Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Aug 2021
Guidance on performance and reporting of high-resolution oesophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring in Singapore.
We aimed to provide a practical and evidence-based guide on the indications, performance and reporting of high-resolution oesophageal manometry (HRM) and ambulatory pH monitoring (PHM) in adult patients in Singapore. ⋯ Standardising key aspects of HRM and PHM is imperative to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. We reported the development of recommendations for the performance and interpretation of HRM and ambulatory reflux monitoring in Singapore.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Aug 2021
Singapore's COVID-19 "circuit breaker" interventions: A description of individual-level adoptions of precautionary behaviours.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 control interventions relies significantly on behavioural modifications of its population. Differing adoption rates impacts subsequent COVID-19 control. Hence, positive and sustained behavioural modification is essential for disease control. We describe the adoption rates of behavioural modifications for Singapore's "circuit-breaker" (CB), the national public health response to the COVID-19 crisis, among the general population in the community. ⋯ Community incidence of COVID-19 in Singapore decreased during CB and remained low after CB. Use of face masks and social-distancing compliance through working from home increased during CB. However, it is unlikely to influence other sources of COVID-19 such as imported cases or within foreign worker dormitories.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Aug 2021
Comparative StudyA comparison of antenatal prediction models for vaginal birth after caesarean section.
An antenatal scoring system for vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) categorises patients into a low or high probability of successful vaginal delivery. It enables counselling and preparation before labour starts. The current study aims to evaluate the role of Grobman nomogram and the Kalok scoring system in predicting VBAC success in Singapore. ⋯ Neither scoring system was perfect in predicting VBAC among local women. Further customisation of the scoring system to replace ethnicity with the 4 races of Singapore can be made to improve its sensitivity. The factors identified in this study serve as a foundation for developing a population-specific antenatal scoring system for Singapore women who wish to have a trial of VBAC.
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Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, benign, chronic breast condition that can cause repeated abscesses or mass formation in bilateral breasts. The condition can severely impact the quality of life of affected women. This study aims to evaluate effective treatment modalities, as well as understand the demographics and clinical presentation of patients with IGM. ⋯ IGM is a clinical diagnosis. It is a rare, relapsing breast inflammatory condition that affects young females with no superior treatment modality. Smoking is associated with higher number of flares of IGM and should be discouraged in IGM patients.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Aug 2021
Learning during the pandemic: Perspectives of medical students in Singapore.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted medical education, particularly affecting clinical-year students. Educational institutions often had to halt, shorten or impose significant restrictions on their hospital rotations due to strict infection control and social-distancing guidelines implemented in tertiary healthcare institutions, as well as manpower and logistical constraints amid the pandemic. ⋯ Therefore, for final year medical students who are preparing for their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) examinations, many are naturally concerned by how learning in this "new normal" may affect their ability to make the transition to become competent junior doctors. As such, we seek to share our learning experiences as the first batch of medical students to have completed our entire final year of clinical education amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer 4 practical suggestions to future batches of students on how to adapt and optimise clinical learning under these circumstances: actively engaging in virtual learning, making the most of every clinical encounter, learning how to construct peer teaching/practice sessions, and maintaining physical and psychological well-being.