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Liao W, Armstrong AW, Duffin KC. GRAPPA Debate: Targeted Small Molecules Versus Biologics as First-Line Systemic Therapy After Conventional Therapy for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis. J Rheumatol 2024; 51:89-92. [PMID: 39009402 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.2024-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
In this debate at the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) 2023 annual meeting, arguments were made contrasting the first-line use of oral targeted small-molecule drugs vs biologic therapy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis (PsO) after failure of conventional therapy. Arguments in favor of small-molecule drugs included good efficacy and safety, patient preference, cost savings, global health equity, and environmental stewardship. Arguments in favor of biologics included superior efficacy, excellent safety, availability of long-term data, pediatric regulatory approvals, and potential benefit for comorbidities. By the end of the debate, there was recognition of significant pros and cons of each approach. Both small-molecule drugs and biologic therapy are valuable options for PsO treatment, and their use can be tailored toward specific individuals or healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Liao
- W. Liao, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California;
| | - April W Armstrong
- A.W. Armstrong, MD, MPH, Division of Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kristina Callis Duffin
- K. Callis Duffin, MD, MS, Department of Dermatology, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Mead ES, Teeling SP, McNamara M. A Realist Review Protocol into the Contexts and Mechanisms That Enable the Inclusion of Environmental Sustainability Outcomes in the Design of Lean Healthcare Improvement Interventions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:868. [PMID: 39063445 PMCID: PMC11276605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Healthcare makes a significant contribution to the social, economic and environmental benefits of communities. It is correspondingly a significant employer and consumer of both energy and consumables, often at high costs. Lean, a quality improvement methodology focuses on the elimination of non-value add (NVA) activities (steps that do not add value from the perspective of the customer) to improve the flow of people, information or goods. Increasingly, Lean thinking is evolving from its initial focus on eliminating NVA to a more holistic approach that encompasses sustainability. However, little work has been undertaken intentionally, including environmental sustainability outcomes in Lean healthcare interventions. Realist review methodology facilitates an understanding of the extent to which an intervention works, for whom, in what context, why and how, and has proven useful in research relating to Lean interventions in healthcare settings. This protocol provides details for a realist review that will enable an understanding of the specific contexts in which certain mechanisms are activated that enable the inclusion of environmental sustainability outcomes in the design of Lean healthcare improvement interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Shelford Mead
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems UCD Health Sciences Centre, D04 VIW8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Seán Paul Teeling
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems UCD Health Sciences Centre, D04 VIW8 Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Person-Centered Practice Research Division of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Queen Margaret University Drive, Musselburgh EH21 6UU, UK
| | - Martin McNamara
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems UCD Health Sciences Centre, D04 VIW8 Dublin, Ireland
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Pratt B. Defending and Defining Environmental Responsibilities for the Health Research Sector. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2024; 30:25. [PMID: 38842627 PMCID: PMC11156718 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-024-00487-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Six planetary boundaries have already been exceeded, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, chemical pollution, and land-system change. The health research sector contributes to the environmental crisis we are facing, though to a lesser extent than healthcare or agriculture sectors. It could take steps to reduce its environmental impact but generally has not done so, even as the planetary emergency worsens. So far, the normative case for why the health research sector should rectify that failure has not been made. This paper argues strong philosophical grounds, derived from theories of health and social justice, exist to support the claim that the sector has a duty to avoid or minimise causing or contributing to ecological harms that threaten human health or worsen health inequity. The paper next develops ideas about the duty's content, explaining why it should entail more than reducing carbon emissions, and considers what limits might be placed on the duty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Pratt
- Queensland Bioethics Centre, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia.
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Cook N, Porter J, Goodwin D, Collins J. Diverting Food Waste From Landfill in Exemplar Hospital Foodservices: A Qualitative Study. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024; 124:725-739. [PMID: 38142741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US Environmental Protection Agency Food Recovery Hierarchy suggests methods for diverting food waste from landfill. Knowledge of how hospital foodservices implement food waste management strategies could help modernize food waste practices. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore hospital staff members' experiences of implementing a food waste management strategy to divert food waste from landfill in their hospital foodservice, including the journey, challenges, and facilitators of this practice change. DESIGN A qualitative study was conducted in 2022-2023 using semi-structured interviews. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Eighteen participants were staff members with knowledge of the food waste management strategy from 14 exemplar hospitals in United States, Spain, Scotland, and Australia using strategies to divert food waste from landfill within the last 10 years. ANALYSES PERFORMED Mapping and thematic analysis were undertaken to code and identify themes from the interviews that described staff members' experiences of the journey to implement the strategy. RESULTS Six hospitals donated food, 1 transferred food waste for animal feed, 4 used an industrial solution, and 3 sent food waste for composting. A common journey pathway for successful implementation was identified from participants' experiences. It features the following 6 phases: idea, preparation, roll out, maintenance, established practice, and evolution. Facilitators included legislation, enthusiastic staff members, executive support, and "luck." Challenges were smells, occasions when food waste was not collected, equipment breakage, and funding depletion. CONCLUSIONS This study identified a common journey pathway for implementing a food waste management strategy in hospital foodservices that can be used to anticipate and prepare for the steps in the implementation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Cook
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia.
