Medicine & Dentistry

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Degree of Awareness of Medical Students in Palestinian Universities of Patients' Rights
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Hammad, Abdelrahman Shareef; Hammad, Shareef Ali
The study aims to measure the degree of awareness of medical students in Palestinian universities of patients' rights according to variables: university, gender and level. The researcher used the descriptive analytical approach (questionnaire) in measuring the degree of awareness of medical students in Palestinian universities of patient rights and processing them into quantitative Valuable expressing the degree of knowledge and awareness. Then, a random sample of 132 medical students was chosen from Al-Azhar and Islamic Universities in the Gaza Strip. The results show that the medical student understands the patients' clinical rights with no statistically significant differences between the third and sixth level students in the two universities. As well as there are no statistically significant differences between Males and females. The researcher recommends enriching medical ethics subject with the patients' and doctors' rights and responsibilities. And emphasizing the ethics of the medical profession in colleges before the clinical stage and before graduation. Objectives: Measuring the degree of awareness of medical students in Palestinian universities of patients' rights according to variables: university, gender and level. Methods: Descriptive analytical approach (questionnaire). Results: The results show that the students of the Faculty of Medicine of the third and sixth levels are fully aware of the rights of patients with an estimated average of 2.24 and a standard deviation of 0.317. Moreover, there are no differences between the third level and the sixth level in the degree of awareness of patients' rights where the average of the third level is 4.25 and Standard deviation 0.326 and the 6th level arithmetic average and standard deviation are 4.23 and 0.309 respectively. The difference of universities does not mean a difference in the awareness of medical students of patients' rights, as it appears in the results that state there are no statistically significant differences at the level of (0.05) between the students of the Faculty of Medicine at al-Azhar and Islamic universities in the degree of their awareness of the rights of patients, where the mathematical average of the sample students of Al-Azhar University 4.18 and standard deviation 4.279 also the mathematical average of the sample of students of Islamic University average 4.279 and standard deviation 0.319. The results show there are no statistically significant differences at the level of (0.05) between males and females in awareness of patients' rights, and this emphasizing their sense of belonging to the medical profession and patients, though the researcher attributes this to the Palestinian society and its culture and that the students of the Faculty of Medicine are informed about the rights of patients. Conclusion: Medical student understands the patients' clinical rights with no statistically significant differences between the third and sixth level students in the two universities.
Emotional Intelligence Among Medical Students in Palestine A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Ewaiwi, Bashair Imad; Hijazi, Bassel Yaser; Attiyeh, Rania Khaleel; Niroukh, Effat Ayman; Adawi, Samer Osama; Al-Qaissi, Heba Saleem; Faris, Khaled Jamal; Darras, Osama Majed; Zuhour, Afnan Ibraheem; Khalil, Nabil Carlo Nabil; Hammad, Shorouq Yosef; Al-Masri, Tabarak Abedlnaser; Hallak, Hussien
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as a pro-social behavior that deals with recognizing, understanding, influencing and managing our own and other’s emotions. In medical education and clinical practice, EI has been related to improves the doctor-patient relationship. Objectives: Measure EI among Palestinian medical students in two stages of their studies, clinical and basic sciences, and assessing the factors that may affect it. Moreover, compare medical students of Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities regarding EI score and detect possible differences. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey was conducted among 692 medical students in Al-Quds and Al-Najah universities in Palestine. Emotional intelligence was evaluated using a 33-item scale as an index introduced by Schutte et al. (1998). Data was analyzed in a quantitative manner using SPSS (VER.20). Results: 745 students filled the questionnaire with a response rate of 92.88%. A total of 692 were sampled which were representative of the student population. The mean score of EI is 3.83 (SD=0.41) out of a maximum possible score of 5 with 69.1% of the sample having high EI. Statistics showed that EI decreased significantly at α≤0.05 among basic and clinical stages of study with a negative correlation between EI and academic year (PCC= -0.086). This indicates that as the academic year increases, EI decreases (p=0.023). Moreover, EI is affected significantly at α≤0.05 in a positive manner by having a hobby or doing extracurricular activities. In addition, students who indicate they always regret studying medicine tend to relate to lower EI, this may reflect the lack of interest to study this field. Conclusion: Medical students, both male and female, have a relatively high level of emotional intelligence in the universities that were studied. Students in the clinical stage have lower EI than basic sciences medical students, which indicates that students have a conflict between objectivity and humanity while training clinically. Therefore, emotional support during clinical years would serve in improving EI. Moreover, EI is affected by having a hobby or extracurricular activities, indicating that EI can be modulated through the encouragement of such activities.
