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Hospital Disability Referrals: What to Expect & Why They Matter

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Disability Referents Improve Cancer Screening Access in French Hospitals

Table of Contents

Caen, France – People with disabilities often face important barriers to accessing healthcare, including cancer screenings. Recognizing this disparity, the François Baclesse hospital, a cancer control center in Caen, France, has appointed two disability referents to improve access and support for these underserved patients. This initiative addresses the concerning statistic that individuals with disabilities participate in cancer screenings at approximately half the rate of the general population,leading to later diagnoses and more challenging treatments.

Ministerial mandate Drives Inclusive Healthcare

As 2023, the François Baclesse hospital has implemented the disability referent roles, with Marion Pesrard, a training nurse, among those appointed. This move aligns with a ministerial obligation for all health establishments to ensure accessibility and personalized care for patients with disabilities. The primary mission of these referents is to assess specific patient needs and guarantee inclusive management throughout their healthcare journey.

Did You Know? The WHO estimates a potential $10 return for every $1 invested in disability-inclusive healthcare for noncommunicable diseases [[2]].

Multidisciplinary Approach to Personalized Care

The hospital employs a multidisciplinary approach to cater to the unique needs of patients with disabilities. Adaptations include tailored consultations,interpreting services,pre-exam “white visits” to familiarize patients with the environment,and documents provided in easy-to-read-and-understand (FLIL) formats. These innovations aim to empower patients and promote autonomy in their care.

Marion Pesrard emphasizes, “The objective is to allow the patient to be an actor in his care, and it is always doing *with* and not doing *for*.” Patients also benefit from support services, including psycho-oncologists, sophrologists, and plantar reflexologists, ensuring holistic well-being throughout their treatment.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite these advancements,challenges remain. A significant issue is the lack of adequate disability training in the basic curriculum for caregivers. This deficit underscores the need for ongoing education and awareness programs.Disability referents play a crucial role in bridging this gap by offering training and promoting a culture of inclusivity within healthcare settings.

Pro Tip: Healthcare providers can improve communication with deaf or hard-of-hearing patients by utilizing qualified sign language interpreters and ensuring they understand the emotional context of medical details.

The WHO emphasizes that acting to achieve health equity for persons with disabilities is acting to achieve Health for All [[1]].

Cancer Screening Rates Among People with Disabilities

Group Screening Participation
People with Disabilities Approximately Half the Rate of General Population
General Population Higher Participation Rate

Evergreen Insights: Disability and Healthcare

People with disabilities often experience poorer health outcomes due to various factors, including barriers to accessing healthcare services, discrimination, and social exclusion. Addressing these disparities requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy changes, improved accessibility, and increased awareness among healthcare providers. Disability-inclusive healthcare not only improves the well-being of individuals with disabilities but also contributes to a more equitable and just society.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for disability inclusion as a critical component of achieving global health priorities, including universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals [[1]]. By ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and responsive to the needs of people with disabilities, we can create a healthier and more inclusive world for everyone.

Frequently asked Questions About Disability Referents

What is the primary goal of appointing disability referents in hospitals?

The primary goal is to improve access to healthcare services, including cancer screenings, for people with disabilities, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate care.

how do disability referents contribute to personalized care?

they assess the specific needs of patients with disabilities and work with healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans that address those needs.

What types of adaptations are made to consultations for patients with disabilities?

Adaptations may include providing interpreters, using visual aids, offering flexible scheduling, and ensuring that facilities are physically accessible.

Why is training for caregivers on disability awareness significant?

Training helps caregivers understand the unique challenges faced by patients with disabilities and equips them with the skills and knowledge to provide inclusive and respectful care.

What are the broader benefits of disability-inclusive healthcare?

It promotes health equity, reduces disparities in health outcomes, and contributes to a more inclusive and just society for all.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

what other steps can hospitals take to improve healthcare access for people with disabilities? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article to raise awareness!

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Health

Alzheimer’s: Blood & CSF Biomarkers Offer New Insights

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

alzheimer’s Blood biomarker Testing Poised to Revolutionize Diagnosis

Table of Contents

OTTAWA – A new approach to screening for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using blood tests to detect key biomarkers is showing promise for earlier diagnosis and intervention. Instead of relying on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained through lumbar punctures, analyzing plasma for biomarkers offers a less invasive and potentially more accessible method, according to Mari DeMarco, PhD, a clinical chemist at St. Paul’s Hospital and clinical professor at the University of British Columbia.

