AMJ

Best papers presented at the the third national conference on student medical research, Government Medcial College, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India.

Patients have access to large volume of medical information online. A quick internet search can yield a ream of information about any condition. Therefore patients may well approach medical students for clarification about information they have found. Unfortunately Medical students often lack criticial reading skills as they are not routinely instructed on appraising the evidence as undergraduates. The authors suggest it is time for change.

This study has identified an inadequate utilisation of interpreter services by dialysis patients of Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) at one tertiary teaching hospital and that this impacts upon the quality and safety of care for some NESB patients. This study has also revealed gaps and failures of care when there are language barriers between patients of NESB and the staff caring for them.

This research from India suggests that awareness of symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy is poor in the male population.  Data indicate that there is a need for public health programs aimed at both young and old so that patients can be diagnosed sooner rather than later.

The authors describe a convenient method of anaerobiosis suitable for laboratories where  anaerobic cultures are required occasionally. A method also suitable for field work.

Indian drug regulators should not be influenced by approvals in the west, where an image-conscious ageing society is willing to pay a high price for such products. To follow suit could have a devastating effect on the economy. The authors ask if India is prepared.

Patients with knee OA can be appropriately investigated and streamlined into specialist care. They can also be commenced on simple efficacious treatments in the interim. This will reduce morbidity, prevent duplication of resources and minimise the cost associated with investigations.

Results from this trial, currently underway, will provide high quality evidence of the effectiveness of the Flinders Program supporting patient self-management, as implemented in standard care in South Australia, in improving self management abilities in patients with a range of chronic conditions and comorbidities.