scholarly journals Development and implementation of SafeMedWaste, a chemical denaturant for non-hazardous disposal of controlled medications

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Leishman ◽  
Yizhong Wang ◽  
Reddy Channu ◽  
Evan Boyst ◽  
Marshall Hartmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Test Sample ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Waste Streams ◽  
Manufacturing Facility ◽  
Controlled Substances ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Beta Testing

AbstractSubstance use disorders are a significant public health issue. Options to dispose of controlled medications are limited, increasing the risk of diversion. Providing an alternative for disposal, a chemical denaturant, SafeMedWaste, was designed to destroy controlled substances irreversibly and safely be placed in non-hazardous landfills. Via HPLC–MS, four formulations of SafeMedWaste were tested with 34 different liquid controlled medications from DEA schedules I–V. Beta testing assessed the efficacy of SafeMedWaste in a clinical setting and on waste generated in a manufacturing setting. Furthermore, a formulation of SafeMedWaste was tested on solid controlled medications. All 34 of the liquid medications tested (e.g., amphetamine, diazepam, fentanyl, ketamine) were fully destroyed in SafeMedWaste within 2–24 h. Analysis of a beta test sample of SafeMedWaste containing fentanyl, midazolam, and morphine waste collected in a hospital showed full denaturation of these drugs in 24 h. Variants of SafeMedWaste were optimized to denature six different controlled substance waste samples from a manufacturing facility. In contrast to side-by-side studies with a charcoal disposal system using the same drugs, SafeMedWaste fully inactivated and destroyed the controlled substances in the waste streams. Another formulation of SafeMedWaste was tested on solid medications, which were fully denatured in 48–72 h. In conclusion, SafeMedWaste irreversibly denatures controlled medications that present a problem in our society.

scholarly journals Physician Impairment: Is Recovery Feasible?

2009 ◽  
Vol 3;12 (3;5) ◽  
pp. 487-491
Author(s):  
Paul J. Christo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Relapse Prevention ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Professional Judgment ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Physician Impairment

Background: Physician impairment is a serious public health issue affecting not only physicians, but also their families, colleagues, and patients. Physician impairment is used most often to refer to substance use disorders, which involve both substance abuse and substance dependence and/or addiction. Objective: This article aims to describe the problem of physician impairment within the context of substance use disorders. The concept of recovery and several strategies for effective recovery are explored. Discussion: Experts now define impairment as an enduring condition that if left untreated is not amenable to remission and cure. In terms of functional capacity, impairment renders the physician unable to provide competent medical services, with serious flaws in professional judgment. Herein, we define the scope of the problem, consider several theories to explain the reason physicians may be prone to develop substance use disorders, discuss diagnosis and reporting, as well as treatment and prognosis, and identify several relapse prevention strategies. Conclusion: Physician impairment is a real and significant public health concern; however, recovery is feasible and the data support favorable odds of recovery and a return to clinical practice among those seeking appropriate treatment, counseling, and relapse prevention strategies. Key words: Physician impairment, substance use disorder, prevention, relapse, recovery, dependence, substance abuse, Physician Health Programs (PHPs).

scholarly journals Onset and temporal sequencing of lifetime anxiety, mood and substance use disorders in the general population

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Slade ◽  
P. M. McEvoy ◽  
C. Chapman ◽  
R. Grove ◽  
M. Teesson
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Temporal Sequencing ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Nationally Representative

Aims.To date, very few studies have examined the bi-directional associations between mood disorders (MDs), anxiety disorders (ADs) and substance use disorders (SUDs), simultaneously. The aims of the current study were to determine the rates and patterns of comorbidity of the common MDs, ADs and SUDs and describe the onset and temporal sequencing of these classes of disorder, by sex.Methods.Data came from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, a nationally representative household survey with 8841 (60% response rate) community residents aged 16–85.Results.Pre-existing mental disorders increase the risk of subsequent mental disorders in males and females regardless of the class of disorder. Pre-existing SUDs increase the risk of subsequent MDs and ADs differentially for males and females. Pre-existing MDs increase the risk of subsequent ADs differentially for males and females.Conclusions.Comorbidity remains a significant public health issue and current findings point to the potential need for sex-specific prevention and treatment responses.

Identifying changes in trends in the age standardized incidence of melanoma in Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 250-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M Hille
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Iterative Process ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Piecewise Linear ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Piecewise Linear Regression ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Males And Females

ObjectiveTo identify changes in the linear trend of the age-standardized incidence of melanoma in Australia for all persons, males, and females. MethodsA two-piece piecewise linear regression was fitted to the data. The piecewise breakpoint varied through an iterative process to determine the model that best fits the data.ResultsStatistically significant changes in the trendof the age-standardized incidence of melanoma in Australia were found for all persons, males, and females. The optimal breakpoint for all persons and males was at 1998. For females, the optimal breakpoint was at 2005. The trend after these breakpoints was flatter than prior to the breakpoints, but still positive.ConclusionMelanoma is a significant public health issue in Australia. Overall incidence continues to increase. However, the rate at which the incidence is increasing appears to be decreasing.

scholarly journals Global Health Impacts of Dust Storms: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117863022110183
Author(s):  
Hamidreza Aghababaeian ◽  
Abbas Ostadtaghizadeh ◽  
Ali Ardalan ◽  
Ali Asgary ◽  
Mehry Akbary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Dust Storms ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Emergency Medical Dispatch ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
English Articles

