Semarak International Journal of Public Health and Primary Care

Integrating Remote Hearing Aid Adjustments: A Practical Guide across Hearing Aid Manufacturers

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Integrating remote hearing aid adjustments into audiological care has significantly transformed hearing healthcare delivery, particularly in enhancing accessibility and convenience for patients. This transition accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has allowed audiologists to remotely program hearing aids, manage tinnitus, and conduct follow-up consultations, reducing the need for in-person visits. Despite the growing acceptance of teleaudiology, challenges still need to be addressed in understanding and implementing remote care across different hearing aid manufacturers. This review provides a practical guide for audiologists and clinical audiology students to navigate remote hearing aid adjustments for five major manufacturers: GN Resound, Unitron, Starkey, Phonak, and Oticon. The study utilised a comparative approach, evaluating each manufacturer's remote platforms, focusing on ease of use, patient engagement, and clinical outcomes. The review revealed that all five manufacturers provide robust remote programming features, including real-time adjustments, patient feedback tools, and tinnitus management solutions. Key differences were in platform usability, flexibility in asynchronous versus synchronous adjustments, and the overall patient experience. The principal results highlight that when appropriately integrated, remote adjustments can match the effectiveness of in-person visits, offering a sustainable model for hearing healthcare. Challenges such as patient education, technology compatibility, and ensuring patient readiness were identified as crucial factors to consider. The findings suggest audiologists should focus on preparation, ongoing communication, and follow-up care to optimise remote services. In conclusion, remote hearing aid adjustments, supported by the evolving teleaudiology platforms of leading manufacturers, are set to play an essential role in future audiological care. This guide provides essential insights into the practical application of these technologies, enhancing the delivery of patient-centred, remote hearing healthcare.

NanoRehab: Conceptual Design of a Mobile Health Application Integrating Nanomedicine with Personalized Physiotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis Management

Sidra Sabir, Abdul Haseeb Bhutta, AHM Mahmudur Rahman Rahman — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

NanoRehab is a mobile health application designed to develop Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) management by assimilating nanomedicine with personalized rehabilitation plans. Initial development involved a wide-ranging review of existing health applications, KOA rehabilitation methods, and advancements in nanotechnology, recognising a significant need for tailored, adaptive solutions in KOA treatment.The app purposes to provide a personalized and adaptive solution for KOA management by using real-time data from wearable devices to adjust treatment protocols based on individual progress, in that way enhancing recovery outcomes. NanoRehab’s features, together with personalized exercise regimens, nanomedicine monitoring, real-time progress tracking was evaluated through a potential user survey with 62 KOA patients. Survey results showed a high likelihood of app adoption, with 88% of participants stating strong interest and confidence in the app’s potential to progress rehabilitation outcomes.This study highlights NanoRehab’s potential as a complete digital health solution for KOA management, effectively integrating innovative treatment approaches to meet the personalized requirements of KOA patients.

Translation, Adaptation, and Integration of the Automated Method for Testing Auditory Sensitivity (AMTAS) instructional video in Malay

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The growing demand for hearing healthcare services in Malaysia, aggravated by a shortage of audiologists, underscores the need for alternative solutions like automated hearing assessment tools. The Automated Method for Testing Auditory Sensitivity (AMTAS), a widely recognized system internationally, has not yet been adapted for use in Malaysia. This study aimed to translate and validate the AMTAS instructional video into Bahasa Malaysia, enabling its application among the local population. The verbatim translation approach ensured word-for-word accuracy to maintain instructional integrity. The translated content was incorporated into the AMTAS system, providing clearer instructions for Malaysian users. The methodology involved a multi-step process: transcription of the original video, translation into Malay, and final review by language experts. Results indicated that the Malay version of the instructional video improves accessibility, leading to enhanced user comfort and response accuracy. This initiative addresses the language barrier in hearing assessments and contributes to expanding AMTAS usability in Malaysia. In conclusion, the translated video can facilitate better hearing assessments, particularly in rural and underserved communities, potentially improving audiology services nationwide.

