Saudi Med J
-
To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine among physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. To assess the awareness about telemedicine among physicians and determine their opinions about telemedicine in the post-pandemic era. ⋯ Telemedicine should be part of medical services but should not completely replace physicians' personal interaction. Telemedicine could be continued for stable remotely residing patients even after the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
To assessed the current practices for the management of thyroid nodules in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods: We conducted a descriptive web-based survey to physicians and surgeons involved in the management of thyroid nodules. The survey included questions on referral, ultrasound (US) reporting, fine needle aspiration (FNA), management of thyroid nodules including the approach for indeterminate FNA results, and usage of molecular testing. Results: A total of 311 responders, 155 (49.8%) were endocrinologists. Results showed that referrals and US report lack a number of valuable information including family history (84.9%) and high-risk US features (92.9%). ⋯ Only 44 (14.1%) performed molecular testing; however, 174 (55.9%) preferred it available. Significant variations in the approach were seen between endocrinologists versus non-endocrinologists. Conclusion: Practices variation in the management of thyroid nodules mandate a common practical guideline. Molecular testing is a preferable test for indeterminate FNA results by most of the responders though it is not widely available.
-
[No Abstract Available].
-
Social media platforms (SMPs) have emerged as powerful tools for public health promotion. As the 6 countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have the highest internet and social media usage rates in the world, and according to the initiatives for the introduction of a new health system and strategies based on non-traditional methods according to the Saudi Vision 2030, this review aimed to investigate different SMPs use and impact on public health promotion in the GCC countries. ⋯ Future research should focus on populations that are medically underserved and who have no or limited access to health-care facilities. Also, future research, in particular, the intervention type, is required to cover more countries in the GCC.