Background: Dust storms and their impacts on health are becoming a major public health issue. The current study examines the health impacts of dust storms around the world to provide an overview of this issue. Method: In this systematic review, 140 relevant and authoritative English articles on the impacts of dust storms on health (up to September 2019) were identified and extracted from 28 968 articles using valid keywords from various databases (PubMed, WOS, EMBASE, and Scopus) and multiple screening steps. Selected papers were then qualitatively examined and evaluated. Evaluation results were summarized using an Extraction Table. Results: The results of the study are divided into two parts: short and long-term impacts of dust storms. Short-term impacts include mortality, visitation, emergency medical dispatch, hospitalization, increased symptoms, and decreased pulmonary function. Long-term impacts include pregnancy, cognitive difficulties, and birth problems. Additionally, this study shows that dust storms have devastating impacts on health, affecting cardiovascular and respiratory health in particular. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that dust storms have significant public health impacts. More attention should be paid to these natural hazards to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate these hazardous events to reduce their negative health impacts. Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42018093325

Theory of change: Don’t Bet Your Life On It

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Great Britain ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Seat Belt ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Clinical Expertise ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Gambling Harms ◽  
Related Harm

Gambling-related harms are increasingly recognised as a significant public health issue in Great Britain. The vast majority of those experiencing gambling harms remain unidentified and without support. Don't Bet Your Life On It (DBYLOI) blends lived experience and clinical expertise to deliver practical safer gambling strategies virtually for players that can be accessed anytime and anywhere to prevent any life from being needlessly affected by gambling-related harm. It is designed to support players at any level of play by providing players with a “seat belt” to prevent harms from occurring, identify early signs of risk, and signpost those experiencing harms to get the help they need. This theory of change visual and narrative considers the inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes necessary to achieve these goals. It can be used by organizations, groups, and individuals in any sector impacted by gambling related harms in Great Britain.

Clinical Management of Drug Use Disorders

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Thompson ◽  
Timothy Ando ◽  
James Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Substance Dependence ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Drug Use Disorders ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments ◽  
Significant Public Health

Despite mammoth efforts toward the treatment and prevention of substance use disorders in the United States over the past 30 years, they remain a significant public health concern and an all-too-common comorbidity among people with other forms of mental illness. Continued research into genetics, pharmacotherapies, psychotherapies, and epidemiology for substance use disorders results in huge amounts of new information for clinicians to assimilate each year. This review summarizes current diagnostic and categorical standards in substance use disorders, epidemiology, genetic and physiologic factors in addiction for each class, clinically relevant laboratory testing, evidence-based treatments, and prognostic considerations in substance use disorders. Specifically, sections cover cannabinoids, hallucinogens, opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. Key words: benzodiazepines, cannabis, drug dependence, hallucinogens, MDMA, substance abuse, substance dependence, synthetic cannabinoids 

Public Health and the Criminal Justice System

2019 ◽  
pp. 225-240
Author(s):  
Gary Tennis ◽  
Kenneth J. Martz ◽  
Jac A. Charlier
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Health Care Intervention ◽  
Incarcerated Population

Approximately two-thirds of America’s incarcerated population suffers with untreated or undertreated substance use disorders, and many of those individuals commit several crimes related to drug use and addiction on a daily basis prior to being incarcerated. To end the opioid epidemic in the United States we not only need to bolster our health care and public health response to substance use disorders, we need to engage the criminal justice system as a specific touchpoint for public health intervention in communities and states across the country. The principal argument in the chapter is that while individuals with opioid and/or other substance use disorders should get treatment before ever being involved in crime—if they are justice-involved, it is imperative that the criminal justice system serve as a belated but necessary public health and health care intervention supportive of treatment, recovery, and prevention of addiction.

Organizational Commitment Of Afad Istanbul Search And Rescue Unit

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Karakoç ◽  
Ö Erdoğan ◽  
E Demirbaş
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Search And Rescue ◽  
The Other ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
International Level ◽  
Significant Public Health

Abstract Background Our study is intended to evaluate the Organizational Commitment of the Istanbul AFAD Search and Rescue Unit (AKB) employees operating at national and international level during disasters and to serve as a model for the other organizations that conduct national and international operations in the area of search and rescue. Methods This research was carried out with a total of 75 employees from Istanbul AFAD AKB from 02.11.18 to 01.01.2019. Introductory Information Form and Organizational Commitment Scale were used for data collection. Findings of the study were evaluated via IBM SPSS Statistics 22. Results Among 71 persons who participated in the study, it was determined that 91.5% were male, 50.7% were at the age of 40 or older, 81.7% were married, 67.6% had bachelor's degree, 63.4% were search and rescue technicians, and 50.7% were employed by their current organization for 10 years or less. Regarding the employees, it was found that 25.4% had very good organizational commitment while 54.9% faced issues in relation to the organizational commitment. OCS point average of the employees was 3.07±0.20 and the obtained Cronbach Alfa internal consistency coefficient of the scale was 0.678. OCS points of those employed for 12 years or longer in total were determined to be high at statistically significant level. Also, OCS points of those who did not face any issue in relation to the Organizational Commitment were found to be high at a statistically significant level against those who faced issues. Conclusions It is important to ensure work satisfaction, provide harmonization, and avert chaos and stress for boosting the organizational commitment. Therefore, the managers should conduct activities intended to boost the employee commitment levels within the organization. Key messages Disaster is a significant public health issue and disaster employees are special. The issues faced by the employees that perform search and rescue operations must be considered important and resolved.

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