Depression Among Medical Students When Compared to Other Students at West Bank Universities
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Edkaidek, Mayar; Mereb, Beesan; Al-Sharif, Niveen; Rishiq, Aseel; Al-Hleqawi, Alaa’; Idkiedek, Sarah; Khalil, Mohammad Omran; Hamad, Lana Barakat; Hallak, Hussein
Background: Depression has been an inconspicuous yet crucial concern in our society, particularly among medical students, who are the future health care providers. Therefore, our research investigated the following question: “What influence do socio-demographic and academic factors have on depression levels among medical students compared to other students, at West Bank Universities?” Objectives: This research aimed to assess the previous influence, identify and compare the prevalence of depression among medical and non-medical students. More importantly, to investigate whether medical students have the propensity for depression, or it is just a false perception of depression symptoms? Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 714 medical and non-medical students (comparative group), from Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities. Data was collected using a questionnaire that includes: the investigation of research questions and related factors, and the computations of depression using Beck Depression Inventory. The data were analyzed using SPSS (VER:20). Results: About one-third of our sample’s medical students suffered from some form of depression; in particular, moderate depression appeared to be relatively high (18.7% and 25.5% in medical and control, respectively). At all depression levels, there appeared to be a significant difference, with a lower prevalence of depression in medical students compared to the control group, except that medical students suffered from a higher rate of mild mood disturbances (25.1%) than non-medical students (14.6%). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship (α ≤0.05) between higher prevalence of depression and female gender, lower GPA, low economic status, and lack of psychological support. Other variables, such as accommodation and year of study, showed insignificant relationships with depression. Conclusion: Based on these results, we conclude that the prevalence of depression appears to be high regardless of university or specialty, reflecting the high depression rates in Palestinian society. Higher prevalence of depression among non-medical students can be attributed to medical students’ adaptation to stress from high school, as both universities accept high scores. The researchers recommend medical students to practice their hobbies and participate in extracurricular activities as both factors showed a significant decrease in depression. Finally, the perception of higher depression among medical students seems to be false, according to our results.
Emotional Intelligence Among Medical Students in Palestine A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Ewaiwi, Bashair Imad; Hijazi, Bassel Yaser; Attiyeh, Rania Khaleel; Niroukh, Effat Ayman; Adawi, Samer Osama; Al-Qaissi, Heba Saleem; Faris, Khaled Jamal; Darras, Osama Majed; Zuhour, Afnan Ibraheem; khalil, Nabil carlo nabil; Hammad, Shorouq Yosef; Al-Masri, Tabark Abd Al-Raheem; Hallak, Hussien
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as a pro-social behavior that deals with recognizing, understanding, influencing and managing our own and other’s emotions. In medical education and clinical practice, EI has been related to improves the doctor-patient relationship. Objectives: Measure EI among Palestinian medical students in two stages of their studies, clinical and basic sciences, and assessing the factors that may affect it. Moreover, compare medical students of Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities regarding EI score and detect possible differences. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey was conducted among 692 medical students in Al-Quds and Al-Najah universities in Palestine. Emotional intelligence was evaluated using a 33-item scale as an index introduced by Schutte et al. (1998). Data was analyzed in a quantitative manner using SPSS (VER.20). Results: 745 students filled the questionnaire with a response rate of 92.88%. A total of 692 were sampled which were representative of the student population. The mean score of EI is 3.83 PalStudent Journal Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed tothe mentioned authors at the mentioned institutes. Copyright © 2020 Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research. All rights reserved. E-mail: research@admin.alquds.edu Palestine, Abu Dis, Al-Quds University (SD=0.41) out of a maximum possible score of 5 with 69.1% of the sample having high EI. Statistics showed that EI decreased significantly at α≤0.05 among basic and clinical stages of study with a negative correlation between EI and academic year (PCC= -0.086). This indicates that as the academic year increases, EI decreases (p=0.023). Moreover, EI is affected significantly at α≤0.05 in a positive manner by having a hobby or doing extracurricular activities. In addition, students who indicate they always regret studying medicine tend to relate to lower EI, this may reflect the lack of interest to study this field. Conclusion: Medical students, both male and female, have a relatively high level of emotional intelligence in the universities that were studied. Students in the clinical stage have lower EI than basic sciences medical students, which indicates that students have a conflict between objectivity and humanity while training clinically. Therefore, emotional support during clinical years would serve in improving EI. Moreover, EI is affected by having a hobby or extracurricular activities, indicating that EI can be modulated through the encouragement of such activities.
