Medical research papers highlight use of local materials

In its pursuit to promote research findings by doctors at the post-graduate level, the Institute of Health Sciences Education (IHSE) held its tenth Annual Medical-Scientific Conference at the Ramada Princess Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara last Sunday.

This allowed doctors the opportunity to present their research findings to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) administration and those responsible for managerial changes.
Director of the Institute of Health Sciences Education, Dr. Alexandra Harvey, said she was happy to be able to continue providing a forum for local healthcare practitioners to present their research findings.
“We (IHSE) are continuing to work to improve this whole culture of researching in the medical environment, because we feel (that) in order to improve healthcare delivery, it should be based on evidence, to allow for sustainable practices, thereby delivering quality healthcare to our patients.” Dr. Harvey explained.
This, she opined, would boost the credibility of healthcare delivery among peers and the public alike.
Dr. Harvey noted that research papers presented at the meeting promoted the use of local materials, as opposed to importing these supplies.
“We had the papers relating to things that can be used practically here in Guyana. Using local materials for shielding people that are getting their x-rays, instead of importing the barriers normally used to prevent our patients and ourselves from getting the bad effects of the x-ray. It is possible to use materials that are made here,” Dr. Harvey said.
In addition to the use of local alternative material as a structural shield for diagnostic radiological facilities, some of the other topics discussed during the conference dealt with team-building exercises for doctors and nurses working in the Accident and Emergency units, and educating the GPHC female patients on the correct approach and practices in relation to cervical cancer.
According to the Department of Public Information, the conference, hosted under the theme “Transforming Health Care: Celebrating 10 years of residency education and research in Guyana”, attracted more than 200 local medical practitioners and overseas associates.