Evaluating the Accuracy of Android Applications in Monitoring Environmental Noise Levels.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of Android applications (apps) in measuring environmental noise levels, focusing on their potential use for occupational health assessments. Methods The top 10, highly rated, free Android apps were tested on a Samsung Galaxy A54 Smartphone (Samsung Group, Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea) using pure tones at 100 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz, across four noise levels (25 dB, 40 dB, and 85 dB). Measurements were compared with a calibrated Precision Gold N09AQ environment meter (Maplin Electronics Ltd, Wath-Upon-Dearne, United Kingdom) in a controlled room.

Exploring tonsil pathology in PTEN hamartoma syndrome: a cohort study.

Background: PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome (PHTS) comprises a group of genetic disorders with varied clinical presentations, including macrocephaly, developmental delay, and increased cancer susceptibility. Recent reports have highlighted the occurrence of tonsil-related issues in PHTS.

Methods: Clinical data focusing on tonsil-related pathology and tonsillectomy details (indications, histology and post-operative complications) were collected from 53 patients with PHTS.

Leveraging real-world data to improve cochlear implant outcomes: Is the data available?

Objectives: A small but persistent proportion of individuals do not gain the expected benefit from cochlear implants(CI). A step-change in the understanding of factors affecting outcomes could come through data science. This study evaluates clinical data capture to assess the quality and utility of CI user's health records for data science, by assessing the recording of otitis media.

Implementing criteria-led discharge for acute admissions to facilitate the elective recovery from COVID-19: an example in acute tonsillitis.

Background: Healthcare systems face unprecedented numbers of patients waiting for elective treatments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals must urgently optimise patient pathways and build capacity to meet the populations health needs. Criteria-led discharge (CLD) is frequently used to optimise elective care pathways but may hold potential in discharging patients at the end of an acute hospital admission.

Refractory catatonia in old age: a case report.

Background: Catatonia is a clinical syndrome characterized by psychomotor disruption, which often goes undiagnosed. Most reports have focused on interventions and outcomes for catatonia in younger people and those with schizophrenia. The clinical characteristics and course of catatonia in old age are poorly understood.

Design and implementation of the stacked, synchronised and iconographic timeline-structured electronic patient record in a UK NHS Global Digital Exemplar hospital.

Background: Conventional electronic screen visualisation formats, which use tabs, dropdown menus, lists and multiple windows, present huge navigation challenges to health professionals. A unifying and intuitive interface for the electronic patient record (EPR) has been an elusive goal for software developers for decades.

Methods: Since 2009, by working in an agile way, we have built and implemented a fully operational and dynamic system, the University Hospital Southampton Lifelines (UHSL), within our clinical data estate, in a UK university hospital.

The teaching of neurosurgery in UK medical schools: a message from British medical students.

Background: A great variability exists in the clinical exposure of neurosurgery across all academic years in UK medical schools, although the effects of this on knowledge level and confidence in referring cases appropriately to specialists have not been reported.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving students in years 1-5 across nine British medical schools. An electronic questionnaire was sent out which consisted of questions concerning the teaching of the subject; and questions assessing the knowledge of basic neurosurgery through mini clinical scenarios testing which specialty should receive a referral.