Swiss medical weekly
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Swiss medical weekly · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyProficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation of medical students at graduation: a simulator-based comparison with general practitioners.
There are no data on the preparedness of medical students at the time of their graduation to handle a cardiac arrest. The aim of the present study was to compare the performance in cardiopulmonary resuscitation of medical students at the time of their graduation with that of experienced general practitioners. ⋯ When confronted with a cardiac arrest, medical students at the time of their graduation substantially delayed evidence-based life-saving measures like defibrillation and provided only half of the resuscitation support provided by experienced general practitioners. Future research should focus on how to best prepare medical students to handle medical emergencies.
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Swiss medical weekly · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyPatient satisfaction and clinical outcome following outpatient radiofrequency catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia.
Catheter ablation is an effective and safe treatment for various arrhythmic disorders. Patients are frequently admitted for an overnight stay after the ablation procedure to monitor for possible postprocedural complications or recurrence of the arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction in patients with supraventricular tachycardia following catheter ablation on an outpatient basis. ⋯ Overall patient satisfaction and self-reported clinical outcome are comparable for outpatient and inpatient catheter ablations. Patients undergoing outpatient procedures may return to work earlier. Therefore, outpatient ablation procedures may be considered for selected patients without significant comorbidities.
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Swiss medical weekly · Jan 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyFunctional multidisciplinary rehabilitation versus outpatient physiotherapy for non specific low back pain: randomized controlled trial.
In recent decades the treatment of non-specific low back pain has turned to active modalities, some of which were based on cognitive-behavioural principles. Non-randomised studies clearly favour functional multidisciplinary rehabilitation over outpatient physiotherapy. However, systematic reviews and meta-analysis provide contradictory evidence regarding the effects on return to work and functional status. The aim of the present randomised study was to compare long-term functional and work status after 3-week functional multidisciplinary rehabilitation or 18 supervised outpatient physiotherapy sessions. ⋯ Functional multidisciplinary rehabilitation was better than outpatient physiotherapy in improving functional and work status. From an economic point of view, these results should be backed up by a cost-effectiveness study.
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Swiss medical weekly · Jan 2010
On the way to light the dark: a retrospective inquiry into the registered cases of domestic violence towards women over a six year period with a semi-quantitative analysis of the corresponding forensic documentation.
Domestic violence victims are increasingly identified at emergency departments (ED). Studies report a prevalence of 6-30%; women are more frequently affected and to a more serious extent than men. Studies have shown that without screening domestic violence victims are often not recognised. The primary aim of the study is to collect data descriptive of domestic violence victims and to show whether medical documentation meets the requirements of forensic medicine. ⋯ The present retrospective assessment of medical reports over a 6-year period shows that domestic violence against female patients was documented in 0.4%. This figure is far below the proportions to be expected from recent data. If these data are to be believed the majority of female victims of domestic violence must have been overlooked at the ED. The implementation of screening for domestic violence seems to be crucial. The types of injury are chiefly the result of superficial, blunt violence, meaning of mild degree from the viewpoint of criminal law. The quality of the forensic documentation is poor and usually insufficient for criminal prosecution. Clinicians require training in the forensic aspects of medical records.