scholarly journals Patterns of Forensic Practice

2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-163
Author(s):  
Harold Merskey

Forensic pain medicine has provided an interesting survey of medico-legal practice patterns among pain specialists (1). Members of the New England Pain Association responded to a 20-item questionnaire addressing specific areas of practice including the completion of disability forms, letters, reports to lawyers, depositions, testimony in court, record reviews and return-to-work forms. Respondents were asked to distinguish the medico-legal activities for their patients from those that occurred for third parties. The participants who responded included pain specialists from a range of disciplines represented by the membership of this regional pain society. The response rate was 67% with a total of 144 surveys returned.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Fortin Ensign ◽  
Maya Hrachova ◽  
Susan Chang ◽  
Maciej M Mrugala

Abstract Background Molecular testing (MT) is utilized in neuro-oncology with increasing frequency. The aim of this study was to determine clinical practice patterns to acquire this information, interpret and utilize MT for patient care, and identify unmet needs in the practical clinical application of MT. Methods We conducted a voluntary online survey of providers within the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) membership database between March and April 2019. Results We received 152 responses out of 2022 SNO members (7.5% of membership). 88.8% of respondents routinely order MT for newly diagnosed gliomas. Of those who do not, testing is preferentially performed in younger patients or those with midline tumors. 82.8% use MT in recurrent gliomas. Other common indications included: metastatic tumors, meningioma, and medulloblastoma. Many providers utilize more than one resource (36.0%), most frequently using in-house (41.8%) over commercially available panels. 78.1% used the results for clinical decision-making, with BRAF, EGFR, ALK, and H3K27 mutations most commonly directing treatment decisions. Approximately, half (48.5%) of respondents have molecular tumor boards at their institutions. Respondents would like to see SNO-endorsed guidelines on MT, organized lists of targeted agents available for specific mutations, a database of targetable mutations and clinical trials, and more educational programs on MT. Conclusion This survey was marked by several limitations including response rate and interpretation of MT. Among respondents, there is routine use of MT in Neuro-Oncology, however, there remains a need for increased guidance for providers to effectively incorporate the expanding genomic data resulting from MT into daily Neuro-Oncology practice.


Author(s):  
Venkatesh V. Khadke ◽  
Shahbaz Yasin Khanda

Background: Government of India is trying to popularize generic medicines, still most Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) doubt its quality and efficacy. We conducted a cross sectional survey to study the barriers that hinders the practice of writing generic prescriptions. The aim was to study doctor’s knowledge, beliefs and actual practices regarding generic medicines. This study is a KAP survey model (Knowledge, attitude, practices) to study beliefs, barriers, awareness and actual practices regarding use of generic medicines amongst private practioners and RMPs of tertiary care Government hospital in Nanded city.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 300 randomly selected RMPs practicing in Nanded, Maharashtra. A 26-item questionnaire was designed, validated, and data collected through personal visits. Fisher’s exact test was applied to see associations between variables using Graphpad Prism 7.Results: 234 RMPs responded to the questionnaire i.e. a response rate of 78% was achieved. 107 (45.7%) participants claimed to be actively prescribing generic medicines. 122 (52.1%) of the participants were unaware of any generic medical shop in their locality. 83 (35.5%) participants believed generics to be duplicate/ substandard. However, 16 (19.3%) of them still prescribed generics. One-third of them actually preferred its use for family.Conclusions: RMPs do not accept the use of generic medicines for concerns about its quality and efficacy. Also, there was unawareness regarding availability of generic medicines in the locality. RMPs need to be educated about manufacture, sale and quality aspects of generic medicines in India.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Félix Couture ◽  
Antonio Finelli ◽  
Amélie Tétu ◽  
Bimal Bhindi ◽  
Rodney H. Breault ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Bosniak III and IV cysts have a high risk of malignancy and have traditionally been managed surgically. However, growing evidence suggests that many can be managed by active surveillance. The main objective of this study was to characterize the use of surveillance in the management of complex renal cysts. Methods A web-based survey was sent to all registered, active members of the Canadian Urological Association (N=583) in October 2018. Results The survey response rate was 24.7%. Management of Bosniak III cysts varied considerably. A large proportion of respondents (33.1%) offered active surveillance in >50% of cases. Only 13.7% of respondents reported never or rarely (<5% of cases) offering surveillance. In contrast, for Bosniak IV cysts, 60.1% of urologists never or rarely offered surveillance, while only 10.1% offer it in >50% of cases. A significantly greater proportion of academic urologists, compared to non-academic urologists, viewed surveillance as a management option for patients with a Bosniak III or IV cyst. The most commonly reported barriers to a greater adoption of surveillance were concerns regarding its oncologic safety, the lack of data to support surveillance in this population, and the lack of triggers for discontinuation of active surveillance and intervention. Conclusions Despite active surveillance being included as a management option in guidelines, many Canadian urologists are reluctant to offer surveillance to patients with Bosniak III or IV cysts. Practice patterns are heterogeneous among those offering surveillance. High-quality studies are required to better define the benefits and risks of cystic renal mass surveillance.


