Katarzyna Naylor

Correction: Enhancing EMS readiness: a pilot evaluation of CPR proficiency and training dynamics among paramedics in Poland. Łukasz Maciejewski,Katarzyna Naylor,Konrad Szast,Ahmed M…

Disaster medicine occupies a uniquely challenging intersection of science, ethics, and emergency response. Unlike conventional clinical environments, disasters unfold in unstable, unpredictable, and resource-constrained settings where acute threats to life routinely disrupt the established structures, timelines, and governance mechanisms that typically support health research [1]. Earthquakes, conflict, forced displacement, and large-scale outbreaks increasingly shape global […]

Orthopedic trauma is a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented disruptions to hospital services, but its indirect effects on in-hospital mortality among orthopedic patients remain poorly quantified. We conducted a nationwide retrospective analysis of 2 674 263 orthopedic hospitalizations in Poland between 2019 and 2023. Hospital admissions were classified as occurring during COVID-19 (19 months across five national pandemic waves) or non-COVID periods (41 months). We examined overall, age-stratified, and injury site–specific mortality using descriptive statistics, Z-tests for proportions, and effect size estimates including risk difference, relative risk, odds ratios, and number needed to harm. Overall in-hospital mortality was 1.06% (28 441 deaths). Mortality was significantly higher during the COVID-19 period than in non-COVID months (1.35% vs. 1.01%; RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.30–1.38; NNH 290). Age strongly modified outcomes: excess risk was minimal in young adults (18–40 years; NNH ~ 3 700), moderate in middle-aged patients (41–65 years; NNH ~ 621), and greatest among older adults (65 + years; NNH ~ 111). Mortality rose across all injury sites, with the largest absolute excess in head trauma (RD 0.68% points; NNH 148) and the steepest relative increase in chest injuries (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.27–1.73). The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a marked rise in in-hospital mortality among orthopedic patients in Poland, disproportionately affecting older adults and those with head or chest injuries. These findings underscore the need for resilient trauma and orthopedic care pathways that maintain operative and critical care capacity during future health system disruptions.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted stress levels across various professions, particularly in the medical field. This increase in stress has also affected medical students, including nursing students, who faced unprecedented and challenging circumstances. Nursing students, in particular, experienced added pressure due to observing the frontline experiences of nurses and the new demands placed upon them. Aim: This study aimed to assess whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected an increase in stress levels among nursing students in Poland during the pandemic. We also attempt to determine whether there is a correlation between the stress level of students and factors such as gender, age, place of residence, marital status, and level of education. Assuming that the stress level will be higher among women of increasing age and bachelor’s students, we also assumed, however, that lower stress levels would occur among people in relationships and living in the countryside. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from 27 April 2022 to 12 May 2022. We chose that period as it was the final one of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there was an increasing amount of discussion concerning its cessation, with the public accustomed to its presence in our everyday lives. Since we wanted to determine the stress level experienced by students, we decided to use the standardized Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). We enriched the study with sociodemographic questions to investigate the potential impact of these characteristics on the degree of stress experienced. Results: The average score obtained by respondents on the PSS-10 was 19.57 ± 6.03. Of the respondents, 49% reported experiencing a high level of stress. No statistically significant differences were found between the mean PSS-10 scores and the gender (Z = 0.169; p = 0.865), age (F = 1.282, p = 0.281), marital status (Z = −0.776, p = 0.437), or place of residence (urban vs. rural) (Z = −0.784, p = 0.433) of the respondents. The mean PSS-10 scores were also analyzed regarding the level of education (bachelor’s vs. master’s). Bachelor’s students had an average PSS-10 score of 18.95 ± 6.42, while master’s students scored 20.05 ± 5.70. Again, no statistically significant differences were found (t = −1.102, p = 0.2720). Conclusions: The study indicated that nursing students experience high stress levels regardless of gender, age, marital status, place of residence, or level of education. High stress levels were reported among both bachelor’s and master’s students.

Beyond Crisis: The Ukraine War’s Multifaceted Impact on Poland’s Health Care Resilience - Volume 39 Issue 4

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Script Concordance Test (SCT) in enhancing clinical reasoning skills within paramedic education. Focusing on the Medical University of Lublin, we evaluated the SCT’s application across two cohorts of paramedic students, aiming to understand its potential to improve decision-making skills in emergency scenarios. Our approach, informed by Van der Vleuten’s assessment framework, revealed that while the SCT’s correlation with traditional methods like multiple-choice questions (MCQs) was limited, its formative nature significantly contributed to improved performance in summative assessments. These findings suggest that the SCT can be an effective tool in paramedic training, particularly in strengthening cognitive abilities critical for emergency responses. The study underscores the importance of incorporating innovative assessment tools like SCTs in paramedic curricula, not only to enhance clinical reasoning but also to prepare students for effective emergency responses. Our research contributes to the ongoing efforts in refining paramedic education and highlights the need for versatile assessment strategies in preparing future healthcare professionals for diverse clinical challenges.

