Scot Med J
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The coronavirus pandemic has had an indisputable impact on surgical training. The qualitative effect on the perceived confidence and capability of trainees has been widely reported. In order to fully delineate the scope of the problem, quantitative data is also required. ⋯ Our results provide evidence to support the notion that the coronavirus pandemic has had a tangible and detrimental effect on the technical skills of surgical trainees.
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Multicenter Study
Multicentric analysis of the perceptions and knowledge of digital health amongst undergraduate medical students.
Digital health (DH) is continuously evolving by use of information and communications technology to improve healthcare provision, thereby reshaping systems and clinical practices. Recent studies identified an overwhelming lack of awareness of DH within the profession. This study aimed to analyse student perceptions and knowledge of DH to assess confidence in its use to develop greater DH awareness and literacy. ⋯ There is an important requirement to address the lack of knowledge and exposure of students to DH, particularly as the world targets the COVID-19 pandemic. DH is forming the basis of the 'new normal' in healthcare, however the full potential of DH cannot be achieved unless there is an increase in its teaching incorporated into medical school curricula.
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for xanthochromia is routinely used to exclude subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of xanthochromia (by NEQAS-spectrophotometry) in routine clinical practice in three acute hospitals, in patients with suspected SAH. We explored whether including CSF red cell count (RCC) with xanthochromia improved diagnostic accuracy. ⋯ The positive yield of xanthochromia is low but identified 6% of SAH. NEQAS-spectrophotometry is an excellent diagnostic method with 100% sensitivity, 99% specificity. Incorporating RCC markedly reduces false positive and inconclusive tests reducing need for further imaging.
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Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (LUTD) is a condition that is common in stroke patients and affects their quality of life and psychological state. ⋯ LUTD is common in stroke patients and the presence of urinary symptoms is associated with poor functional status. No significant relationship was observed between urodynamic data except maximum flow rate and CLSS.