Effectiveness of messaging apps in emergency room-online survey study

Background: Medical professionals communicate effectively and conveniently using mobile communication applications (Apps). With clinical details being transmitted quickly among multidisciplinary teams, the potential improvements in patient care and education are significant. However, there are also moral and legal concerns with sharing patient data in this manner.  This study aimed to quantify and categorize how often medical staff members used communication apps in clinical settings, their role in patient care, their knowledge of and attitudes toward safety, and the main advantages, potential drawbacks, and policy implications. Methods: A 16-question survey with an anonymous response was distributed to our 1500 bedded hospital's medical staff. The study gathered information on the demographics of the respondents, how they used communication apps in clinical settings, how they felt about such apps, how safe they thought their data was, and why they chose one app over another. The study period was January to March 2023. Results: From students to consultants, communication apps are widely utilized with WhatsApp being the most popular one. Although all respondents thought these apps were useful for swiftly exchanging information in a clinical context, they were all concerned about the privacy consequences. Overall, 62.5% use WhatsApp in the ER, and 70.8% found that it has helped reduce the communication gap between junior and senior orthopaedic surgeons. Conclusions: Messaging apps help medical professionals communicate more effectively, but their use poses compliance difficulties, particularly with privacy laws. Hence, a user-friendly design and privacy-compliant must be given top priority when creating apps

Twelfth rib syndrome: role of intercostal blocks: case series of 10 patients

Twelfth rib syndrome (TRS) is a rare condition that causes severe pain in the loin. It is often misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary investigations and treatments. Intercostal blocks in the 11th and 12th rib often resolve the pain for these patients. In this research paper, we aim to explore the role of intercostal block in the management of TRS based on our experience with 10 patients. Data of patients who were diagnosed with TRS were studied retrospectively from our hospital records who have been given intercostal block injection from the period of Jan 2022 to August 2023 as an audit.  Four patients underwent intercostal blocks. VAS scores were measured in follow-up for 1 and 3 months. 4 patients were lost to follow up and hence not considered in this study. The male to female ratio was 7:3. There was a statistically significant reduction in VAS score at 1 month and 3 months compared to pre-injection times. Patients who have failed conservative management for TRS can be effectively managed with intercostal block injections

Cost benefit analysis of intralesional injections in keloids using Luer lock and non-locking syringes

Background: For keloid scarring, intralesional corticosteroid injections continue to be the most often utilised first therapeutic option. This is a common procedure done on an outpatient basis by surgeons and orthopaedists. Luer lock syringes which lock the needle with syringe prevent any leakage or spillage of drug while pushing it near the keloid compared to normal syringes. Methods: We intend to do a cost benefit analysis based on the retrospective data of intralesional steroid injections done by the authors (AP and SK) in their private practice. Results: The time between 2021 to 2022, 200 injection data was retrieved, 100 each using non locking syringes and Luer lock syringes. The spillage rate with non-Luer lock syringes was 14%. Conclusions: We found that luer lock syringes prove to be cost effective after giving more than 200 injections in keloids than non-locking syringes.

Current state of awareness and safety practices for ionising radiation risks in orthopaedic doctors in Navi Mumbai: an online survey

Background: Radiographic imaging in orthopaedic surgical centers is becoming more common, posing additional risks to the orthopaedic doctors, who become more exposed to ionising irradiation. As a result, orthopaedic surgeons must have a good understanding of radiation hazards. Despite these issues, many orthopaedic specialists do not get basic radiation safety training. A review of orthopaedic specialists' understanding, awareness, and routine radiation safety practices at an academic hospital in Navi Mumbai. Methods: After institutional ethical approval, a panel of experts created an online survey comprising multiple-choice questions, which was utilized to perform a descriptive research. The questionnaire contained several aspects, each of which assessed orthopaedic understanding, awareness, and practices. The research cohort comprised orthopaedic doctors working through our tertiary medical center and medical college. Results: According to our findings, only 82% of respondents were aware of the radiation dangers associated with fluoroscopy. The use of lead aprons, thyroid shields, goggles, and protective caps is 99%, 42%, 25%, and 25%, respectively. Despite the fact that 60% of respondents were aware of TLD badges. Only 23% of those who operate with inosing radiation use TLD badges. Approximately 61% of respondents were ignorant of intermittent fluoroscopy, and 85% utilized the C-arm tube while the device was active. Conclusions: The vast majority of orthopaedic doctors utilise fluoroscopic imagery in the operating room on a daily basis, but they lack in-depth information and awareness about the radiation security hazards connected with this imaging modality. It is consequently advised that a radiation safety training curriculum be implemented