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Aims The literature review aimed to identify the barriers the Punjabi and/or Sikh community have in accessing support for alcohol addiction. Method A systematic review of the literature was undertaken of four scholarly databases, Google Scholar and grey literature on UK-based research conducted after 1980 into alcohol addiction in the Punjabi and/or Sikh community. Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria outlined in the paper and were included in the review. Results Ten main barriers to accessing support were found; stigma, religion, lack of understanding of addiction, over reliance on a medical model of treatment and disregard of therapy, cultural implications of being a member of the Punjabi and/or Sikh community and the addiction community, gender and generational differences and a lack of government commitment to alcohol support for BME communities with a lack of culturally specific services. Conclusion Despite the many barriers explored, the role of stigma remained a powerful theme throughout often underpinning other barriers. A key recommendation across many papers was the need for culturally sensitive support services. Several areas for future research were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elites often use merit to explain, justify, and make sense of their advantaged positions. But what exactly do they mean by this? In this paper, we draw on 71 interviews with elites in Denmark and the UK to compare self-justifications of meritocratic legitimacy. Our results indicate that while elites in both countries are united by a common concern to frame their merits as spontaneously recognized by others (rather than strategically promoted by themselves), the package of attributes they foreground vary significantly. In the UK, elites tend to be "talent meritocrats" who foreground their unique capacity for ideational creativity or risk taking, innately good judgment, and "natural" aptitude, intelligence, or academic ability. In contrast, in Denmark, elites are more likely to be "hard work meritocrats" who emphasize their unusual work ethic, extensive experience (as a signal of accumulated hard work), and contributions outside of work, particularly in civil society. We tentatively argue that one explanation for this cross-national variation is the role that different channels of elite recruitment play in amplifying legitimate notions of merit. In the UK, for example, elite private schools act to nurture ideas of exceptionalism and natural talent, whereas in Denmark elite employers socialize the connection between hard work and success. These findings suggest that nationally specific understandings of merit can have quite different implications for the legitimation of inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) predict individuals' genetic risk of developing complex diseases. They summarize the effect of many variants discovered in genome-wide association studies (GWASs). However, to date, large GWASs exist primarily for the European population and the quality of PRS prediction declines when applied to other ethnicities. Genetic profiling of individuals in the discovery set (on which the GWAS was performed) and target set (on which the PRS is applied) is typically done by SNP arrays that genotype a fraction of common SNPs. Therefore, a key step in GWAS analysis and PRS calculation is imputing untyped SNPs using a panel of fully sequenced individuals. The imputation results depend on the ethnic composition of the imputation panel. Imputing genotypes with a panel of individuals of the same ethnicity as the genotyped individuals typically improves imputation accuracy. However, there has been no systematic investigation into the influence of the ethnic composition of imputation panels on the accuracy of PRS predictions when applied to ethnic groups that differ from the population used in the GWAS. Results We estimated the effect of imputation of the target set on prediction accuracy of PRS when the discovery and the target sets come from different ethnic groups. We analyzed binary phenotypes on ethnically distinct sets from the UK Biobank and other resources. We generated ethnically homogenous panels, imputed the target sets, and generated PRSs. Then, we assessed the prediction accuracy obtained from each imputation panel. Our analysis indicates that using an imputation panel matched to the ethnicity of the target population yields only a marginal improvement and only under specific conditions. Availability and implementation The source code used for executing the analyses is this paper is available at https://github.com/Shamir-Lab/PRS-imputation-panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the literature on domestic abuse focuses on those in intimate partner relationships or ex-partners, however, in the UK the Home Office definition also includes those in familial relationships. The Domestic Abuse, Stalking, and Harassment and Honour-Based Violence Risk Assessment assumes homogeneous risk factors across all relationships. This paper therefore examines the risk factors for repeat victimization of domestic abuse by relationship type between the victim and perpetrator in a UK police force. Using police-recorded domestic abuse incident and crime data, a logistic regression model found that the most similar repeat victimization risk profiles for 14,519 victims were amongst partners and ex-partners, with both relationships demonstrating the greatest degree of gender asymmetry, compared with other familial relationships. Physical violence was the strongest predictor of repeat victimization and was a statistically significant predictor for ex-partners, partners, and all familial relationships. Coercive behaviour was also a significant predictor for all relationships apart from