Postgraduate medical journal
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Clinical trials are considered the gold-standard method for the evaluation of healthcare interventions. However, randomised control trials are complex to perform and many researchers, especially those in the early stages of their career, can find it challenging to know where to start set up, contribute to or lead a trial. This guide provides an introduction to trials and also practical advice to help potential investigators complete their clinical trial to time and to budget by signposting the pathway through the complex regulatory landscape. The authors draw on their own recent experiences of running clinical trials and provide tips and tricks for troubleshooting common problems encountered including trial design and documentation.
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It is uncertain how diastolic blood pressure (DBP) may associate with ischaemic stroke in elder patients with hypertension. We aimed to explore this relationship in a Chinese community. ⋯ DBP had a non-linear association with the risk of ischaemic stroke among Chinese elderly patients with hypertension. DBP between 70 and 80 mm Hg may be an appropriate indicator for a lower stroke risk.
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Sleep deprivation and fatigue from long-shift work impacts doctors' personal safety, inhibits cognitive performance and risks clinical error. The aim of this study was to assess the sleep quality of surgical trainees participating in European Working Time Directive-compliant training rotations within a UK deanery. ⋯ Surgical emergency on-call duty adversely influences sleep quality. Proper consideration of fail-safe rota design, prioritising sleep hygiene, recovery and well-being, allied to robust patient safety and quality of care should be made a priority.
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Transgender medicine is an emergent subfield with clearly identified educational gaps. ⋯ The curriculum improved students' gender-affirming medical competency, knowledge and skills. The development of a sustained, longitudinal curriculum is recommended in addition to the continuing education of faculty to reinforce this expanding knowledge and skills base and to address discomfort working with this population.