The Psychological Impact of the Covid-19 Lockdown on Dental Students: A Cross-sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Abu Kwaik, Aya; Saleh, Raghad; Danadneh, Mayar; Kateeb, Elham
Introduction: Dental students in their clinical training face a higher risk of contracting the disease, COVID-19, as well as experiencing adverse psychological outcomes. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown on the mental health of dental students during the current pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among dental students during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic to assess levels of depression, anxiety, and stress using the standardized DASS-21 scale. In addition, demographic, socio-economic, academic performance, sources of information about COVID-19, and perception of on-line education difficulties were collected. Results: A total of 436 students completed the survey (55.18% response rate). In the current sample, 48% (n=209), 76% (n=33), 70% (n=305) showed different levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Dental students who stated that their family income was impacted by COVID-19 showed signs of depression, X2=7.3, p=.007, and anxiety, X2=6.1, p=.013. Dental students who faced difficulties in switching to e-learning reported different levels of depression, X2=14, p<.001; anxiety, X2=9, p=.003; and stress, X2=24, p<.001. Conclusions: In preparation for the next academic year, strategies to support the mental health of dental students in their clinical training and e-learning process should be in place.
Stress, Anxiety and Depression Among Dental Students in Times of Covid-19 Lockdown
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Abu Kwaik, Aya; Saleh, Raghad; Danadneh, Mayar; Kateeb, Elham
Introduction: Dental students in their clinical training face a higher risk of contracting the disease, COVID-19, as well as experiencing adverse psychological outcomes. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown on the mental health of dental students during the current pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among dental students during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic to assess levels of depression, anxiety, and stress using the standardized DASS-21 scale. In addition, demographic, socio-economic, academic performance, sources of information about COVID-19, and perception of on-line education difficulties were collected. Results: A total of 436 students completed the survey (55.18% response rate). In the current sample, 48% (n=209), 76% (n=33), 70% (n=305) showed different levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Dental students who stated that their family income was impacted by COVID-19 showed signs of depression, X2=7.3, p=.007, and anxiety, X2=6.1, p=.013. Dental students who faced difficulties in switching to e-learning reported different levels of depression, X2=14, p<.001; anxiety, X2=9, p=.003; and stress, X2=24, p<.001. Conclusions: In preparation for the next academic year, strategies to support the mental health of dental students in their clinical training and e-learning process should be in place.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Using Dental Floss Among Dental Students at Al-Quds University
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Saleh, Raghad; Khrishie, Hiba; Nieroukh, Ruba; Danadneh, Mayar; Kateeb, Elham
Introduction: Dental plaque is one of the major factors in the initiation and progression of dental caries, gingivitis and periodontal diseases. It has been reported that tooth brushing alone can clean only 3 surfaces of the tooth's five surfaces. Thus combining tooth brushing with interdental cleaning is crucial. Dental floss is one of the most effective interdental interventions that remove plaque between the teeth. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices related to the use of dental floss among dental students at Al-Quds University, Palestine. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among dental students from the Faculty of Dentistry at Al Quds University from first to the fifth year, to assess knowledge about the use of dental floss, attitude towards the importance of the use of dental floss and students' practice related to the use of dental floss. In addition, socio-demographic information was collected. Results: 292 students completed the survey, the sample was composed of 18.2% in 1st year, 16.1% in the 2nd year, 18.2% in the 3rd year, 22.3% in the 4th and 25.3% in the 5th year. Students who use dental floss, 33.3% believes that modern toothbrush is similar to dental floss, the relation of dental floss use with students who believed that modern toothbrushes with advanced bristle design remove interdental plaque similar to dental floss it was less, X2=6.2, p=0.01. Students who believed that the use of dental floss beside toothbrush daily is important to gingival health 55.2%, in relation of the use of dental floss X2 =5.6, p=0.02. 35% of students who use dental floss believed that the use of dental floss is difficult, with the use of dental floss X2 =20, p=0.05. 48.5% of students who use dental floss believe that dental floss is not given adequate importance in dental education, with the use of dental floss X2 =4.2, p=0.04. For knowledge results 58.2% of students who use dental floss know how to use dental floss with X2 =25, p<0.05. For practice results, students who use mouthwash, used dental floss more, X2=10.8, p=0.001. Conclusions: Al-Quds University dental students have adequate knowledge on how effective is using the floss as an adjunct to the toothbrush, we still should encourage the community and students to do so.
