UK HealthCare’s Post

We have highlights of new research presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting on SSRI prescribing, mental health hospital visits, long COVID, youth homelessness and inequalities in patient-centered medical homes. https://bit.ly/4ajEtK0

I'd like to share a powerful experience from work today, underscoring the importance of hope and support during challenging times. Today, very early in the morning, we received our first patients—a 6-month-old infant and their concerned family. The infant displayed acute respiratory distress, characterized by fast breathing, a fever of 38.4°C, and episodes of vomiting. Swift action was essential, leading to the administration of an analgesic, antiemetic, antibiotic and other required meds. Interestingly, the family had sought help just the day before for what seemed like a minor issue—nasal congestion, likely contracted from a neighbor. The rapid escalation of the situation caught them off guard. The mother, understandably alarmed by her child's initial symptoms, humorously attributed the common cold to the neighbor. Importantly, the deterioration wasn't immediately apparent as they were at home; they sought help early, highlighting the critical role of early intervention. Cultivating a positive mindset during a medical emergency is challenging but crucial. The seemingly innocuous nasal congestion transformed into a severe respiratory issue—severe pneumonia. The infant's condition understandably distressed the mother, leading to murmurs and tears as she contemplated the worst possible outcome. Amidst the chaos, my colleagues engaged the mother in a conversation aimed at providing reassurance, instilling hope, and addressing her fears. Our focus was on cultivating a positive mindset within this challenging situation. As clinicians, our role extends beyond addressing physical ailments; we actively contribute to the mental and emotional well-being of our patients. This collaborative effort underscored the significance of fostering a supportive and optimistic environment, even in the face of adversity. This journey serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between physical and mental health. With the timely administration of necessary interventions, early detection, and the compassionate support provided by my colleagues and me, I am cautiously optimistic about the child's recovery. Let's collectively emphasize the importance of a positive mindset and its profound impact on health outcomes. Wishing you all good health and resilience in the face of challenges. #Healthcare #Pediatrics #PositiveMindset #CommunityHealth #ClinicianLife #MedicalEmergency #Counseling #HopefulHealing #EarlyDetection #TeamSupport

Today, as we celebrate World Epilepsy Day, it is important to recognize the significance of this day and the impact that epilepsy has on individuals and their families. However, it is also crucial to address the harmful traditional beliefs regarding epilepsy that still exist within the African community. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of culture or background. It is not caused by evil spirits or curses, as some may believe. Instead, epilepsy has various causes, including genetics, brain injury, infections, and other medical conditions. Understanding the true causes of epilepsy is essential in order to provide proper treatment and support for those affected by it. In many African cultures, epilepsy is often stigmatized and misunderstood, leading to harmful traditional practices and discrimination against individuals with the condition. This can have devastating effects on their mental and emotional well-being, as well as their access to healthcare and resources. It is time to do away with these harmful traditional beliefs and instead embrace a more understanding and supportive approach to epilepsy. Educating ourselves and others about the true nature of epilepsy and advocating for the rights and dignity of those affected by it is vital in breaking the stigma and ensuring that everyone receives the support and care they deserve. As a community, let us come together to support individuals and families affected by epilepsy, and to spread awareness and understanding about this common neurological disorder. Let us work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone, regardless of their health condition, is treated with respect and empathy. This World Epilepsy Day, let us pledge to challenge harmful traditional beliefs and to promote acceptance and inclusion for all. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by epilepsy.Fredrick Otieno #healthcare #vlogger nurse #nurses

Pediatricians encountering children with emotional challenges are increasingly utilizing trauma-informed care language and models, shifting from asking "What is wrong with you?" to "What's happened to you?" The WITH approach—Wonder together, Investigate, Treat, and instill Hope—guides this practice. Through engaging curiosity, asking open-ended questions, validating experiences, and providing hope, physicians support children's mental health. Trauma-focused therapies and wellness behaviors, like exercise and mindfulness, play essential roles. This approach empowers pediatricians to actively contribute to the healing journey of families, fostering resilience and instilling hope in children and adolescents facing trauma. Wouldn’t it be nice if all physicians used this kind of care model? Learn more about what pediatricians are doing, https://ow.ly/FWVF50QhEXp.

