Mindanaotoday.com | Book details norms in handling ortho patients set
By: Uriel Quilinguing
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – For the first time, a book that details step-by-step actions in emergency room management of orthopaedic cases was launched Friday, September 2, in Cagayan de Oro.
Dr. Justinian Aquilino IV Cyril Pimentel, Northern Mindanao Medical Center Orthopaedics Department (NMMC-OD) head, said the 104-page manual contains 54 algorithms on various musculoskeletal conditions.
“The algorithms are based on orthopaedic textbooks, journals, experiences, opinions of the consultant staff, and the existing capabilities of the NMMC,” said Pimentel, the lead author of the book Ortho Metal.
The NMMC-OD chief said they created Ortho Metal with the junior orthopaedic residents in mind since the algorithms would be useful once they go on duty in the emergency room, and for fresh graduates with minimal knowledge on orthopaedics.
Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the musculoskeletal system of the human body, consisting of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons while algorithms are set of instructions or procedures in solving a problem or in accomplishing a task.
Pimentel said the book launch is an attempt to set the standards and document best practices that are shared across the country, pursuant to the Universal Health Care law that took effect in 2019.
He cited NMMC-OD’s current chief resident Dr. Kurt Ong, junior residents Dr. Paul Sildo and Dr. Mark Tangalin, and past chief residents Dr. Lance Aldwin Adlaon, Dr. Basilio Ceniza, Dr. Josh Matthew Rosales, and Dr. Jorina Krista Viloria for their support.
“Many hours were spent discussing the contents of the algorithms,” Pimentel said, adding that the book may not be perfect or complete but the contents have been “vetted and validated through actual practice.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Reynaldo V. Lopez, Philippine Board of Orthopaedics chairman, in his congratulatory message, challenged the 12 other departments of the NMMC to also publish their respective algorithms.
“I feel very excited when I got the invitation because this is the first time we’re coming out with this,” said Lopez who would physically tour the NMMC facilities, though the book has already validated the best practices in orthopaedics.
Dr. Jose R. Llacuna Jr., Department of Health-10 regional director, who also graced the activity, reinforced the challenge which Lopez posed earlier – in the presence of NMMC chief Dr. Jose C. Chan – after the OD set the pace by publishing its algorithms.
“This will further professionalize our health and medical services to the people,” said Llacuna, whose area of responsibility covers five provinces and nine cities which comprise Northern Mindanao region. (MT)
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