1
|
Aulino G, Giannuzzi F, Carlà MM, Guarnieri G, Spagnolo D, Lepore D, Cittadini F, Rizzo S. Taser-Related Ocular Injuries: A Review of the Literature and Medico-Legal Implications. Semin Ophthalmol 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38502067 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2024.2322452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Electric weapons have dangers associated with their use, such as burns and trauma related with the impacts of uncontrolled falls, even though they often minimize morbidity and mortality. The exact visual outcome of the damage inflicted is unknown, even though numerous studies have been documented in the literature about the ocular damage induced by the use of these tools. METHODS We present a narrative review of types of eye damage associated with the use of the Taser. The following search terms were used to identify eligible articles through the PubMed database: "TASER", "Conducted Electric Weapons", "CEWs". RESULTS A total of 15 articles were included with information about 38 patients with eye damage associated with the use of taser. The majority of patients were males. In most cases the mechanism of injury was the penetration of the probe inside the eye. Clinical manifestations of ocular damage were present in only 18 out of 38 cases and varied according to the type of damage mechanism. Indeed, the cases in which the probe had penetrated the eye showed more severe clinical manifestations with a poor visual outcome. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the introduction of taser use for law enforcement requires serious consideration and adequate training for officers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Aulino
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Graduate School, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Giannuzzi
- Graduate School, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, "Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS", Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Mario Carlà
- Ophthalmology, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Campus di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Giorgia Guarnieri
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Graduate School, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Spagnolo
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Graduate School, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Lepore
- Graduate School, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, "Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cittadini
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Graduate School, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Stanislao Rizzo
- Graduate School, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, "Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS", Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nteziryayo D, Wang J, Qian H, Liang M, Liu H, Liu X, Uwantege K, Joseph P. Advancement and the existing landscape of forensic medicine in Africa: A comparison with developed countries. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-024-00789-5. [PMID: 38416382 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00789-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This article explores the development and challenges of forensic medicine in Africa, comparing it to developed countries. It addresses limited resources, funding, and a shortage of trained professionals. The growth of forensic investigation capabilities and the challenges of funding and technology access are discussed. Training and education have improved, but disparities remain. Partnerships with developed countries and international organizations are crucial to bridge the gap. A comprehensive legal framework is important, but disparities exist among African countries. Harmonizing forensic laws would enhance cooperation. The role of forensic medicine in the criminal justice system is examined, emphasizing the need to build trust in forensic evidence. International collaboration and capacity building are key to advancing forensic medicine in Africa. Investments in infrastructure, funding, training, and legal frameworks are required. By leveraging partnerships, Africa can develop its forensic medicine capabilities for a fair and effective criminal justice system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damascene Nteziryayo
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Qian
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Liang
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinshe Liu
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Karolina Uwantege
- Rwanda Forensic Institute, Biology Division, Kigali, KN8 Ave, Republic of Rwanda
| | - Phazha Joseph
- Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, Palapye, Botswana
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Soni MM, Mamdouh HM, Suliman EA. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Utilization of Healthcare Services and Spending Patterns in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:473. [PMID: 38391849 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic affected the utilization of healthcare services in many parts of the world. The response to the healthcare burden imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with ensuring the provision of optimum healthcare services. This study aimed to estimate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services utilization and spending patterns in Dubai, the UAE. METHODS This cross-sectional study used secondary data on healthcare utilization and spending to compare between 2019 and 2020. The data was extracted from the health insurance claims on the eClaimLink platform. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to calculate the percent change of service utilization and spending and percentages of total claims by each encounter type across major diagnostic categories (MDCs). RESULTS In 2020, there was an overall reduction in outpatient visits and inpatient admissions of 27% and 21%, respectively, compared to 2019. Outpatient visits and prescriptions decreased across all the MDCs except mental and behavioral disorders, which showed an increase of 8% in outpatient visits and 29% in prescriptions. The admissions to the healthcare facilities were also reduced significantly across various MDCs, ranging from 10% to 44%. Similarly, a downward trend was seen in diagnostics for different MDCs. An increase in expenditure on diagnostics and drugs for neoplasm was reported, despite a corresponding decrease in outpatient and inpatient admissions for the same. CONCLUSION A significant decrease in overall healthcare utilization and corresponding healthcare spending, resulting from a decline in outpatient and inpatient volume in healthcare facilities at all the levels (hospitals, clinics, speciality centres), was reported during the pandemic. The impact of the pandemic on mental health was reported by this study, as it showed an upward trend in utilization and spending. For the neoplasms, although the utilization declined, the expenditure on diagnostics and drugs during each encounter increased significantly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Mahak Soni
- Health Economics and Insurance Policies Department, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai P.O. Box 4545, United Arab Emirates
| | - Heba Mohammed Mamdouh
- Department of Data Analysis, Research and Studies, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai P.O. Box 4545, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eldaw Abdalla Suliman
- Department of Strategy and Governance, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai P.O. Box 4545, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Santoro PE, Paladini A, Borrelli I, Amantea C, Rossi MF, Fortunato C, Gualano MR, Marchetti A, Cadeddu C, Moscato U. Vaccine-preventable diseases: Immune response in a large population of healthcare students. Vaccine 2024; 42:930-936. [PMID: 38246845 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Students in medicine and other health professions are exposed to numerous occupational hazards, primarily biological hazards, during their academic careers at university. The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence characteristics of anti-HBsAg, anti-Measles, anti-Mumps, anti-Rubella and anti-Varicella IgG antibodies in healthcare students of a large teaching hospital in Rome. METHODS To accomplish the study's aims, antibody serology data were gathered from students of Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Health Professions at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Rome Campus) during their first Health Surveillance visit, that took place from 2013 to 2023. RESULTS Our study sample included 2523 students, 44.4 % were protected against Hepatitis B, 87.3 % against measles, 85.5 % against mumps, 94.6 % rubella and 95.2 % against varicella. Differences in antibody coverage between age groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001), except for mumps. It found a lower probability of having seronegative anti-HBVs with an older date since the presumed primary vaccination. CONCLUSION In our sample, seropositivity rate against vaccine-preventable diseases, especially for Hepatitis B, was often inadequate to prevent possible biological risks connected with the activities carried out on the ward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Emilio Santoro
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy; Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Paladini
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Ivan Borrelli
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Carlotta Amantea
- Section of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy.