Author(s):  
Maryellen S. Kelly ◽  
Jennifer Stout ◽  
John S. Wiener

PURPOSE: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) affects 80% of individuals with spina bifida. Performing and disseminating research on NBD to reach the appropriate audience is difficult given the variability among medical specialties managing NBD. This study aimed to identify which medical specialties and types of providers are currently managing NBD in the United States. METHODS: A survey was developed and sent to 75 spina bifida clinics. Surveys queried which specialty was primarily responsible for medical and surgical management of NBD and any others that assist in NBD care. The license and certification level of the providers were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe the results. RESULTS: Response rate was 68%. Urology was the leading specialty primarily responsible for NBD management (39%) followed by rehabilitation medicine and developmental pediatrics (22% and 20%, respectively). Physicians were the primary providers of care followed by nurse practitioners (54% vs 31%). Urology performs 65% of NBD surgeries. CONCLUSION: Multiple specialties and providers are involved in NBD management with variation among clinics. Development of improved NBD care should include a spectrum of specialties and providers. Dissemination of research should be aimed at multiple specialty groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-171
Author(s):  
Bilal Kilic

INTRODUCTION: Pilots are more aware of drugs and self-medication in the internet age. However, they are unaware of the effects of self-medication, which may impede their cognitive and decision-making performance. The aim of this study was to determine the awareness levels of ab initio (student) pilots on self-medication and factors contributing to the prevalence of self-medication among them. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study examining ab initio pilots knowledge on medication use and the causality of self-medication among them.METHODS: A 17-item questionnaire was developed and administered online to 500 students across 5 flight training organizations (FTO) in Turkey. The response rate was 97/500. For the descriptive analysis of the data, SPSS (the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) was used.RESULTS: Based on the results, fear of medical disqualification and job loss is the most significant factor resulting in the prevalence of self-medication among ab initio pilots. Most of the ab initio pilots (88.7%, N 86) were aware of self-medication and its threat to flight safety. Furthermore, three factors influencing the level of awareness and knowledge of ab initio pilots on this subject were evaluated.DISCUSSION: All flight training organizations should educate ab initio pilots on the consequences of self-medication. Furthermore, ab initio pilots should be encouraged to consult an aeromedical examiner with any ailment before a flight.Kilic B. Self-medication among ab initio pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(3):167171.


Author(s):  
James Fowler ◽  
Christopher J. Chin ◽  
Emad Massoud

Abstract Background Rhinitis medicamentosa is a non-allergic form of rhinitis that is typically caused by prolonged use of topical nasal decongestants. This condition commonly affects young adults and treatment is not trivial. We aimed to survey Canadian Otolaryngologists to determine practice patterns and their opinions regarding this under-studied condition. Methods An electronic survey was sent to practicing Otolaryngologists within the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. The survey contained 16 questions pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of rhinitis medicamentosa, as well as opinions on public and primary care awareness of proper use of nasal decongestants. Results The survey was distributed to 533 Otolaryngologists and 69 surveys were returned (response rate of 13%). Cessation and weaning of decongestant (96%), and intranasal steroids (94%) were the most common methods for treating RM. Intranasal saline rinses (55%) and oral steroids (25%) were also supported by some respondents. For those who recommended cessation/weaning, 61% also concurrently introduced an intranasal steroid during this process. The majority responded that current warnings on nasal decongestants were inadequate (75%), and were not visible enough (79%). Conclusions Rhinitis medicamentosa is a common, and very preventable condition. Although the literature lacks a standardized approach to RM, our survey has shown that many Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat RM in a similar manner. Treatment tends to focus on decongestant cessation, often with concurrent introduction of intranasal steroids. It was felt the warning labels on the topical medications are not currently satisfactory.


