Promoting Equity and Inclusion for Mothers of Young Children in Academia

Equity and inclusion are critical factors in ensuring that mothers of young children are able to participate fully in occupational therapy academia. Mothers of young children often face significant barriers that prevent them from fully engaging in academic pursuits, including lack of access to childcare, limited support structures, and societal expectations regarding gender roles and caregiving responsibilities. This opinion paper reviews strategies for academics at various levels within academia to promote equity and inclusion for these individuals

Using Experiential Geriatric Simulation to Foster Empathy Among Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed Methods Study

Due to advancements in medical science leading to increased life expectancy, the number of older adults is on the rise. Empathy is crucial in catering to the unique needs of this vulnerable population. The use of geriatric simulation suits to cultivate empathy among health science students is gaining traction. Nevertheless, the efficacy of this teaching approach remains unexplored among occupational therapy students. We recruited a convenience sample of 21 occupational therapy graduate students for a mixed methods study. Participants engaged in a two-hour session during which they performed daily tasks like meal preparation, laundry, and dressing while wearing various components of a geriatric simulation suit. Empathy levels were evaluated before and after simulation using an abridged and modified version of the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale. Participants engaged in focus group discussions regarding their experiences with using the geriatric suit. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. A significant rise (p\u3c0.001) in mean empathy scores following geriatric simulation was noted. Three main themes and nine sub-themes emerged from the focus group discussions, indicating that participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges encountered by older adults and demonstrated greater empathy towards them. The findings of this study address the existing gap in literature, demonstrating that geriatric simulation is an effective method for promoting empathy towards older persons among occupational therapy graduate students

Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise for the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence (UI) among Women in a Selected Community of New Delhi

Introduction: UI is one among the commonest problem faced by the women. The prevalence of UI worldwide ranges from 10% to 40%. It is a chronic condition which carries an enormous stigma. This stigma and lack of knowledge on urinary incontinence and the importance of performing pelvic floor exercises adversely affects the health in women. Pelvic floor muscle exercise is the most preferred method in managing urinary incontinence in all age groups and it is a non-Pharmacological, non-invasive method which in addition to that it is an easy method to practice and economical to follow by all age groups.The researcher felt the need to do the study on the effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise (PFME) for the treatment of Urinary Incontinence (UI) among women in a selected community of New Delhi with the objectives:• To assess the Pre- test urinary incontinence in Control & Experimental group.• To Implement the Pelvic floor Muscle Exercise on Experimental group.• To assess the Post –test urinary incontinence in control & experimental group.• To assess the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercises in treatment of urinary incontinence.Materials and Methods: An experimental study with pre-test and post-test control group design was used for the study. The study was conducted in Sangam Vihar community. The total population of the study consisted of women in the age group of 50-70 years having Urinary Incontinence. Systematic random sampling technique was adopted to select 60 women who met the inclusion criteria; 30 in experimental group and 30 in control group. Pre and post intervention (Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise) Urinary Incontinence was assessed in the group with the help of Standardized assessment tool ICIQ-LUTS long form & 1 hour Pad testing.Result: The findings of the study revealed that in experimental group there was a significant reduction in the mean difference score of urinary tract symptoms from pre-test -post test mean difference score of (2.20) with the SD of (4.131) when compared to the control group where mean difference score was ( -0.37) with the SD (1.829). The t value was computed and found to be 3.112 which was greater than the table value of 2.00 at df (58) at 0.05 level of significance. The mean difference score proved that the pelvic floor muscle exercise was effective in reducing the symptoms in experimental group as compared to control group. There was significant reduction in the mean difference score of impact of urinary tract symptoms (20.63) with the SD of (30.07) in the experimental group when compared to the control groups where mean difference score was (1.566) with the SD of (6.806). The t value was computed and found to be 3.391 which was greater than the table value of 2.00 at df (58) at 0.05 level of significance. The mean difference score of pad weight was (0.156) with the SD (0.292) in the experimental group where in control group mean difference score was (-0.010) with the SD of 0.257. The t value was computed and found to be 2.343 which was greater than the table value of 2.00 at df (58) at 0.05 level of significance, showing that PFME was effective in the treatment of UI in experimental group.Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that the Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise is effective in treatment of Urinary Incontinence among women in the age group of 50 to 70 years

