Professional Identity Formation in Indian Undergraduate Medical Students.

Medical training in India is experiencing a paradigm shift. The competency-based medical education (CBME) for undergraduate medical training was adopted from the admission session 2019. The Indian Medical Graduate (IMG) was identified under CBME, by explicitly documenting its roles viz.

Introduction of Formal Training of Interns in Breaking Bad News in an Empathetic Manner through a Structured Module.

Background: Due to lack of formal training, young doctors cannot deliver bad news in a way that is expected by patients and their attendants, thereby jeopardizing doctor-patient relationship.

Aim: The aim of this study was to train interns about "breaking bad news" to the patients using a structured module.

Materials And Methods: A workshop comprising interactive lectures and videos followed by debriefing, and discussion was conducted for interns.

Coronary Sinus Isolation for High-Burden Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The coronary sinus is an arrhythmogenic structure that can initiate and maintain atrial fibrillation (AF). Coronary sinus ablation has been shown to be effective in prolonging the AF cycle length and terminating AF in patients with both paroxysmal and persistent AF who have persistent AF after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Objectives: The objective of this study was to undertake a randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of coronary sinus isolation (CSI) as an adjunctive ablation strategy for the treatment of high-burden AF.

Accuracy of a Single-Lead ECG Device for Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrhythmias Compared Against Cardiac Electrophysiology Study.

Background: Single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) devices may allow detection and diagnosis of cardiac rhythms. However, data on their accuracy for detecting cardiac arrhythmias beyond atrial fibrillation are limited. We aimed to determine the accuracy of the AliveCor KardiaMobile (AC) (AliveCor Inc, Mountain View, CA, USA) for the diagnosis of arrhythmias against gold standard cardiac electrophysiology study (EPS).

Development of a structured validated module to inculcate research skills in medical undergraduates.

Background Evidence-based research aids in decision-making in the health sector for developing health policies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Medical research is not taught in the undergraduate curriculum. Studies show that attributes of research knowledge, awareness and practical involvement in research are low among undergraduate students.

Arrhythmia monitoring and outcome after myocardial infarction (BIO|GUARD-MI): a randomized trial.

Objectives: Cardiac arrhythmias predict poor outcome after myocardial infarction (MI). We studied if arrhythmia monitoring with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) can improve treatment and outcome.

Design: BIO|GUARD-MI was a randomized, international open-label study with blinded outcome assessment.

2023 Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased exponentially in many developed countries, including Australia and New Zealand. This Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation from the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) recognises healthcare factors, expertise and expenditure relevant to the Australian and New Zealand healthcare environments including considerations of potential implications for First Nations Peoples. The statement is cognisant of international advice but tailored to local conditions and populations, and is intended to be used by electrophysiologists, cardiologists and general physicians across all disciplines caring for patients with AF.

Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Questionnaire (AFHLQ): The development of an AF-specific health literacy questionnaire.

Background: Health literacy is a key enabler of effective behavioural modification in chronic diseases. While patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) exists for patient with atrial fibrillation (AF), none address risk factors comprehensively. The aim of the study was to develop and qualitatively validate a disease specific PROM that incorporates knowledge on risk factors and assesses interactive and critical health literacy of people living with AF.

Incidence and progression of atrial fibrillation in patients with and without heart failure using mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: a meta-analysis.

Background: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have emerged as potential therapy to target the underlying arrhythmogenic substrate in atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, there have been inconsistent results on the impact of MRAs on AF.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the effect of MRAs on AF incidence and progression in patients with and without heart failure.

Influence of sex on efficacy of exercise training for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation: insights from the ACTIVE-AF randomized controlled trial.

Aims: Exercise training reduces recurrence of arrhythmia and symptom severity amongst patients with symptomatic, non-permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is little evidence on whether this effect is modified by patient sex. In a sub-analysis from the ACTIVE-AF (A Lifestyle-based, PhysiCal AcTIVity IntErvention for Patients With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation) randomized controlled trial, we compared the effects of exercise training on AF recurrence and symptom severity between men and women.

Catheter Ablation vs Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Treatment of Premature Ventricular Complexes: A Systematic Review.

There is variability in treatment modalities for premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), including use of antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy or catheter ablation (CA). This study reviewed evidence comparing CA vs AADs for the treatment of PVCs. A systematic review was performed from the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, as well as the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, U.

Impact of perioperative direct oral anticoagulant assays: a multicenter cohort study.

Background: There is little evidence to guide the perioperative management of patients on a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) in the absence of a last known dose. Quantitative serum titers may be ordered, but there is little evidence supporting this.

Aims: This multi-center retrospective cohort study of consecutive surgical in-patients with a DOAC assay, performed over a five-year period, aimed to characterize preoperative DOAC assay orders and their impact on perioperative outcomes.

Prevalence and Prognostic Implication of Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure Subtypes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) portends a poor outcome. The HF universal definition has incorporated Heart Failure with mildly reduced Ejection Fraction (HFmrEF). We sought to evaluate the relationship between AF and different HF subtypes, with emphasis on HFmrEF.

An Exercise and Physical Activity Program in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: The ACTIVE-AF Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: There are limited data on the effect of exercise interventions on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and symptoms.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of an exercise and physical activity intervention on AF burden and symptoms among patients with symptomatic AF.

Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled trial included 120 patients with paroxysmal or persistent, symptomatic AF, randomized 1:1 to receive an exercise intervention, combining home and supervised aerobic exercise over 6 months, or to receive usual care.