Evaluating Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) in Modern Wound Care Techniques and Their Impact on Patient Healing Outcomes in Government Hospitals

Rozaine Osman, Nor Asiah Mohamed Saleh, Nur Ema Maria, Nooreena Yusop — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Wound healing is a complex biological process requiring precise management to facilitate tissue regeneration and minimize complications such as infection. The advent of modern wound dressings, designed to create an optimal healing environment, has transformed wound care practices. Despite these advancements, discrepancies in nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward modern wound care techniques in government hospitals present a significant challenge. This study evaluates the KAP of nurses toward modern wound dressing, investigates barriers to its implementation, and explores the influence of demographic factors on KAP levels. A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted in Hospital Tanjong Karang, Selangor, with 73 nurses from medical and multidisciplinary wards. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sections on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A pilot study confirmed the reliability of the instrument (Cronbach's α = 0.85). Descriptive statistics, item-wise analyses, and one-way ANOVA were employed to analyze the data. The results revealed a generally high level of knowledge (mean score: 27.23/32), though gaps existed in specialized areas such as foam and hydrogel dressings. Attitudes were predominantly positive, with a mean agreement rate of 73.7%. Practices exhibited strong adherence, with an implementation rate of 98.1%. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and practice (r = 0.353, p < 0.01), indicating that higher knowledge levels enhance clinical application. However, knowledge and attitudes showed no significant association, highlighting the influence of additional factors like workplace culture and experience. Demographic factors, including unit and experience, displayed no statistically significant impact on KAP, though trends suggested variability in knowledge levels across units. In conclusion, while nurses demonstrate high competency in modern wound care, targeted training is necessary to address specific knowledge gaps and enhance uniformity in practice. Institutional support, continuous education, and addressing attitudinal barriers are essential for optimizing wound management and improving patient outcomes. This study underscores the critical role of tailored interventions in bridging the gap between knowledge and practice in nursing.

Assessing Acute Kidney Injury Risk in Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery: Insights from a Public Teaching Hospital in Kuala Lumpur

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a critical complication among cancer patients undergoing surgical interventions. This study aimed to assess the association between patients with malignancy/ tumour and the risk of AKI in the surgical department of a public teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur. The prospective observational study included 193 patients and involved seventy-five surgical nurses who underwent an AKI nursing risk assessment education program. Utilizing the Nursing Risk Assessment of Acute Kidney Injury (NURA-AKI) tool, the risk assessments were conducted from July to December 2022. The data was collected during three distinct assessment phases. Results showed AKI risk factors among surgical patients include age > 65 years (40.9%), male gender (58.5%), comorbidities like hypertension (56.5%), DM (43.5%), malignancy/ tumors 20.7% of patients, infection/sepsis at 22.8% and least patients with CKD were 11.9%, chronic liver 7.3% and hypotension 6.2%. The risk of AKI clinical parameters such as elevated serum creatinine (34.2%), blood loss/dehydration (25.4%), and low hemoglobin levels (23.3%). Patients with malignancy/ tumour had elective surgeries 43.5%, emergency surgeries 32.6%, meanwhile, 36.8% of patients consumed nephrotoxic agents. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the association between patients with malignancy/ tumour and the risk factors of AKI in the surgical department HCTM. There was a significant association between patients with malignancy/ tumour and the risk factors of AKI and the patients admitted to the different units in surgical department (p < 0.05). The general surgery and urology ward reported more than 40% of patients had malignancy/ tumour. However, there was no significant association between AKI risk factor consuming nephrotoxin agent and AKI risk factor surgery within patients had malignancy/ tumour with AKI risk (p-value> 0.05). The results demonstrate the prevalence of AKI among cancer patients in the surgical setting, identifying key risk factors and informing strategies for early detection and prevention