Emotional Intelligence Among Medical Students in Palestine A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Ewaiwi, Bashair Imad; Hijazi, Bassel Yaser; Attiyeh, Rania Khaleel; Niroukh, Effat Ayman; Adawi, Samer Osama; Al-Qaissi, Heba Saleem; Faris, Khaled Jamal; Darras, Osama Majed; Zuhour, Afnan Ibraheem; Ibraheem, Nabeel Karlo; Hammad, Shorouq Yosef; Al-Masri, Tabark Abd Al-Raheem; Hallak, Hussien
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as a pro-social behavior that deals with recognizing, understanding, influencing and managing our own and other’s emotions. In medical education and clinical practice, EI has been related to improves the doctor-patient relationship. Objectives: Measure EI among Palestinian medical students in two stages of their studies, clinical and basic sciences, and assessing the factors that may affect it. Moreover, compare medical students of Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities regarding EI score and detect possible differences. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey was conducted among 692 medical students in Al-Quds and Al-Najah universities in Palestine. Emotional intelligence was evaluated using a 33-item scale as an index introduced by Schutte et al. (1998). Data was analyzed in a quantitative manner using SPSS (VER.20). Results: 745 students filled the questionnaire with a response rate of 92.88%. A total of 692 were sampled which were representative of the student population. The mean score of EI is 3.83 (SD=0.41) out of a maximum possible score of 5 with 69.1% of the sample having high EI. Statistics showed that EI decreased significantly at α≤0.05 among basic and clinical stages of study with a negative correlation between EI and academic year (PCC= -0.086). This indicates that as the academic year increases, EI decreases (p=0.023). Moreover, EI is affected significantly at α≤0.05 in a positive manner by having a hobby or doing extracurricular activities. In addition, students who indicate they always regret studying medicine tend to relate to lower EI, this may reflect the lack of interest to study this field. Conclusion: Medical students, both male and female, have a relatively high level of emotional intelligence in the universities that were studied. Students in the clinical stage have lower EI than basic sciences medical students, which indicates that students have a conflict between objectivity and humanity while training clinically. Therefore, emotional support during clinical years would serve in improving EI. Moreover, EI is affected by having a hobby or extracurricular activities, indicating that EI can be modulated through the encouragement of such activities.