The pandemic only catalyzed what was already happening. Kids' schools have long been subject to increasing metrics of academic "success" and decreasing funding. Fire drills have been replaced with "stop the bleed" training. Good job opportunities are scarce and do not pay enough to live independently as most of their parents did. Corporations and governments make kids feel as though using a plastic straw makes them individually responsible for climate change in an attempt to thwart guilt and responsibility from those truly at fault. Entire communities are neglected and have no safe areas for kids to play or for their parents to grocery shop. Venture capitalists are buying up homes as investments, driving up costs and pricing out families, leading to record levels of housing insecurity. And at the same time, pediatric inpatient psychiatric facilities have closed because they are not profitable. The pandemic did not cause the mental health crisis. It only laid bare the failures of the adults in the room. #adolescenthealth #mentalhealth #pediatrics

🌟 SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, 6 February at 10h30 SAST. 🌟 ChildSafe South Africa is proud to present a powerful live interview with the esteemed Associate Professor Ursula Rohlwink, tackling an issue close to the hearts of families and communities across the globe – Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) in children. 🧠 With a staggering statistic that TBI is the leading killer in children, surpassing other trauma-related injuries, this discussion is more than timely – it's urgent. The startling reality that motor vehicle accidents, a largely preventable occurrence, are the single biggest cause of TBI in our children serves as a wake-up call. As a top cause of death and disability among children, we're faced with a public health burden that's desperately under-resourced and overlooked. It's time to bring this to light. 🎤 Our guest, Associate Professor Ursula Rohlwink, stands at the forefront of paediatric neurosurgery and neuroscience research at the University of Cape Town, with a unique approach combining patient data with cutting-edge techniques. Her work aims to unravel the complexities of brain injury in children, bringing hope and direction to a challenging field. 📢 Join us for a crucial conversation that cannot be missed on Tuesday 6 February at 10h30 SAST Exclusive on the ChildSafe Facebook page. #TraumaticBrainInjury #ChildhoodInjury #BrainInjuryAwareness #MotorVehicleSafety #PublicHealth #ChildSafety #NeuroscienceResearch #PediatricNeurosurgery #preventableinjuries 📲 Be sure to follow and join the vital conversation. Let's protect our children's future, together! #SaveTheDate #ChildSafety #UrsulaRohlwink #TBI #Prevention #PublicHealthChallenge #BrainInjuryInChildren #BeThereOrBeSquare @followers We can't wait to see you there! Don't forget to share

Pediatricians encountering children with emotional challenges are increasingly utilizing trauma-informed care language and models, shifting from asking "What is wrong with you?" to "What's happened to you?" The WITH approach—Wonder together, Investigate, Treat, and instill Hope—guides this practice. Through engaging curiosity, asking open-ended questions, validating experiences, and providing hope, physicians support children's mental health. Trauma-focused therapies and wellness behaviors, like exercise and mindfulness, play essential roles. This approach empowers pediatricians to actively contribute to the healing journey of families, fostering resilience and instilling hope in children and adolescents facing trauma. Wouldn’t it be nice if all physicians used this kind of care model? Learn more about what pediatricians are doing, https://ow.ly/1sh950QhEXr.

In Nigeria, where cultural beliefs and limited access to healthcare can complicate understanding of epilepsy, knowing how to respond to a seizure is especially crucial. Seizures can be frightening, but you can provide essential help with the right knowledge. 1. Stay Calm: The first step is to remain calm. Panicking can lead to mistakes, and your calm demeanor will help reassure others around you. 2. Protect the Person: Gently guide the person to the ground if they’re not already there, and clear the area of any hard or sharp objects to prevent injury. Place something soft under their head, such as a folded jacket or cloth. 3. Do Not Restrict Movement: Do not try to hold the person down or restrict their movements during the seizure. This can cause more harm than good. 4. Never Put Anything in Their Mouth: Contrary to some local myths, never place anything in the person's mouth, including food, water, or objects. This could lead to choking or injury. The belief that a person might swallow their tongue is false. 5. Time the Seizure: If possible, time the seizure. Most seizures last between one and three minutes. If it lasts longer than five minutes or if another seizure follows immediately, seek medical help immediately. 6. After the Seizure: Once the seizure ends, gently roll the person onto their side to help keep their airway clear. They may be confused or disoriented—speak to them calmly and reassure them as they regain awareness. 7. Seek Medical Help if Needed: In some cases, such as if the person is injured during the seizure or has difficulty breathing afterward, it's important to seek medical attention. In Nigeria, where emergency services may not be readily available, it’s important to have a plan, such as knowing the nearest hospital or having access to transportation. Join us on August 23, 2024, for our "You Need to Know" program to learn more about the different types of seizures and how we can support our fellow Nigerians living with epilepsy. Let's bridge the knowledge gap and foster a more informed and compassionate community. #epilepsyeducation, #epilepsyawareness, #EpilepsyCure, #epilepsystrong, #epilepsy, #epilepsywarrior Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy, Epilepsy Sparks, Epilepsy Foundation, CURE Epilepsy, ROW Foundation, World Health Organization, Pretola Global Health & Consulting, International League Against Epilepsy, Advocating for Epilepsy Inclusion

