Neurosurgery and industry

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (6) ◽  
pp. 979-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon H. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Strict Adherence ◽  
Legal Standards ◽  
Legal Guidelines ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Improve Patient

The primary purpose of the relationship between neurosurgery and industry must be to improve patient care and advance medical knowledge. This relationship is desirable and can be mutually beneficial. Strict adherence to established ethical and legal guidelines is necessary to avoid financial conflicts of interest that may occur between neurosurgery and industry. The Code of Ethics established by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) in 1986 emphasizes the physician's responsibility to always act in the best interest of his or her patients. The AANS Guidelines for Corporate Relations were developed in 2004 to address the concern of the potential growing influence of industry in the activities of our neurosurgical organization. Recognizing a need to clarify the proper relationships between neurosurgeons and industry, Guidelines on Neurosurgeon-Industry Conflicts of Interest were recently established. The AANS is committed to the highest ethical and legal standards in future relations with our industry partners. Members of the AANS are encouraged to adhere to the voluntary guidelines established by our organization.

scholarly journals It's a Non-Dialysis Day… Do You Know How Your Patient Is Doing? A Case for Research into Interdialytic Activity

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 74-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Mendoza ◽  
Maggie Han ◽  
Anna Meyring-Wösten ◽  
Kenneth Wilund ◽  
Peter Kotanko
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Know How ◽  
Tracking Devices ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Improve Patient

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are less active than their healthy counterparts; this is associated with higher mortality. Healthcare workers observe their patients only during HD, which accounts for about 7% of the week. Knowing more about what occurs in between sessions, particularly with respect to physical activity, may improve patient care and prognosis. Yet without a standard method to measure interdialytic activity, it is difficult to compare the effect of interventions. However, it is unclear how interdialytic activity can be accurately measured. Since activity associated with quality of life is multi-dimensional, objective and subjective tools should be used in conjunction. While commercially available tracking devices can be seamlessly incorporated into everyday life and can increase awareness of user's activity, their validation is needed in the HD population. Fertile topics for research should include the relationship between objective and subjective measures in HD patients, and the investigation of physical activity in non-ambulatory HD patients.

First Report and Results From VSCO.NET, the Virtual Society of Clinical Oncology, An Independent Internet-Based Haematology/Oncology Platform.

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3832-3832
Author(s):  
Martin R Weihrauch ◽  
Florian Brinker ◽  
Jonas Breuer
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Oncology ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Tumor Board ◽  
Order System ◽  
Knowledge Database ◽  
Internet Platform ◽  
Database File ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Improve Patient

Abstract Abstract 3832 Introduction. VSCO.NET, the Virtual Society of Clinical Oncology was founded as an independent internet platform for healthcare professionals working in the field of hematology and oncology. The aim is to bundle all accessible knowledge and experience of the oncology community in one place and to grant an open, free-of-charge source of information. Methods. The concept was developed by hematologists/oncologists and was realized together with a team of web programmers. The software was developed in HTML, PHP and JavaScript and runs on a Linux web-server. To enable an internationally accepted platform, VSCO.NET offers its pages in English, Spanish, French and German. Results. VSCO.NET went public in December 2009 in a beta-stage with the following functions: 1. a comprehensive chemotherapy order system with over 100 included chemotherapy protocols, 2. staging tools for Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, CLL, and CML, 3. texts and tools for oncological emergencies, 4. a knowledge database/file repository for information texts, presentations and pictures, 5. a news channel with oncological abstracts, and 6. a virtual tumor board (discussion forum). Currently, over 400 physicians, mostly hematologists/oncologists, have registered with VSCO.NET. The most frequented tool is ChemoBOS, the chemotherapy order system, which quickly generates chemotherapy orders for patients. Due to its open and free protocol template generator, many physicians have created their own adapted chemotherapy protocols, which can be used by the entire VSCO.NET community. Also, the staging tools were generally well accepted and have a fairly high usage. However, the virtual tumor board as a way to communicate about difficult cases has not been used so far, which could show a reluctance of physicians to discuss their patient cases in an internet-based forum. It should be noted that many physicians registered from developing countries, who cannot afford expensive chemotherapy software and now have the opportunity to improve patient care at their centers. Conclusions: As the first internet-based society for hematology/oncology with a wide variety of interactive functions, VSCO.NET shows great potential to internationally connect physicians, expand the accessibility of oncological knowledge and to facilitate the daily clinical routine. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Propionibacterium acnes Susceptibility and Correlation with Hemolytic Phenotype

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. IDRT.S40539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis E. Wright ◽  
K. Keely Boyle ◽  
Thomas R. Duquin ◽  
John K. Crane
Keyword(s):  
First Generation ◽  
Propionibacterium Acnes ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Erie County ◽  
Replacement Surgery ◽  
Antibiotic Management ◽  
Invasive Infections ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Improve Patient

