Development of a City-wide Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Toolkit for People Newly Diagnosed With HIV in the Southern United States.

Background: Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, in which individuals with HIV start treatment within days of diagnosis, is a key component of the United States (US) Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. The Memphis Metropolitan Statistical Area ranks second in the US for HIV incidence, yet only ∼60% of individuals link to treatment within 1 month of diagnosis. This study aimed to identify barriers and strategies for implementing rapid ART initiation in Memphis.

A qualitative study of perceptions of the care pathway for familial hypercholesterolemia: screening, diagnosis, treatment, and family cascade screening.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition that carries increased risk for premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular events, and death. Due to low uptake of evidence-based practices, up to 80% of FH patients remain undiagnosed and most are undertreated. This project aimed to understand patient and clinician perceptions across the care pathway of evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of FH, to inform implementation strategy design for two clinical trials seeking to increase evidence-based care.

Impact of Prehospital Ultrasound Training on Simulated Paramedic Clinical Decision-Making.

Introduction: When used appropriately, focused limited-scope ultrasound exams could potentially provide paramedics with accurate and actionable diagnostic information to guide prehospital decision-making. In this study we aimed to investigate the impact of a 13-hour prehospital ultrasound training course on the simulated clinical decision-making of paramedics as well as their ultrasound skills, knowledge, and self-confidence.

Methods: We evaluated the ultrasound competence of 31 participants using post-course written and practical assessments.

A Review of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Associated Ethical Concerns.

Since its Fast-Track approval by the Federal Drug Administration, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been marked by controversies. Unconfirmed reports of adverse events in both Japan and Denmark led to suspensions of national vaccination programs, which setback the fight against cervical cancer and associated mortality and morbidity. Despite follow-up studies of vaccine adverse reports, additional randomized control trials, and review reports from both the World Health Organization and the European Commission, there is still a great deal of hesitancy around the vaccine.