An update to the Huntington's Disease community about the Integrate-HD study 👇 I realise not everyone follows the study on Instagram @integrate_hd where I post regular updates. 🌸What is Integrate-HD? - It is a research project that aims to develop an intervention that meets the complex needs of individuals and families living with Huntington's - how to organise/deliver care? - The project also wants to identify how should we measure success from a patient and family perspective - what does good look like? 🌸 What has been done so far? 📚 A review of international literature that identifies Huntington's is underserved, despite needing an integrated care approach. It identified good care characteristics for Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis that may be applicable to Huntington's. 🇬🇧 A national survey that assessed care from the perspective of people impacted by Huntington's Disease. This helped identify counties for a more in-depth study of their model of care. This work is under peer-review. Once I can, I will share the findings publicly. 🗣️ Interviews with people that use the system to receive HD care/support and people who provide care in HD, in specific counties in England. This is currently under analysis to understand characteristics of good care, and facilitators and barriers to change. 🤝 Group discussions to reach consensus will be the last phase. These will run end of October, with people impacted by HD and professionals. I will put the study findings forward open to criticism and to prioritising ideas. We will discuss, vote on ideas, and discuss the main disagreements. I have started approaching potential participants for the group discussions. 🚨 People that were open to future contacts during the survey and the interviews may be contacted in the upcoming weeks. 🚨This is a voluntary study and deciding not to take part does not affect your care or your loves ones. 🙏Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far, in so many ways 💜💙 For any questions or comments always feel free to PM or email me at my university address [email protected] Best wishes to all, get some sunshine, and sending you all much strength, Sandra Sandra Bartolomeu Pires #HuntingtonsDisease #HDawareness #careforrare #nurseresearcher #integratedcare #personcentredcare #doencadehuntington #research #PPI #patientandpublicinvolvement University of Southampton NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) University of Southampton Doctoral College

Would you hand your baby or child over to someone you’d never met and trust them? Probably not, no. We’re taught from an early age about ‘stranger danger’ and to trust those in uniforms as those to help us. But imagine your baby, who may be very sick, taken away from you as soon as they’re born, with people you don’t know, to a place you’ve never been, and not knowing what’s happening. For many families who deliver their baby early, or sick, and who need neonatal care, this is their reality. The trauma, that this leaves, can be significant. Parents in their most vulnerable moments, already afraid, with their newborn needing urgent medical care, whisked out in an incubator to be cared for and expert team who you don’t even know, and you don’t know something as simple their first names. Many nurses and doctors, do a remarkable job of providing delivery room cuddles, tours of the NICU, introducing themselves, taking time to talk to parents. But this isn’t always the case, especially in an emergency. Trusting someone you’ve never met, with your newborn, is a survival response within the trauma. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. This September, we’re seeing the second cohort of Leo’s families head into reception, and we’re seeing lots of families have feelings of loss of control, flashbacks to the NICU and large feelings of guilt (many were on 2 hour visiting per day in NICU during COVID) around choosing to leave their baby, when they were forced to do so in the pandemic. It’s definitely been an eye opener. And what we’re seeing even more, is a higher level of distress in the children who were on the severely restricted visiting hours, when it comes to leaving their parents. #nicu #neonates #trauma #ptsd #neuroscience #nicuneuroscience #neonatalcare #infantmentalhealth #parentmentalhealth #covid19 #traumainformedcare #wellbeing #mentalhealtg