Please pay attention to the competency of Chinese primary clinical medical workers in electrocardiogrophic interpretation skills

Abstract Background: Improving the capacity of health care, disease diagnosis and treatment of primary medical workers was the key to hierarchical diagnosis and treatment services. Electrocardiogram (ECG) played an important role in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases and should be regarded as the most basic tool for primary clinical medical workers in China. Objectives: To investigate the competency of Chinese medical workers in electrocardiographic interpretation skills, especially in the primary care hospitals, to explore the insufficiency of electrocardiographic interpretation skills and the improvement methods. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted via the internet from March to October 2019. The questionnaire consists of 6 parts: basic information, equipping with an electrocardiograph, operating electrocardiograph, receiving electrocardiographic theory, testing of electrocardiographic interpretation, and improving electrocardiographic interpretation skills. Results: The effective quantity of this questionnaire was 2307, with an effective rate of 96.57%. The overall reliability was α=0.895. There were no significant differences among primary, private and class-Ⅲ hospitals in the aspects of equipping with an electrocardiograph (χ2=3.794, 3.104, P＞0.05), operating the electrocardiograph (χ2=1.857, P＞0.05) and receiving electrocardiographic theoretical study (χ2=6.701, P＞0.05). Medical workers in private and class-Ⅲ hospitals had a stronger interpretation competency of ECG, including common or life-threatening ECGs (P＜0.01). The development of talent echelon in primary hospitals affected the electrocardiographic interpretation skills of medical workers (P＜0.01). In primary hospitals, the age was mainly ≥ 40 years (79.0%), the education background was mainly bachelor and below degree (80.9%), the professional qualification was mainly physician assistant (58.6%) and primary physician (31.4%). The interpretation competency of ECG of medical workers in private or class-Ⅲ hospitals was higher than that in primary hospitals (P＜0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions: In China, the examination of electrocardiograph had been popularized. Due to the unreasonable development of talent echelon in primary hospitals, the electrocardiographic interpretation skills of primary medical workers were worrying. We should improve electrocardiographic teaching methods with the help of the internet, to enhance the electrocardiographic interpretation skills of primary medical workers.

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Doctors' Awareness of Celiac Disease: Survey Results

Effective Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.33978/2307-3586-2021-17-16-92-100 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (16) ◽

pp. 92-100

Author(s):

S.V. Bykova ◽

◽

E.A. Sabelnikova ◽

E.I. Zadiran ◽

A.I. Parfenov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Celiac Disease ◽

General Practitioners ◽

Correct Diagnosis ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Statistical Processing ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Disease Diagnosis ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Celiac Disease Diagnosis

The aim is to assess the awareness of general practitioners, gastroenterologists and other specialists on the methods of celiac disease diagnosis and treatment. Materials and methods. A single-stage continuous cross-sectional study of celiac disease awareness among general practitioners, gastroenterologists and other specialists was conducted. The level of doctors’ awareness was determined by the anonymous voluntary questionnaire using the questionnaire of 23 items developed on the basis of the Department of Non-Inflammatory Bowel Pathology (supplement). According to the answers to the questionnaire items, the knowledge of doctors in the field of diagnosis, therapy, and tactics of managing patients with celiac disease was evaluated. The study involved 197 doctors of medical organizations in Moscow and the Moscow Region. Statistical processing was performed with the use of Microsoft Excel 2016 software (Microsoft, USA) and the use of descriptive statistics methods. The data is presented in the form of absolute numbers and their fractions. Results. The survey revealed gaps in the doctors’ knowledge on the methods of celiac disease diagnosis and clinical manifestations,the definition of risk groups of patients to be examined to exclude celiac disease, the criteria for prescribing the gluten-free diet, as well as some social aspects. These studies indicate the lack of understanding of the methods of correct diagnosis and the need to improve the knowledge of doctors, the introduction of educational programs, schools for doctors and patients. Conclusion. It is necessary to improve the skills of doctors in celiac disease diagnosis and treatment in order to improve the screening and early diagnosis of celiac disease and related complications

