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Patient Screening (patient + screening)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Selected Abstracts

Review article: bowel preparation for colonoscopy , the importance of adequate hydration

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2007
G. R. LICHTENSTEIN
Summary Background Patient compliance with screening recommendations for colorectal cancer remains low, despite a 90% survival rate achieved with early detection. Bowel preparation is a major deterrent for patients undergoing screening colonoscopy. More than half of patients taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution and sodium phosphate preparations experience adverse events, such as nausea and abdominal pain. Many adverse events may be associated with dehydration, including rare reports of renal toxicity in patients taking sodium phosphate products. Addressing dehydration-related safety issues through patient screening and education may improve acceptance of bowel preparations, promote compliance and increase the likelihood of a successful procedure. Aim To evidence safety issues associated with bowel preparation are generally related to inadequate hydration. Results Dehydration-related complications may be avoided through proper patient screening, for example, renal function and comorbid conditions should be considered when choosing an appropriate bowel preparation. In addition, patient education regarding the importance of maintaining adequate hydration before, during and after bowel preparation may promote compliance with fluid volume recommendations and reduce the risk of dehydration-related adverse events. Conclusions Proper patient screening and rigorous attention by patients and healthcare providers to hydration during bowel preparation may provide a safer, more effective screening colonoscopy. [source]

Risk factors of scabies in psychiatric and long-term care hospitals: A nationwide mail-in survey in Japan

THE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2009
Kuniko MAKIGAMI
Abstract Despite the commonness of scabies in Japanese institutional settings, the nationwide prevalence of scabies has not been elucidated. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of scabies and control measures in Japanese hospitals. A questionnaire on scabies epidemiology (e.g. number of patients and onsets of outbreak) and preventive measures were sent to psychiatric hospitals and long-term care hospitals nationwide (n = 1795) in January 2005. Seven hundred and forty-one hospitals responded (41.3%). Three hundred and thirty-three (44.9%) respondent hospitals had one or more scabies cases in 2004. Among 159 hospitals that had experienced scabies outbreak, only 32 of them reported cases of crusted scabies. Multivariate regression analysis showed that hospitals had a greater number of beds, and that acute- and long-term care wards were more likely to experience scabies onsets. Hospitals that compiled their infection control manuals on scabies, treated suspicious patients with scabicides without confirmed diagnosis, and performed skin checkup of inpatients were more likely to experience scabies cases. Infection control personnel should be aware that unrecognized crusted scabies can cause outbreaks. Higher patient turnover is a risk factor for scabies introduction into a hospital. Preventive measures against scabies, such as patient screening at admission and treating all suspicious patients without confirmed diagnosis, were not effective to avoid scabies introduction. [source]

Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Personal Practices Regarding Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Health Care Professionals in Rural Colorado: A Pilot Survey

THE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 3 2009
Sun Hee Rim MPH
ABSTRACT:,Purpose: This study reports the baseline knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and personal practices of health care professionals regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in the High Plains Research Network (HPRN) of rural Colorado prior to a community-based educational intervention. It also examines the association between health care staff members' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and personal practices for CRC screening and patient screening levels by practice. Methods: Surveys were mailed to health care professionals in the HPRN. Participating clinics (n = 21) distributed patient surveys on CRC screening to persons aged ,50 for a 2-week period in 2006. Results: The survey response rate was 81% for providers (n = 46) and 90% for nursing staff (n = 63). Only 54% of health care professionals knew CRC is a leading cause of cancer deaths. When surveyed on their attitudes toward colon cancer, 92%"strongly agreed" or "agreed" that colon cancer is preventable. About 99% (n = 107) of providers and nurses "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that testing could identify problems before colon cancer starts. Most health care professionals (61%) aged ,50 years had previously been tested and were up-to-date (52%) with screening. Provider knowledge was significantly associated with higher patient screening (P = .02), but provider attitudes and beliefs were not. Moreover, personal screening practices of health care professionals did not correlate with more patients screened. Conclusion: Background knowledge of CRC among HPRN health care professionals could be improved. The results of this pilot study may help focus effective approaches such as increasing provider knowledge to enhance CRC screening in the relevant population. [source]