Assessment of Groundwater Potential Zone in Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal – A Meso-scale study using GIS and Remote Sensing Approach

The investigation of groundwater in hard rock terrains is a complex task. To overcome this complexity, the integrated approach based on advanced applications of remote sensing and GIS lends itself to evaluate groundwater prospective zone based on multi-criteria evaluation approach (e.g. seasonal land use/land cover and vegetation, hydro-geology, geomorphology, soil, drainage density, monsoon and post monsoon water level and elevation). A probability weightage index overlay method was adopted that allows a linear combination of probability weights of each thematic map with the individual impact value using Bayesian statistics. These capability values are then multiplied with the respective probability weight of each thematic map. The result shows groundwater potentiality of Paschim Medinipur is stretched along the eastern part and in small pockets in northern and southern part. The hydrologic parameters-based groundwater potential zone map also indicated, 8.08% of the study area was classified as having very high potential, 11.99% high potential and 17.72% moderate potential. The groundwater abstractions structures feasible in each of the various potential zones have also been suggested. This study also provides a methodological approach for an evaluation of the water resources in hard rock terrain and enables an opening of the scope for further development and management practices. Keywords: Remote Sensing, GIS, probability weightage index , Groundwater potentialit

Differential perceptions regarding personal protective equipment use during the COVID-19 pandemic by NHS healthcare professionals based on ethnicity, sex and professional experience

Objectives To capture perceptions regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, including staff subgroups at high risk for severe COVID-19, such as black and minority ethnic (BAME) groups. Design Electronically distributed survey with semi-quantitative analysis. Survey distributed at a major academic NHS tertiary referral centre in the West Midlands with a diverse medical workforce to medically qualified staff who completed COVID-19 redeployment training. (N=121; 47% female; 49% of BAME background; 26% international medical graduates). Results All demographic groups reported overall good awareness of when and how to use PPE during COVID-19 pandemic. Statistically significant differences in the perceptions regarding PPE use during COVID-19 were noted between BAME vs non-BAME staff, international vs UK medical graduates, and male vs female participants, as well as between professionals at different stages of their career. The differences related to perceptions around availability, degree of protection provided, perceived inconvenience, ability to raise concerns about availability, confidence in sharing underlying health conditions with managers and the impact of full PPE in emergency situations causing delay patient care. Conclusions Amongst medically qualified staff, significant differences exist in the perceptions relating to the, availability and effectiveness of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic depending on country of training, ethnic background and sex

A Systematic Review to Assess the Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Glycaemia in People with Diabetes Mellitus

Background and Objectives: Hyperbaric oxygen is a recognised treatment for a range of medical conditions, including treatment of diabetic foot disease. A number of studies have reported an impact of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on glycaemic control in patients undergoing treatment for diabetic foot disease. There has been no systematic review considering the impact of hyperbaric oxygen on glycaemia in people with diabetes. Materials and Methods: A prospectively PROSPERO-registered (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021255528) systematic review of eligible studies published in English in the PUBMED, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases, based on the following search terms: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, HBO2, hyperbaric oxygenation, glycaemic control, diabetes, diabetes Mellitus, diabetic, HbA1c. Data extraction to pre-determined piloted data collection form, with individual assessment of bias. Results: In total, 10 eligible publications were identified after screening. Of these, six articles reported a statistically significant reduction in blood glucose from hyperbaric oxygen treatment, while two articles reported a statistically significant increase in peripheral insulin sensitivity. Two articles also identified a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c following hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Conclusions: There is emerging evidence suggesting a reduction in glycaemia following hyperbaric oxygen treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus, but the existing studies are in relatively small cohorts and potentially underpowered. Additional large prospective clinical trials are required to understand the precise impact of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on glycaemia for people with diabetes mellitus

Healthcare Staff Perceptions Following Inoculation with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine at University Hospitals Coventry Warwickshire NHS Trust

Background: COVID-19 vaccination programmes offer hope for a potential end to the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We present perceptions following from a cohort of healthcare staff at the UK NHS hospital, which first initiated the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 (“Pfizer”) vaccination program. Methods: A paper-based survey regarding perceptions on the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was distributed to all healthcare workers at the University Hospitals Coventry Warwickshire NHS Trust following receipt of the first vaccine dose. Results: 535 healthcare workers completed the survey, with a 40.9% response rate. Staff felt privileged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Staff reported that they had minimised contact with patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Reported changes to activity following vaccination both at work and outside work were guarded. Statistically significant differences were noted between information sources used by staff groups and between groups of different ethnic backgrounds to inform decisions to receive vaccination. Conclusions: NHS staff felt privileged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and felt that their actions would promote uptake in the wider population. Concerns regarding risks and side effects existed, but were minimal. This research can be used to help inform strategies driving wider vaccine uptake amongst healthcare staff and the public

Healthcare Staff Perceptions and Misconceptions regarding Antibody Testing in the United Kingdom: Implications for the next steps for antibody screening