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Automatic ECG Diagnosis Using Convolutional Neural Network

Electronics ◽

10.3390/electronics9060951 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 951 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Roberta Avanzato ◽

Francesco Beritelli

Keyword(s):

Confusion Matrix ◽

Premature Ventricular Contraction ◽

Disease Diagnosis ◽

Ecg Signals ◽

Testing Dataset ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Causes Of Mortality ◽

Atrial Premature Beat ◽

Heart Disease Diagnosis ◽

Electrocardiogram Ecg

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common class of chronic and life-threatening diseases and, therefore, considered to be one of the main causes of mortality. The proposed new neural architecture based on the recent popularity of convolutional neural networks (CNN) was a solution for the development of automatic heart disease diagnosis systems using electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. More specifically, ECG signals were passed directly to a properly trained CNN network. The database consisted of more than 4000 ECG signal instances extracted from outpatient ECG examinations obtained from 47 subjects: 25 males and 22 females. The confusion matrix derived from the testing dataset indicated 99% accuracy for the “normal” class. For the “atrial premature beat” class, ECG segments were correctly classified 100% of the time. Finally, for the “premature ventricular contraction” class, ECG segments were correctly classified 96% of the time. In total, there was an average classification accuracy of 98.33%. The sensitivity (SNS) and the specificity (SPC) were, respectively, 98.33% and 98.35%. The new approach based on deep learning and, in particular, on a CNN network guaranteed excellent performance in automatic recognition and, therefore, prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

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Exploring the perspectives of members of international tuberculosis control and research networks on the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis services: a cross sectional survey

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-021-06852-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Oluwatosin Nkereuwem ◽

Esin Nkereuwem ◽

Arnauld Fiogbe ◽

Eno E. Usoroh ◽

Abdou K. Sillah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

West African ◽

European Countries ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

Research Networks ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tb Control ◽

Treatment Services ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption to healthcare services globally and has impacted on tuberculosis (TB) patients and TB diagnosis and treatment services both in low- and high-income countries. We therefore explored the perspectives of members of regional and international TB control and research networks to further understand TB service disruptions and compared the experiences of members from West African and European countries. Methods This cross-sectional, explorative descriptive study was conducted from May to July 2020 using an open online survey with target respondents from both West African and European countries. The survey comprised discrete questions exploring challenges faced with TB screening, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and changes implemented. Additionally, respondents were asked to provide recommendations for remedial actions. Results We analysed responses from 124 respondents based in 29 countries located in Europe and West Africa. About half of the respondents reported challenges in delivering routine TB services during the COVID-19 pandemic, with over one third reporting having some form of guidance issued regarding maintaining delivery of routine TB services. Respondents emphasised the need for strengthening TB services especially in light of COVID-19 pandemic. Considerable similarities were found between the challenges experienced by TB professionals in both West African and European settings. Responses also highlighted the hidden challenges faced in some countries prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in some West African settings where staff shortages and laboratory issues predated COVID-19. Conclusions TB control and research professionals in West African and European settings experienced similar challenges to the delivery of TB diagnosis and treatment services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlighted the need for clear communication of guidelines, prioritisation of routine TB service delivery, ongoing health education, and possible integration of TB and COVID-19 services to ensure that TB services are more resilient against the impact of the pandemic.

