JournalTOCs

AboutOpen
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 2465-2628
Published by AboutScience Srl

[4 journals]

Altmetrics, Beamplots, Plum X Metrics and friends: discovering the new
waypoints in the Science Metrics roadmap
- Authors: Valeria Scotti
  Pages: 1 - 2
  PubDate: 2022-01-19
  DOI: 10.33393/ao.2022.2363
  Issue No: Vol. 9 (2022)
Health Policy Brief: i pilastri dell’Engagement in Emofilia
- Authors: Guendalina Graffigna, Serena Barello, Caterina Bosio, Chiara Biasoli, Andrea Buzzi, Cristina Cassone, Luigi Ambroso, Patrizia Di Gregorio, Lorenzo Farace, Paola Giordano, Renato Marino, Irene Ricca, Angiola Rocino
  Pages: 3 - 9
  Abstract: About 5000 people in Italy suffer from hemophilia, the most common coagulation disorder. As for other chronic diseases, even in the case of hemophilia, the engagement of the patient is essential: the patients, in fact, must be empowered and helped to become strong partners of the care team and sensitized with respect to their rights and duties for the successful achievement of the goals set by their healthcare path. Hence the initiative to start a new research-intervention project in the field of hemophilia. The study had different phases of research: a first moment inspired by the principles of narrative medicine, aimed at collecting stories and narratives of patients with hemophilia related to the experience of the disease and therapy and expectations of active involvement in the relationship with the clinician. At the same time, among hematologists and patients has been surveyed the experience of therapeutical relationship and communication, to capture the aspects in which they feel effective and the areas of improvement and unmet needs. Subsequently, a workshop dedicated to patients and hematologists was organized to foster mutual awareness between these two targets and the formation of a better communication and relational skills of clinicians. The results of the project formed the basis for a policy brief document, aimed at disseminating recommendations to support better relationship and empathic communication between clinicians and patients.
  PubDate: 2022-01-19
  DOI: 10.33393/ao.2022.2319
  Issue No: Vol. 9 (2022)
Introducing the “How to …” review article series
- Authors: Giacomo Bellani, Giulio Zuanetti
  Pages: 10 - 10
  PubDate: 2022-04-11
  DOI: 10.33393/ao.2022.2411
  Issue No: Vol. 9 (2022)
A mixed reality telemedicine system for collaborative ultrasound
diagnostics and ultrasound-guided interventions
- Authors: Stefan Maas, Peter Kopacsi, Peter Kovacs, Arnaud Bosteels
  Pages: 15 - 20
  Abstract: In acute care settings (emergency room [ER], intensive care unit [ICU], operating room [OR]), it is common for inexperienced physicians to have problems making an ultrasound (US) diagnosis, so they have to consult an expert. In this article, we would like to present a methodology by which geographically independent expert physicians can engage during an US examination through virtual and augmented reality. The expert can view the set-up and the US images obtained by the examiner and discuss the clinical case over video chat. In turn, s/he can advise on the proper positioning of the US transducer on the patient with the help of a virtual US transducer. This technology can be used to obtain experts’ opinion from a remote location, whether it is inside a hospital or many miles away. Similarly, it can be used for distant training; whatever the indication, it will lead to improved care. We discuss two different use cases inside an ER: US for a Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) examination and US for the insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC). Currently, we position this technology to Technology Readiness Level 2, as the concept is formulated and the practical application is identified. The basic properties of algorithms are defined and the basic principles are coded. We performed experiments with parts of the technology in an artificial environment. We asked a doctor, Arnaud Bosteels, to review this method and create this article together.
  PubDate: 2022-04-20
  DOI: 10.33393/ao.2022.2394
  Issue No: Vol. 9 (2022)
Guideline proposal for pharma companies to manage pharmacovigilance
activities in digital media
- Authors: Daniela Bernardini, Ilenia Bocchi, Stefano Bonato, Davide Bottalico, Valentina Calderazzo, Carmela Casino, Gian Nicola Castiglione, Carla Cottone, Stefania Dellon, Ilaria Grisoni, Amanda Mattavelli, Giacomo Pirisino, Silvia Romano, Grazia Sirizzotti, Lisa Stagi, on behalf of the SIMeF Working Group
  Pages: 21 - 28