partners, but not at the same magnitude as physical abuse. Recognizing the difference in risk by relationship type may assist the police in deciding the most appropriate response and interventions to reduce the risk of further harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the question of how police-related AI projects and data projects in general are normatively assessed in the UK. After locating data ethics in relation to policing ethics, I shall consider the workings of perhaps the leading regional data ethics committee in the UK. I go on to consider the approach of another committee that might in the future provide national data ethics advice for the police. Finally, I summarize the normative ethics frameworks in use in the two committees and their heavy reliance on the concepts of necessity and proportionality. I suggest that these concepts may have to be supplemented by systematic thinking about varieties of harm and the way in which severe harm may generate obligations to prevent it, where prevention may be assisted by AI models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patient recollection of details discussed during medical consultation is often limited (Figure 1a). For genital gender-affirming surgery (gGAS) consultations, lengthy discussions and deep contemplation surrounding surgical options are critical. Inadequate communication can result in patient complaints and medico-legal action, whereupon issues such as a lack of discussion or poor documentation can lead to medico-legal liability against the care provider and hospital system. As a result, strategies must be developed to ensure that information discussed during complex medical consultations are made available so patients can properly weigh out the care options presented. Objective: 1) Assess medico-legal incidents in Urologic and surgical specialties in the UK, US, and a Californian quaternary care center, 2) evaluate the advantages and feasibility of offering audio-recordings of patient consultations, and 3) create a user-friendly smartphone app for recording healthcare consultations. Methods: A literature review evaluated current evidence on medical liability claims in the UK and US was conducted. Additionally, our center's Department of Risk Management provided information pertaining to medico-legal cases against our institution. Separately, gGAS patients consented to audio-record their consultation. Copies were provided to patients and kept in their medical records. A follow-up survey assessed its usefulness, and based upon patient feedback, a smartphone application was developed. Results: A PubMed search yielded 921 results on "medical malpractice claims" from 2013–2023. In Urologic Surgery, 32 papers addressed medical malpractice, with 2 providing data over the last 15 years. In the UK, 660 claims were made from 2010–2020, of which 8.2% were due to poor communication (37 = informed consent; 17 = lack of follow-up). In the US, from 2020–2022, 38.3% of Urologists faced at least one legal proceeding in their career, and 5.3% were sued within 1 year for any reason. Our institution's Department of Risk Management reported 32% of lawsuits were related to surgical care. Informed consent involved 8% of cases and had a component in 32%. The average financial settlement for medical malpractice was $125,000.00 USD, and trial costs averaged $75,000.00 USD. 50/71 patients completed an anonymized, online survey post-audio recording. Positive results were noted regarding recording quality, comfort whilst being recorded, and wishes for future consultation recordings (Figure 1b). In addition, most patients felt less anxiety, and had greater confidence in their treatment choice (Figure 1c) Based upon patient responses, we developed a smartphone App which records 90 minutes of audio, allows for file and hyperlink attachments to be sent to patients before immediately deleting all information (Figure 1d). Routine use of audio-recordings led to a reduction in patient queries to our office. Conclusions: Routine audio recording of patient consultations provides significant benefits with minimal cost to providers. As per our institution's Office of Risk Management, it offers protection against medico-legal risks. Adequate discussion, good documentation and providing adjuncts for patients can help prevent a large proportion of medicolegal complaints in addition to optimizing patient care. Considering that patients face similar challenges across different disciplines and regions, a larger study (multi-center, international, multi-language) is warranted. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patient recollection of details discussed during medical consultation is often limited (Figure 1a). For genital gender-affirming surgery (gGAS) consultations, lengthy discussions and deep contemplation surrounding surgical options are critical. Inadequate communication can result in patient complaints and medico-legal action, whereupon issues such as a lack of discussion or poor documentation can lead to medico-legal liability against the care provider and hospital system. As a result, strategies must be developed to ensure that information discussed during complex medical consultations are made available so patients can properly weigh out the care options presented. Objective: 1) Assess medico-legal incidents in Urologic and surgical specialties in the UK, US, and a Californian quaternary care center, 2) evaluate the advantages and feasibility of offering audio-recordings of patient consultations, and 3) create a user-friendly smartphone app for recording healthcare consultations. Methods: A literature review evaluated current evidence on medical liability claims in the UK and US was conducted. Additionally, our center's Department of Risk Management provided information pertaining to medico-legal