Radiographic Room Design and Layout for Radiation Protection in Some Radio-Diagnostic Facilities in Katsina State, Nigeria.

Background: The radiographic room design and layout of the radio-diagnostic facilities involved in this study were converted from existing structures without the input the various professionals who use these facilities.   Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the measures for radiation protection installed in the building design and the layout of some radio-diagnostic facilities in Katsina state.   Methodology: The room dimensions, distances between the operator booth and the radiation source and between the operator booth and the cheststand were measured. Lead lining on doors and room walls, warning signs, warning lights and the use of personnel monitoring devices were also carefully checked.   Result: X-ray room dimensions were 20m2, 38.5m2 and 12.8m2 for x-ray unit A, B and C, respectively. The distance from the operator to tube was 3.4m, 3.8m and 3.1m while that of operator to chest stand was 3.2m, 4.5m and 3.1m for x-ray unit A,B and C respectively. There were warning signs and lights in all the units.   Conclusion: The use of radiation accessories and warning lights were satisfactory. Meanwhile, in order to ensure optimization of radiation protection, the various professionals such as radiographers, radiologists and medical physicists should, alongside the architect and engineers, play their role in the building design and the room layout of radio-diagnostic facilities.   &nbsp

Interdisciplinary Collaboration among Health Professionals: A Panacea for Effective and Evidence based Health Care delivery

Introduction: Interdisciplinary collaboration (IDC) is important in health care settings as the complex nature and demands of the health care work environment requires the expertise and knowledge of different individuals or specialists working together to solve multifaceted and complex patient care problems. Objective: To assess the health professionals attitude towards the development of an interdisciplinary collaborative approach to patient care in health institutions and to systematically review the impact of IDC as a panacea for effective health outcomes in Nigeria. Methodology: The research is a systematic review that provides various approaches for studying interdisciplinary teams. Fifty articles were selected from different search engines such as Google, google scholar, science direct and research gate with the search term Interdisciplinary collaboration among health care professionals. Articles were arranged based on most relevant, relevant and closely related articles. Result: The study revealed that IDC is pivotal in evidence-based care and contributes immensely to effective and efficient health outcomes. It puts the patient at the centre of the healthcare team s focus and allows all health professionals, with the patient, to collaboratively provide input, be part of the decision making, and improve outcomes. Although there are several obstacles to IDC, adopting this team-based culture of mutual respect and understanding is possible and, in fact, necessary. Conclusion: This study reveals that there are many benefits to IDC. It can improve safety and healthcare delivery, as well as reduce costs. The interprofessional team supports patient and personnel engagement, organizational efficiency and innovation

PREVALENCE OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A NORTHERN NIGERIAN POPULATION

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among primary school pupil in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 360 urine samples were collected. Samples were investigated using standard World Health Organization guidelines for identification of parasite and they were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically. Out of the 360 children screened, Yelwa Primary School had a prevalence rate of 2%, ECWA Transfer Primary School had a prevalence rate of 8%, Majema Primary School had a prevalence rate of 15%, Baptist Primary School had a prevalence rate of 10%, Kofar Hausa Primary School had a prevalence rate of 12% and Saint Williams Primary School had a prevalence rate of 6% while the overall prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in the six schools is 53%.There was no significant difference in the prevalence rate between the six primary schools (P>0.05) Children of age group (5-8year) were more infected with urinary schistosoma. Male had higher prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium (34%) than the female (19%). statistically there was significant different in prevalence infection of Schistosoma haematobium among males and females investigated. Children whose parents are farmers and fishermen had the highest prevalence infection, followed by Artisan, Civil servant and the Businessmen respectively. However, the overall total pupils infected is 88% and uninfected 511%. Conclusively, School based treatment campaign and health education should be encouraged in ensuring the prevention and control of the disease in Nigeria