OBJECTIVES: Disasters and mass casualty incidents (MCIs) that cause substantial mortality and morbidity have been increasing worldwide. The emergency department (ED) services manage MCIs by optimizing triage and providing health care with required resources. The present study attempted to describe the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of MCIs presenting to the ED. METHODS: The present retrospective observational study was conducted at the ED of a tertiary care hospital on patients of MCI for 4 years from 2017 to 2021. The data were extracted from the ED disaster records and other paper-based patient records. Information on patient demography, date and time of arrival, mode of transport, method of arrival (direct or referral), type and mechanism of MCI, ED management, and outcome were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using R, version 4.1.0. RESULTS: Analysis of 21 MCIs was conducted. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the predominant cause of MCIs. The majority of MCI victims, except for those of blast injuries, were men. The victims in medical emergencies were significantly younger than those in other MCI groups (P < 0.001). The majority of patients were brought to ED through ambulance services (n = 120 [47.1%]), followed by private vehicles (n = 112 [44.2%]). Most of the MCI victims (n = 143 [56.2%]) were brought to the ED during evening hours (4 pm–8 pm). The majority of victims belonged to the “Red” triage category (n = 110 [43.3%]). The injury severity score was significantly higher (P = 0.014) in the disaster group than in other trauma MCI groups (20 vs. 17). Autorickshaw occupants were the most common victims of mass casualty RTAs (n = 38 [40%]). Suturing (n = 97 [50%]) and dressing (n = 167 [88%]) were the most common ED procedures required by the victims of trauma MCIs. Of the total, 167 (66%) patients were discharged from the ED, 47 (19%) patients were admitted to wards, 13 (5%) patients were admitted to intensive care units, and 24 (9%) patients got referred to other centers. In addition, two patients died in the ED during treatment, whereas one patient was brought dead. CONCLUSIONS: RTAs dominate the MCIs and are affecting the young producative male population. The present study exhibited the severity of the cases in MCIs and their impact in the health-care setting, therefore signifying the importance of standardized MCI management protocols.

Introduction: The current era is characterized by the prevalence of tweets, hashtags, blogs, postings, and reels. Social media has become an indispensable component of our everyday existence. In the current era of digital technology, where media devices and Internet connectivity are ubiquitous, social media has fundamentally transformed the manner in which we communicate, acquire knowledge, and obtain information. The widespread impact of platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube goes beyond social interactions and has a crucial role in the dissemination of medical knowledge, communication among health-care professionals, and sharing of public health information. This editorial examines the significant effects of social media on medical education and health-care communication, emphasizing the potential advantages and difficulties it brings. Impact of Social Media in Medical Education: The utilization of social media platforms as teaching tools in medical education has introduced a new era of easy access and interactive learning. Research conducted by Curran et al. and Ohara has emphasized the significant impact of platforms such as YouTube in making medical knowledge more accessible to a wider audience, hence promoting democratization [1, 2]. Social media improves accessibility for learners globally by providing a wide range of educational content, including lectures, tutorials, case studies, and surgical demonstrations. Educational content is not restricted to classrooms or specific timeframes; it is accessible with a simple click of a button. Furthermore, social media promotes interactive learning experiences by allowing active participation. By utilizing discussion forums, live streaming, and virtual communities, this interactive participation not only improves the retention of knowledge but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie in the field of medical education. Another notable benefit of social media in medical education is its ability to facilitate global collaboration. Individuals from diverse geographical locations can establish connections, exchange knowledge, and cooperate on research endeavors. This worldwide network enhances the educational experience by introducing learners to a wide range of viewpoints and methods. An example of how social media has contributed to medical education is the emergence of the Free Open Access Meducation (FOAMed) movement. FOAMed utilizes social media platforms to deliver complimentary, top-notch training material to medical practitioners globally. The OrthoTV (YouTube) channel is another bright example of orthopedic teaching, training, and knowledge dissemination. This movement has cultivated a cooperative educational atmosphere in which information is freely exchanged, promoting ongoing professional growth and lifetime learning. Health Communication in the Digital Age: Social media has become a potent tool in the field of health-care communication, allowing for the effective distribution of information, active interaction with patients, and the fight against false or misleading information. Social media platforms offer a potent method of spreading health information to a wide audience, enabling people to gain knowledge about diseases, treatments, and preventive actions. Utilizing educational videos, infographics, live question-and-answer sessions, and webinars can effectively simplify intricate medical information, making it more accessible and captivating. This, in turn, improves patient education and involvement. Chen and Wang highlight the significance of social media platforms in supporting health promotion programs, disease awareness initiatives, and public health advocacy efforts [3]. An exceptional increase in social media usage during the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly remarkable, as demonstrated by studies such as Katz and Nandi [4]. Health-care organizations utilize social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to provide up-to-date information, dispel false beliefs, and encourage vaccination efforts, so promoting well-informed decision-making and building public confidence. Public health campaigns have utilized social media to efficiently and expeditiously reach vast audiences. Social media has been effectively utilized to rapidly disseminate crucial messages such as immunization, smoking cessation, disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, and yoga campaigns. Risks and Concerns: The incorporation and utilization of social media in medical education and health-care communication present certain difficulties. Ventola examines the inherent dangers linked to the utilization of social media by health-care professionals, such as the unauthorized disclosure of patient information, unprofessional behavior, and violations of regulations [5]. In addition, research such as the study conducted by Wang et al. highlights the concerning proliferation of false or misleading health information on social media platforms [6]. This poses substantial risks to public health and the safety of patients. The proliferation of false and misleading information can result in widespread public misunderstanding and pose threats to public health. Spreading inaccurate information regarding treatments, vaccines, and health practices has the potential to erode public confidence in health-care systems. The study conducted by Majerczak and Strzelecki emphasizes the influence of media credibility and social connections on individuals’ inclination to share information [7]. It underscores the significance of critical thinking abilities and digital literacy in effectively navigating social media content. Although social media offers a vast amount of information, verifying its accuracy continues to be a difficult task. Health-care providers are responsible for carefully assessing sources and directing patients toward trustworthy information. Health-care providers must exercise caution while using these...

The available treatments for frozen shoulder yield variable results. Physical therapy and analgesics are considered as the first-line treatment for this disorder, but the effects are not uniform. There is some evidence to support that alternative medicine may have a role in its management. This study was designed to examine the short-term effects of yoga therapy in patients with frozen shoulder of mild to moderate severity. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients with frozen shoulder between 30 and 60 years of age. They were divided into two groups: yoga (Y) and control (NY). A set of Asana exercises called "Standing Group of Asana" was practiced by the yoga group in addition to the conventional therapy as received by the control group. The patients were reviewed at 1, 2 and 4 weeks. The pain and functional assessment were done at baseline and at each review using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). There were 16 male and 20 female participants in the Y group, and 15 males and 21 females in the NY group. There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, and pre-treatment SPADI score between the groups. At the end of the four weeks, the SPADI pain scores in the Y and NY group were 20.47 and 20.14, respectively (p = 0.666). The SPADI disability scores in the Y and NY group were 20.4 and 19.7, respectively (p = 0.599). Overall SPADI scores were 40.67 and 40.03 in the Y and NY group, respectively (p = 0.736). Both groups had a significant reduction in SPADI pain and disability scores. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of SPADI scores. The effect of the Standing Group of Asana has no added advantage relative to standard frozen shoulder treatment when practiced for one month.