Management, outcomes and predictors of mortality of Cryptococcus infection in patients without HIV: a multicentre study in 46 hospitals from Australia and New Zealand.

Background: Limited data exist regarding outcomes of cryptococcosis in patients without HIV with few studies having compared outcomes of Cryptococcus gattii, versus C. neoformans, infection.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in 46 Australian and New Zealand hospitals to determine the outcomes of cryptococcosis in patients without HIV diagnosed between 2015 and 2019, and compared outcomes of C.

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy for patients with endocarditis using continuous infusion IV benzylpenicillin plus IV ceftriaxone.

Background: Many patients with endocarditis are clinically stable and able to leave hospital before completing antibiotic treatment, but data are lacking regarding some outpatient treatment options.

Objectives: To assess the outcomes for adults with endocarditis receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) with continuous infusion IV benzylpenicillin plus bolus/continuous infusion IV ceftriaxone.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed adults who received at least 2 weeks duration of OPAT for endocarditis with the above treatment regimen in the Auckland and Christchurch regions between July 2019 and September 2022.

Current Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Cryptococcus Infection in Patients Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Multicenter Study in 46 Hospitals in Australia and New Zealand.

Background: Patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are increasingly recognized as being at risk for cryptococcosis. Knowledge of characteristics of cryptococcosis in these patients remains incomplete.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of cryptococcosis in 46 Australian and New Zealand hospitals to compare its frequency in patients with and without HIV and describe its characteristics in patients without HIV.

Pediatric Invasive Meningococcal Disease, Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa), 2004-2020.

New Zealand (Aotearoa) experienced a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B epidemic during 1991-2006, and incidence remains twice that of other high-income countries. We reviewed clinical, laboratory, and immunization data for children <15 years of age with laboratory-confirmed invasive meningococcal disease in Auckland, New Zealand, during January 1, 2004-December 31, 2020. Of 319 cases in 318 children, 4.

Outpatient continuous-infusion benzylpenicillin combined with either gentamicin or ceftriaxone for enterococcal endocarditis.

Background: Treatment regimens requiring multiple daily dosing for enterococcal endocarditis are challenging to deliver in the outpatient setting. Continuous-infusion benzylpenicillin via a 24 h elastomeric infusor, combined with either once-daily gentamicin or ceftriaxone, requires only one nursing encounter daily and is commonly used in New Zealand.

Objectives: To assess the therapeutic success and adverse antibiotic effects of these regimens.

text4peds: a randomised text-messaging trial.

Background: The use of cell phone text messaging in the medical field is of growing interest, but there are few data examining its value in medical education. The text4peds educational text-messaging program was created for third-year medical students preparing for the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) paediatric subject examination.

Methods: A randomised, controlled trial was conducted with third-year medical students on their paediatric clerkship.

Educational Text Messages Decreased Emergency Department Utilization Among Infant Caregivers: A Randomized Trial.

Objective: To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of text messages as an educational tool to reduce the prevalence of nonurgent emergency department (ED) visits among a population with high levels of low health literacy.

Methods: This prospective, randomized experiment conducted in a large, urban, academic pediatric primary care practice enrolled 231 caregivers of infants into 2 groups: enhanced standard of care materials at well-child visits through 6 months (n = 99 completing), and enhanced standard of care and 4 text messages a week through 6 months (n = 108 completing). Use of the ED and visit urgency were compared between groups via chart review at 1 year of age.

Texting preferences in a Paediatric residency.

Purpose: Text messaging is ubiquitous among residents, but remains an underused educational tool. Though feasibility has been demonstrated, evidence of its ability to improve standardised test scores and provide insight on resident texting preferences is lacking. The authors set out to evaluate: (1) satisfaction with a hybrid question-and-answer (Q&A) texting format; and (2) pre-/post-paediatric in-training exam (ITE) performance.

Social Media: Social Intelligence Training Module.

Introduction: Physicians' posts on social media have the potential to impact the patient-physician relationship, interpersonal relationships at work, institutions' reputations, and the public's trust in health care professionals. Empirical research, along with several very public cases of unprofessional behavior by physicians on social media, suggests that resident physicians are not always aware of the implications of their actions online. Residency programs are being charged with ways to model positive online presence.

Feasibility and Perception of Using Text Messages as an Adjunct Therapy for Low-Income, Minority Mothers With Postpartum Depression.

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common medical problem among new mothers that can have a negative impact on infant health. Traditional treatments are often difficult for low-income mothers to complete, particularly given the numerous barriers families face.

Objective: Among low-income, primarily racial, and ethnic minority mothers with postpartum depression, our aim was to evaluate (1) the feasibility of sending supportive text messages, and (2) the perception of receiving private, supportive text messages for postpartum depression.

Brief, Rapid Response, Parenting Interventions Within Primary Care Settings.

Opportunities created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act along with the increased prevalence of pediatric behavioral and mental health concerns provide new challenges for pediatric health care providers. To address these matters, providers need to change the manner by which they provide health care to families. A novel approach is providing brief, rapid response, evidence-based parenting interventions within the pediatric primary care setting.

Text4Peds: Feasibility of an Educational Text-Messaging Program for Pediatrics Residents.

Background: There is an ongoing effort to maximize educational material provided to residents who are in a time-constrained work environment. Mobile technology, principally smartphone applications and online modules, has shown educational promise.

Intervention: We developed a text-messaging program, Text4Peds, to assist residents with preparation for their pediatric board examinations.