scholarly journals P102: What are Canadian emergency physicians’ attitudes toward, understanding of, and willingness to treat patients who have attempted suicide?

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S101-S102
Author(s):  
J. Fernandes ◽  
A. Chakraborty ◽  
F. Scheuermeyer ◽  
S. Barbic ◽  
D. Barbic

Introduction: Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Canada, and a common reason for patients to present to Canadian emergency departments (ED). Little knowledge exists around Canadian emergency physicians (EPs) attitudes toward and understanding of individuals who have attempted suicide. Methods: We developed a web-based survey on attitudes around suicide, which was pilot tested by two EPs and one psychiatrist for clarity and content. The survey was distributed via email to attending physician members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians. Data were described using counts, means, medians and interquartile ranges. We used the Understanding of Suicidal Patients (USP) Scale, an 11-point questionnaire utilized in previous studies to assess healthcare providers’ attitudes toward individuals who have attempted suicide. Each question was graded as a five-point Likert, with a score of 1 indicating complete agreement and a 5 indicating complete disagreement. A total USP score is calculated by adding together the score from each question and ranges from 11 to 55; a lower score indicates greater empathy and understanding of individuals who have attempted suicide. Results: 193 EPs responded to the survey, with 42% of EPs practicing in Ontario. 35% of EPs were female, the mean age was 48 (95% CI 47.3-48.7), and mean years in practice was 17 (95% CI 16.3-17.7). Academic practice location was reported by 55% of EPs, and 81% reported access to an inpatient psychiatry service. The mean USP score was 21.8 (95% CI 21.1-22.5) with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.75, the median was 22 [IQR 14-29]. The item that had most agreement from EPs was “I would like to help a person who has attempted suicide” (1.58, 95% CI 1.50-1.67), while the item that had the least agreement was “patients who have attempted suicide are usually treated well in my work unit” (2.54, 95% CI 2.40-2.69). Conclusion: Canadian EPs have a generally positive attitude toward treating individuals who have attempted suicide. EPs scored highly on a scale that measured willingness to provide care for and empathize with suicidal patients, yet identified that overall care for these patients could be improved.

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S102-S102
Author(s):  
J. Fernandes ◽  
A. Chakraborty ◽  
F. Scheuermeyer ◽  
S. Barbic ◽  
D. Barbic

Introduction: Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Canada, and a common reason for patients to present to Canadian emergency departments (ED). Little knowledge exists around Canadian emergency physicians (EPs) knowledge about the risk factors of completing suicide in patients presenting to the ED with suicidal thoughts. Methods: We developed a web-based survey on suicide knowledge, which was pilot tested by two emergency physicians and one psychiatrist for clarity and content. The survey was distributed via email to attending physician members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians. Data were described using counts, means, medians and interquartile ranges. Results: 193 EPs responded to the survey (response rate 16%), with 42% of EPs practicing in Ontario. 35% of EPs were female, the mean age was 48 (95% CI 47.3-48.7), and mean years in practice was 17 (95% CI 16.3-17.7). Academic practice location was reported by 55% of EPs, and 81% reported access to an inpatient psychiatry service. Twenty four (12%) EPs had personally considered suicide, and 45% had experience with suicide in their personal lives. The top three risk factors for suicide identified by EPs were: intent for suicide (90%); a plan for suicide (89%); prior suicide attempt (88%). A majority of EPs were able to correctly identify the other risk factors for completion of suicide except for the following: diagnosis of anxiety disorder (25%), chronic substance use (43%), prior non-suicidal self-injury (37%), low socioeconomic status (34%). Conclusion: Canadian EPs have substantial personal experience with suicide. A majority of EPs were able to correctly identify known risk factors for suicide completion, yet important gaps in knowledge exist.


CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Lacroix ◽  
Lisa Thurgur ◽  
Aaron M. Orkin ◽  
Jeffrey J. Perry ◽  
Ian G. Stiell

AbstractObjectivesRates of opioid-related deaths have reached the level of national public health crisis in Canada. Community-based opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs distribute naloxone to people at risk, and the emergency department (ED) may be an underutilized setting to deliver naloxone to these people. The goal of this study was to identify Canadian emergency physicians’ attitudes and perceived barriers to the implementation of take-home naloxone programs.MethodsThis was an anonymous Web-based survey of members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians. Survey questions were developed by the research team and piloted for face validity and clarity. Two reminder emails were sent to non-responders at 2-week intervals. Respondent demographics were collected, and Likert scales were used to assess attitudes and barriers to the prescription of naloxone from the ED.ResultsA total of 459 physicians responded. The majority of respondents were male (64%), worked in urban tertiary centres (58.3%), and lived in Ontario (50.6%). Overall, attitudes to OEND were strongly positive; 86% identified a willingness to prescribe naloxone from the ED. Perceived barriers included support for patient education (57%), access to follow-up (44%), and inadequate time (37%). In addition to people at risk of overdose, 77% of respondents identified that friends and family members may also benefit.ConclusionsCanadian emergency physicians are willing to distribute take-home naloxone, but thoughtful systems are required to facilitate opioid OEND implementation. These data will inform the development of these programs, with emphasis on multidisciplinary training and education.


CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S77-S78
Author(s):  
D. Barbic ◽  
C. Vadeanu ◽  
B.E. Grunau ◽  
K. Ramanathan ◽  
F.X. Scheuermeyer

Introduction: The accurate interpretation of potential ST-segment elevations on electrocardiograms (ECGs) to diagnose acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a critical competency for emergency physicians (EPs) and cardiologists. There is conflicting evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of EPs and cardiologists interpreting potential STEMI ECGs. Methods: We conducted a web-based assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of potential STEMI ECGs of Canadian EPs and cardiologists. They were identified using the membership lists of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians and the academic departments of cardiology at Canadian medical schools. When provided with 20 ECGs of confirmed STEMI patients, EPs and cardiologists were asked to provide a binary Yes/No answer to the question, “In a patient with ischemic chest pain, does this ECG represent a STEMI?” EPs and cardiologists were blinded to the correct answers while completing the web-based assessment. Descriptive statistics were used to described frequencies and counts. Analysis using Rasch Measurement Theory was used to explore the relationship between correct interpretation of ECGs and predictive variables such as age, years in practice or type of practice. Results: Two hundred and fifty EPs and 30 cardiologists (n=280) responded to our survey (total response rate 25%). Average years in practice were 12.5 for EPs (SD 10.6; median 10) and 14.6 for cardiologists (SD 10.6; median 11); 52% of EPs and 93% of cardiologists practiced in an academic setting. Seven of the cardiologists were interventionalists, while 47.6% of EPs and 97% of cardiologists practiced at hospitals with 24-hour catheterization capability. The diagnostic accuracy of EPs for identifying STEMI ECGs was 75% (SD 15%); cardiologists’ accuracy was 76% (SD 15.5%). The ability to correctly interpret the ECGs was independent of age, years in practice, or type of practice (community vs academic). Conclusion: EPs and cardiologists display similar diagnostic accuracy for interpreting STEMI ECGs, regardless of age, years in practice or type of practice. The findings of our study suggest the need for focused ECG education for both EPs and cardiologists.


Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 375-382
Author(s):  
Remco F. P. de Winter ◽  
Mirjam C. Hazewinkel ◽  
Roland van de Sande ◽  
Derek P. de Beurs ◽  
Marieke H. de Groot

Abstract. Background: Outreach psychiatric emergency services play an important role in all stages of a suicidal crisis; however, empirical assessment data are scarce. This study describes characteristics of patients assessed by these services and involved in suicidal crises. Method: During a 5-year period, detailed information from psychiatric emergency service assessments was recorded; 14,705 assessments were included. Characteristics of patients with/without suicidal behavior and with/without suicide attempts were compared. Outcomes were adjusted for clustering of features within individual patients. Results: Suicidal behavior was assessed in 32.2% of patients, of whom 9.2% attempted suicide. Suicidal behavior was most commonly associated with depression or adjustment disorder and these patients were referred to the service by a general practitioner or a general hospital, whereas those who attempted suicide were less likely to be referred by a general practitioner. Those who attempted suicide were more likely to be female and have had a referral by a general hospital. Self-poisoning by medication was the most common method of attempting suicide. Limitations: Bias could be due to missed or incomplete assessments. Primary diagnoses were based on clinical observation at the time of the assessment or on the primary diagnosis previously recorded. In addition, suicidal behavior or attempted suicide might have been underestimated. Conclusions: Suicidal behavior is commonplace in assessments by psychiatric emergency services. Suicidal patients with/without a suicide attempt differed with respect to demographic features, primary diagnoses, and referring entities, but not with respect to treatment policy. About 40% of the suicidal patients with/without an attempt were admitted following assessment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (05) ◽  
pp. 371-378
Author(s):  
Alfred O. Ankrah ◽  
Ismaheel O. Lawal ◽  
Tebatso M.G. Boshomane ◽  
Hans C. Klein ◽  
Thomas Ebenhan ◽  
...  

Abstract 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate PET/CT have both been shown to be useful in the management of tuberculosis (TB). We compared the abnormal PET findings of 18F-FDG- and 68Ga-citrate-PET/CT in patients with TB. Methods Patients with TB on anti-TB therapy were included. Patients had a set of PET scans consisting of both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate. Abnormal lesions were identified, and the two sets of scans were compared. The scan findings were correlated to the clinical data as provided by the attending physician. Results 46 PET/CT scans were performed in 18 patients, 11 (61 %) were female, and the mean age was 35.7 ± 13.5 years. Five patients also had both studies for follow-up reasons during the use of anti-TB therapy. Thirteen patients were co-infected with HIV. 18F-FDG detected more lesions than 68Ga-citrate (261 vs. 166, p < 0.0001). 68Ga-citrate showed a better definition of intracerebral lesions due to the absence of tracer uptake in the brain. The mean SUVmax was higher for 18F-FDG compared to 68Ga-citrate (5.73 vs. 3.01, p < 0.0001). We found a significant correlation between the SUVmax of lesions that were determined by both tracers (r = 0.4968, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Preliminary data shows 18F-FDG-PET detects more abnormal lesions in TB compared to 68Ga-citrate. However, 68Ga-citrate has better lesion definition in the brain and is therefore especially useful when intracranial TB is suspected.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 871.2-871
Author(s):  
F. Araujo ◽  
N. Gonçalves ◽  
A. F. Mourão

