Oman medical journal
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Oman medical journal · Sep 2013
The effect of intravenous fentanyl on pain and duration of the active phase of first stage labor.
Opioids are most widely used for pain relief during childbirth. An alternative opioid, fentanyl, has been shown to be a good option for pain management and has fewer side-effects on both mother and fetus. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of fentanyl on pain as well as the duration of the active phase of labor. ⋯ Fentanyl provides good analgesic effect for pain management during labor by considerably reducing the duration of the active phase, and can therefore be used as an acceptable analgesic agent during labor.
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Burnout is a common work-related syndrome consisting of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and diminished feelings of personal accomplishment. Burnout influences the performance and efficiency of the healthcare professionals and therefore the quality of the care provided. This study aims to assess the burnout rates and potential determinants in pediatrics. ⋯ At least one third of practicing pediatricians suffer from burnout syndrome. Specific strategies should be developed and implemented to limit and prevent professional burnout.
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Oman medical journal · May 2013
Tuberculous meningitis: a comparison of scoring systems for diagnosis.
Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a major clinical and public health problem, both for diagnosis and management. We compare two established scoring systems, Thwaites and the Lancet consensus scoring system for the diagnosis of TB and compare the clinical outcome in a tertiary care setting. ⋯ There was only moderate agreement between the Thwaites' score and the Lancet consensus scoring systems. There is need to prospectively evaluate the cost effectiveness of simple but more effective rapid diagnostic alogrithm in the diagnosis of TB, particularly in a setting without CT and MRI facilities.
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The aim of this study was to explore the physicians' perspectives and practices in relation to breaking bad news (BBN) to patients. ⋯ Although most of the participating physicians were keen to help their patients, they lacked the essential knowledge and skills for breaking bad news. Thus, they are in need of specific training in this regard.
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Oman medical journal · Nov 2012
Pediatric basic and advanced life support: an update on practice and education.
This review aims to summarize the major changes in the 2010 Heart and Stroke foundation of Canada (HSFC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Basic and Advanced Life Support Guidelines. The Guidelines were based on the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation's (ILCOR) comprehensive, evidence-based review of the resuscitation literature. ⋯ Chest Compressions first; modification to the appropriate depth of compression (at least 1/3 of the anterior-posterior depth of the chest wall or about 4 cm in infants and 5 cm in children); end-tidal CO(2) monitoring (in intubated patients) to assess the quality of chest compressions and optimize cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and titrating Fi0O2 once "Return of Spontaneous Circulation" (ROSC) is achieved to maintain an oxygen saturation between 94-99%. Overall, pediatricians, family and community physicians who may care for acutely ill children should be aware of these updated guidelines in order to provide the best possible care to their patients.