Singap Med J
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We aimed to report the ten-year incidence and trend of sharps injuries and splash exposures (SISE), and analyse the causative instruments and risk factors leading to these injuries to identify potential areas of improvement. ⋯ Overall incidence of SISE decreased over the decade. Improved training and increasing use of safety devices, education and awareness could have contributed to the fall in incidence of sharps injuries; these measures should be reinforced and continued. However, the incidence of splash exposures increased over the same period. Preventive measures such as the use of protective goggles and face shields, together with personal protective equipment, should be emphasised and encouraged.
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Long-term complications of stroke and secondary prevention: an overview for primary care physicians.
Despite a decline in mortality from stroke, the annual incidence in the general population is increasing. For many stroke survivors and their families, the acute stroke is the beginning of an ongoing struggle with physical impairment and subsequent disability. Over time, the immediate clinical consequences of the stroke are complicated by a variety of lesser-known medical, musculoskeletal and psychosocial difficulties. ⋯ Instituting secondary prevention and attention to bowel and bladder problems can help reduce medical complications and re-admissions, while adequate analgesia, positioning/splinting of limbs and physiotherapy can lessen discomfort and preventable suffering. Primary care physicians can identify and treat post-stroke mood issues and involve psychological counselling for patients and caregivers. Adequate education and support may restore the independence of patients with stroke or minimise any resultant dependency.
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Editorial Comment
Reducing reperfusion injury during percutaneous coronary intervention.
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide in 2008 (1.23 million cases, 9.7%). CRC screening was shown to be effective in reducing 70% of CRC mortality. However, the screening rate for CRC remains poor. ⋯ Knowledge and practice of CRC screening was inadequate among PCPs. Knowledge of screening did not translate into its practice. PCPs' perceptions about cost-effectiveness of screening and adequate resources were important determinants of the practice of screening.