BackgroundUltrasound is considered a reliable, widely available, non-invasive and inexpensive imaging technique for assessing soft tissue involvement in Lateral epicondylalgia. Despite the number of diagnostic studies for Lateral Epicondylalgia, there is no consensus in the current literature on the best abnormal ultrasound findings that confirm lateral epicondylalgia.MethodsEligible studies identified by searching electronic databases, scanning reference lists of articles and chapters on ultrasound in reference books, and consultation of experts in sonography. Three reviewers (VCDIII, KP, KW) independently searched the databases using the agreed search strategy, and independently conducted all stages of article selection. Two reviewers (VCDIII, KP) then screened titles and abstracts to remove obvious irrelevance. Potentially relevant full text publications which met the inclusion criteria were reviewed by the primary investigator (VCDIII) and another reviewer (CGS).ResultsAmong the 15 included diagnostic studies in this review, seven were Level II diagnostic accuracy studies for chronic lateral epicondylalgia based on the National Health and Medical Research Council Hierarchy of Evidence. Based from the pooled sensitivity of abnormal ultrasound findings with homogenous results (p > 0.05), the hypoechogenicity of the common extensor origin has the best combination of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. It is moderately sensitive [Sensitivity: 0.64 (0.56-0.72)] and highly specific [Specificity: 0.82 (0.72-0.90)] in determining elbows with lateral epicondylalgia. Additionally, bone changes on the lateral epicondyle [Sensitivity: 0.56 (0.50-0.62)] were moderately sensitive to chronic LE. Conversely, neovascularity [Specificity: 1.00 (0.97-1.00)], calcifications [Specificity: 0.97 (0.94-0.99)] and cortical irregularities [Specificity: 0.96 (0.88-0.99)] have strong specificity for chronic lateral epicondylalgia. There is insufficient evidence supporting the use of Power Doppler Ultrasonogrophy, Real-time Sonoelastography and sonographic probe-induced tenderness in diagnosing LE.ConclusionsThe use of Gray-scale Ultrasonography is recommended in objectively diagnosing lateral epicondylalgia. The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes indicates presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia. In addition to diagnosis, detection of these abnormal ultrasound findings allows localization of pathologies to tendon or bone that would assist in designing an appropriate treatment suited to patient’s condition.

The MDASI-HN-F is valid, reliable and sensitive. The sensitivity of the MDASI core-F is demonstrated, and its validity and reliability reaffirmed. Moderate and severe head-and-neck symptoms are prevalent in early-stage and advanced-stage head-and-neck cancers, reflecting the utility of symptom screening for improvement of symptom management, QOL and compliance to treatment.

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Future scholarly activities between the two institutions include extension of postgraduate training to other health disciplines, cross-institutional PhD student enrollments and collaborative research.

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Introducción: la calidad de la atención es una pieza clave en la asistencia sanitaria, para lograrla es necesario que toda la organización esté involucrada y se desarrollen acciones estratégicas encaminadas a garantizar cuidados seguros, libre de daños. Objetivos: analizar los principales conflictos éticos y bioéticos que enfrentan los profesionales de la salud en los servicios hospitalarios a fin de lograr la calidad de la atención en los pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson. Material y métodos: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistemática para desarrollar un análisis crítico reflexivo del contenido de documentos, donde se consideraron tesis de doctorado, maestría, artículos originales y de revisión. Se abordaron temas como los principios éticos y bioéticos en la enfermería, y la calidad de la atención. Conclusión: si se logra adquirir una cultura en la calidad y cumplir con los principios de la bioética se puede reducir la probabilidad de errores, riesgos y daños, generados en la asistencia sanitaria.

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