2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-244
Author(s):  
Daiana Back GOUVEA ◽  
Sonia GROISMAN ◽  
Marcelo José Strazzeri BÖNECKER ◽  
Fabio SAMPAIO ◽  
Saul Martins PAIVA ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT This study sought to provide an overview of current cariology education for undergraduate Brazilian dental students. Data collection was via a Portuguese version of a 12-item questionnaire (Schulte et al., 2011) that was sent to all Brazilian dental schools (n = 219). The response rate was 57.0% (n = 125). Of the schools that returned the questionnaire, 84.8% supported the development of a Brazilian cariology curriculum. The units responsible for teaching cariology were predominantly operative dentistry (49.6%), pediatric dentistry (49.6%), dental public health (44.8%), and cariology (32%). Theoretical teaching of cariology (74.4%) and pre-clinical exercises (63.2%) were cited to occur mainly during the second year of the course, while clinical activities were placed in the third (71.2%) and fourth (64.8%) years. Among respondents, 76.8% of the schools included dental erosion and 86.4% included defects of dental hard tissues, such as abrasion, in teaching cariology. This survey was able to determine the panorama of cariology education in Brazil and to detect some differences among Brazilian geographic areas. The promotion of a workshop to discuss the topics that should be taught to undergraduate dental students and the development of a Brazilian core curriculum in cariology would be likely to reduce the differences in teaching cariology in Brazil.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 528-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanner I Kim ◽  
Julia F Chen ◽  
Kristine C Orion

Antiplatelet therapy is commonly prescribed following endovascular interventions. However, there is limited data regarding the regimen and duration of antiplatelet therapy following lower extremity endovascular interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the practice patterns of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after lower extremity endovascular interventions. We identified all patients who received an endovascular intervention in the Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) registry from 2010 through 2018. The antiplatelet regimen was examined at the time of discharge and follow-up. Variables predicting discharge antiplatelet therapy and duration of antiplatelet therapy were investigated. There were 13,510 (57.69%) patients discharged on DAPT, 8618 (36.80%) patients discharged on single antiplatelet therapy, and 1292 (5.51%) patients discharged without antiplatelet therapy. Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), prior vascular bypass and endovascular intervention, preoperative statin use, stent placement compared with angioplasty, and femoropopliteal and tibial treatment were associated with higher odds of being discharged with DAPT compared with no antiplatelet therapy and single antiplatelet therapy. Of the patients discharged on DAPT who were followed up at 9–12 months and 21–24 months, 56.49% and 49.63% remained on DAPT, respectively. Only a narrow margin of the patient majority undergoing endovascular interventions was discharged with DAPT, suggesting that only a small proportion of patients undergoing endovascular intervention remain on DAPT long-term. As the number of peripheral vascular interventions continues to grow, further studies are crucial to identify the optimal duration of DAPT.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6585-6585
Author(s):  
Yanchini Rajmohan ◽  
Robyn Leonard ◽  
Sophie Hogeveen ◽  
Jalal Ebrahim ◽  
Dolly Han ◽  
...  

6585 Background: Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) accounts for only 10% of all breast cancers. While several guidelines and consensus statements exist, whether the current practice reflects these guidelines is unclear. We sought to survey the oncologists in Canada to assess current practice patterns and identify areas of targeted knowledge translation interventions (KTIs) in the treatment of LABC. Methods: 426 Canadian oncologists were surveyed with a 29 item survey-tool. They were subdivided into LABC experts (n=83) and non-experts (n=343). Physicians were removed from the survey if they identified that they were not involved in the treatment of breast cancer. The survey included demographic information as well as questions as to the current practice patterns utilized in the pathway of care for LABC patients. Level of discordance was calculated between the expert and non-expert responses using a z test. Results: 139 responses were obtained (48% response rate) from the non-experts and 51 responses were obtained from the experts (61% response rate). Areas of discordance in expert and non-expert survey included: frequency of clinical assessment during neoadjuvant therapy, methods for clinical assessment, radiographic re-evaluation post therapy, and assessment of receptor status (see Table). Conclusions: Several areas have been identified as targets for KTIs that may help to improve the quality and consistency of care of patients with LABC in Canada and may also have implications for improvements in resource utilization. [Table: see text]


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