| | - Judi Porter
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia; Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Denise Goodwin
- BehaviourWorks Australia Health & Social Programs, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jorja Collins
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia; Eastern Health, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
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Slatinek T, Slapnik J. Upcycling of SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Cassettes into Flame Retardant Plastics. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:2384. [PMID: 38793451 PMCID: PMC11122883 DOI: 10.3390/ma17102384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the generation of large quantities of medical waste and highlighted the importance of efficient waste management systems. One good example of this is rapid antigen tests, which contain valuable resources, and which are usually incinerated after their use. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of waste rapid antigen test cassettes (RATCs) as a resource for the preparation of sustainable flame-retardant plastics. Milled RATCs were compounded with different concentrations (10-30 wt.%) of aluminium diethylphosphinate (ADP) and injection moulded into test specimens. Prepared samples were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) ageing for varying durations and characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile tests, Charpy impact tests, and vertical burning tests. FT-IR analysis revealed that RATCs are composed mainly of high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), which was further confirmed by suitable glass transition temperatures (Tg) determined by DSC and DMA. The addition of ADP resulted in progressive embrittlement of HIPS with increasing concentration, while flammability decreased significantly and reached V-1 classification at loading of 30 wt.%. UV ageing caused photo-oxidative degradation of HIPS, which resulted in decreased strain-at-break, while flammability was not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janez Slapnik
- Faculty of Polymer Technology, Ozare 19, 2380 Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia;
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Wahlstedt ER, Wahlstedt JC, Rosenberg JS, deVries CR. Lifecycle of surgical devices: Global, environmental, and regulatory considerations. World J Surg 2024; 48:1045-1055. [PMID: 38530108 DOI: 10.1002/wjs.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technological advancements, improved surgical access, and heightened demand for surgery have fueled unprecedented device and supply turnover impelling wealthy hospitals to upgrade continually and sell, donate, recycle, or dispose of used, expired, antiquated, or surplus goods. This paper reviews the issues related to device and supply lifecycles and discusses the opportunities and challenges they present for sustainable surgical growth in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries. OBSERVATIONS This review found, in LMICs countries, regulatory disparities persist that limit effective harmonization secondary to highly variable national policies and a lack of prioritized enforcement. Heterogeneity in the regulatory landscape, specifically in the classification, nomenclature, and identification of medical devices, encumbers effective regulation and distribution. Once devices are sold, donated, or reused in LMICs countries, complexities arise in regulatory compliance, maintenance, and appropriate use of these technologies. At the end of the lifecycle, waste management poses significant obstacles with limited resources hindering the implementation of best practices. CONCLUSION There are major disparities in access to quality surgical equipment and supplies around the world. Improved communication between relevant stakeholders and harmonization of manufacture and disposal regulations will be needed to ensure adequate and appropriate responses to these challenges. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Wahlstedt
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Jenna S Rosenberg
- Center for Global Surgery, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Catherine R deVries
- Center for Global Surgery, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Miamiliotis AS, Talias MA. Healthcare Workers' Knowledge about the Segregation Process of Infectious Medical Waste Management in a Hospital. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:94. [PMID: 38201000 PMCID: PMC10779179 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Any hospital's primary goal is to restore human health and save lives through health services provided to patients, but at the same time, hazardous wastes are produced. Inconsistent management of unsafe wastes might cause adverse effects and other issues for workers, the environment, and public health. Segregation is considered the critical stage in successful medical waste management. Mixing hazardous medical waste with non-hazardous medical waste will be avoided by correctly applying practices at the segregation stage. This study aimed to assess personnel's knowledge about infectious medical waste and segregation practices used at six wards in Nicosia General Hospital. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package of Social Science (SPPS) version 25 was used with a minimum statistical significance of α = 0.05. The study population was nurses, nurse assistants, ward assistants, and cleaners working at the study wards. Out of 191 questionnaires, 82 were received, with a response rate of 42.93%. Most participants were female (72%) and nurses (85.4%). Participants had moderate knowledge about infectious medical waste management and good knowledge regarding segregation practices applied in their ward. Segregation was not carried out as it should have been, since most participants stated that infectious medical waste was mixed with non-hazardous medical waste. The number of correct answers the participants gave regarding the colour-coding of different medical waste categories was 67.5%, and only four answered correctly to all questions. Although participants knew segregation practices and the colour-coding process applied to medical waste, they did not use them satisfactorily. They applied methods regarding segregation without specific training, knowledge and guidance. Due to the issue's importance, training programs must be implemented and performed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael A. Talias
- Healthcare Management Postgraduate Program, Open University Cyprus, P.O. Box 12794, Nicosia 2252, Cyprus;
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Nikolopoulou GB, Tzoutzas I, Tsakris A, Maltezou HC. Hepatitis B in Healthcare Personnel: An Update on the Global Landscape. Viruses 2023; 15:2454. [PMID: 38140695 PMCID: PMC10748141 DOI: 10.3390/v15122454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the outstanding progress that has been made in the prevention, detection, and management of hepatitis B during the past decades, hepatitis B remains a problem among healthcare personnel (HCP) in many countries. We reviewed studies on all aspects of hepatitis B in HCP published from 2017 through April 2023. They revealed wide variations on the prevalence of infection among HCP, ranging from 0.6% in Europe to >8.7% in Africa, almost always in association with very low vaccination rates. Many studies found a significant association between HCP's knowledge about hepatitis B and hepatitis B vaccines, their vaccination status, and practices. This research also discloses global inequities regarding vaccination policies against hepatitis B, free-of-charge vaccinations, and access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Strategies to prevent and manage accidental exposures are needed in order to reduce the burden of hepatitis B on HCP, while written policies for all aspects of infection prevention, protective equipment, and PEP should be available. Lastly, HCP should be accordingly educated. These are all imperative given the decline of routine vaccinations in the COVID-19 era, particularly in countries with fragile vaccination programs, and the disruptions of interventions for hepatitis B that are expected to provide a pool of virus transmission to future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia B. Nikolopoulou
- Department of Hepatitis, National Public Health Organization, 3-5 Agrafon Street, 15123 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Tzoutzas
- School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2 Thivon Street, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Helena C. Maltezou
- Directorate of Research, Studies and Documentation, National Public Health Organization, 3-5 Agrafon Street, 15123 Athens, Greece
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