Objective: Otitis externa is a common condition managed by junior doctor-led ENT clinics in secondary/tertiary care, but no national guidelines exist for presentations in these settings. The aim of this study was to implement a treatment algorithm to support junior doctors and improve otitis externa management.
Methods: Baseline data were retrospectively collected for 16 weeks.
Objectives: There are no hearing protection regulations in place for passengers using public transport, such as the London Underground. In light of this, we sought to examine sound pressure levels experienced by regular users of the London Underground.
Methods: Sound pressure levels (A-weighted decibels: dBA) were taken on moving London Underground carriages between Euston and South Wimbledon on the Northern Line, and between Euston and Vauxhall on the Victoria Line, during 2006 and 2018.
Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps is a common chronic condition. The exact cause of nasal polyps remains unknown. Recently, we made the novel observation of intracellular localization of Staphylococcus aureus within mast cells in nasal polyps.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Independent prescribing pharmacists are able to independently prescribe medications following additional postgraduate training. This study examined their use in completing medical discharge summaries, normally completed by junior doctors, in order to assess their impact on expedited hospital discharge times.
Methods: In total, 163 patients were studied through a 2-stage audit.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a novel therapeutic strategy for topical or local application to wounds, mucosa or internal structures where there may be heavy bacterial bioburden with biofilm and chronic inflammation. Bacterial biofilms are a significant problem in clinical settings owing to their increased tolerance towards conventionally prescribed antibiotics and their propensity for selection of further antibacterial resistance. There is therefore a pressing need for the development of alternative therapeutic strategies that can improve antibiotic efficacy towards biofilms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives/hypothesis: To evaluate the predictive diagnostic accuracy of the lymphocyte count in Epstein-Barr virus-related infectious mononucleosis (IM).
Study Design: Retrospective case note and blood results review within a university-affiliated teaching hospital.
Methods: A retrospective review of 726 patients undergoing full blood count and Monospot testing was undertaken.