Metal hypersensitivity screening among frontline healthcare workers-A descriptive study

Patient Journey Map: Metal Hypersensitivity

In this study, we highlight patients' experiences with metal hypersensitivity (MH) after receiving implantable medical devices (IMDs). We aim to identify gaps in clinical care and improve outcomes for individuals who have or may be sensitive to metals. Secondary data analysis from a previous interpretative phenomenological qualitative study was utilized. Using patient journey maps, we explored the experiences of 8 individuals from outpatient settings who received IMD and have first-hand experience with MH. We documented their journey from MH symptom recognition to diagnosis and subsequent IMD management. The results reveal that the time frames from device implantation to the treatment of MH varied from 17 to 228 months. The longest phase on the patient journey maps was the symptom recognition phase, which refers to the time between symptom emergence and MH diagnosis. Participants also required extensive healthcare utilization following their initial surgery. These findings emphasize that MH should be considered in differential diagnoses for patients with IMD. Early screening and detection of MH can enhance patient safety, alleviate distress, and reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization.

Hypersensitivity Reaction to Metal: A Bibliometric Study

Background: To delineate the scientific publications on metal hypersensitivity. Methods: Scopus database from 1946 to 2020, written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. This is a bibliometric study, with a descriptive and quantitative approach. For data analysis, we used RStudio® and VOSviewer® and bibliometric packages-bibliometrix and biblioshiny. Results: Of the 804 articles retrieved, most of the publications come from European, Asian, and American countries, with Germany, Japan, and United States leading. Published articles and keywords refer to orthopedic, dermatological, and orthodontic specialties. Conclusion: Scientific production is scarce with slight oscillations in the studied period, authored predominantly by researchers in North America and Europe. Articles were mostly published in scientific journals in the fields of dermatology, dentistry, and orthopedics, which indicated the need for greater investments in the research development on the topic.