Advancement of laparoscopic surgery in Guyana: a working model for developing countries.

In the late 20th century, the volume and complexity of laparoscopic operations being performed have increased worldwide. However, surgical practice lagged behind in the Caribbean region. This article reports a tailored approach to initiate advanced laparoscopy in Guyana, which can be used as a model to initiate laparoscopic services in other developing nations.

Hand hygiene compliance by health care workers at a teaching hospital, Kingston, Jamaica.

Introduction: Consistent practice of hand hygiene (HH) has been shown to reduce the incidence and spread of hospital acquired infections. The objectives of this study were to determine the level of compliance and possible factors affecting compliance with HH practices among HCWs at a teaching hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.

Methodology: A prospective observational study was undertaken at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) over a two weeks period.

Profile of a Malignant Brain Tumour in Jamaica: An Eight-year Review, 2005 to 2012.

Objective: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and most common primary brain tumour worldwide. This study was undertaken to investigate the demographics of this tumour in Jamaica as there is to date no such published data. Data from the recently started Intracranial Tumour Registry (ITR) at the University Hospital of the West Indies was used.

Overcoming obstacles to establish a multidisciplinary team approach to hepatobiliary diseases: a working model in a Caribbean setting.

Introduction: By providing a structured forum to exchange information and ideas, multidisciplinary team meetings improve working relationships, expedite investigations, promote evidence-based treatment, and ultimately improve clinical outcomes.

Methods: This discursive paper reports the introduction of a multidisciplinary team approach to manage hepatobiliary diseases in Jamaica, focusing on the challenges encountered and the methods used to overcome these obstacles.

Conclusion: Despite multiple challenges in resource-limited environments, a multidisciplinary team approach can be incorporated into clinical practice in developing nations.

Epidemiology of tetanus in Jamaica, 1993-2010.

Background: Although tetanus is still endemic in Jamaica, the epidemiologic profile has not been evaluated.

Methods: Admission registers at the main tertiary referral hospital were accessed to identify all patients diagnosed with tetanus from 1 January 1993 to 1 December 2010.

Results: There were 26 cases of tetanus (annual incidence of 0.