Management of Burns in Gaza-Strip A Multi-center Clinical Audit
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Aldaya, Haneen Younis; Abu Jamie, Najlaa; Abu Shammala, Haneen; AL-Bashiti, Suzan; shaheen, Hala; Alazar, Ameera; Hammad, Motaz; Ghunim, Mohammed; Al Moghrabi, Ahmed; Bottcher, Bettina
A combined prospective and retrospective study was conducted in the ERs of Al-Shifa, Nasser Medical Complex and European Gaza hospitals. Two structured questionnaires were used to collect the management of burn according to the Palestinian management protocol. This study found that from the 147 cases that came to the ER, 37.6% underwent ABCDE approach and 87.8% (n=129/147) received sterile dressings. Background: Burns is a global public health problem and appropriate intervention will decrease morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the management of burns in the emergency room (ER), burns units and intensive care units (ICU) of the Gaza-Strip. Objectives: To evaluate the management of burns in the ER, burns unit and ICU in terms of following ABCDE approach, using sterile dressings, giving ﬂuid resuscitation, antibiotics, ranitidine and undergoing physiotherapy. Methods: A prospective study evaluated the management of patients presenting with burns injuries to the ER between the period 22nd July to 20 August 2018, and retrospectively, management of patients was evaluated, who were admitted to the burns units and to ICU between 1st January 2017 and 30th July 2018 at Al-Shifa Hospital and Nasser Medical Complex. The Palestinian management protocol was used for evaluation. A total of 428 patients were identified to have burns injuries during the study period. Of these, 142 were excluded, 108 due to missing files and 34 files had poor documentation (no documentation of medication or assessments). Included were 147 patients admitted to ER, 122 on the burns unit and 17 on the ICU. Results: In the ER, 57.1% (n=84/147) of patients were male, with a mean age of 15.4±14.1. Of the 147 cases, 17.7% (n=26/147) were major burns, which included more than 10% total body surface area burned (TBSA). Of these, 37.6% underwent ABCDE approach and 87.8% (n=129/147) received sterile dressings. From the 122 patients admitted to the burns unit, 59.8% (n=73) were male with a mean age of 11.4±14.6 years. From these, 47.5% (n=58/122) underwent ﬂuid resuscitation, 97.5% (n=119/122) received antibiotics, 17.2% (n=21/122) received ranitidine and 56.6% (n=69/122) underwent physiotherapy. Out of the 17 patients admitted to ICU, 76.5% (n=13/17) were male, with a mean age of 19.2±12.8 years. All of these patients received prophylactic antibiotics, 58.8% (n=10/17) had endotracheal intubation, 5.9% (n=1/17) underwent central venous pressure measurement (CVP), 23.5% (n=4/17) had ABG tested and 88.2% (n=15/17) kidney function tests (KFT), and 64.7% (n=11/17) received ranitidine. No patient had a chest X-Ray (CXR) or carbon monoxide (CO) level done. From the ICU patients, 17.6% (n=3/17) benefitted from physiotherapy, and 35.3% (n=6/17) Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate poor adherence to guidelines in some points, such as patients presenting with major burns, who should all benefit from the ABCDE approach, but less than 40% of patients actually did and antibiotics, which should only be prescribed when indicated, were given to nearly all patients admitted to the burns unit or ICU. Efforts are required to improve staff practices with burn injuries.
Emotional Intelligence Among Medical Students in Palestine A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Ewaiwi, Bashair Imad; Hijazi, Bassel Yaser; Attiyeh, Rania Khaleel; Niroukh, Effat Ayman; Adawi, Samer Osama; Al-Qaissi, Heba Saleem; Faris, Khaled Jamal; Darras, Osama Majed; Zuhour, Afnan Ibraheem; Khalil, Nabil Carlo Nabil; Hammad, Shorouq Yosef; Al-Masri, Tabark Abd Al-Raheem; Hallak, Hussien
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as a pro-social behavior that deals with recognizing, understanding, influencing and managing our own and other’s emotions. In medical education and clinical practice, EI has been related to improves the doctor-patient relationship. Objectives: Measure EI among Palestinian medical students in two stages of their studies, clinical and basic sciences, and assessing the factors that may affect it. Moreover, compare medical students of Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities regarding EI score and detect possible differences. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey was conducted among 692 medical students in Al-Quds and Al-Najah universities in Palestine. Emotional intelligence was evaluated using a 33-item scale as an index introduced by Schutte et al. (1998). Data was analyzed in a quantitative manner using SPSS (VER.20). Results: 745 students filled the questionnaire with a response rate of 92.88%. A total of 692 were sampled which were representative of the student population. The mean score of EI is 3.83 PalStudent Journal Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed tothe mentioned authors at the mentioned institutes. Copyright © 2020 Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research. All rights reserved. E-mail: research@admin.alquds.edu Palestine, Abu Dis, Al-Quds University (SD=0.41) out of a maximum possible score of 5 with 69.1% of the sample having high EI. Statistics showed that EI decreased significantly at α≤0.05 among basic and clinical stages of study with a negative correlation between EI and academic year (PCC= -0.086). This indicates that as the academic year increases, EI decreases (p=0.023). Moreover, EI is affected significantly at α≤0.05 in a positive manner by having a hobby or doing extracurricular activities. In addition, students who indicate they always regret studying medicine tend to relate to lower EI, this may reflect the lack of interest to study this field. Conclusion: Medical students, both male and female, have a relatively high level of emotional intelligence in the universities that were studied. Students in the clinical stage have lower EI than basic sciences medical students, which indicates that students have a conflict between objectivity and humanity while training clinically. Therefore, emotional support during clinical years would serve in improving EI. Moreover, EI is affected by having a hobby or extracurricular activities, indicating that EI can be modulated through the encouragement of such activities.