Background Many studies have noted an increase in the number of recognized cases of invasive infections due to Propionibacterium acnes, especially after shoulder replacement surgery. The increase in the number of recognized cases of P. acnes, a nonspore-forming, anaerobic, Gram-positive organism, appears due to both an increase in the number of shoulder operations being performed and more specimens being sent for anaerobic cultures. Nevertheless, the optimal surgical and antibiotic management of P. acnes remains controversial. Methods We tested the susceptibility of 106 P. acnes strains from sterile body sites collected at the Erie County Medical Center between 2012 and 2015, using Etest gradient antibiotic strips. Results P. acnes is very susceptible to the penicillins and the first-generation cephalosporins. We noted an association between hemolytic phenotype on Brucella Blood Agar and clindamycin resistance. Conclusions Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of P. acnes should no longer just be confined to the research laboratory but expanded and incorporated into routine microbiological evaluation of P. acnes. This would improve patient care as well as help clarify the relationship between hemolysis and clindamycin resistance.

Evaluation of the nature, severity, likelihood and preventability of medication-related hospital-acquired complications

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 935
Author(s):  
Martin Canning ◽  
Chui Han Lee ◽  
Richard Bolitho ◽  
Erin Dunn
Keyword(s):  
Oral Intake ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Medicines Use ◽  
Metropolitan Hospital ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Improve Patient ◽  
Related Harm

ObjectivePricing for safety and quality was introduced into Australian hospitals using a defined list of hospital-acquired complications (HACs). Medication-related HACs include drug-related respiratory complications (DRRC), haemorrhagic disorder due to circulating anticoagulants (HDDCA) and hypoglycaemia. The aim of this study was to determine the probability, severity and preventability of medication-related HACs, common contributory medications and themes, and whether medication-related HACs are a suitable data source to inform risk associated with medicines use. MethodsMedical notes were reviewed retrospectively for all patients discharged from a tertiary referral metropolitan hospital between 1 July and 31 December 2018 who were flagged as experiencing a medication-related HAC. Naranjo, Hartwig’s and Schumock and Thornton tools were used to assess the probability, severity and preventability of medication-related HACs. ResultsOver the 6-month period, 88 patients experienced a medication-related HAC. An HAC was not identified in five (5.7%) patient charts. The most common HAC was hypoglycaemia (n=59; 67%), followed by HDDCA (n=23; 26%) and DRRC (n=6; 7%). Fifteen patients (17%) flagged with a hypoglycaemia HAC were not on a medicine associated with hypoglycaemia. Overall, 6% (n=4) of HACs were severe, 72% (n=49) were moderate and 22% (n=15) were mild. Where the HAC and causal medication(s) were identified (n=68), over half were probable (51.5%, n=35) and 44.1% (n=30) were possible causes of the adverse drug reaction; only two (2.9%) were definite causes. None of the DRRC HACs was preventable. Over half the HDDCA HACs (52.2%; n=12) and almost half the hypoglycaemia HACs (46.2%; n=18) were not preventable. Common themes included appropriate anticoagulant agent, dose and monitoring, as well as periprocedural hypoglycaemic management, which considers oral intake and comorbidities. ConclusionNot all patients who experience medication-related HACs were on causative medications. Of those who were, medications were probable causal agents in over 50% of cases. Only a small number of HACs were severe and under half of medication-related HACs were preventable. What is known about the topic?The relationship between pricing for safety and quality and improvements in patient outcomes has shown mixed results. Medication-related harm is a problem within Australia and system-wide changes should be considered to improve patient care. What does this paper add?This paper adds evidence to the use of medication-related HACs as a source of data to inform risk associated with medicines use and provides details on the preventability and severity of medication-related HACs and the likelihood that medicines contribute to these complications. What are the implications for practitioners?This paper provides clinicians and policy makers details on the utility of using medication-related HACs as a measure of risk associated with medicines use. It discusses merit in using HACs as a source for quality improvement, but recommends that definitions may need to be reviewed to enhance utility.

scholarly journals Becoming a Community-Based Physician Researcher

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110366
Author(s):  
Donald Pine
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Family Physician ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Fundamental Change ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Great Satisfaction ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Cessation Intervention ◽  
Improve Patient

Years ago, as a contented community family physician practicing with 4 physician colleagues, I focused on applying medical knowledge to help patients. After a young patient’s death from smoking I became interested in improving our strategy for helping smokers quit. A researcher offered us the opportunity to test a cessation intervention that had been successful in an academic setting. I was concerned that this study would interfere with my patient care duties until I visited a practitioner researcher in Wales. I was inspired and worked with a research professional to build colleague support and carry out this project. After this gratifying experience I had similar experiences working with other research teams. As an ordinary practitioner I had expanded my role to become significantly involved in research. In this role I was working with a team to improve patient care. It was a fundamental change that brought me great satisfaction.

