Natl Med J India
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Evaluation of a novel method for teaching drawing of histology diagrams to first year MBBS students.
Background The challenge faced by an undergraduate medical student to draw factually correct histology diagrams needs to be addressed by the use of innovative teaching strategies. We introduced a new method to teach drawing of histology diagrams and compared its outcome with two preexisting methods. We obtained feedback from the students and faculty. ⋯ The quality of diagrams produced by methods 2 and 3 were better than those by method 1, and equally so. The ease of drawing and time taken to draw were the best for method 2. Hence, overall, method 2 may be adjudged the best method.
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To compensate for physician shortage, many countries around the world have introduced a cadre of mid-level healthcare providers (MLHPs) into their health systems to shoulder many of the conventional responsibilities of a physician. Besides backing their clinical competence and service quality, evidence and experience on MLHPs also supports their lower turnover and higher rural retention rates. In India, mainstreaming of MLHPs has time and again been met with resistance from organized medicine. ⋯ Aided by global precedents, we broaden the rationale for mainstreaming MLHPs, address some common misunderstandings, and describe the conducive emergent legal and policy landscape. We also explain how a possible reorganization of Indian healthcare, highly likely under expanded publicly financed health insurance and value-based healthcare regimes, can warrant greater health workforce differentiation and an expanded role of MLHPs in mainstream healthcare delivery. We also touch upon important political economy considerations, including the need for navigating organized medical opposition, involving medical stakeholders in the MLHP mainstreaming process, autonomous regulation of MLHP professions, streamlining MLHP competencies, and inclusive health financing systems.
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Case Reports
Exchange transfusion as a therapeutic modality for aniline dye-induced methaemoglobinaemia.
Methaemoglobinaemia and a Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia are uncommon but potentially treatable complications of aniline poisoning. Management of aniline poisoning is mainly removing the source of aniline exposure and management of methaemoglobinaemia. Management of methaemoglobinaemia is guided by blood methaemoglobin levels and patient symptoms. ⋯ In patients with contraindication to methylene blue, exchange transfusion can be used while haemodialysis is reserved for complicated cases. We successfully managed 6 patients of methaemoglobinaemia due to aniline poisoning by methylene blue. Two of these patients who developed Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia with acute renal failure as a complication also required exchange transfusion.
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Scrub typhus is still an underdiagnosed disease despite an increase in incidence as the clinical presentation is often different, leading to a low index of suspicion among doctors. Scrub typhus, an acute febrile disease, is a cause of prolonged fever and pyrexia of unknown origin. It can have varied clinical presentations ranging from mild asymptomatic disease to fatal multi-organ dysfunction. ⋯ Upon serological confirmation, doxycycline therapy was started followed by a rapid and complete resolution of pneumonia (both clinically and radiologically), splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. This highlights the importance of recognizing rare clinical manifestations of this common tropical disease. An early diagnosis is required as a delay may lead to complications and a poor outcome.