Occupational Therapy for Perinatal Women: An Online Educational Course

A freely accessible website and online educational course was developed to inform occupational therapy practitioners and maternal healthcare professionals about the role that occupational therapy has on the perinatal healthcare team. Perinatal Occupational Therapy. https://www.perinataloccupationaltherapy.com/https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2023/1018/thumbnail.jp

Cytological Diagnosis of Pilomatrixoma and its Diagnostic Pitfalls

BACKGROUND: Pilomatrixoma (PMX) is a relatively uncommon benign cutaneous neoplasm arising from skin adnexa. It presents as a subcutaneous asymptomatic nodule mostly in the head and neck region and is frequently misdiagnosed by the clinicians. Although easily diagnosed on histopathology, the cytologic features of PMX are less distinctive, depending on the stage and evolution of disease and may mimic other benign or even malignant lesions. AIM: To study the cyto-morphological features of this uncommon neoplasm and identify its potential diagnostic pitfalls on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Archival records of histopathologically diagnosed Pilomatrixoma were analyzed during study period of 2.5 years. Clinical diagnosis, preoperative FNA characteristics, and histopathological details were studied in each case. Cytologic pitfalls resulting in misdiagnosis of PMX cases on FNAC were evaluated in discordant cases. RESULTS: The series showed male preponderance, with head and neck being the commonest site. Out of 21 histopathologically proven cases of PMX, cytological correlation was available in 18 cases. A correct cytologic diagnosis of PMX/adnexal tumor was rendered in 13 cases. Erroneous diagnosis was given in 5 cases mainly because of the predominance of one component over the other or non-representative-aspirated material. CONCLUSION: The present study highlights the importance of careful screening of FNAC smears keeping in mind the variability in the relevant cytologic features of PMX and creates awareness about the lesions that can mimic Pilomatrixoma resulting in diagnostic dilemma

Unilateral ‘Crazy-Paving’ Pattern: An Exceptional Presentation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

The \u27crazy-paving\u27 pattern on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a distinct imaging appearance that is still considered to be a radiological hallmark of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. However, since its first description about three decades ago, more than 40 different clinical entities presenting as \u27crazy-paving\u27 patterns have been documented. This rather remarkable but uncommon imaging appearance is now considered to be a non-specific manifestation. A 62-year-old male referred for evaluation of productive cough, breathlessness and fever presented with \u27crazy-paving\u27 pattern on HRCT. Endobronchial biopsy done on presentation was consistent with the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. This report highlights this atypical presentation of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and adds to the increasing list of clinical entities presenting as a \u27crazy-paving\u27 pattern. To our knowledge, squamous cell carcinoma presenting as a \u27crazy-paving\u27 pattern on HRCT is yet to be documented

Critical Analysis of Laboratory Requisition Forms Received in a Cytopathology Laboratory of a Tertiary Care Centre: An Audit and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND: A laboratory requisition form (LRF) is the main communication link between the laboratories and the clinicians. In a cytopathology laboratory, incomplete forms with inadequate information significantly impact the quality of the results and waste precious time of the lab. AIMS: The aim of this study was to audit the LRFs for adequacy of demographic and clinical data and to analyze the reasons for the same. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted in the cytopathology laboratory of a tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the original LRFs received for Pap smears and FNACs of 1-month duration were retrieved. The forms were scrutinized for the presence of specific parameters which were classified as patient information, clinician information and clinical information. In addition to the completeness of the form, clarity of the data was also noted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were entered on excel worksheets and percentage of Pap smear and FNAC forms lacking information of various parameters was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 431 LRFs were received in the month of January 2020. These included 274 Pap smear LRFs and 157 FNAC LRFs. Patient information was mentioned in predominantly all the forms, however, clinician and clinical information, which is indispensible for reporting, was missing in a significant proportion of the Pap smear and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) forms. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving inadequately filled LRFs has been an age-old problem in all medical laboratories. Audit of inadequacy of LRFs helped in assessing the prevailing practices in the hospital and gave an insight into the quality of information available to the cytologists for reporting. Many clinicians withhold information out of ignorance about its importance or due to lack of time to fill up the details on the LRF. Also, filling out a LRF is a task usually delegated to the junior doctor in the OPD and the significance of filling the LRF correctly and comprehensively is often not emphasized upon adequately by the senior clinicians. This audit helped us taking preventive action by giving feedback to the clinicians and emphasizing to them the importance of clinical data on the LRF and in improvising the LRF using a more objective and user-friendly format

