Scottish Medical Journal最新文献

BackgroundIn an era where ENT educators face reduced teaching hours alongside a limited selection of interactive pedagogical tools, laryngeal anatomy remains a difficult topic to teach medical students. A comparative pilot study was performed to investigate the aptness of clay models as a teaching tool in the undergraduate ENT setting.MethodsSixteen medical students were recruited. Students were assigned to prosections (n = 8) or clay models (n = 8); and tasked to identify or model laryngeal structures. Participants were examined using a pre- and post-test multiple-choice questionnaire. Feedback was obtained via a 5-scale Likert questionnaire. To investigate the impact of student learning approaches on assessment, the ASSIST questionnaire was used.ResultsClay modelling students performed better on post-test than their prosection counterparts (mean: 14.37 vs 13.62; p = 0.67), whilst surface learners (n = 7) achieved higher scores on post-test compared to their strategic counterparts (n = 9; p = 0.87). Findings were not statistically significant. Feedback indicated higher levels of satisfaction in students allocated to clay models, whilst usefulness was perceived more by those in the prosection group.ConclusionClay modelling is an enjoyable teaching tool which yields comparable scores to prosections on assessment. Educators may use this tool to improve interactivity and accommodate for contact free teaching requirements.

ObjectiveThe aim of this paper was to look at the cost of the different non-antimicrobials available for the management of recurrent UTIs, and to compare these to the antimicrobials currently recommended for prophylaxis in the United Kingdom.MethodsFive non-antimicrobials (D-mannose, Probiotics/lactobacillus, Methenamine Hippurate, Oestrogens and Cranberry) and four antimicrobials (prophylactic dose Trimethoprim, Nitrofurantoin, Amoxicillin and Cefalexin) were included. The cost for 6 months of prophylactic treatment was calculated for each, with the median and range included for the non-prescription products.ResultsFor a 6-month duration, the median cost of Vaginal oestrogen, Cranberry, Methenamine Hippurate, Probiotics and D-mannose was £22.04, £55.95, £100.44, £139.5 and £158.40 respectively. Vaginal oestrogens were the cheapest non-antimicrobial management option with D-mannose being the most expensive. Trimethoprim was the cheapest of the antimicrobials for 6 months of prophylaxis (£5.08), followed by Cefalexin (£7.97), Amoxicillin (£10.71) and Nitrofurantoin (£16.32).ConclusionThe cost of antimicrobial management options for the prophylaxis of UTIs was found to be generally cheaper across the board, in comparison to non-antimicrobial products. However, the continuing public health crisis with regards to overprescribing of antimicrobials, growing resistance and the need for antimicrobial stewardship makes non-antimicrobials an ever-important consideration.

Background and aimThis study aimed to determine the effect of the use of "virtual reality (VR) glasses, distraction cards (DCs), and breath exercises (BEs)" on anxiety, pain, and satisfaction levels of women undergoing Pap smear tests, which is a painful and stressful procedure for women.MethodsThe study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial study in a public health center with 140 women (four groups; each group was n = 35) undergoing Pap smear tests. The data were collected using the descriptive information form, state anxiety inventory, the visual analog scale for fatigue, the Newcastle-Satisfaction-Nursing-Care Scale, and the VR glasses application form.ResultsAfter the Pap smear test, anxiety scores decreased significantly within all groups except for the control. The satisfaction scores indicated significant differences between the intervention and the control groups. In terms of the pain scores, the control group had higher pain scores during speculum insertion and the Pap smear test than the other group.ConclusionThe use of VR glasses, DCs, and BEs during a Pap smear test effectively reduces anxiety and pain while increasing satisfaction. These methods are recommended to incorporate into the Pap smear tests.

BackgroundRobot-assisted surgery (RAS) is an extension of minimally invasive surgery rapidly gaining acceptance in many conditions. The study aims to assess and share lessons impact of RAS on the radical nephrectomy (RN) service during the implementation phase.MethodsTwo separate analyses were carried out: to compare the outcome of all RN - before and after the implementation of RAS regardless of surgical mode, and a direct comparison between two minimal invasive approaches: Robotic-assisted radical nephrectomies (RARNs) and Laparoscopic radical nephrectomies (LRNs).ResultsThe study included 55 pre- and 45 robotic era RNs: 45 RARNs, 48 LRNs and 7 open radical nephrectomies (ORNs). Following RAS implementation, all RNs transitioned to RARNs. The broader comparison of all RNs in the robotic versus pre-robotic periods revealed significant reductions in estimated blood loss and the length of hospital stay, though operative times were notably longer. In the direct comparison between LRNs and RARNs, no major differences in perioperative outcomes were noted, except for a significantly longer duration of surgery in the RARN group.ConclusionThe introduction of the robotic platform resulted in a paradigm shift in RN service, eliminating ORN and LRN. Despite increasing operative duration, RARNs improved certain perioperative outcomes (specifically length of stay and blood loss) and were favoured over other modalities.