Analytical Methods for the Determination of Sartans in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Biological Fluids: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-222
Author(s):  
Miglena Smerikarova ◽  
Stanislav Bozhanov ◽  
Vania Maslarska
Keyword(s):  
Biological Fluids ◽  
Pharmaceutical Preparations ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Treatment Of Hypertension ◽  
Therapeutic Doses ◽  
Reliable Methods ◽  
Improve Patient

Background: Sartans are mostly used as a part of combination with additional medicines in the therapy of essencial hypertension. Preferred combinations are ARB and thiazide diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) and Chlorthalidone (CHL)) or ARB and calcium antagonists. The number of sartans mostly prescribed by specialists is only seven - Candesartan (CDS), Eprosartan (EPS), Irbesartan (IBS), Losartan (LOS), Olmesartan (OMS), Telmisartan (TMS) and Valsartan (VLS). Methods: The widespread use of sartans in the treatment of hypertension requires reliable methods of analysis. Bulk drugs and pharmaceutical preparations should be analyzed to ensure the quality of the medicinal products reaching patients. On the other hand, the analysis of drugs in biological fluids aims to trace and improve patient care by adjusting the therapeutic doses of drugs. According to our knowledge, a review devoted to the analysis of sartans was published in 2014. Results: Spectral methods are widely used in the analysis of bulk drugs and pharmaceutical dosage forms due to their relatively simple procedures, low reagent and sample consumption, speed, precision and accuracy combined with accessibility and comparatively low cost of common apparatus. Many papers for determination of sartans in bulk drugs and pharmaceutical preparations based on liquid chromatographic techniques were published in the available literature. Among these methods, HPLC takes the leading place but UPLC and HPTLC are also present. Conclusion: The widespread use of sartans in the treatment of hypertension requires reliable methods of analysis. Bulk drugs and pharmaceutical preparations should be analyzed to ensure the quality of the medicinal products reaching patients. On the other hand, the analysis of drugs in biological fluids aims to trace and improve patient care by adjusting the therapeutic doses of drugs. Since 2014, many articles have been published on the sartans analysis and this provoked our interest to summarize the latest applications in the analysis of sartans in pharmaceutical formulations and biological media. Articles published from 2014 to 2018 are covered.

Advance care planning: the future

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002304
Author(s):  
Judith Rietjens ◽  
Ida Korfage ◽  
Mark Taubert
Keyword(s):  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Decisional Capacity ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Future Care ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
Improve Patient

ObjectivesThere is increased global focus on advance care planning (ACP) with attention from policymakers, more education programmes, laws and public awareness campaigns.MethodsWe provide a summary of the evidence about what ACP is, and how it should be conducted. We also address its barriers and facilitators and discuss current and future models of ACP, including a wider look at how to best integrate those who have diminished decisional capacity.ResultsDifferent models are analysed, including new work in Wales (future care planning which includes best interest decision-making for those without decisional capacity), Asia and in people with dementia.ConclusionsACP practices are evolving. While ACP is a joint responsibility of patients, relatives and healthcare professionals, more clarity on how to apply best ACP practices to include people with diminished capacity will further improve patient-centred care.

scholarly journals How will artificial intelligence and bioinformatics change our understanding of IgA in the next decade?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman David Bülow ◽  
Daniel Dimitrov ◽  
Peter Boor ◽  
Julio Saez-Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Clinical Expertise ◽  
End Stage ◽  
The Complement System ◽  
Improve Patient ◽  
Generation Sequencing

AbstractIgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis. It is characterized by the deposition of immune complexes containing immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidney’s glomeruli, triggering an inflammatory process. In many patients, the disease has a progressive course, eventually leading to end-stage kidney disease. The current understanding of IgAN’s pathophysiology is incomplete, with the involvement of several potential players, including the mucosal immune system, the complement system, and the microbiome. Dissecting this complex pathophysiology requires an integrated analysis across molecular, cellular, and organ scales. Such data can be obtained by employing emerging technologies, including single-cell sequencing, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, and complex imaging approaches. These techniques generate complex “big data,” requiring advanced computational methods for their analyses and interpretation. Here, we introduce such methods, focusing on the broad areas of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence and discuss how they can advance our understanding of IgAN and ultimately improve patient care. The close integration of advanced experimental and computational technologies with medical and clinical expertise is essential to improve our understanding of human diseases. We argue that IgAN is a paradigmatic disease to demonstrate the value of such a multidisciplinary approach.

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