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Cytauxzoonosis

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x15610681 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 17 (11) ◽

pp. 940-948 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Meredith K Sherrill ◽

Leah A Cohn

Keyword(s):

Case Reports ◽

Geographic Area ◽

The United States ◽

Disease Diagnosis ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Geographic Range ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

South Central ◽

Cellular Inclusions ◽

Life Threatening

Practical relevance: Cytauxzoonosis is a life-threatening hematoprotozoal disease with a rapidly progressive clinical course. Once considered a rare disease only relevant to a small geographic area, it is now recognized in more than about a third of the United States. The geographic range seems likely to increase with expansion of the range of the vector tick. Clinical challenges: Both disease diagnosis and treatment offer challenges. The acute illness is often recognized by characteristic parasitic cellular inclusions, but illness may occur before parasites can be identified, and parasitic inclusions may persist long after illness has resolved. Also, while infection was once considered nearly uniformly fatal, subclinical infections are now recognized. Disease prognosis has improved for many cats through implementation of new therapies, but some pathogens are resistant to these therapies and death from disease is still common. Currently, prevention strategies are limited to ectoparasite control. Global importance: Cytauxzoonosis caused by Cytauxzoon felis is limited to the Americas, and is especially problematic in southeastern and south central USA. However, other Cytauxzoon species have been recognized in Europe and Asia. Audience: This review is aimed at veterinary practitioners and focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cytauxzoonosis. Disease management is of crucial importance in endemic regions. Furthermore, the expanding geographic range of infection, and the possibility of parasite identification in chronically infected cats with a travel history, make understanding cytauxzoonosis relevant in non-endemic regions as well. Evidence base: The authors draw on evidence from prospective clinical trials, experimental infections, retrospective clinical studies and case reports, as well as their own personal experience with the diagnosis and treatment of cytauxzoonosis.

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Key Chagas disease missing knowledge among at-risk population in Spain affecting diagnosis and treatment

Infectious Diseases of Poverty ◽

10.1186/s40249-021-00841-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

María Romay-Barja ◽

Laura Iglesias-Rus ◽

Teresa Boquete ◽

Agustín Benito ◽

Teresa Blasco-Hernández

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Early Diagnosis ◽

Chagas Disease ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Disease Diagnosis ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Poor Knowledge

Abstract Background Chagas disease is endemic in Latin America and, over the last few decades, due to population movements, the disease has spread to other continents. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in terms of improving outcomes for those living with Chagas disease. However, poor knowledge and awareness is one of barriers that affects access to Chagas disease diagnosis and treatment for the population at risk. Information regarding immigrants’ knowledge concerning Chagas disease control and prevention is insufficient in non-endemic countries and, therefore, this study sought to assess Chagas disease knowledge and awareness within the Bolivian community residing in Madrid. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in March–August 2017. A total of 376 Bolivians answered a structured questionnaire. A knowledge index was created based on respondents’ knowledge about transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and place to seek treatment. Multivariate logistic regressions analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with respondents’ knowledge of Chagas disease. Results A total 159 (42.4%) of Bolivians interviewed about their knowledge of Chagas disease were men and 217 (57.6%) were women. Vinchuca was mentioned as mode of transmission by 71% of the Bolivians surveyed, while only 9% mentioned vertical transmission. Almost half of the Bolivians did not know any symptom of Chagas disease and only 47% knew that a specific blood test is necessary for diagnosis. Most of Bolivians were aware of the severity of Chagas disease, but 45% of Bolivians said that there is no cure for Chagas and 96% did not know any treatment. Based on the index of knowledge generated, only 34% of Bolivians had a good knowledge about Chagas disease transmission, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, knowledge regarding Chagas disease, diagnosis and treatment was significantly higher amongst older Bolivians who had secondary education at least, as well as amongst those who had already been tested for Chagas disease. Conclusions This study found that most of the Bolivian population living in Spain had poor knowledge about Chagas disease transmission, symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment. A poor understanding of the disease transmission and management is one of the most important barriers when it comes to searching for early diagnosis and appropriate care.