Introduction: Traumatic injuries are a significant global health concern, with profound medical and socioeconomic impacts. This study explores the patterns of trauma-related hospitalizations in the Lublin Province of Poland, with a particular focus on the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim of the Study: The primary aim of this research was to assess the trends in trauma admissions, the average length of hospital stays, and mortality rates associated with different types of injuries, comparing urban and rural settings over two distinct time periods: 2018–2019 and 2020–2021. Methods: This descriptive study analyzed trauma admission data from 35 hospitals in the Lublin Province, as recorded in the National General Hospital Morbidity Study (NGHMS). Patients were classified based on the International Classification of Diseases Revision 10 (ICD-10) codes. The data were compared for two periods: an 11-week span during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and the equivalent period in 2019. Results: The study found a decrease in overall trauma admissions during the pandemic years (11,394 in 2020–2021 compared to 17,773 in 2018–2019). Notably, the average length of hospitalization increased during the pandemic, especially in rural areas (from 3.5 days in 2018–2019 to 5.5 days in 2020–2021 for head injuries). Male patients predominantly suffered from trauma, with a notable rise in female admissions for abdominal injuries during the pandemic. The maximal hospitalization days were higher in rural areas for head and neck injuries during the pandemic. Conclusions: The study highlights significant disparities in trauma care between urban and rural areas and between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. It underscores the need for healthcare systems to adapt to changing circumstances, particularly in rural settings, and calls for targeted strategies to address the specific challenges faced in trauma care during public health crises.

Objective:The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated alternative methods to ensure the continuity of medical education. Our study explores the efficacy and acceptability of a digital continuous medical education initiative for medical residents during this challenging period.Methods:From September to December 2020, 47 out of 60 enrolled trainee doctors participated in this innovative digital Continuous Medical Education (CME) approach. We utilized the Script Concordance Test to bolster clinical reasoning skills. Three simulation scenarios, namely Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and European Paediatric Life Support (EPLS), were transformed into interactive online sessions via Zoom™. Participant feedback was also collected through a survey.Results:Consistent Script Concordance Testing (SCT) scores among participants indicated the effectiveness of the online training module. Feedback suggested a broad acceptance of this novel training approach. However, discrepancies observed between formative SCT scores, and summative Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) assessments highlighted areas for potential refinement.Conclusions:Our findings showcase the resilience and adaptability of medical education amidst challenges like the global pandemic. The success of methodologies such as SCT, endorsed by prestigious bodies like the European Resuscitation Council and the American Heart Association, suggests their potential in preparing health care professionals for emergent situations. This research offers valuable insights for shaping future online CME strategies.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many adverse phenomena, particularly in the area of health for both individuals and society as a whole. Healthcare staff also suffered dire consequences. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess whether the COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder among healthcare professionals in Poland. Material and method: The survey was conducted between 4 April 2022 and 4 May 2022. The study applied the Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) technique using the standardised Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) questionnaire. Results: The average score obtained by the respondents on the PDI was 21.24 ± 8.97. There was a statistically significant difference between the average PDI score obtained based on the gender of the subject (Z = 3.873, p = 0.0001.) The score obtained amongst nurses was statistically significantly higher compared to the paramedic group (H = 6.998, p = 0.030). There was no statistically significant difference between the average PDI score obtained based on the age of the participants (F = 1.282, p = 0.281), nor with their length of service (F = 0.934, p = 0.424). A total of 82.44% of the respondents received 14 PDI points, the cut-off point indicating the risk of PTSD that was adopted in the study. It was concluded that 6.12% of respondents did not require intervention (28 PDI score). Conclusions: The study has shown a high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder among healthcare professionals in Poland. This risk is related to the gender of the respondents, with an indication of a higher risk of PTSD among women. The results have also shown a correlation between increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and occupation, with nurses being the most affected group. In contrast, no association has been found in terms of age and length of service for an increase in the risk of PTSD, following exposure to trauma in relation to healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Depression is a heterogeneous and etiologically complex psychiatric syndrome thatshows a strong sexual dimorphism and often impacts people with a low socioeconomic status (SES). The aim of the study was to estimate the occurrence of depression symptoms in a local community with a high deprivation rate, the example being the inhabitants of the JanówLubelski County in eastern Poland. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 3752 people aged between 35 and 64. The prevalence of depression symptoms was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale. In the screening for depression symptoms in the entire population we studied, the risk of depression symptoms was 16.1% (n = 605), with women having a significantly higher mean score than men (p < 0.001). Significant predictors associated with the achievement of 10 points and more in the PHQ-9 assessment in the case of women and men were: living alone, education and having comorbidities. Moreover, female participants living in rural areas were significantly more likely to exhibit depression symptoms, whereas smoking was a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in men. It was observed that in the case of obese women, the chance of being in the higher category of the PHQ-9 assessment was 1.41 times higher than in women with normal body weight. However, in the case of men, an increase in age by one year increased the chance of being in a higher category by 1.02 times. Moreover, the odds of falling into a higher category, as assessed by the PHQ-9 questionnaire, among men who drink alcohol more than once a week was 1.7 times higher than in men who do not drink or consume alcohol occasionally. Summarising the results of studies conducted in a local community characterised by a high deprivation rate, socioeconomic and health variables related to SES significantly impacted the incidence of depression, but they differ in terms of gender.