Publications by authors named "Sara Leonard"

Article Synopsis
  • * Out of 250 female dogs examined, 14% were found to have recessed vulvas, which were more prevalent in spayed dogs, particularly those spayed before 1 year of age.
  • * While affected dogs had higher body weights and condition scores, there was no link found between recessed vulvas and issues like urinary tract disease or skin problems around the vulva.
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Objective: To evaluate the association between provider religion and religiosity and consensus about end-of-life care and explore if geographical and institutional factors contribute to variability in practice.

Methods: Using a modified Delphi method 22 end-of-life issues consisting of 35 definitions and 46 statements were evaluated in 32 countries in North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia, Australia and South Africa. A multidisciplinary, expert group from specialties treating patients at the end-of-life within each participating institution assessed the association between 7 key statements and geography, religion, religiosity and institutional factors likely influencing the development of consensus.

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Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a perioperative care bundle for enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS).

Design: A prospective, observational study.

Setting: A major urban teaching and university hospital and tertiary referral center.

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Objectives: To understand healthcare professionals' perceptions of the benefits and potential harms of integrated care pathways for end-of-life care, to inform the development of future interventions that aim to improve care of the dying.

Design: Qualitative interview study with maximum variation sampling and thematic analysis.

Participants: 25 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, interviewed in 2009.

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Great differences in end-of-life practices in treating the critically ill around the world warrant agreement regarding the major ethical principles. This analysis determines the extent of worldwide consensus for end-of-life practices, delineates where there is and is not consensus, and analyzes reasons for lack of consensus. Critical care societies worldwide were invited to participate.

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Background: There are widespread concerns about communication and support for patients and families, especially when they face clinical uncertainty, a situation most marked in intensive care units (ICUs). Therefore, we aimed to develop and evaluate an interventional tool to improve communication and palliative care, using the ICU as an example of where this is difficult.

Methods: Our design was a phase I-II study following the Medical Research Council Guidance for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions and the (Methods of Researching End-of-life Care (MORECare) statement.

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