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Availability and Use of Mobile Health Technology for Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Support by Health Workers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: A Cross-sectional Survey

10.1101/2021.05.04.21256622 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ernest Osei ◽

Kwasi Agyei ◽

Boikhutso Tlou ◽

Tivani P Mashamba-Thompson

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Healthcare Delivery ◽

Disease Diagnosis ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ashanti Region ◽

Treatment Support ◽

Primary Healthcare Clinics

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have been identified as promising strategies for improving access to healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. However, the extent of availability and use of mHealth among healthcare professionals in Ghana is not known. The main objective of this study is to determine the availability and use of mHealth for disease diagnosis and treatment support by health professionals in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 285 healthcare professionals across 100 primary healthcare clinics in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. We obtained data on the participants' background, available health infrastructure, healthcare workforce competency, ownership of a mobile wireless device, usefulness of mHealth, ease of use of mHealth, user satisfaction, and behavioural intention to use mHealth. Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize healthcare professionals' demographics and clinical features. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the influence of the demographic factors on the availability and use of mHealth for disease diagnosis and treatment support. STATA version 15 was used to compute all the statistical analyses. Findings: Out of the 285 healthcare professionals, 62.8% indicated that mHealth applications are available to them, while 37.2% had no access to mHealth. Of the 185 healthcare professionals who had access to mHealth, 98.4% are currently using mHealth to support healthcare delivery. Logistic regression model analysis significantly (p< 0.05) identified factors associated with the availability and use of mHealth applications for disease diagnosis and treatment support. There was a significant association between the availability and use of mHealth for disease diagnosis and treatment support from the chi-square test analysis. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a low-level use of mHealth for disease diagnosis and treatment support by healthcare professionals at the rural primary healthcare clinics. We encourage policymakers to promote the implementation of mHealth in rural primary health clinics.

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Cross-Sectional Study on Health Literacy and Internet Accessibility Among Patients With DM in Gansu, China

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.692089 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Na Zhao ◽

Xifeng Luo ◽

Hailiang Zhang ◽

Runjing Dai ◽

Weimin Pan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Good Health ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Gansu Province ◽

The Internet ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Influencing

Objective: To determine the relationship between the health literacy of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and the accessibility of internet surfing for information concerning DM.Methods: A multistage stratified sampling method was utilized to conduct a questionnaire survey on DM health literacy and internet accessibility among 1,563 patients with DM in Gansu Province in 2020. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the factors that influence health literacy and internet accessibility; while the chi-square test was used to compare the differences in needs.Results: Among 1,563 valid questionnaires collected with an effective rate of 95.7%, there were 65.4, 66.3, or 51.1% of patients with DM were found to have good health knowledge, attitudes, or practice levels, respectively. Occupation, income, disease course of DM, and accessibility to the internet were the main factors influencing health literacy. Age, residency, occupation, education, income, and family history of DM were the factors influencing accessibility to internet surfing for DM. The expectations from patients with DM for the capacity to obtain DM information from traditional sources or through internet sources was 1,465 (93.7%) or 1,145 (73.3%), respectively. Patients with DM had a 2-fold higher desire to obtain DM health information from internet media if the patients had access to the internet than those without (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The socioeconomic status and access to the internet were the main contributing factors for health literacy, as socioeconomic status is closely related to access to the internet.

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Síndrome da Anca de Ressalto

Revista de Medicina Desportiva ◽

10.23911/rmd.vol9.iss1.pp8-11 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 8

Author(s):

Bernardo Almeida

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Hip Joint ◽

Scientific Literature ◽

Therapeutic Targets ◽

Clinical History ◽

Disease Diagnosis ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

Snapping Hip ◽

Predominant Symptom ◽

Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome is a condition in which the predominant symptom is the snapping feelingaround the hip joint caused by a dynamic impingement between muscles or tendons and boneprominences. The etiology of the snapping hip types and consequently the therapeutic targets havebeen subjects of discussion and controversy along the years. A careful clinical history and physicalexamination is frequently enough for this disease diagnosis. Treatment is typically conservative,however when it is not successful surgical treatment is indicated, consisting on the snapping muscleor tendons lengthening. The authors review in this paper the current scientific literature about functionalanatomy, physiopathology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of snapping hip.

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