Exotic associations and presentations of an age old disease: spectrum of tuberculosis in a developing country

Background:To create an awareness of the associations of tuberculosis with various other infections and its atypical clinical manifestations is important especially in regions where tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem.Methods: This was an observational study of tubercular cases received in the Department of Pathology during the period January 2014 to January 2015.Results: A case series of exotic associations of tuberculosis, along with two cases at unusual sites, not suspected clinically, subsequently diagnosed by pathological examination and ancillary techniques.Conclusions: Tuberculosis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially in the developing world. This series of cases goes to demonstrate the seemingly endless forms and presentations of this age-old disease and the importance of timely diagnosis and specific treatment

A study to evaluate the knowledge of women about the prevention of carcinoma cervix by vaccination

Background: Cervical cancer, characterized by malignant growth in the cervix uteri, often manifests with vaginal bleeding and can progress silently until reaching an advanced stage. It ranks as the most common cancer among women in numerous developing nations. The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of the women about the prevention of carcinoma cervix by vaccination. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynecology, Dhaka medical college and hospital, Bangladesh from Jan 2020 to Dec 2021. In this study, 100 women attending the mentioned department, were interviewed with a view in mind to find out their knowledge level regarding the vaccination of cervical cancers. Data were analyzed by using MS office tools. Results: The study revealed a direct correlation between education level and awareness of HPV, underscoring a significant lack of knowledge about cervical cancer vaccination. It emphasizes the urgent need to educate individuals about the vaccine's role in preventing cervical cancer. Education campaigns utilizing local media could effectively disseminate information. Conclusions: The unavailability and cost of the vaccine pose barriers to its accessibility. Integrating the vaccine program into existing expanded program on immunization (EPI) initiatives could be transformative for community health

Metallosis and Nonunion: A Case Series and Literature Review

Metallosis, defined as the presence of free metal particles in the tissue, including bone and soft tissue, is a rare phenomenon seen in orthopedic practice. It is more commonly seen in arthroplasty surgeries, but its occurrence in the presence of other metal implants is also well recognized. Multiple hypotheses are suggested to explain the genesis of metallosis, but it is traditionally believed that abnormal contact between the metal surfaces leads to abrasive wear causing the release of metal particles into the surrounding tissue eliciting foreign body reactions from the body\u27s immune system. The consequences can be local effects, which can be asymptomatic soft tissue lesions, or lead to significant osteolysis, tissue necrosis, joint effusion, and large soft tissue masses, causing secondary pathological effects. The systemic distribution of these metal particles can also contribute to the clinical picture. The literature contains multiple case reports of metallosis following arthroplasty surgeries, but there is limited information on metallosis resulting from osteosynthesis of fractures. In this review, we are presenting our experience with a few patients who developed nonunion following the index surgeries and on revision were found to have metallosis as well. It is difficult to postulate whether metallosis was contributory to the nonunion or the other way around or whether the occurrence of nonunion in face of metallosis was a pure coincidence. Additionally, one of our patients had a positive intraoperative culture, further complicating the picture. In addition to the case series, we present a succinct review of the literature on metallosis found in previous studies