Conceptual, sociological and materialistic view of innovation-translation dynamics in medicine: The need and directions for a novel multi-pronged initiative

The recent decades have witnessed overwhelming advancements in medical technologies and the quality of healthcare. A vast majority of the advancements which are capable of revolutionising healthcare still remain dormant within laboratories which is certainly due to the tardive translation and assimilation of these innovations. Innovation-translation is explained by an over-simplified linear model which provides the users with just two option- either to adopt or not. The translation of medical innovation is a cyclical and dynamic process which includes the conception of novel ideas, generation of proof of concept, adoption, post-adoption analysis and emergence of new innovations. Conceptual factors like principle, validity, contextual appropriateness and performance; sociological factors like political climate, professional involvement, interdisciplinary interaction and investment policies; and materialistic factors like resource availability, affordability and apt human resource management are the chief determinants of innovation translation. Loose knit configuration of national policies favour innovation translation than close knit configuration. India suffers from lack of drive for local innovation, lack of succinct aptitude, inadequate local investment and lack of efficient regulation. Innovation studies expose the determinants of successful and failed innovations. Ensuring a favourable political and financial environment that provides systematic innovation assessment, evaluation and regulation, valid operational guidelines, encourage local innovation, and promote intellectual aptitude can drive further innovation. Competitively promoting sustaining and disruptive innovation will enable remarkable advancements. Post-adoption analysis and feedback and Precision medicine are significant tools. Efforts should be made to introduce and ensure meticulous innovation surveillance. Keywords: Innovation-translation dynamics; Cyclic dynamic model; Innovation surveillance; Regulation

Conceptual, sociological and materialistic view of innovation-translation dynamics in medicine: The need and directions for a novel multi-pronged initiative

The recent decades have witnessed overwhelming advancements in medical technologies and the quality of healthcare. A vast majority of the advancements which are capable of revolutionising healthcare still remain dormant within laboratories which is certainly due to the tardive translation and assimilation of these innovations. Innovation-translation is explained by an over-simplified linear model which provides the users with just two option- either to adopt or not. The translation of medical innovation is a cyclical and dynamic process which includes the conception of novel ideas, generation of proof of concept, adoption, post-adoption analysis and emergence of new innovations. Conceptual factors like principle, validity, contextual appropriateness and performance; sociological factors like political climate, professional involvement, interdisciplinary interaction and investment policies; and materialistic factors like resource availability, affordability and apt human resource management are the chief determinants of innovation translation. Loose knit configuration of national policies favour innovation translation than close knit configuration. India suffers from lack of drive for local innovation, lack of succinct aptitude, inadequate local investment and lack of efficient regulation. Innovation studies expose the determinants of successful and failed innovations. Ensuring a favourable political and financial environment that provides systematic innovation assessment, evaluation and regulation, valid operational guidelines, encourage local innovation, and promote intellectual aptitude can drive further innovation. Competitively promoting sustaining and disruptive innovation will enable remarkable advancements. Post-adoption analysis and feedback and Precision medicine are significant tools. Efforts should be made to introduce and ensure meticulous innovation surveillance. Keywords: Innovation-translation dynamics; Cyclic dynamic model; Innovation surveillance; Regulation

GANDHIAN PRINCIPLES ON HEALTH: EVIDENCES, RELEVANCE AND IMPLICATIONS IN THE MODERN CONTEXT OF HEALTH

Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi is one of the greatest visionaries who is known for his anti-imperialistic views and strong political strategies. Right from his childhood till his last breath, he had a keen interest in practising medicine. In spite of the odds going against him to pursue a formal medical degree, he practiced medicine throughout his life. He recommended and followed strict principles on health that have valid scientific coherence. The objective of this article is to describe his principles on health and analyse it in the light of scientific literature. Vocational medical practice formed a major part of his activities in parallel to his political reforms. His service at Sevagram and his role in the lives of many sick are quiet evident. Gandhi believed in the power of will and hence emphasised on psychological support and reformation as the foremost principle. He followed and recommended natural therapy like- mud cures, fasting and Citrus diet. Throughout his life he strongly emphasised strict palatal control and regular physical exercises which would address the vast magnitude of non-communicable diseases today. He believed fasting not only as a political strategy but also as a therapy for many illnesses. He also recommended occasional fasting for healthy individuals. He followed chastity and believed it to be an important factor for physical and mental well-being. His views on euthanasia are controversial. Following Gandhian health principles will build a healthy human and thence a healthy nation. Keywords: Gandhian views; Natural cure; Palatal control; Fasting; Vegetarianism; Euthanasia

GANDHIAN PRINCIPLES ON HEALTH: EVIDENCES, RELEVANCE AND IMPLICATIONS IN THE MODERN CONTEXT OF HEALTH

Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi is one of the greatest visionaries who is known for his anti-imperialistic views and strong political strategies. Right from his childhood till his last breath, he had a keen interest in practising medicine. In spite of the odds going against him to pursue a formal medical degree, he practiced medicine throughout his life. He recommended and followed strict principles on health that have valid scientific coherence. The objective of this article is to describe his principles on health and analyse it in the light of scientific literature. Vocational medical practice formed a major part of his activities in parallel to his political reforms. His service at Sevagram and his role in the lives of many sick are quiet evident. Gandhi believed in the power of will and hence emphasised on psychological support and reformation as the foremost principle. He followed and recommended natural therapy like- mud cures, fasting and Citrus diet. Throughout his life he strongly emphasised strict palatal control and regular physical exercises which would address the vast magnitude of non-communicable diseases today. He believed fasting not only as a political strategy but also as a therapy for many illnesses. He also recommended occasional fasting for healthy individuals. He followed chastity and believed it to be an important factor for physical and mental well-being. His views on euthanasia are controversial. Following Gandhian health principles will build a healthy human and thence a healthy nation. Keywords: Gandhian views; Natural cure; Palatal control; Fasting; Vegetarianism; Euthanasia

Isolation of Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) from Dental Unit Water Lines (DUWL) in a tertiary care institutional setup

Background: The quality of dental unit water lines (DUWL) is of considerable importance since patients and dental staff are regularly exposed to water and aerosols generated from dental units which thereby influence the individual patient outcome and health-care associated morbidity. The aim of the present study was to determine the microbiological quality of water used, presence of biofilms and also the potential of isolated bacterial species in producing biofilms within DUWL. Methods: Thirty DUWL samples were collected from various departments of Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore. Bacteriological analysis was done for the presence of various bacterial contaminants. Presence of biofilms on DUWLs and potential of bacterial isolates to form biofilm were also determined. Results: Seven of 30 samples (23.3%), were found to be of unsatisfactory quality (coliform count > 200 CFU/ml), most frequently from air/water syringes. A total of 45 strains were isolated from 14 water samples. Genera isolated were Escherichia spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. Four of 10 samples from DUWL tubing showed presence of biofilms (40%), formed mostly by Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Out of 45 strains that were isolated, 19 strains displayed ability to form biofilms. Maximum number (10) isolates formed biofilms with 48 hours. Conclusion: Exposure to contaminated water from DUWL poses threat to the well-being of the patient and the health care personnel as well. Hence, measures should be initiated to ensure the optimum quality of DUWL water. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.131977