Anju Sharma

Abstract

Background: Thalassemic patients live a prolonged life in the light of breakthrough of treatment options and early diagnosis, and therefore it is a matter of interest and importance to have a successful reproductive outcome in such patients. Having a child is the dream and readiness of being pregnant is the inclination of not only Thalassemia intermedia patients but also females suffering from Thalassemia major. Thalassemia is an incurable disease till now and producing thalassemia children only enhances the disease burden both for the society and family. This augments the need of successful and early screening thalassemic pregnancies and counseling them for the possible outcomes. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in 460 pregnant Females attending OPD of SGRDIMSAR, Sri Amritsar. Samples were taken after informed consent and processed for Complete Blood Count and Hemoglobin Fractionation using HPLC by Borad. Results: Most of the females had hemoglobin levels between 9-10 g % forming 41.3% of the total females (Table 1). Out of 460 patients enrolled in the study, 21 Females were found to have hemoglobin variants on screening amounting the prevalence of carrier states to 4.53% (Table 3). Conclusion: All pregnant females should be screened for thalassemia carriers in early antenatal period and positive patients should have screening of the partner along with relevant counseling regarding treatment options. Cost effective diagnostic options should be made available in the periphery for mass screening. Keywords: Pregnancy, Thalassemia carriers, Thalassemia screening, HPLC, Red cell indices.

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Abstract

Introduction: The evaluation of patients’ satisfaction with hospitalization, and the identification of their requirements are pivotal in the management of health establishments. Patient satisfaction is the cornerstone of Good Hospital services which is in turn related to nursing care. This study was thus planned to capture the perception of the inpatients for nursing staff keeping it a basis for further improvement. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in Sri Guru Ram Das Hospital Vallah Amritsar. A pre validated feedback questionnaire, including both open and closed ended questions regarding nursing care was filled by 500 patients or their attendants. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: The overall satisfaction level for nursing staff was very high being 94.21% for the communication skills of the nursing staff and most of them had to wait less than 10 minutes once the needed nursing supervision.. It was 87.3% positive indicating excellent staff caring skills whereas 88.7% replied they would positively recommend this hospital to others. Conclusion: The overall satisfaction level was very high but six patients complained about cleanliness and one patient said that he did not like anything in the hospital. The same was informed to the authorities for any corrective actions required. This was really helpful in improving the patient care. Keywords: Patient satisfaction, Feedback questionnaire, Nursing care, Hospital quality services.

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Abstract

Introduction: After the revision implementation of New Medical curriculum after almost 25 years by the Medical council of India, serious changes need to be introduced in biochemistry teaching learning methodology to make it an interesting, more clinically oriented subject. Also the aim is to enhance problem solving and critical thinking skills in the medical students. To achieve the same, small group learning forms the cornerstone of various teaching Learning strategies. Six Thinking Hats strategy, discovered by D’bono can go a long way to help switch in Thinking. Materials and Methods: The present inter ventional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, SGRDIMSAR Amritsar. The faculty and students were sensitized with this new six thinking hats teaching learning tool. Activity was conducted during practical classes of first year MBBS students where they were already divided into batch of 75 students in each. Students were informed one week prior about the topics. On the day of event, 75 students were divided into four groups comprising of 18 students each. Six students from each group were selected randomly using chit method were given coloured hats indicating different purpose. At the end of each session, the students were assessed by post test and pre-validated (validated by faculty) feedback questionnaire. Results: Data was statistically analyzed and 89.4% of students agreed that it played an important role in enhancing critical learning. Students also agreed that Six Thinking hats helped them increase their analytical skills to solve the given problem and 88.7% found it helpful in future application of this biochemical knowledge in future application of their clinical classes. Keywords:  Six Thinking Hats, Biochemistry, Small Group Learning, Critical thinking.

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