Background:The outcomes of the infection by the SARS-CoV-2 in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases were largely unknown during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hypothesized that these patients were at higher risk of morbidity and mortality due to their inherent immune dysfunction and immunosuppressive therapy. Several rheumatology societies issued recommendations urging patients not to stop their anti-rheumatic treatments.Objectives:To assess treatment compliance of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal.Methods:The web-based survey COVIDRA (COVID in RA) was developed to assess the impact of the first wave mandatory confinement in patients with RA focusing on 5 domains: RA symptoms, attitudes towards medication, employment status, physical exercise and mental health. The questionnaire was sent to RA patients through e-mail and social media of the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology and two patient associations; and it was filled locally at two rheumatology centers in Lisbon. Recruitment took place during June and July 2020. Descriptive statistics were generated by the survey software and were afterwards transported and evaluated using appropriate biostatistics software.Results:We obtained 441 valid questionnaires. Most respondents were female (88.4%), caucasian (93.6%), with a mean age of 58 (+/-13) years. The majority (57.6%) had longstanding disease (>10 years) and were treated with csDMARDs (63.2%) and/or bDMARDs/tsDMARDS (23,7%). Only 14% (N=61) discontinued or reduced the dosage or frequency of their RA treatment. Most of these changes were previously planned by the attending physician (27.9%). Only 11 patients (18%) discontinued their immunosuppressive medication out of fear of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 (corresponding to 2.5% of total responders). Another 11 patients did so because they had no prescription, couldn’t go to the community/hospital pharmacy or couldn’t afford the medication. Although these numbers preclude any statistical analysis, when compared to patients who persisted on their treatment, those discontinuing due to fear of contagion were younger (56.4 vs 58.5 years), all female (100 vs 86.8%), with long-lasting disease (≥ 11 years) (90.9% vs 57.5%), more frequently treated with bDMARDs (36.4 vs 23.1%) and presenting more symptoms of depression (54.5 vs 49.7%).Conclusion:Most RA patients complied with their treatment during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Portugal. Only a minority changed their immunosuppressive treatment due to fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Very similar rates of immunosuppressive discontinuation due to fear of contagion were reported by other authors (such as Schmeiser et al, Pineda-sic et al and Fragoulis et al).Disclosure of Interests:Filipe Araujo Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Biogen, Novartis, Menarini, Consultant of: MSD, Nuno Gonçalves: None declared, Ana Filipa Mourão: None declared.


2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunita Hemani ◽  
Premlata Mital

ABSTRACT Medical healthcare providers are an important link with the general public to impart knowledge regarding contraception. However, their own attitude and practice of contraception is often lacking. Objective This study was conducted to assess the attitude and practice of contraception over the last 5 years of the gynecologists themselves in a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur. Materials and methods The study was conducted on 125 female gynecologists in a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur. All were given a questionnaire which was duly filled by them and data obtained was analyzed. Results All the doctors used some form of contraception. The mean age was 29.32 years. The commonest was the barrier method (38.4%) followed by OC pills (27.2%). Twenty-one percent of the barrier users used them occasionally. Emergency contraception was used by either those using natural methods of contraception or who were occasional users of OC pills or condoms. Fifty percent of the couples relying on natural methods conceived. Conclusion Gynecologists have complete knowledge regarding contraception, yet fail to use it regularly. Proper attitude and practice is essential to prevent unintended pregnancies. How to cite this article Hemani S, Hooja N, Mital P. Attitude and Practice of Contraception among Gynecologists at a Tertiary Care Hospital. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(3): 129-131.


Author(s):  
Redah Z Mahmood ◽  
Judith Grossi ◽  
Todd M Koelling

Background: Experts agree that HF patients should practice appropriate self-care behaviors to minimize the risk of adverse clinical events, including early unplanned readmissions. We sought to understand patient perceptions and adherence to a web-based system designed to support self-care of HF patients. Methods: 100 HF patients were surveyed regarding their computer use and attitudes toward using an internet based web-portal (WP) to support self-care, provide patient education, and communicate with healthcare providers (HCP’s). We then consented 42 patients to participate in a 12 week trial of using the WP to track clinical parameters (daily weights, blood pressure, sodium/fluid intake, exercise), provide links for HF self-education, and update HCP’s on their progress. Patients received a face to face teaching session on accessing and using the WP. Results: The computer use survey (N=100) demonstrated that 72% of patients reported having a computer at home, 67% used email and 71% used the internet. In the WP intervention group (N=41) only 24 (58.5%) were able to successfully access the WP and enter data during the pilot (see table 1). Conclusions: Pilot data showed a significant positive correlation (see table 1) between patients indicating use of internet to access heaIth care information (HCI) and adherence with the WP. Despite strong interest to use a home based WP for self-care and communication with providers, we found that many hurdles prevented patients from using the WP. Internet based educational tools for HF patients may be desirable, but limitations in patients’ ability to access internet based programs may ultimately render the tools ineffective.


Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharda Udassi ◽  
Jai P Udassi ◽  
Melissa Lamb ◽  
Doug Theriaque ◽  
Arno L Zaritsky ◽  
...  

Introduction: In animals Active Compression-Decompression(ACD)-CPR improves hemodynamics compared with standard CPR (S-CPR). We evaluated the feasibility of achieving ACD-CPR with a novel, simple and inexpensive Adhesive Glove Device (AGD) in an infant manikin model using two thumb (TT) chest compression. Hypothesis: AGD-ACD CPR provides better chest decompression compared to S-CPR in an infant manikin model without excessive rescuer fatigue. Methods: Laerdal ™ Baby ALS Trainer manikin was modified to digitally record compression pressure (CP), compression depth (CD) and decompression depth (DD). The thumb portion of two oven mitts were sewn together and a Velcro adhesive patch was stitched on the underside with an encircling adjustable strap for proper fit to create the AGD. An interlocking Velcro patch was glued to the manikin chest wall. Sixteen BLS or PALS certified healthcare providers were prospectively randomized to perform either two-thumb S-CPR or AGD-ACD-CPR for 5 minutes with a 30:2 compression:ventilation ratio using a crossover design. During AGD-ACD-CPR subjects were asked to pull up during chest decompression. Rescuer heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), recovery time (RT) for HR/RR to return to baseline and actual compressions delivered per minute were recorded. Subjects were blinded to data recordings. Data (mean±SEM) was analyzed using 2 sided paired t-test; p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: Chest decompression was greater with AGD-ACD-CPR; the mean DD difference was 0.11±0.02 inches, p=<0.001. Compressions given per minute were 102±21 in S-CPR group vs. 96±16 in AGD-ACD-CPR group, p=0.04. In AGD-CPR 75% and in S-CPR only 12% of subjects achieved complete recoil to or beyond baseline. There was no significant difference in CD, CP, HR, RR and RT between the groups. Conclusions: Active decompression and improved recoil was achievable with the use of our simple, inexpensive AGD in this infant CPR model. Use of our device did not result in excessive rescuer fatigue compared to S-CPR. The clinical significance of 6 less compressions/minute in the AGD-CPR group needs to be determined.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Mantri ◽  
Nitin Kumar Joshi ◽  
Pankaj Bhardwaj ◽  
Akhil Dhanesh Goel ◽  
Manoj Kumar Gupta ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:Airports pose a possible threat in facilitating global disease transmission within the community which may be prevented by rigorous systematic entry-exit screening. With the aim to capture the perception of stakeholders associated with COVID-19 on barriers and facilitators of airport screening at Jaipur International Airport. Also, to assess key outcomes viz. total passengers screened, suspected cases, & confirmed cases.Methods:An inductive-deductive mix-method thematic analysis was conducted to capture qualitative data of key stakeholders. Additionally, quantitative data was obtained from the Rajasthan Medical & Health Department team deployed for COVID-19 airport screening.Results:Jaipur International Airport screened 4565 passengers (Males=4073 and Females=492) with 23 suspected cases during an outlined period of declaration of Pandemic to Lockdown in India (11th to 24th March 2020). Total 65 passengers had travel history from China (3 from Wuhan). The mean average age of passengers was 40.95 ± 7.8 years. The average screening time per passenger was 2-3 minutes with a load of 25-90 passengers per team per flight. Fishbone analysis of screening challenges revealed poor cooperation of passengers, masking symptoms, apprehension, and stigma related to quarantine. Moreover, inadequate human resources and changing guidelines overburdened healthcare providers. But, perception of risk, and social responsibility of travelers together with supportive organization behavior act as facilitators. Overall, groundwork on airport screening was insightful to propose key action areas for screening.Conclusions:Globally, COVID-19 has an impact on health infrastructure and international travel. International coordination with streamlined screening will go a LONG way in virus containment.


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