Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · May 2022
Sex Education and Sexual Risk Behavior among Adolescents and Youth in the Deep South: Implications for Youth HIV Prevention.
Adolescents and young adults represent the largest group of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the United States, especially in the South. We wanted to determine whether abstinence only until marriage (AOUM) sex education programs were effective in reducing HIV vulnerability among youth in Mississippi. ⋯ AOUM sex education programs are ineffective in reducing HIV vulnerability among youth in Mississippi. There is an urgent need to implement comprehensive sex education if we are to reduce the numbers of new HIV infections among youth and achieve our goals of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
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Southern medical journal · May 2022
ReviewA Narrative Review of Medical Interpretation Services and their Effect on the Quality of Health Care.
Half of the foreign-born population in the United States speaks English "less than very well." The extant literature suggests that low-English-proficient (LEP) patients experience poorer healthcare outcomes than do language-concordant patients. It remains unclear which methods of interpreter services are best for communicating effectively and achieving positive health outcomes for LEP patients. This review examines interpretation methods to compare their effectiveness and frequency of use and identifies the remaining gaps in our knowledge. ⋯ Even with this knowledge, use of interpreter services is unacceptably low and gaps remain. Further research is needed to isolate and examine different methods of interpretation and measure objective health outcomes. In addition, education is needed for interpreters and healthcare providers to ensure the most effective communicative strategies for LEP patients.
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Southern medical journal · May 2022
Multidrug-Resistant Bloodstream Infections in Internal Medicine: Results from a Single-Center Study.
Infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are expanding globally and are associated with higher mortality rates and hospital-related costs. The objectives of this study were to analyze the trends of MDRO bacteremia and antimicrobial resistance rates in Internal Medicine wards of our hospital and to identify the variables associated with these infections. ⋯ Our analysis reveals a concerning microbiological situation in an Internal Medicine setting, in line with other national and regional data. The risk variables for infection by MDRO identified in our study correspond to those reported in the literature, although studies focused on Internal Medicine settings appear to be limited.
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Thyroidectomies involve meticulous dissection of a highly vascularized organ and complications may develop, such as hematoma, hypocalcemia, and even hypoparathyroidism. Because some of these complications may be fatal, we sought to identify the differences in postthyroidectomy outcomes when the use of a vessel sealant device (VSD) such, as LigaSure or Harmonic scalpel, is compared with more traditional techniques, such as ligatures and clips. ⋯ Analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data indicates that VSDs are associated with a lower risk of complications, such as hypocalcemia, hematoma, and deep vein thrombosis, suggesting that VSDs may be a more effective method of hemostasis than traditional techniques.
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Southern medical journal · May 2022
Optimizing the Educational Value of Bedside Rounds by Exploring Perceptions of Internal Medicine Residents.
Bedside rounds provide a valuable opportunity for residents to learn vital clinical skills, yet they are increasingly being replaced by card-flip rounds in conference rooms. Residents express mixed views about the educational value of bedside rounds; however, little is known about their perspectives regarding how the structure and content of bedside rounds can be optimized for their learning. We sought to explore residents' attitudes toward bedside rounds and perceptions regarding how to maximize their educational value. ⋯ Residents outlined institutional factors that should be addressed and three high-yield content areas for faculty development programs: rounding structures, faculty behaviors, and bedside educational content. These findings helped us develop guidelines and faculty development sessions for attendings engaging in bedside rounds.