The Promise of Blood-Based alzheimer’s Biomarkers

speaking at the Canadian neurological Sciences Federation Congress 2025, DeMarco highlighted the potential of identifying AD biomarkers in plasma. While CSF analysis has long been the standard, she noted that

Did You Know? …

research has confirmed that AD pathology also leaves a detectable “signature” in the blood. one biomarker, phosphorylated tau 217, is proving particularly easy to identify in plasma.

The FDA cleared the first blood test to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in people exhibiting symptoms of the disease [[2]]. This advancement could significantly impact the speed and accessibility of AD diagnosis.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the advantages, DeMarco cautioned against the immediate widespread adoption of plasma biomarker testing in primary care. One key challenge lies in the careful collection and handling of plasma samples to ensure accurate biomarker quantification.The long-term stability of these biomarkers in storage is another potential concern, as storage time affects their diagnostic accuracy in storage.

Moreover, DeMarco emphasized that the individual ordering the test should ideally be involved in managing the patient’s care, especially when the goal is to determine eligibility for anti-amyloid therapies.She suggested a hybrid model involving both primary care physicians and specialists as a potential solution.

Mass Spectrometry: The Gold Standard

Advancements in biomarker identification, such as the progress of mass spectrometry, have significantly improved accuracy. DeMarco explained that early CSF assays suffered from high variability and questionable accuracy, prompting a push for more reliable methods. Mass spectrometry is now considered the “gold standard” in this field.

A Neurologist’s Perspective

Pardh Chivukula, MD, a neurologist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and vice president of the Canadian Neurological Society in Calgary, believes that plasma biomarker testing could streamline healthcare delivery in Canada. He envisions a future where patients are triaged in primary care through blood tests, with those at higher risk referred to specialists.

“The field is still very early on in development,” Chivukula noted, emphasizing that this is a long-term goal that could significantly improve the efficiency of the healthcare system.

The Predictive Value of Plasma Biomarkers

Plasma biomarkers may offer both negative and positive predictive value in ruling out or confirming AD. However, depending on the initial test result, confirmatory testing, such as another blood test, CSF analysis, or PET scan, may be necessary.

Pro Tip: Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach for Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Blood Biomarker Testing: Key Considerations

Factor Consideration
Invasiveness Blood tests are less invasive then lumbar punctures for CSF collection.
Accessibility Blood tests are generally more accessible than CSF analysis.
Accuracy Mass spectrometry is the gold standard for biomarker identification.
Sample Handling Careful collection and handling of blood samples are crucial.
Predictive value Plasma biomarkers offer both negative and positive predictive value.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60-80% of cases.While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

The alzheimer’s Association is actively developing clinical practice guidelines for blood biomarker tests in specialty care settings [[3]]. These guidelines are expected to be released this summer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer’s Blood biomarkers

What are the most common Alzheimer’s biomarkers?

The most widely used CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease measure beta-amyloid 42, tau, and phospho-tau [[1]]. These biomarkers are also being investigated in blood tests.

How accurate are blood tests for Alzheimer’s?

While blood tests are becoming more accurate, confirmatory testing may still be necessary. Mass spectrometry is considered the gold standard for biomarker identification.

Can blood tests detect Alzheimer’s early?

Blood tests have the potential to detect Alzheimer’s earlier than traditional methods, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.

Are blood tests for Alzheimer’s widely available?

blood tests are becoming more available, but widespread adoption in primary care is still under consideration.

What should I do if I am concerned about Alzheimer’s?

If you are concerned about Alzheimer’s, consult with a qualified healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.

Disclaimer: This article provides general details and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

What are your thoughts on the potential of blood biomarker testing for Alzheimer’s? How do you think this will impact patient care in the future?

Share your comments below and subscribe to World Today News for more updates on medical breakthroughs!

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Health

EULAR/ERS Guideline: Managing CTD-ILD – New Recommendations

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

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New Guidelines Call for Increased Interstitial Lung Disease Screening in Autoimmune Patients

Table of Contents

BARCELONA, Spain – In a move set to reshape clinical practice, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) have jointly released new guidelines advocating for systematic screening of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in all patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). The declaration was made at the EULAR 2025 Annual Meeting.

