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Standardized Guidelines (standardized + guideline)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

A REVIEW OF CURRENT CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL ZOOM ENDOSCOPY

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2005
Kenshi Yao
Current clinical applications of upper gastrointestinal (GI) zoom endoscopy were reviewed. The objective of upper GI zoom endoscopy has been the diagnosis of neoplastic lesions as well as the diagnosis of minute inflammatory mucosal change. The target organ and pathology of the neoplastic lesions have been squamous cell carcinoma in the oro- and hypo-pharynx and in the esophagus; intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus; and adenocarcinoma in the stomach. For analyzing the magnified endoscopic findings, there were two different basic principles (mucosal microstructural change and subepithelial microvascular changes). Overall diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing a neoplastic lesion was above 80% throughout the upper GI tract. Although the diagnostic accuracy of the zoom endoscopy technique seems to be superior to that of the ordinary endoscopy technique alone, the continuous efforts to establish standardized guidelines and procedures are mandatory in order to lead to the routine use of upper GI zoom endoscopy in clinical practice. [source]

The chronic fatigue syndrome , an update

ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2007
Vegard Bruun Wyller
Background ,, In this article, current scientific knowledge on the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is reviewed. The US case definition of CFS (the CDC-definition) is most widespread in research and clinical practice. Estimates of prevalence vary from 0.2% to above 2%. The female,male ratio is approximately 3:1. Clinical Features ,, Severe fatigue is the dominating complaint; it is worsened from exertions and not substantially relieved by rest. In addition, the patients might have a varying combination of accompanying symptoms. Clinical evaluation should be based upon standardized guidelines, including an assessment of functional impairments. Pathophysiology ,, The pathophysiology should be interpreted within a biopsychosocial framework. Present knowledge suggests that certain genetic polymorphisms and personality traits might be regarded as predisposing factors, some infections and severe psychosocial stress constitute precipitating factors, whereas disturbances of immunity, skeletal muscle, cognitive abilities, endocrine control and cardiovascular homeostasis are possible perpetuating factors. Treatment ,, Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy are of proven value in randomized controlled trials. Several pharmaceutical measures have been explored and found to have no beneficial effect. Most patients might expect long-term improvement, but full recovery is rare; however, the prognosis is better among adolescents. [source]

Clinical decision paths in KPro Surgery

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009
G GRABNER
Purpose To analyse the currently available methods for treating very severe anterior segment disease, such as stem cell transplantation with amniotic membrane transplantation, lamellar and penetrating keratoplasty techniques, and the different Kpro´s currently available, in regard to the initial clinical findings, the potential complications encountered and the surgical requirements needed for the different techniques. Factors considered are: uni- or bilaterality, limbal stem cell status, dry eye status and availability of healthy teeth. Methods A systematic analysis of surgical options available for different stages of a variety of anterior segment diseases and currently published results of VA and complications Results With a systematic approach it becomes clear that some popular reconstructive surgical techniques should be avoided in cases where a very low chance of success is to be expected (e.g. amniotic membrane and stem cell transplantation and /or PKP in very dry eyes ,> these would have to be treated with OOKP). Conclusion Following a simple the clinical decision path the anterior segment surgeon will be presented with standardized guidelines for treating those patients where conventional surgical procedures have to be avoided and replaced by rather rarely performed KPro techniques. [source]

Need for Standardized Sign-out in the Emergency Department: A Survey of Emergency Medicine Residency and Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program Directors

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 2 2007
Madhumita Sinha MD
Objectives To determine the existing patterns of sign-out processes prevalent in emergency departments (EDs) nationwide. In addition, to assess whether training programs provide specific guidance to their trainees regarding sign-outs and attitudes of emergency medicine (EM) residency and pediatric EM fellowship program directors toward the need for the development of standardized guidelines relating to sign-outs. Methods A Web-based survey of training program directors of each Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME),accredited EM residency and pediatric EM fellowship program was conducted in March 2006. Results Overall, 185 (61.1%) program directors responded to the survey. One hundred thirty-six (73.5%) program directors reported that sign-outs at change of shift occurred in a common area within the ED, and 79 (42.7%) respondents indicated combined sign-outs in the presence of both attending and resident physicians. A majority of the programs, 119 (89.5%), stated that there was no uniform written policy regarding patient sign-out in their ED. Half (50.3%) of all those surveyed reported that physicians sign out patient details "verbally only," and 79 (42.9%) noted that transfer of attending responsibility was "rarely documented." Only 34 (25.6%) programs affirmed that they had formal didactic sessions focused on sign-outs. A majority (71.6%) of program directors surveyed agreed that specific practice parameters regarding transfer of care in the ED would improve patient care; 80 (72.3%) agreed that a standardized sign-out system in the ED would improve communication and reduce medical error. Conclusions There is wide variation in the sign-out processes followed by different EDs. A majority of those surveyed expressed the need for standardized sign-out systems. [source]