Quality of Pain Relief Provided in the Emergency Room (ER) for Patients with Acute Abdominal Pain A Prospective Clinical Audit
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Abu Shammala, Haneen; El-Bari, Duha Abed; Abu Nasser, Eman; Othman, Huda; Abo Alkomboz, Tasneem; Kawrea, Rola; Ishtiawi, Nada; Al Naqeeb, Esraa; Jamie, Najlaa; Bottcher, Bettina
A prospective study was conducted in the ERs of Al-Shifa, Indonesian and European Gaza hospitals, a structured questionnaire was used to collect characteristics of pain and its management. Pain intensity was recorded at different intervals using a 10-point numerical rating scale. This study found that patients attended to ER with a mean pain score of 8.3±1.4 and they left with a mean pain score of 4.6±3.5. burns. Background: Acute abdominal pain is the most common cause of surgical consultations in the ER and the most common cause of non-trauma related admissions. Little is known about pain management in Gaza Strip hospitals. Therefore, this study assesses whether patients presenting with acute abdominal pain received adequate analgesia, compared to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Guidelines. Objectives: To assess pain management in the ER in terms of the prescription practice of pain-relieving medications, pain progression from arrival till disposition and adequacy of analgesics provided. Methodology: A prospective-observational study was conducted in the ERs of three Gaza Strip hospitals, representing three distinct geographical areas, from 30th July till 30th August. All Patients above 18 years old, presented to the ER with acute abdominal pain, with no history of analgesia intake before their hospital visit were included. Data was collected by nine trained interviewers through a structured questionnaire. Pain was quantified by the patients by a 10-point numerical rating scale. This was done on arrival as well as at 30 and 60 minutes after receipt of analgesia and at discharge. Verbal consent was obtained from the patients. Approval had been obtained from the Directorate General of Human Resources Development before data collection. Data were analyzed via SPSS and are presented as mean scores ± standard deviations as well as in total numbers and percentages. Results: A total of 157 patients were included, 77 (49%) were males and the mean age was 39.8+15.4 years. Furthermore, 78 (49.7%) were from Hospital A, 52 (33.1%) from Hospital B and 27 (17.2%) from Hospital C. The sample included 100 (63.7%) patients with a provisional diagnosis of renal colic, 17 (10.8%) with biliary colic, 13 (8.3%) with appendicitis, 9 (5.7%) with intestinal obstruction and 18 (11.4%) other diagnoses. A total of 29 patients (18.5%) did not receive any analgesia in the ER. Of the 128 patients (81.5%), who received analgesics, 115 (89.8%) had non-steroidals while 13 (10.1%) received opioids. Opioids were adequately titrated in all patients and no circulatory instability occurred. The mean pain score on arrival was 8.3±1.4, while it was 7.1±3.6 30 minutes later, 6.6±4.2 after 60 minutes and 4.6±3.5 on discharge. Conclusion: Although pain relief was given and experienced pain decreased for most patients, but only seven patients (4.4%) were completely pain-free on discharge. Generally, patients with intense pain were quickly given analgesics. Hence, efforts should be focused on patients suffering moderate or mild pain to also receive adequate pain relief in the ER. Agreed local guidelines and training of staff could also facilitate this process.

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