These complete, disease-specific recommendations aim to standardize the screening, diagnosis, and management of ILD across various connective tissue diseases (CTDs), including SSc, MCTD, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), and Sjögren’s disease (SjD).The guidelines mark a notable step forward, representing the first collaborative effort between rheumatologists and pulmonologists in Europe to address ILD in this patient population.

Screening Recommendations for Interstitial Lung Disease

the cornerstone of the new guidelines is the strong recommendation for systematic ILD screening using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in all SSc and MCTD patients, irrespective of pre-existing risk factors. This recommendation extends to patients with IIM, excluding those with inclusion body myositis. For individuals with RA,SjD,and other CTDs,the guidelines advise an initial assessment for disease-specific risk factors,followed by HRCT screening for those with identified risks.

Did You Know? The American Thoracic Society estimates that ILD affects approximately 15% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis[[1].

While previous recommendations supported screening in SSc, the inclusion of RA patients with risk factors marks a significant expansion. According to Dr. Bernhard Hellmich, this broadened scope is expected to identify more patients who could benefit from early therapeutic intervention, potentially leading to improved long-term outcomes.

Notably, the guidelines do not specify a screening frequency due to limited evidence. Dr. Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold suggests mirroring the diagnostic approach and reassessing for new ILD progression risk factors. The guidelines explicitly advise against substituting HRCT with pulmonary function tests or lung ultrasound for initial screening. However, forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide can be incorporated in the presence of symptoms or CT abnormalities.

Monitoring ILD Progression After Diagnosis

The guidelines provide specific timeframes for monitoring ILD progression post-diagnosis, tailored to individual diseases and stratified by ILD progression risk. Clinicians are advised to assess risk based on prior lung function tests, HRCT results, the 6-minute walking test, and risk factors such as disease-specific circulating markers, disease activity, and HRCT patterns.

Based on these assessments, patients are categorized as high or low risk. Monitoring frequency varies accordingly. for high-risk patients with any CTD, lung function tests are recommended every 3-6 months during the initial years, followed by every 6-12 months thereafter. Lower-risk patients should undergo lung function tests every 6-12 months initially, and then annually.

Treatment Strategies for Interstitial Lung Disease

the new guidelines offer detailed treatment recommendations, outlining available options for each disease and providing guidance on selecting the most appropriate medication for individual patients. The guidelines strongly recommend tocilizumab for SSc-ILD patients with early diffuse SSc and signs of inflammation. For IIM-ILD patients, immunosuppressive treatment, including glucocorticoids, calcineurin inhibitors, rituximab, mycophenolate, or azathioprine, is recommended.

Other treatment recommendations are conditional, reflecting limited patient populations and a scarcity of randomized controlled trials. Individual treatment algorithms are provided for SSc-ILD, RA-ILD, and IIM-ILD.

Dr. Hellmich believes that these comprehensive guidelines will facilitate earlier treatment initiation, potentially improving patient prognosis. He noted that the inclusion of certain therapies in the EULAR guidelines may encourage their use in clinical practice,even if they are currently considered off-label.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about the latest research and guidelines is crucial for providing optimal care to patients with connective tissue diseases and interstitial lung disease.

The full guidelines are slated for publication next month in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases and European Respiratory Journal.

Key Recommendations

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Free Cancer Screenings Offered in Empoli, Prato, Pistoia, and Pescia Hospitals
Health

Free Cancer Screenings Offered in Empoli, Prato, Pistoia, and Pescia Hospitals

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Residents of central ‍Tuscany have a unique opportunity to prioritize their ⁤health next week. From December 9th⁢ to 13th, the ASL ‍Toscana centro is hosting “Give Yourself a Gift,” an initiative promoting⁤ oncological​ screenings.

This programme, supported by the Central⁤ Tuscany Local health Authority ⁢and the Tuscany Region’s Workplace ⁣Health Promotion program, aligns with the World Health Institution’s efforts to promote⁢ workplace⁤ health.It encourages residents to take proactive steps ​towards early cancer detection.

“Give Yourself a Gift” will be accessible at four hospitals: San Giuseppe in Empoli,SSCosma and damiano in⁤ Pescia,San Jacopo in Pistoia,and Santo Stefano in Prato.From 8:00 am⁤ to 2:30 pm ​each day, healthcare professionals will be available to provide information about ‍oncological ⁢screenings.

