instalada foi menor que 50% em todas as regiões de saúde do estado. Conclusões: Esse estudo mostra a necessidade de uma melhor utilização da capacidade instalada dos mamógrafos em Pernambuco, tendo em vista a insuficiente oferta de mamografias e a má distribuição desses equipamentos em seu território.

Defining the diagnostic divide: an analysis of registered radiological equipment resources in a low-income African country.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnostic radiology is recognised as a key component of modern healthcare. However there is marked inequality in global access to imaging. Rural populations of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need. Carefully coordinated healthcare planning is required to meet the ever increasing global demand for imaging and to ensure equitable access to services. However, meaningful planning requires robust data. Currently, there are no comprehensive published data on radiological equipment resources in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to conduct the first detailed analysis of registered diagnostic radiology equipment resources in a low-income African country and compare findings with recently published South African data. METHODS: The study was conducted in Tanzania in September 2014, in collaboration with the Tanzanian Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC), which maintains a comprehensive database of the country's registered diagnostic imaging equipment. All TAEC equipment data were quantified as units per million people by imaging modality, geographical zone and healthcare sector. RESULTS: There are 5.7 general radiography units per million people in the public sector with a relatively homogeneous geographical distribution. When compared with the South African public sector, Tanzanian resources are 3-, 21- and 6-times lower in general radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. CONCLUSION: The homogeneous Tanzanian distribution of basic public-sector radiological services reflects central government's commitment to equitable distribution of essential resources. However, the 5.7 general radiography units per million people is lower than the 20 units per million people recommended by the World Health Organization.

[The status of an X-ray mammography equipment park in the Russian Federation in 2011­2012].

Breast cancer is the first most common cancer among women. Its increasingly threatening trends force to search for ways to accelerate the introduction of current technologies for the early diagnosis and prevention of breast malignancies. The paper gives data on the quantity and distribution of diagnostic and minimally invasive mammography equipment by the regions of the Russian Federation, which may lead to the conclusion about the regions' needs for equipment, trends, and possible prospects in the development of digital radiology in mammology.

[The shortcomings of technical regulation in sphere of circulation of medical devices for diagnostic in vitro in the Russian Federation: the state of affairs and proposed solutions].

The article presents analysis of international and national trends in area of development of normative legal documents in sphere of circulation of medical devices for diagnostic in vitro. The comparative analysis was made concerning certain principles of formation of nomenclature of medical devices for diagnostic in vitro in the international practice and in the Russian Federation. The necessity of reformation of national normative legal base in this issue is demonstrated.

Transitioning to a national (New Zealand) sole supply scheme for glucose meters: lessons learned, problems yet to be solved.

This case study describes the clinical impact of moving to a single brand of glucose test strips. In 2013 the New Zealand public health system completed a move to procure test strips at a significant discount. The associated direct savings is estimated at around 40% of the total glucose strip budget. Half the local diabetes population undertake glucose monitoring using government-funded diabetes supplies. These patients no longer have a choice of brand of meters and strips. Although the majority of patients adapted well to this change, a small percentage did not. Also, some consumers expressed concerns about analytical performance of the new strips, when used in everyday life. A pragmatic postmarketing surveillance system, designed with consumer input, may help address these residual concerns.

Osteoporosis en América Latina: revisión de panel de expertos / Osteoporosis in Latin America: panel expert review

Contexto: Latinoamérica se encuentra en una transición demográfica y epidemiológica, proceso que representa un aumento de las enfermedades crónico-degenerativas. La osteoporosis y las fracturas por fragilidad se perfilan como una de las causas de carga por enfermedad de mayor impacto en el sector salud. Objetivo: ofrecer un panorama actualizado sobre las tendencias de la epidemiología de la osteoporosis y las fracturas por fragilidad, su impacto económico y los recursos con que actualmente cuenta nuestra región para el diagnóstico, tratamiento oportuno y prevención. Método: panel de expertos. Conclusión: se observó que la información epidemiológica y económica en nuestra región es escasa y fragmentada. Por lo tanto es deseable recolectar datos sobre la calidad de vida en la osteoporosis y fracturas por fragilidad, además de enfatizar la prevención como herramienta para disminuir estas lesiones.

Background. The Latin American region is undergoing a demographic and epidemiological transition, which is leading to an increase in chronic and degenerative diseases. Osteoporosis (OP) and fragility fractures (FF) are emerging as main causes of disease burden with great impact on health institutions. Purpose. This review article provides an updated overview of trends in the epidemiology and economic impact of OP and FF, as well as in diagnosis and available treatments in Latin America, including calcium, vitamin D and prevention programs. Methods. Expert panel. Conclusions. According to this review, there is a lack of epidemiological and economic information in the region. It is desirable to obtain information regarding quality of life in OP and FF as well as to highlight prevention as a tool to reduce FF.

