What is 'development'? Development narratives by International Civil Society Organisations: the case of CONCORD - 2010-2017

Many European Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) active in the field of development cooperation have in the last decades confederated with the aim of having their interests represented at EU level. From this perceived need, coinciding with the EU intention of speaking to one (or few) representative actor(s) rather than a multitude of different ones, the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development (CONCORD) was born in 2003, following the dissolution of the previous “NGO Liaison Committee” (CLONG, which dated back to 1976). In this paper, I give an overview of the theoretical background underpinning CONCORD narrative in the period 2010 – 2017 , with the overall objective of understanding its narrative on development, or what consensus on development exists in the confederation. I analyse selected official documents through qualitative textual analysis in NVivo

Global Current Practice Patterns for the Management of Open Globe Injuries

To determine global current practice patterns for the management of open globe injuries and identify areas of variation. Cross-sectional survey. An online survey assessed global management paradigms for open globe injuries from August 2020 to January 2021. Responses were collected from experts at eye trauma centers and emergency departments worldwide who manage ≥1 open globe injury per month. The survey assessed the use/selection of antibiotics and steroids, procedural and imaging decisions, and admission practices for open globe injuries. Responses were received from representatives of 36 of 42 institutions (85.7%), of which 33 (78.6%) had sufficient trauma volume to be included. Included responses were distributed across North America (n=12, 36.4%), Asia (n=12, 36.4%), South America (n=4, 12.1%), Africa (n=3, 9.1%), Europe (n=1, 3.0%), and Australia (n=1, 3.0%). Preoperative systemic antibiotics for open globe injuries were administered by 75.8% (n = 25/33) of institutions, while 30.3% (n = 10/33) administered preoperative topical antibiotics. Intraoperative ophthalmic antibiotics for open globe injuries were used by 54.5% (n = 18/33) of experts. Most institutions also administered postoperative systemic antibiotics (n = 23 [69.7%]) and topical steroids (n = 29 [87.9%]), although specific medication choices diverged. At 19 responding centers (61.3% of the 31 that had trainees), residents participated in surgical repairs. Many institutions discharged patients after repair, but 54.5% (n = 18/33) of locations routinely admitted them for observation. Preferred management practices for open globe injuries vary widely. To ensure the highest standard of care for all patients, evidence-based international guidelines for the treatment of these injuries are needed

Global Current Practice Patterns for the Management of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion.

Global practice paradigms for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) were summarized. Responses were collected from specialists via survey. Management patterns for CRAO rely on physician and center-level preferences given the lack of evidence-based international guidelines

Global Current Practice Patterns for the Management of Hyphema

Purpose: Hyphema is a sequela of ocular trauma and can be associated with significant morbidity. Management of this condition is variable and can depend on individual institutional guidelines. We aimed to summarize current practices in hyphema management across ophthalmological institutions worldwide. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted across North America, Asia, South America, Africa, Europe, and Australia from August 2020 to January 2021. The survey assessed the existing practices in the management of hyphema at each institution. Results: For layered hyphema, topical steroids were routinely administered by 34 (of 36 respondents, 94.4%) institutions, of which prednisolone was the preferred choice (n = 32, 88.9%). Topical cycloplegics were used at 34 (94.4%) institutions. No institution reported routine use of antifibrinolytics. Head elevation was the most deployed procedure to promote hyphema reabsorption (n = 31, 86.3%), followed by partial bed rest (n = 21, 58.3%). The majority of institutions (n = 25, 69.4%) did not routinely pursue admission for hyphema patients, although 75.0% of institutions (n = 27) scheduled follow-up visits within 48 hours of presentation. Additionally, few institutions performed routine sickle cell trait testing for patients presenting with hyphema (n = 6, 16.7%). The decision to perform anterior chamber washout varied and was often based on intraocular pressure and the speed of hyphema resolution. Conclusion: Unanimity of international institutions on hyphema management is lacking. As it stands, many current interventions have unconvincing evidence supporting their use. Evidence-based guidelines would be beneficial in guiding decision-making on hyphema management. Additionally, areas of consensus can be used as foundations for future standard of care investigations