Background Healthcare workers have been at increased risk of exposure, infection and serious complications from COVID-19. Antibody testing has been used to identify staff members who have been previously infected by SARS-CoV-2, and has been rolled out rapidly in the United Kingdom. a number of published comment and editorial articles raising concerns about antibody testing in this context. We present perceptions of NHS healthcare workers in relation to SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. Methods Electronic survey regarding perceptions towards SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing which was distributed to all healthcare workers at a major NHS tertiary hospital following implementation of antibody testing. Results In total, 560 healthcare workers completed the survey (80% female; 25% of BAME background; 58% from frontline clinical staff). Exploring whether they previously had COVID-19 was the primary reported reason for choosing to undergo antibody testing (85.2%). In case of a positive antibody test, 72% reported that they would feel relieved, whilst 48% felt that they would be happier to work in a patient-facing area. Moreover, 12% responded that a positive test would mean “social distancing is less important”, with 34% of the responders indicating that in this case they would be both less likely to catch COVID-19 and happier to visit friends/relatives. Conclusions NHS staff members primarily seek out SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing for an appropriate reason. Based on our findings and given the lack of definite data regarding the extent of immunity protection from a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, significant concerns may be raised regarding the reported interpretation by healthcare workers of positive antibody test results. This needs to be further explored and addressed to protect NHS staff and patients

What characterises diabetes distress and its resolution? A documentary analysis

Objective Cross-sectional studies show that diabetes distress (DD) is associated with HbA1c and depressive symptoms in individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Evidence of association with self-management behaviour is contradictory. Little qualitative evidence exists to understand the manifestation of DD. Our objective was to understand the documented experience of DD and its resolution. Methods A psycho-social care clinic using evidence-based approaches was developed in a hospital diabetes centre serving Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes populations. People were referred by specialist diabetes clinicians when they were ‘struggling to cope’ with their diabetes. Detailed clinical notes captured the origins, characteristics and process of resolution of referred patients’ DD. Documentary clinical notes retrospective analysis used directed content analysis. DD was assessed by the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID) at referral. Results Eighty-two people were referred and 70 people attended 202 consultations. Forty-one sets of case notes were included where people attended ≥2 appointments; of whom, 24 experienced elevated DD, 13 had elevated DD plus established psychological morbidity and 4 had general distress unrelated to their diabetes. Mean PAID score was 53. Individuals with DD only experienced mastery of their diabetes, using the psycho-social care service to increase self-care behaviours. Individuals with DD plus established psychological morbidity were unable to increase their self-care. Conclusions People ‘struggling to cope’ are most likely to be experiencing elevated DD only. People with DD only were able to resolve this through access to clinic-run psycho-social care. Practice Implications Health professionals should routinely assess for coping and distress in their care planning. Psycho-social care pathways are important for people with elevated DD

Cluster randomised controlled trial evaluation of a Link Worker-delivered intervention to improve uptake of diabetic retinopathy screening in a South Asian population

Attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening in minority ethnic groups, including the South Asian population, is known to be poor. We describe a cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in 10 general practitioner (GP) surgeries in Coventry, UK, during 2007 which aimed to evaluate the use of a Link Worker–delivered intervention to improve attendance. The intervention consisted of a simple telephone reminder with the main outcome measure being attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening. We found a statistically significant difference between mean attendance proportions for intervention (0.89) and control (0.74) practices: difference (95% confidence interval (CI)) 0.15 (0.04–0.27), t = 3.03, p = 0.0162; this difference remained significant when adjusted for previous year’s proportions. In this proof-of-concept study, in inner city Coventry, we demonstrated increased attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening by use of a simple Link Worker–implemented telephone call intervention. The use of Link Worker phone calls may be a useful tool to increase attendance for diabetic retinopathy screening in a group with high did-not-attend (DNA) rates and a high prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and visual impairment

Improving diabetes and endocrinology specialty training with modest resources: the Health Education West Midlands model.

Introduction In the current pandemic, there is a significant disruption for medical training. It is essential that clinicians can access high-quality, targeted educational content to support their clinical working and training development. This content must be delivered on a background of increasing clinical pressures and budgetary restrictions. Methods Educational innovations and supplementary educational content (such as digitisation, simulation, curriculum mapping, trainee representative role definition, research and innovation training) were implemented. We measured the impact of these interventions on cost reductions and changes in trainees' self-reported confidence levels to manage various clinical scenarios post-interventions. Results Using digital technologies reduced both costs and administrative burdens. Simulation-based learning helped improve trainees' self-reported confidence levels. Conclusion Collaborative working across training programme directors, specialist training committee members, educational supervisors, trainee representatives and trainees themselves can develop high-quality educational programmes that support clinical exposure. We propose that elements of the model described here can be replicated across regions and different specialties to support the highest quality of education for UK trainees