The Medical journal of Malaysia
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This study was done to ascertain the knowledge and practice of medical officers on spirometry and management of COPD in a medical department of a state hospital. A total of 81 questionnaires with nine items were distributed to medical officers in the medical department (MD) and in other departments (controls). Eight incomplete questionnaires were rejected. ⋯ Only 9 (60%) from MD and 33(57%) would refer patients for home oxygen assessment. This preliminary survey suggests that there was lack of translation of knowledge into practice particularly in terms of use of spirometry in COPD as well as lack of awareness for home oxygen assessment. A bigger survey involving all doctors in the state to answer issues raised in this preliminary survey is being conducted.
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During a 6-month period from October 2000 to March 2001, we analysed the indications, methods, waiting period and complications following a tracheostomy at the General Intensive Care Unit (GIGU) of Hospital Kuala Lumpur. There were 49 tracheostomies performed during this period. Thirty of them were performed in the GICU using the percutaneous dilatational method while 19 were performed electively in the Operating Theatre (OT) by the ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons. ⋯ Percutaneous tracheostomy is now the main method of tracheostomy at the GICU in Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Haemorrhage is the most significant complication of this procedure. However the overall complication rate is comparable with that of a surgical tracheostomy.