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Aims Radiotherapy is an important radical treatment for prostate cancer patients with services continually evolving. This survey aims to gain an insight in to the variation of radiotherapy practices in the UK, focussing on pre-treatment preparations, on-treatment review and management of radical prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. To our knowledge this is the first survey reported focussing on prostate radiotherapy practices with responses from a mix of health professionals. Materials and methods A national survey was designed based on current known practices in supportive care and management of prostate cancer patients. The survey was distributed to lead radiotherapy personnel in radiotherapy services across the UK with a 77% response rate (n = 54). Results Pre-treatment protocols were mandated in the majority of departments. Use of bladder filling (98%) and bowel emptying (66%) were frequently deployed. Bowel preparation varied between use of laxatives (13%) or enemas (41%) to achieve consistency. On-treatment reviews were carried out by a mix of health professionals; most commonly shared between oncologists and radiographers (20%). Radiographers reviewing patients were independent prescribers in 22% of departments. Toxicity grading tools were not used by almost half of departments (47%) either at baseline and/or on-treatment reviews. Written information about follow-up was given to patients towards the end of their radiotherapy; however, fewer departments included the length of hormone duration (13%). Conclusion This survey has demonstrated variations in practice exist across the UK. These variations suggest that important questions about the best methods for treatment accuracy and patient management need to be established through further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid responses by health services to suppress transmission of the virus. This study aimed to investigate predictors of anxiety, stress and depression in Australian pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic including continuity of carer and the role of social support. Women aged 18 years and over in their third trimester of pregnancy were invited to complete an online survey between July 2020 and January 2021. The survey included validated tools for anxiety, stress, and depression. Regression modelling was used to identify associations between a range of factors including continuity of carer, and mental health measures. 1668 women completed the survey. One quarter screened positive for depression, 19% for moderate or higher range anxiety, and 15.5% for stress. The most significant contribution to higher anxiety, stress, and depression scores was a pre-existing mental health condition, followed by financial strain and a current complex pregnancy. Protective factors included age, social support, and parity. Maternity care strategies to reduce COVID-19 transmission restricted women's access to their customary pregnancy supports and increased their psychological morbidity. Factors associated with anxiety, stress and depression scores during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified. Maternity care during the pandemic compromised pregnant women's support systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is performed for dual localised parathyroid disease. Smaller scars are presumed to result in a better cosmetic outcome. We hypothesize that MIP provides better cosmesis and examine other factors that may influence this outcome. Methods: 240 patients who underwent conventional cervicotomy or MIP were contacted and asked to complete a validated Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ). Scars were assessed at a minimum of 12 months after surgery. Patients completed the 100 point PSAQ evaluating appearance, satisfaction with appearance, scar consciousness, and an overall satisfaction score and selected a preference between MIP or cervicotomy scar from pictures. Power calculations showed that 114 cases would be required to detect a difference of 2 in any subscale. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which factors were associated with a poorer scar. Results: 152/240 (63%) responded. 102 patients underwent cervicotomy and 50 MIP (median age 68, male n=27, female n=125). Overall patients were very happy with their scars and 90% thought their scar appearance was 'good' or 'excellent'. Mean scar length was shorter in the MIP group (2.9cm vs 5.8cm, p<0.001).In logistic regression only younger age and female gender were associated with poorer score in the scar consciousness and the scar appearance subscales irrespective of the surgical approach (age ODDS 0.95, p=0.01: females ODDS 2.55 p=0.05). MIP and cervicotomy were comparable in all other cosmesis subscales. Scar length approached significance in the 'scar consciousness' subscale only (p=0.052). 19/102 (19%) patients who had a cervicotomy scar would have preferred a MIP. Conclusions: Mature scars after parathyroidectomy have an excellent cosmetic outcome. Younger age and female sex are associated with poorer satisfaction in cosmesis. Although MIP scars are often assumed to be cosmetically superior to cervicotomy, this has not been demonstrated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]