Allied Healthcare (GAHC)

In the festive spirit of Christmas, this study aimed to explore the manual dexterity and composure under pressure of different hospital staff roles, using the buzz wire game as a playful yet revealing test. As the holiday season is often a time of both joy and stress, the study aimed to shed light on how hospital staff—surgeons, physicians, nurses, and non-clinical staff—handle fine motor challenges and emotional stress, even amidst the busyness of the Christmas season.

The Tremor study was a prospective, observational, comparative study conducted over a three-week period during the 2024 holiday season at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.

A total of 254 hospital staff participated, including 60 physicians, 64 surgeons, 69 nurses, and 61 non-clinical staff. They were all asked to take part in the holiday-themed buzz wire game, where precision and composure were tested under the pressure of both the game and the holiday rush.

The study focused on two key outcomes: (1) the successful completion of the buzz wire game within five minutes and (2) the occurrence of swearing or audible frustration noises, both common responses to stress that were analyzed as signs of composure during the hectic Christmas season.

The results revealed interesting differences in dexterity and emotional responses across hospital roles, particularly during the holiday season when hospital staff often face additional pressures:

When it comes to completing the buzz wire game, surgeons were the top performers, with 84% successfully finishing the challenge within five minutes. This was significantly better than physicians (57%), nurses (54%), and non-clinical staff (51%) (P<0.001). In addition to their higher success rate, surgeons also completed the game the fastest, regardless of age or gender.

However, when it came to expressing frustration verbally, surgeons led the pack in swearing. Half of the surgeons (50%) used swear words during the game, followed by nurses (30%), physicians (25%), and non-clinical staff (23%) (P=0.004). This suggests that while surgeons demonstrated superior dexterity, they were also more prone to vocalizing their frustration.

On the other hand, non-clinical staff were the most vocal in terms of frustration noises, with 75% making audible sounds of frustration. Nurses followed at 68%, surgeons at 58%, and physicians at 52% (P=0.03). Surprisingly, despite surgeons showing the greatest dexterity, non-clinical staff had the highest levels of frustration expressed through non-verbal cues.

This comparison highlights the diverse ways in which hospital staff react under pressure and underscores the varied skill sets and stress responses across different roles.

While surgeons demonstrated superior dexterity, completing the buzz wire game with greater success and speed, they were also the most likely to swear under pressure. This highlights the skillful precision surgeons are known for but also their struggles with composure during stressful moments, such as those often found during the Christmas season in busy hospitals. Nurses and non-clinical staff exhibited higher levels of frustration through audible noises, despite less success in the task.

The study, although lighthearted, emphasizes the diverse skill sets across hospital staff and the different ways individuals manage stress, especially during the holiday season. It also suggests a fun way to raise funds for Christmas charity initiatives, perhaps with a "surgical swear jar" in place to support good causes throughout the festive period.

A recent study has shed light on significant shortcomings in India’s medical education system, highlighting the near absence of disability and queer health representation in medical curricula.

Published in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, the study reviewed the curricula of 269 medical colleges across the country. Its findings reveal stark disparities:

Only 12% of medical colleges incorporate disability-related topics in their courses.
A mere 3% include discussions on queer health.
Experts warn that this gap can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding among future healthcare providers when treating patients from marginalized communities.

The study identifies several key challenges contributing to the underrepresentation:

• Faculty Shortages: Lack of trained educators proficient in disability and queer health topics.
• Prejudice and Stigma: Social biases against individuals with disabilities and LGBTQ+ identities.
• Inaccessible Infrastructure: Medical colleges and healthcare facilities often lack the physical and systemic infrastructure to support inclusivity.

To bridge these gaps, the study calls for a comprehensive overhaul of medical education in India, suggesting:

• Curriculum Integration: Including disability and queer health topics as mandatory components.
• Faculty Training: Equipping educators with resources and knowledge to teach these subjects effectively.
• Infrastructure Development: Ensuring healthcare facilities are accessible to all, irrespective of physical abilities or sexual orientation.

The findings have sparked a wave of criticism from healthcare activists and reform advocates, who are pressing the government and medical education authorities to take immediate corrective measures. The study’s revelations underscore the urgent need for inclusivity in medical education. 

Researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have made a significant advancement in the fight against multiple myeloma, a complex and often fatal form of blood cancer. The team has developed a cutting-edge CAR-T cell therapy that shows immense potential in improving outcomes for patients battling this disease.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is an innovative immunotherapy that genetically modifies a patient’s T cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Widely regarded as a breakthrough in oncology, CAR-T therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating certain types of blood cancers, and AIIMS’s development now extends its potential to multiple myeloma.

The specialized CAR-T cell therapy developed by AIIMS researchers marks a critical leap forward in cancer treatment. Designed to address the unique challenges of multiple myeloma, the therapy has demonstrated significant promise in preclinical and early clinical settings.

The AIIMS CAR-T cell therapy has shown encouraging results in targeting and eliminating multiple myeloma cells. Early findings suggest the therapy could significantly improve survival rates among patients with this aggressive cancer. Unlike conventional treatments like chemotherapy, CAR-T therapy offers a more tolerable option by reducing adverse effects.

This breakthrough is a beacon of hope for patients with multiple myeloma, a condition often resistant to standard therapies. It also underscores India’s growing role in advancing global cancer research. The success of AIIMS’s CAR-T therapy could pave the way for similar innovations targeting other blood cancers and solid tumors.

