Objectives: To see the effect of Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide (PSTT) injection in refractory Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). Study Design: Quasi-Experimental Study. Place and Duration of Study: Retina Clinic, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, from Jun to Dec 2018.Methodology: Patients with Clinically Significant Macular Edema (CSME), with Central Macular Thickness (CMT) >300 microns and those who did not respond to three consecutive Intra-Vitreal Bevacizumab (IVB) injections were included. Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide (PSTT) was administered by a single retina fellow using the same protocol. Each patient’s best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and Central Macular Thickness (CMT) were evaluated on the day of Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide (PSTT) injection and again at 1, 3 and 6 months. Results: Out of 52 patients (104 eyes), 16 females and 36 males were present. The mean age was 57.67±9.35 years. Out of 52 right eyes, the mean Central Macular Thickness (CMT) at the first visit was 388.83±172.04 µm, 332.81 ± 144.69 µm after one month, 292.81±147.59µm after six months of Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide (PSTT) Injection. Similarly, for 52 left eyes mean Central Macular Thickness (CMT) at the first visit is 375.79±160.81 µm, 364.52 ± 167.95 µm after one month and 323.37±155.74 µm after six months. Similar results were observed for IOP and BCVA. Conclusion: Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone (PSTT) injections are effective in diabetic macular oedema, which does not respond to intravitreal anti-VEGF (IVB) therapy.

BackgroundType 2 Diabetes-related medication errors are frequently reported from the hospitals and consequently are of major concern. However, such reports are insufficient when developing healthcare settings are pursued in literature. Keeping this inadequacy in mind, we therefore aimed to explore physicians' perceptions, experiences and expectations of medication errors when managing patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.MethodsA qualitative design was adopted. By using a semi-structured interview guide through the phenomenology-based approach, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted. Physicians practicing at the medicine ward of Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, were purposively approached for the study. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and were then analyzed for thematic contents by the standard content analysis framework.ResultsAlthough the saturation was reached at the 13th interview, we conducted additional two interviews to ensure the saturation. Fifteen physicians were interviewed, and thematic content analysis revealed six themes and nine subthemes. Mixed conceptualization and characterization of medication errors were identified. Medication errors were encountered by all physicians however poor understanding of the system, deficiency of logistics and materials were rated as barriers in reporting medication errors. Among contributors of medication errors, physicians themselves as well as dispensing and patient-related factors were identified. Physicians suggested targeted training sessions on medication error-related guidelines and reporting system. Parallel, establishment of an independent unit, involving the pharmacists, and strict supervision of paramedics to minimize medication errors was also acknowledged during data analysis.ConclusionWith a longer life expectancy and a trend of growing population, the incidences of medication errors are also expected to increase. Our study highlighted prescribing, dispensing and administration phases as contributing factors of medication errors. Although, physicians had poor understanding of medication errors and reporting system, they believed getting insights on guidelines and reporting system is essential. A review of admission and discharge reconciliation must be prioritized and a culture of teamwork, communication and learning from mistakes is needed.