cases against our institution. Separately, gGAS patients consented to audio-record their consultation. Copies were provided to patients and kept in their medical records. A follow-up survey assessed its usefulness, and based upon patient feedback, a smartphone application was developed. Results: A PubMed search yielded 921 results on "medical malpractice claims" from 2013–2023. In Urologic Surgery, 32 papers addressed medical malpractice, with 2 providing data over the last 15 years. In the UK, 660 claims were made from 2010–2020, of which 8.2% were due to poor communication (37 = informed consent; 17 = lack of follow-up). In the US, from 2020–2022, 38.3% of Urologists faced at least one legal proceeding in their career, and 5.3% were sued within 1 year for any reason. Our institution's Department of Risk Management reported 32% of lawsuits were related to surgical care. Informed consent involved 8% of cases and had a component in 32%. The average financial settlement for medical malpractice was $125,000.00 USD, and trial costs averaged $75,000.00 USD. 50/71 patients completed an anonymized, online survey post-audio recording. Positive results were noted regarding recording quality, comfort whilst being recorded, and wishes for future consultation recordings (Figure 1b). In addition, most patients felt less anxiety, and had greater confidence in their treatment choice (Figure 1c) Based upon patient responses, we developed a smartphone App which records 90 minutes of audio, allows for file and hyperlink attachments to be sent to patients before immediately deleting all information (Figure 1d). Routine use of audio-recordings led to a reduction in patient queries to our office. Conclusions: Routine audio recording of patient consultations provides significant benefits with minimal cost to providers. As per our institution's Office of Risk Management, it offers protection against medico-legal risks. Adequate discussion, good documentation and providing adjuncts for patients can help prevent a large proportion of medicolegal complaints in addition to optimizing patient care. Considering that patients face similar challenges across different disciplines and regions, a larger study (multi-center, international, multi-language) is warranted. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patient recollection of details discussed during medical consultation is often limited (Figure 1a). For genital gender-affirming surgery (gGAS) consultations, lengthy discussions and deep contemplation surrounding surgical options are critical. Inadequate communication can result in patient complaints and medico-legal action, whereupon issues such as a lack of discussion or poor documentation can lead to medico-legal liability against the care provider and hospital system. As a result, strategies must be developed to ensure that information discussed during complex medical consultations are made available so patients can properly weigh out the care options presented. Objective: 1) Assess medico-legal incidents in Urologic and surgical specialties in the UK, US, and a Californian quaternary care center, 2) evaluate the advantages and feasibility of offering audio-recordings of patient consultations, and 3) create a user-friendly smartphone app for recording healthcare consultations. Methods: A literature review evaluated current evidence on medical liability claims in the UK and US was conducted. Additionally, our center's Department of Risk Management provided information pertaining to medico-legal cases against our institution. Separately, gGAS patients consented to audio-record their consultation. Copies were provided to patients and kept in their medical records. A follow-up survey assessed its usefulness, and based upon patient feedback, a smartphone application was developed. Results: A PubMed search yielded 921 results on "medical malpractice claims" from 2013-2023. In Urologic Surgery, 32 papers addressed medical malpractice, with 2 providing data over the last 15 years. In the UK, 660 claims were made from 2010-2020, of which 8.2% were due to poor communication (37 = informed consent; 17 = lack of follow-up). In the US, from 2020-2022, 38.3% of Urologists faced at least one legal proceeding in their career, and 5.3% were sued within 1 year for any reason. Our institution's Department of Risk Management reported 32% of lawsuits were related to surgical care. Informed consent involved 8% of cases and had a component in 32%. The average financial settlement for medical malpractice was $125,000.00 USD, and trial costs averaged $75,000.00 USD. 50/71 patients completed an anonymized, online survey post-audio recording. Positive results were noted regarding recording quality, comfort whilst being recorded, and wishes for future consultation recordings (Figure 1b). In addition, most patients felt less anxiety, and had greater confidence in their treatment choice (Figure 1c) Based upon patient responses, we developed a smartphone App which records 90 minutes of audio, allows for file and hyperlink attachments to be sent to patients before immediately deleting all information (Figure 1d). Routine use of audio-recordings led to a reduction in patient queries to our office. Conclusions: Routine audio recording of patient consultations provides significant benefits with minimal cost to providers. As per our institution's Office of Risk Management, it offers protection against medico-legal risks. Adequate discussion, good documentation and providing adjuncts for patients can help prevent a large proportion of medicolegal complaints in addition to optimizing patient care. Considering that patients face similar challenges across different disciplines and regions, a larger study (multi-center, international, multi-language) is warranted. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]