Hepatitis update program: need of the situation to co-manage viral hepatitis and COVID-19

Background: Government of India has taken several initiatives towards combating viral hepatitis but due to sudden surge in COVID-19 cases resulted in suspension of viral hepatitis program related activities. Moreover, COVID-19 has several liver related complications hence more special precautions are required to manage patients with known liver diseases. Nurses play an important role in management of any disease. However, there is limited knowledge among nurses on co-management of COVID-19 and viral hepatitis. With this background, two-day training program for nursing professionals was conceptualized under the project PRAKASH to educate and train the nurses about co-management of COVID-19 and viral hepatitis.        Methods: A pre-post study was undertaken among nurses who have registered for hepatitis update program. The online link to 25-knowledge related questions along with demographic variables was shared with the registered participants. Paired t test and other statistical analyses were done using SPSS v-21. Level of significance was taken at p<0.05Results: A total of 1151 responses were received out of 1477 trained participants. The mean age of the nursing participants was 32.5±6.95 years. The overall mean knowledge score in the pre-assessment was found to be 15.47±4.13 out of 25, which further increased to 20.72±3.81 in the post-assessment. Gender, type of facility, education, willingness to get trained and prior training related to viral hepatitis were found to be independently associated with pre-knowledge score.Conclusions: Training programs should be encouraged for diseases which are of public health importance and can’t be ignored with respect to increasing burden of COVID-19 cases

Artificial intelligence and 3D printing technology in orthodontics: future and scope

New digital technologies, like in other fields, have revolutionized the health care field and orthodontic practice in the 21st century. They can assist the health care professionals in working more efficiently by saving time and improving patient care. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing technology are useful for improving diagnosis and treatment planning, creating algorithms and manufacturing customized orthodontic appliances. AI accomplishes the task of human beings with the help of machines and technology. In orthodontics, AI-based models have been used for diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical decision-making and prognosis prediction. It minimizes the required workforce and speeds up the diagnosis and treatment procedure. In addition, the 3D printing technology is used to fabricate study models, clear aligner models, surgical guides for inserting mini-implants, clear aligners, lingual appliances, wires components for removable appliances and occlusal splints. This paper is a review of the future and scope of AI and 3D printing technology in orthodontics

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward prevention and management of COVID-19 among indian nurses: A cross-sectional study

Background: To plan suitable policy against COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that the nurses have updated knowledge related to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of COVID-19 and have an optimistic attitude and good practices in managing the patients during the pandemic crisis. Thus, we conducted a study on the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among Indian nursing professionals. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 22 to May 22, 2020 using a pretested 37-item-self-reported e-questionnaire among nursing professionals above 18 years of age, working in health-care setting across 25 states. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: demographic details, knowledge (26 items), attitude (6 items), and practice (5-itmes). KAP questionnaire was shared through e-mail, SMS, and WhatsApp groups. Results: A total of 1182 participants responded to the online survey with 94% completion rate. The study analyzed the data for 1110 nurses with a mean age of 30 ± 6.7 years and 68% being females. The mean KAP score was 16.82 ± 3.3, 9.77 ± 2.03, and 18.37 ± 3.29, respectively. Knowledge was significantly correlated with attitude (r = 0.1316) and practice (r = 0.1526). Practice and attitude were also found to be positively correlated (r = 0.4398). Good knowledge related to COVID-19 was significantly affected by age, gender, location, and type of facility (<0.01). Conclusion: The study raised concerns regarding poor knowledge, anxiety, and fear from COVID-19 duty affects the health-care workers (HCWs) performance and provides resistance in working. A comprehensive training program for HCWs focuses more in terms of infection, prevention, control, and management and maintaining good mental health is required