Further studies and trials will be crucial in refining this treatment and making it widely accessible. Researchers are optimistic that with adequate funding and collaboration, CAR-T cell therapy could soon become a standard treatment for multiple myeloma in India and beyond.

The AIIMS achievement highlights the transformative potential of CAR-T therapy in oncology. With continued progress, this approach may redefine cancer care, offering new hope to countless patients.

A recent incident at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has sparked a heated debate on campus healthcare policies. Two visiting students from IIIT Chennai, attending Techfest, IIT Bombay’s annual science and technology festival, were reportedly denied medical treatment by a campus doctor, raising concerns about institutional responsibilities toward non-resident students.

The students, who needed urgent medical attention during their visit, alleged that the campus doctor refused to provide assistance. This refusal has not only left the students distressed but has also brought to light potential gaps in the healthcare policies of one of India’s premier institutions.

The incident has prompted widespread criticism, with many questioning the ethical and professional responsibilities of campus healthcare providers. While IIT Bombay authorities have not issued an official statement, reports suggest that an internal inquiry is underway to uncover the reasons behind the doctor's actions and to assess whether existing protocols were violated.

The situation has highlighted a pressing issue: the lack of clarity in medical protocols for visiting students at academic institutions. As large-scale events like Techfest attract participants from across the country, the availability of comprehensive medical support becomes crucial. Denying treatment not only puts the affected individuals at risk but also tarnishes the institution's reputation for fostering inclusivity and hospitality.

Experts emphasize the need for academic institutions to establish robust healthcare frameworks that address the needs of all individuals on campus, including visiting students, staff, and guests. Such policies should ensure equitable access to medical care, especially during high-profile events that involve significant footfall.

This incident also raises broader questions about the preparedness of institutions to handle medical emergencies during large gatherings. Are on-campus healthcare services adequately staffed and equipped to cater to such demands? Should medical professionals working in academic environments receive additional training to handle diverse scenarios, including those involving non-enrolled individuals?

The refusal of care has struck a chord with many, igniting calls for IIT Bombay to set a precedent by revisiting its healthcare policies. Students and educators across the country are urging educational institutions to prioritize the well-being of all individuals within their premises, irrespective of their official association with the campus.

As the investigation continues, this incident serves as a wake-up call for institutions to implement inclusive healthcare policies that uphold the values of accessibility and compassion.

Experts from science, journalism, and storytelling convened recently to discuss the critical need for collaboration in effectively communicating One Health issues to the public. This interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding.

The One Health framework highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing that addressing global health challenges requires a holistic perspective. Despite its importance, conveying these intricate relationships to a diverse audience remains a formidable challenge.

The gathering underscored the pivotal role of scientists and storytellers in crafting narratives that resonate with the public. Storytelling, often seen as a bridge between data and emotion, can transform abstract scientific concepts into compelling narratives that engage and inform.

Experts stressed the importance of accuracy and balance in delivering scientific information. Collaborative efforts between scientists and journalists can ensure that complex issues like pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change are communicated with clarity, helping to combat misinformation and foster informed decision-making.

Beyond factual reporting, the integration of storytelling techniques was highlighted as a tool to make scientific information relatable and emotionally impactful. By connecting data to everyday experiences and values, storytelling can inspire action and build trust among diverse audiences.

The meeting forms part of a larger global effort to innovate science communication strategies. As the world faces escalating health crises, including zoonotic diseases, ecosystem disruptions, and public health misinformation, improving the way One Health issues are conveyed is vital. Collaborative science communication not only educates but also galvanizes communities and policymakers to take proactive measures

A breakthrough in gene therapy for haemophilia has shown promising results in an Indian clinical trial, offering hope to thousands of patients affected by the condition. The trial, which included 22 participants, demonstrated significant improvements, with bleeding episodes reduced by 50-60% and some patients achieving complete elimination of bleeding. This marks a major advancement in the treatment of haemophilia, potentially transforming how the condition is managed.

The therapy functions by introducing a functional gene into the patient’s system, enabling sustained production of the clotting factor necessary for blood coagulation. This approach offers a long-term solution compared to traditional treatments, which typically involve frequent injections of clotting factor concentrates. Patients who received the gene therapy in the trial showed a sustained expression of clotting factors, reducing the severity and frequency of symptoms.

While the medical outcomes are groundbreaking, the high cost of the therapy—estimated between ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore per patient—poses a significant challenge. The steep expense has raised concerns about accessibility, particularly in India, where many patients lack the financial resources for such advanced treatments. The high costs stem from the complexity of developing and producing gene therapies, making it inaccessible to a majority of patients in need.

This breakthrough has also highlighted the urgency for policy interventions to ensure equitable access to such life-changing treatments. Calls are growing for government initiatives to subsidize costs, encourage public-private partnerships, and invest in local production to make the therapy more affordable. Healthcare experts emphasize the need for a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safe and effective deployment of gene therapies in India while addressing the affordability gap.

For India’s haemophilia community, this advancement represents a significant step forward, signaling the possibility of a life with fewer medical complications and improved quality of life. The potential for long-term benefits could ease the physical and emotional burdens faced by patients and their families. However, making this breakthrough widely accessible will require coordinated efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers.

If challenges related to cost and accessibility are addressed, this therapy could usher in a transformative era in haemophilia treatment, offering hope and relief to thousands of patients across the country.