Journal of Wazir Muhammad Institute of Paramedical Technology

Revolutionizing Paramedic Care: The Marvel of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Human Psyche

Zainab Waheed — 2023-06-01

In today’s rapidly advancing world, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, permeating various sectors, and revolutionizing the way we live and work. One such sector that has witnessed a profound impact is healthcare, with AI paving the way for groundbreaking innovations and enhanced patient care. In the field of paramedics, AI is proving to be a game-changer; it has the capacity to analyze vast amounts of medical data, detect patterns, and provide decision support to paramedics, enabling them to make informed and timely decisions. AI-powered algorithms can assist in diagnosing conditions, predicting patient outcomes, and optimizing treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.¹ The field of paramedic care has always been centred around providing immediate medical assistance to individuals in crisis. However, with the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), we stand at the cusp of a transformative era, where AI technology can revolutionize paramedic care by enhancing decision-making, improving response times, and ultimately saving lives. Human involvement in paramedic care is of paramount importance and cannot be understated, especially when compared to artificial intelligence (AI). While AI undoubtedly has the potential to enhance and support healthcare services.² The synergy between AI and human expertise creates a powerful partnership, enabling paramedics to leverage the full potential of technology while relying on their clinical judgment. While AI technology presents unprecedented possibilities in paramedic care, it is crucial to acknowledge that the human psyche is at the heart of this field. Paramedics possess invaluable skills, empathy, and intuition that cannot be replicated by machines.³ The compassionate presence of a human paramedic can connect with patients on a human level, offer comfort, and navigate the complexities of emotions and trauma is irreplaceable. AI technology should serve as a tool to complement and enhance the capabilities of paramedics, rather than replace them. By automating repetitive tasks and providing real-time decision support, AI allows paramedics to focus more on the human aspects of care, ensuring a holistic approach to healing.

As we embrace the marvels of AI in paramedic care, it is vital to address ethical considerations. Transparency, privacy, and informed consent must remain paramount as we navigate this technological frontier. Additionally, the deployment of AI in paramedic care should always have human oversight to ensure accountability, ethical decision-making, and the protection of patient rights. Critical information provided by AI also need be cross-checked for accuracy before decisions are made based on it. However, it is crucial to recognize that the human psyche remains the indispensable element in this equation. Through a harmonious partnership between AI and paramedics, we can achieve remarkable advancements.

Frequency of Acute Allergic Reactions of Non-ionic iodinated Contrast Material in Children under 14 Years

Zeenat Ullah — 2023-06-01

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to find out the frequency of Acute Allergic Reactions to IV Nonionic Iodinated Contrast Material in children less than 14 years age patients at the Burns and plastic surgery center Hayatabad Peshawar. And to find out that the use of low-osmolality nonionic iodinated contrast material for imaging of pediatric patients is quite safe and to identify factors that may be helpful in predicting which pediatric patients are at increased risk of acute allergic-like reactions

METHODOLOGY

It was observationalstudy conducted at the Burns and plastic surgery center Hayatabad Peshawar over six months. Patients’ history was taken from the report and data was collected after completion of CT procedure. Acute allergic reactions were observed immediately after administration of contrast media. A Performa was used for the purpose of collecting information about allergic reactions of non-ionic contrast media from the patients. Non-ionic contrast used in the study was iopromide (Ultravist).

RESULTS

Total 310 patients were included in the study. Maximum scans were of brain region i.e. 47.1% and 0.3% scans were minimum in head and neck region. Acute allergic reactions to IV administration of low-osmolality non-ionic iodinated contrast material were documented in 13 pediatric patients including 6 males and 7 females. None of the patients experienced more than one acute allergic reaction over this study period. Mild acute allergic reactions included 5 instances of skin rash, 3 of itching, and 2 of nausea and 1 of vomiting, flushing and swelling.

CONCLUSION

The use of low-osmolality nonionic iodinated contrast material for imaging of pediatric patients is quite safe and considered to have fewer side effects. . Acute allergic reactions are less frequent and typically are mild in intensity.

Determination of the Antibacterial Activity of different Toothpastes against Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Tooth Gums

Sidra Farooq — 2023-06-01

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the anti-bacterial activity of different toothpastes against the pathogenic bacteria isolated from gums.

METHODOLOGY

For this study, 100 gum samples were collected from dental clinics in Peshawar using sterile disposal swabs. The samples were transported to Peshawar’s Abasyn University and streaked on Nutrient Agar plates. The obtained cultures were sub-cultured and processed for further identification by Gram staining and biochemical tests.