A key⁤ focus⁣ of the initiative is colorectal cancer screening. Individuals aged 50 to 70 who have received‍ an​ invitation letter can collect a kit for occult blood testing. Those who haven’t received a letter but meet ⁤the age‍ requirement can also visit the ⁣information stations‌ to obtain a kit.

“Oncology screenings are public ​health‍ interventions that ‍have proven effective in ⁤reducing mortality and, in some cases, the frequency of breast, cervical, ​and colorectal⁤ cancers.”

The ASL⁤ Toscana Centro emphasizes the⁣ importance of these ‌screenings,⁣ highlighting their effectiveness in early cancer detection and treatment. All screenings are free of charge.


Tuscany Initiative Encourages Cancer Screenings During ⁤“Give Yourself a Gift”‌ Campaign





Residents of central ⁤Tuscany have a unique chance next ⁤week too prioritize their health with the “Give yourself a Gift” initiative. From‌ December 9th to 13th, the ASL Toscana centro, supported by the Tuscany Region’s Workplace Health Promotion program, will ⁤be promoting oncological screenings at four hospitals ‍across the region.





This program coincides with the World Health Association’s efforts ​to promote workplace well-being and encourages residents to take‍ proactive steps towards ⁤early ‍cancer detection. A‍ key‍ focus of the initiative is colorectal cancer⁣ screening, readily available ​for individuals aged 50 to 70.





To discuss the importance of cancer screenings and the ⁤details of this initiative, we spoke with Dr. Maria Rossi, ⁤Head of the Oncology Department ⁤at the San ​Jacopo Hospital in Pistoia, and Francesca Bianchi, a representative ⁣from the Tuscany Region’s​ Workplace Health Promotion‌ program.





The Importance of Early Detection





We asked Dr. Rossi to explain why cancer​ screenings are ⁣crucial for public health.





“oncology ⁣screenings are public‍ health interventions that have proven effective in reducing mortality and, in some ⁢cases, the frequency of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers,”







Dr. Rossi⁣ emphasized​ that early detection substantially increases the chances of accomplished⁤ treatment. “When cancers are diagnosed in their⁢ early stages, treatment is frequently enough more‍ effective and less ⁣invasive,” she explained.







Accessibility and Convenience





We discussed the⁤ accessibility of screenings ‍with Francesca Bianchi. What ⁢measures are in place to make⁤ these screenings convenient⁤ for residents?





“We understand that people lead busy lives, ⁢so we’ve made sure the screenings are ‍conveniently located and accessible,” Bianchi stated.⁣ “Residents can access‍ our information stations at four hospitals: San Giuseppe in Empoli,SSCosma‍ and Damian in Pescia,San jacopo in Pistoia,and‌ Santo Stefano in Prato. We will be operating⁢ from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm each day during the campaign.”





Focus‍ on colorectal Cancer





We sought clarification on the specific focus on colorectal cancer screenings.





“Colorectal cancer‌ is one of the most⁣ common cancers, ⁤but it is also highly preventable through​ regular screenings,” Dr. Rossi highlighted. “The ⁢ kits we offer allow individuals to ‍collect⁢ a ⁣sample at home⁢ and return it to us for analysis. It’s a simple and non-invasive procedure.”





Key Takeaways and Call to ​Action





This initiative by ASL⁣ Toscana centro and the Tuscany ​Region’s Workplace Health Promotion program is a commendable step towards promoting public health.The “Give⁣ Yourself⁤ a Gift” campaign provides a valuable opportunity for central Tuscan ⁤residents to prioritize ‍their health ⁢by getting screened for ‍cancer.





⁤ Don’t miss this chance! Take charge of yoru well-being. ‌Visit one ‌of the four participating hospitals between⁣ December 9th and 13th to learn ⁤more about cancer screenings‍ and obtain ​a colorectal cancer screening ​kit if eligible.





For more information about cancer prevention and screening, unsubscribe to the World Health Organization’s website: https://www.who.int/, and visit the⁢ ASL Toscana‌ centro​ website.https://www.aslcentro.toscana.it/

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Health

A revolutionary new tool for cancer treatment in Brest

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

The Institute of Cancerology and Imaging of Brest (Finistère) recently inaugurated a major technological advance in the field of medical imaging: the Biograph Vision Quadra wide-field PET. This equipment, unique in France, allows faster and more efficient treatment of cancer patients. According to Professor Pierre-Yves Salaün, head of the molecular imaging and radiotheranostics department at Brest University Hospital, this technology represents a real revolution in cancer screening and treatment.

