Self-testing for SARS-CoV-2: importance of lay communication

The population should be clearly informed on the limitations of rapid antigen testing of self-collected swabs, and therefore the necessity to continue all barrier procedures whatever the rapid antigen test result is and confirm a positive rapid antigen test result with PCR testing.

The importance of 18F-FDG cardiac PET/CT for the assessment of myocardial viability in ischaemic heart disease

18F-FDG cardiac PET/CT is expected to streamline resource allocation in view of the possibility to avoid costly, invasive procedures and to reduce the rate of future severe complications in coronary artery disease patients, thus further reducing the costs for advanced therapies.

A case study of short-term forecasting during the COVID-19 pandemic: the platform icumonitoring.ch

Based on the example of the models implemented on icumonitoring.ch, and on general theoretical considerations, the authors argue that the framework of continuous-time differential equations is not suited to making reliable short-term predictions on quantities such as ICU occupancy in Swiss hospitals. Instead, they propose the use of very simple, hands-on forecasting based on fitting parameters of suitably chosen curves to the observed data, and making the forecast by expert judgement based on the results of the fitted curves.

Altruism, recklessness, or something else? A summary of the forum on self-experimentation in the time of COVID-19

Self-experimentation has a long history in science and refers to cases in which a researcher conducts experiments on himself or herself. This practice is newly sparking controversy as some of those looking to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic are interested in accelerating vaccine development by being their own test subjects, and sidestepping ethics board reviews and regulations.

Supplementation of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic with vitamins and micronutrients – how much evidence is needed?

Before answering the question regarding usefulness of supplementation of the population during a pandemic with vitamins and micronutrients as a public health strategy to reduce COVID-19 associated morbidity, it is important to define the level of evidence that is needed.

Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography at rest for the diagnosis, screening and management of pulmonary hypertension

This article reviews the current knowledge about methodologic aspects of assessing pulmonary pressure and pulmonary hypertension origin by echo, including a discussion about abnormal thresholds. It also details advanced techniques like right ventricular strain imaging and new concepts like right ventricle – pulmonary artery coupling evaluation that have become “matured” enough to be definitely brought to routine evaluation.

Stroke management in a Swiss community hospital – in close collaboration with a stroke centre

Despite the universal recognition that stroke is a major burden of public health in developed countries, little is known concerning its epidemiology and care outside of stroke centres. The objective of this study was to provide information concerning risk factors for stroke, stroke management and quality of care in a community hospital in Switzerland. The findings support further education of the population in recognition of stroke symptoms and assessment of cardiovascular risk factors according to guidelines. Telemedical cooperation with a local stroke centre can result in adequate quality of care in these patients.

Are we fit to teach? A survey in physicians of the in- and outpatient departments of internal medicine at a Swiss university hospital

Teaching is one of the three pillars of medical-academic activity, alongside patient care and research. The aim of this study was to assess current teaching practice in the medical departments of the University Hospital Basel, in order to organise a faculty development programme tailored to local needs. The results show that, despite being an integral part of everyday work at a university clinic, many aspects of current teaching practice allow discussion on possibilities of adaptations and improvement. Evaluation of current teaching practice provides the basis for designing a faculty development programme tailored to specific needs.

Fitness-to-drive for glioblastoma patients: Guidance from the Swiss Neuro-Oncology Society (SwissNOS) and the Swiss Society for Legal Medicine (SGRM)

The management of brain tumour patients who would like to resume driving is complex, and needs multidisciplinary input and a consensus among treating physicians. The Swiss Neuro-Oncology Society (SwissNOS) and the Swiss Society for Legal Medicine (SGRM) aim to provide guidance on how to assess “fitness-to-drive” of glioblastoma patients and to harmonise the relevant procedures in Switzerland.

Supplementum 249: Abstracts of the annual meeting 2021 of the Swiss Society of Paediatrics