Diagnóstico de enfermedades gastroenterológicas en provincia / Diagnosis of gastroenterological diseases in provincial setting

The “diagnosis of gastroenterological diseases in province setting” does not differ from the diagnosis made in the Metropolitan Region (MR). However, in the MR, there are more complex centers with greater numbers of gastroenterologists. The specialists are more concentrated in the private health sector, leaving the public health sector lacking medical hours, at the MR and province. Digestive pathologies expressed by mortality and hospital discharge rates, vary in the different regions of the country, particularly in the case of gastric cancer, which is more frequent in the less developed areas in the central and southern regions of the country. Regions are well equipped in terms of imaging and laboratory for gastroenterological purposes, in both public and private sectors, however, the private sector has achieved more development in the last years.

El “diagnóstico de enfermedades gastroenterológicas en provincia” no difiere mayormente con el que se hace en la Región Metropolitana (RM), no obstante existen centros con implementación más compleja y mayor número de especialistas en gastroenterología a nivel central. La distribución de gastroenterólogos es mayor en el área privada de salud, con gran carencia de horas médicas en el sistema público, tanto en la RM como en provincia. Las patologías digestivas expresadas por tasas de mortalidad y egresos hospitalarios difieren en las distintas zonas del país, especialmente el cáncer gástrico, en áreas más pobres, preferentemente zona centro sur del país. Las regiones cuentan con implementación en gastroenterología, imágenes y laboratorio tanto en el sector público, como privado, no obstante este último ha logrado mayor desarrollo en los últimos años.

Geographic access and the use of screening mammography.

BACKGROUND: Screening mammography rates vary geographically and have recently declined. Inadequate mammography resources in some areas may impair access to this technology. We assessed the relationship between availability of mammography machines and the use of screening. METHODS: The location and number of all mammography machines in the United States were identified from US Food and Drug Administration records of certified facilities. Inadequate capacity was defined as <1.2 mammography machines per 10,000 women age 40 or older, the threshold required to meet the Healthy People 2010 target screening rate. The impact of capacity on utilization was evaluated in 2 cohorts: female respondents age 40 or older to the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey (BRFSS) and a 5% nationwide sample of female Medicare beneficiaries age 65 or older in 2004-2005. RESULTS: About 9% of women in the BRFSS cohort and 13% of women in the Medicare cohort lived in counties with <1.2 mammography machines per 10,000 women age 40 or older. In both cohorts, residence in a county with inadequate mammography capacity was associated with lower odds of a recent mammogram (adjusted odds ratio in BRFSS: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.98, P < 0.05; adjusted odds ratio in Medicare: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.85-0.87, P < 0.05), controlling for demographic and health care characteristics. CONCLUSION: In counties with few or no mammography machines, limited availability of imaging resources may be a barrier to screening. Efforts to increase the number of machines in low-capacity areas may improve mammography rates and reduce geographic disparities in breast cancer screening.

The movement of services out of the hospital.

Certificate of Need (CON) laws have been used in the United States since the 1960s to restrict the availability of new and expensive technology in the health system. However, as medical technology is used in non-institutional settings, the value of such a regulatory system is called into question. This article examines changes occurring in the health system in the United States and OECD countries such as the movement of technology out of the hospital, the push by manufacturers of medical equipment to have greater sales and expand their markets, the internecine fights between different specialties, and other issues that have served to lead to an out-migration of services from hospitals to physician's offices, clinics and group practices, and specialty hospitals. The future of CON as a form of regulation is discussed.

[Analysis of equipment of the Russian X-ray Mammological Service in 2005-2006].

Equipment of the Russian X-Ray Mammological Service in 2005-2006 is analyzed. The prospects for reequipment are considered taking into account the widespread development of digital technologies.

Range of self-tests available to buy in the United Kingdom: an Internet survey.

We aimed to describe the availability in the United Kingdom of self-tests that are used to diagnose or screen for conditions without involving a health professional. A systematic Internet search identified 104 unique self-tests related to 24 named conditions including cancers, chronic conditions and infections. These self-tests require various samples including blood obtained using a lancet. The samples are processed at home with results available in minutes or sent to a laboratory for processing with results returned to the individual by e-mail or post. Prices per self-test and condition range from < Pounds 1 to Pounds 76. Self-tests are readily available, and further work is needed to assess their impact.