RESULTS

It was found that, out of a total of 100 samples, 60 were positive (40 males and 20 females), and 40 were negative. Among 60 samples, 9 species were identified, and both female and male samples showed a high prevalence of S. aureus. After the analysis of all 5 toothpastes’ anti-bacterial activities, it was observed that all toothpastes showed activity against bacteria except toothpaste number 4. Those toothpastes that showed maximum activity were enlisted: TP-1 [Cellobiosococcus spp. (16.6 ± 0.57)], TP-2 [M. kristnae (16.6 ± 0.57)], TP-3 [M. mucilaginous (15.5 ± 0.86)], and TP-5 [K. pneumoniae (15.5 ± 0.86)].

CONCLUSION

The outcome of the studies concluded that the prevalence of bacteria isolated from male samples was higher and more pathogenic than in female samples.

Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination among Adults in District Peshawar

Imad Ud Din Khan — 2023-06-01

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination among adults in the district of Peshawar.

METHODOLOGY

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Peshawar. The sample size comprised 200 participants, with 63.5% being male and 36.5% female. A convenient sampling technique was used. The study included individuals who had received at least one dose of any vaccine, i.e., Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Moderna.

RESULTS

A significant association was found between vaccine type and injection site pain (χ² = 10.161, p = 0.03). The Pfizer and Sinovac vaccines showed higher pain reports than AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and Moderna. The incidence of headaches, fatigue, and fever was similar across the different vaccines. The prevalence of fever was similar across the different vaccines. A significant association was found between vaccine type and myalgia (χ² = 9.970, p = 0.04). The Sinovac vaccine had a higher incidence of myalgia compared to other vaccines. Dizziness was reported at similar rates across the different vaccines (χ² = 3.891, p = 0.42). The Pfizer and Sinovac vaccines were associated with a higher incidence of shortness of breath compared to other vaccines (χ² = 10.349, p = 0.03). The Pfizer vaccine had the highest reports of bone pain compared to other vaccines (χ² = 17.098, p < 0.001). The Sinovac vaccine had a higher incidence of diarrhea compared to other vaccines (χ² = 15.985, p = 0.04). The Pfizer vaccine had a higher incidence of arm numbness compared to other vaccines (χ² = 11.310, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The study identified significant associations between certain COVID-19 vaccines and specific side effects. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and addressing potential side effects to ensure the success of the national vaccination program in Peshawar district. Further research is warranted to investigate the long-term side effects of vaccination.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Monkeypox Virus among Allied Health Student

Abdul Nasir Nasir — 2023-06-01

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the monkeypox virus among undergraduate students of Allied health science institutes in Peshawar.

METHODOLOGY

This study follows a descriptive cross-sectional design involving a nonprobability convenient sampling technique of 384 Allied health science students. The survey comprised demographics and an assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the Monkeypox virus. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and measures were taken to safeguard the confidentiality of study information. The collected data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS 22 version.

RESULTS

The study examined three key variables: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice, regarding monkeypox among the participants. The findings showed that the knowledge related to the primary transmission mode was approximately 66.6%, demonstrating a lack of knowledge regarding monkeypox’s primary transmission mode. The knowledge regarding the incubation period was around 52.08% of the participants exhibited insufficient knowledge regarding the incubation period of monkeypox. The attitude of the participant's concern about the risk of monkeypox was that the majority of the participants, approximately 83.33%, expressed varying levels of concern about the potential risk associated with monkeypox. Confidence in implementing preventive measures: Roughly 39.06% of the participants reported feeling confident in their ability to implement preventive measures effectively. Of the participants practice related to adherence to preventive measures was noted 49.47% reported consistent adherence to recommended preventive measures related to monkeypox.

CONCLUSION

The study highlighted significant knowledge gaps, specifically related to the primary mode of transmission and incubation period of monkeypox among participants. Despite the high concern, many participants lacked confidence in implementing preventive measures, and only around half consistently adhered to them. Targeted educational interventions and awareness campaigns are needed to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding monkeypox and enhance preparedness for preventing and managing infections.

Response of Streptokinase Therapy Successfulness Based on Diabetic Status among Heart Patients

Muhammad Irfan — 2023-06-01

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the monkeypox virus among undergraduate students of Allied health science institutes in Peshawar.

METHODOLOGY

RESULTS

CONCLUSION