Articles: patient-care.
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Over the course of their career, 66% of neurosurgeons will witness someone accidentally dropping a bone flap on the floor during a craniotomy procedure. Although this event is rare, it can have significant consequences for the patient, and little literature is available to guide management of this complication. Our objective was to compare 5 bone flap decontamination protocols for efficacy in reducing bacterial load, with the goal of safely reimplanting the dropped flap. ⋯ In the event of the accidental fall of a bone flap, decontamination by rinsing in an alcohol-chlorhexidine solution followed by 3 successive washes in saline seemed to provide the best balance between effectiveness, safety, and complexity of the method.
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Background In England online services in general practice encompass a range of provision from ordering repeat medication to having a consultation. Some groups of individuals may find accessing and/or using such services difficult and may require 'digital facilitation', that is the range of processes, procedures, and personnel which seeks to support NHS patients in their uptake and use of online services. Aim To gain insight, from the perspective of general practice staff and patients/carers, into how and why digital facilitation might lead to benefits, and the key processes involved in supporting patients to use online services. ⋯ It was understood by practice staff that patients with challenging personal circumstances may require specific support to access online services. Conclusion At present patient use of online services is supported by digital facilitation which is primarily delivered by reception staff. Supporting patients to use online services requires review of how many services are provided and what for, and consideration for the time and effort needed to support patients to use them.
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Background: Diagnosing cancer in general practice is complex, given the non-specific nature of many presenting symptoms and the overlap of potential diagnoses. This trial evaluated the effectiveness of a technology, Future Health Today (FHT), which provides clinical decision support, auditing, and quality improvement monitoring, on the appropriate follow-up of patients at risk of undiagnosed cancer. ⋯ The FHT cancer module intervention did not increase the proportion of patients receiving guideline-concordant care. The proportion of patients receiving recommended followed-up was high, suggesting a possible ceiling effect for the intervention.
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Observation stays in Medicare have grown over the last 15 years, yet limited research exists on how observation may impact outcomes for older adults. ⋯ Among Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for fewer than 5 days, observation stay was associated with higher rates of 30-day unplanned hospital returns compared to inpatient admission. However, we simultaneously observed lower out-of-pocket costs among those hospitalized under an observation stay. The mixed results suggest that additional research and engagement with relevant parties is needed to optimize observation stay policy.
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Pituitary neoplasms account for 15% of all intracranial neoplasms and affect 20% of the population. ⋯ Despite advancements in endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery, disparities in access and outcomes persist across racial, socioeconomic, and insurance groups. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address these inequalities and ensure equitable access to quality care.