  Abstract: Internet has become a central part of our everyday lives. Digital media are integrated in our daily routines and play a critical role in the dissemination of public health information and disease prevention guidelines. For this reason, digital activities are becoming more and more impacting in pharma company activities and this is an increasing trend after the pandemic period. Managing digital activities from pharmacovigilance (PV) perspective may have challenges linked to correct assessment of the activities and application of PV rules: this was underlined in recent publications, where the need to have more specific guidelines linked to digital activities management was evidenced. Considering this scenario and the continuous evolution of the digital activities, the SIMEF PV working group decided to work on a proposal guideline to provide support to PV departments in pharma companies, suggesting a framework to manage sponsored digital activities (i.e., website, web apps, social media webpage, chatbots) impacting potential collection of adverse events (AEs). The purpose of this guideline is to provide useful instructions on how to manage PV requirements for digital activities, suggesting potential solutions for assessing initiatives, creating governance framework, conducting a correct vendor management, and suggesting practical approaches for AEs reporting and follow-up. The aim of this document is also to trigger a broader discussion among relevant stakeholders on which PV guidelines may be useful and appropriate considering this continuous evolving scenario.
  PubDate: 2022-04-21
  DOI: 10.33393/ao.2022.2401
  Issue No: Vol. 9 (2022)
Psoriasis at the time of COVID-19: results of an Italian survey on
patients and caregivers
- Authors: Valeria Dealessi, Giovanni Gigante, Claudia Leporati, Ugo G. Viora
  Pages: 29 - 35
  Abstract: Methods: A multiple-choice survey, addressing the first and the second waves of COVID-19 pandemic, was administered to psoriatic patients and their caregivers, to evaluate demographics, clinical data, patient’s perception and psychological impact with respect to the assistance received. Patient’s engagement was evaluated through Social Media interactions (reach and engagement of Facebook and Instagram about the website “La pelle conta”, lapellaconta.it). Results: Preliminary results of the survey spanned in the time period from 30/9/2020 to 11/3/2021. Out of 852 patients, 83% were women. Seventy-three percent of patients declared that living with the disease worsened during the pandemic, with the onset or exacerbation of anxiety, stress, sense of helplessness, sadness and distress. A worsening in the assistance from the healthcare system was reported by 54% of the psoriatic patients. Two hundred fifteen caregivers took part to the survey and 84% were women. During the pandemic, a worsening in the symptoms of the patients was noted by 69% of the caregivers, and they also experienced sense of helplessness, anxiety, stress, sadness and distress themselves. Conclusions: Although both the patients and the caregivers registered a worsening of symptoms and of quality of assistance and an increase of anxiety during the pandemic, in most of the cases the patients and their families were able to face difficulties, improving their relationship. The caregivers are central for patient assistance but they cannot be left alone.
  PubDate: 2022-05-05
  DOI: 10.33393/ao.2022.2393
  Issue No: Vol. 9 (2022)
How to insert a PICC: practical tips for the intensive care physician
- Authors: Stefano Elli, Giacomo Bellani, Alberto Lucchini
  Pages: 11 - 14
  Abstract: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are central vascular access devices inserted via deep veins of the arm, also useful in critical care settings. The purpose of this article is to offer to a critical care clinician with good skills in central venous catheterization, but who has limited experience on PICC catheters, the basic information on how the procedure is performed and how to minimize the risks of complications or failure of the maneuver. The main technical steps and the main precautions to be taken during PICC placement will be analyzed, with reference to the differences compared to central catheterization. Specifically, the pre-procedural phase and the intraprocedural main steps of the maneuver will be analyzed. A dedicated Vascular Access Team is considered useful and desirable by the current literature, but when the use of the PICC proves useful or even mandatory, the intensive care physician skilled in central venous catheters can transfer skills from central to peripheral catheterization.
  PubDate: 2021-04-11
  DOI: 10.33393/ao.2022.2360
  Issue No: Vol. 9 (2021)