| | - Maria Francesca Rossi
- Section of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Corinna Fortunato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Gualano
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, UniCamillus, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Marchetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Umberto Moscato
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy; Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; Section of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Beccia F, Lontano A, Rossi MF, Marziali E, Pascucci D, Raponi M, Santoro PE, Moscato U, Laurenti P. Three-year COVID-19 and flu vaccinations among medical residents in a tertiary hospital in Italy: The threat of acceptance decline in seasonal campaigns. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2252708. [PMID: 37706326 PMCID: PMC10503443 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2252708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Italy started in December 2020, and, due to the Omicron variant's emergence, a second booster dose was recommended for high-risk individuals and healthcare workers from July 2022. The aim of the study was to evaluate the vaccination coverages for the COVID-19 second booster dose and to identify predictors of its acceptance within the population of medical residents (MRs) of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS (FPG) University Hospital. The study was conducted at FPG from October 4th to December 21st, 2022, and COVID-19 second booster dose and influenza vaccines were administered. The study analyzed collected data and conducted multivariate logistic regressions to explore potential predictors of vaccination adherence. The analyses performed were compared with the sample enrolled in FPG residency programs at the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. 1968 MRs were involved in the 2022-2023 vaccination campaign (mean age 28.97, SD 3.44), and the second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination coverage was low (18.80%). Almost all participants opted for co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, leading to a similar rate of influenza vaccination coverage (16.26%). Being a frontline resident, meaning a direct involvement in managing COVID-19 patients and vaccination campaigns, was the main predictor of vaccination adherence (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.25-2.17). The dropping in influenza vaccination coverage in 2022-2023 and the low adherence to COVID-19 second booster dose among young physicians is concerning, calling for tailored vaccination campaigns and interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Beccia
- Section of Hygiene - Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Lontano
- Section of Hygiene - Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Rossi
- Section of Occupational Health - Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marziali
- Section of Hygiene - Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Pascucci
- Section of Hygiene - Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Health Management, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Raponi
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Emilio Santoro
- Section of Occupational Health - Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Moscato
- Section of Occupational Health - Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Laurenti
- Section of Hygiene - Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rossi MF, Beccia F, Cittadini F, Amantea C, Aulino G, Santoro PE, Borrelli I, Oliva A, Ricciardi W, Moscato U, Gualano MR. Workplace violence against healthcare workers: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Public Health 2023; 221:50-59. [PMID: 37406450 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was to address workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers (HCWs). Several systematic reviews exist in the literature, but the diversity of settings, population considered, and type of violence investigated make it difficult to gain insight and use the vast amount of available data to implement policies to tackle WPV. With this in mind, we conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on WPV against HCWs to examine the global prevalence of the phenomena and its features. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science were searched for relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in English up to November 2022. Data on authors, year, country, violence type, prevalence (pooled and not), setting, population, and specific considerations were extracted. RESULTS A total of 32 systematic reviews were included, 19 of which performed a meta-analysis, investigating overall, physical, and non-physical violence. Even considering the variability of the data, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the scale of the problem. From our review, we found that overall violence prevalence among HCWs was reported to be as high as 78.9%, and nurses working in psychiatric wards were the professionals most impacted. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this umbrella review revealed a high prevalence of WPV among HCWs, which varies between countries, population subgroups, and detection methods. Strengthening recognition of the problem could lead to appropriate local and international strategies to address it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M F Rossi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - F Beccia
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - F Cittadini
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma 00168, Italy
| | - C Amantea
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy.
| | - G Aulino
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma 00168, Italy
| | - P E Santoro
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy; Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - I Borrelli
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - A Oliva
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma 00168, Italy
| | - W Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy; Leadership in Medicine Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - U Moscato
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy; Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy; Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy; Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - M R Gualano
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, UniCamillus, Rome, Italy; Leadership in Medicine Research Center, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|