Technology at the cutting edge of innovation

The wide-field Biograph Vision Quadra PET, developed by Siemens Healthineers, provides complete visualization of the body in a single moment. With this device, image acquisition time is significantly reduced, which not only improves patient comfort, but also allows staff to treat a greater number of patients each day. The examination time is now five minutes compared to three quarters of an hour twenty years ago.

In addition to reducing the duration of examinations, this machine reduces the quantity of radioactive product injected into patients, thus improving their comfort and reducing the potential risks linked to exposure to radiation. This gain in time and efficiency could even open the way to early and more accessible screening for populations at risk.

Huge potential for cancer screening

One of the great promises of this technology is its potential for global cancer screening. Currently, screening is targeted to certain organs and specific populations, which limits its effectiveness on a global scale. With the Biograph Vision Quadra PET, it would be possible to carry out a complete examination of the body, thus making it possible to detect non-targeted cancers early, in populations with risk factors, such as alcohol, tobacco or obesity.

A screening campaign for people aged 50 to 60 will be carried out from 2025. This campaign, carried out in partnership with Siemens, will also have an economic component. If 3 to 10% of patients tested have cancer, the savings made through faster and more efficient treatment would be considerable.

Benefits for caregivers and patients

The benefit for caregivers is also significant. This new device makes it possible to detect very fine anomalies without resorting to invasive biopsies. It also offers dynamic acquisitions that provide previously inaccessible information. This improves the ability to make accurate diagnoses and adjust treatments in a more targeted and less invasive manner.

In addition, patient comfort is greatly improved. Not only do they spend less time under the machines, but they also receive a reduced dose of radiopharmaceuticals, making the experience less restrictive and safer.

Although the technology is in place, increasing patient capacity remains limited by human resources. Currently, the Cancerology and Imaging Institute can accommodate up to 70 patients per day. However, the service faces a lack of qualified personnel, particularly radiographers and radiopharmacists.

With this cutting-edge technology, Brest is positioning itself at the forefront of cancer screening and treatment in France. The Biograph Vision Quadra wide-field PET is a major advance that promises to improve patient care and open up new perspectives in global screening.

Photo credit: DR

[cc] Breizh-info.com2024, dispatches free to copy and distribute subject to mention and link to the original source

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Also screening for ‘Sethje rocket’ disease
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Also screening for ‘Sethje rocket’ disease

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Public health

The rare disease that almost killed little Seth will also be detected in newborns from December 1. The Flemish government has decided that.

Jolien Matthys from Boortmeerbeek testified earlier this week about the rare and life-threatening genetic disorder SCID, to which her son Seth (6) – ‘Sethje rocket’ – almost succumbed. She has been campaigning for some time for the inclusion of this serious immune disorder in the screening program that reaches more than 99 percent of babies in Flanders. At the proposal of Minister of Welfare Hilde Crevits (CD&V), the Flemish government is now responding to this. From December 1, screening for SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) will also take place.

All parents of newborn babies in Flanders can have congenital disorders detected in a blood sample from their child free of charge and voluntarily. The screening program has been around for many years and is perhaps better known as the former ‘heel prick’. A small blood sample is used to screen for rare conditions, for which early treatment offers a great advantage. In this way, sudden deaths, serious disabilities or chronic diseases can be prevented or the disease process can be slowed down.

Until 2021, the screening program included the detection of twelve rare diseases. Since 2022, this has been gradually expanded to include Tyrosinemia type 1, Tyrosinemia type 2, CPT1A and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the condition with which ‘baby Pia’ was born.

Seven more

Last year, homocystinuria and holocarboxylase deficiency were added. These are two serious metabolic diseases that can be treated if detected early.

Genetic tests are currently ongoing, so that screening for SCID can also be added at the end of this year.

A total of seven additional rare diseases have now been detected since the original screening program. To achieve this, Minister Crevits is investing more than 1 million euros extra this year. The screening program will therefore include a total of nineteen rare diseases by the end of this year. (vbr)

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