A systematic review of low-cost simulators in ENT surgery.

BACKGROUND: Simulation training has become a key part of the surgical curriculum over recent years. Current trainees face significantly reduced operating time as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, alongside increased costs to surgical training, thus creating a need for low-cost simulation models. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using multiple databases. Each model included was assessed for the ease and expense of its construction, as well as its validity and educational value. RESULTS: A total of 18 low-cost simulation models were identified, relating to otology, head and neck surgery, laryngeal surgery, rhinology, and tonsil surgery. In only four of these models (22.2 per cent) was an attempt made to demonstrate the educational impact of the model. Validation was rarely formally assessed. CONCLUSION: More efforts are required to standardise validation methods and demonstrate the educational value of the available low-cost simulation models in otorhinolaryngology.

Building regional anesthesia capacity in limited-resource settings: a pilot study evaluating a 4-week curriculum.

Aim: To pilot a 4-week regional anesthesia curriculum for limited-resource settings. Intervention: A baseline needs assessment and knowledge test were deployed. The curriculum included lectures and hands-on teaching, followed by knowledge attainment tests. Results: Scores on the knowledge test improved from a mean of 37.1% (SD 14.7%) to 50.9% (SD 18.6%) (p = 0.017) at 4 weeks and 49% at 24 months. An average of 1.7 extremity blocks per month was performed in 3 months prior to the curriculum, compared with an average of 4.1 per month in 8 months following. Conclusion: This collaborative curriculum appeared to have a positive impact on the knowledge and utilization of regional anesthesia.

Use of a Low-Cost Portable 3D Virtual Reality Gesture-Mediated Simulator for Training and Learning Basic Psychomotor Skills in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Development and Content Validity Study.

BACKGROUND: Simulation in virtual environments has become a new paradigm for surgeon training in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). However, this technology is expensive and difficult to access. OBJECTIVE: This study aims first to describe the development of a new gesture-based simulator for learning skills in MIS and, second, to establish its fidelity to the criterion and sources of content-related validity evidence. METHODS: For the development of the gesture-mediated simulator for MIS using virtual reality (SIMISGEST-VR), a design-based research (DBR) paradigm was adopted. For the second objective, 30 participants completed a questionnaire, with responses scored on a 5-point Likert scale. A literature review on the validity of the MIS training-VR (MIST-VR) was conducted. The study of fidelity to the criterion was rated using a 10-item questionnaire, while the sources of content-related validity evidence were assessed using 10 questions about the simulator training capacity and 6 questions about MIS tasks, and an iterative process of instrument pilot testing was performed. RESULTS: A good enough prototype of a gesture-based simulator was developed with metrics and feedback for learning psychomotor skills in MIS. As per the survey conducted to assess the fidelity to the criterion, all 30 participants felt that most aspects of the simulator were adequately realistic and that it could be used as a tool for teaching basic psychomotor skills in laparoscopic surgery (Likert score: 4.07-4.73). The sources of content-related validity evidence showed that this study's simulator is a reliable training tool and that the exercises enable learning of the basic psychomotor skills required in MIS (Likert score: 4.28-4.67). CONCLUSIONS: The development of gesture-based 3D virtual environments for training and learning basic psychomotor skills in MIS opens up a new approach to low-cost, portable simulation that allows ubiquitous learning and preoperative warm-up. Fidelity to the criterion was duly evaluated, which allowed a good enough prototype to be achieved. Content-related validity evidence for SIMISGEST-VR was also obtained.

Preparing Trainees to Deliver High-Value and Cost-Conscious Care in Hematology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite national-level directives to reduce healthcare waste and promote high-value care (HVC), clinical educators struggle to equip trainees with the knowledge and skills needed to practice value-based care. In this review, we analyze ongoing efforts in graduate medical education (GME) to enhance trainee competence in delivery of high-value and cost-conscious care. RECENT FINDINGS: Surveys of residents and program directors have shown that while many training programs want to offer formal training in high-value care delivery, few succeed. Although several studies suggest that trainees model stewardship behaviors after clinical preceptors, there remains a shortage of faculty role models skilled in providing HVC. Preparing future hematologist-oncologists to provide cost-conscious care will require significant cultural change at the institutional and program levels and will depend heavily on the development of skilled clinical role models.

A Structured Compensation Plan Results in Equitable Physician Compensation: A Single-Center Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess adherence to and individual or systematic deviations from predicted physician compensation by gender or race/ethnicity at a large academic medical center that uses a salary-only structured compensation model incorporating national benchmarks and clear standardized pay steps and increments. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: All permanent staff physicians employed at Mayo Clinic medical practices in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida who served in clinical roles as of January 2017. Each physician's pay, demographics, specialty, full-time equivalent status, benchmark pay for the specialty, leadership role(s), and other factors that may influence compensation within the plan were collected and analyzed. For each individual, the natural log of pay was used to determine predicted pay and 95% CI based on the structured compensation plan, compared with their actual salary. RESULTS: Among 2845 physicians (861 women, 722 nonwhites), pay equity was affirmed in 96% (n=2730). Of the 80 physicians (2.8%) with higher and 35 (1.2%) with lower than predicted pay, there was no interaction with gender or race/ethnicity. More men (31.4%; 623 of 1984) than women (15.9%; 137 of 861) held or had held a compensable leadership position. More men (34.7%; 688 of 1984) than women (20.5%; 177 of 861) were represented in the most highly compensated specialties. CONCLUSION: A structured compensation model was successfully applied to all physicians at a multisite large academic medical system and resulted in pay equity. However, achieving overall gender pay equality will only be fully realized when women achieve parity in the ranks of the most highly compensated specialties and in leadership roles.

Cost-Efficient Medical Education: An Innovative Approach to Creating Educational Products.

BACKGROUND: Cost is a barrier to creating educational resources, and new educational initiatives are often limited in distribution. Medical training programs must develop strategies to create and implement cost-effective educational programming. OBJECTIVE: We developed high-quality medical programming in procedural instruction with efficient economics, reaching the most trainees at the lowest cost. METHODS: The Just-In-Time online procedural program was developed at the University of Toronto in Canada, aiming to teach thoracentesis, paracentesis, and lumbar puncture skills to internal medicine trainees. Commercial vendors quoted between CAD $50,000 and $100,000 to create 3 comprehensive e-learning procedural modules-a cost that was prohibitive. Modules were therefore developed internally, utilizing 4 principles aimed at decreasing costs while creating efficiencies: targeting talent, finding value abroad, open source expansion, and extrapolating efficiency. RESULTS: Procedural modules for thoracentesis, paracentesis, and lumbar puncture were created for a total cost of CAD $1,200, less than 3% of the anticipated cost in utilizing traditional commercial vendors. From November 2016 until October 2018, 1800 online instructional sessions have occurred, with over 3600 pageviews of content utilized. While half of the instructional sessions occurred within the city of Toronto, utilization was documented in 10 other cities across Canada. CONCLUSIONS: The Just-in-Time online instructional program successfully created 3 procedural modules at a fraction of the anticipated cost and appeared acceptable to residents based on website utilization.

A nurse-led implantable loop recorder service is safe and cost effective.

INTRODUCTION: Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are predominantly implanted by cardiologists in the catheter laboratory. We developed a nurse-delivered service for the implantation of LINQ (Medtronic; Minnesota) ILRs in the outpatient setting. This study compared the safety and cost-effectiveness of the introduction of this nurse-delivered ILR service with contemporaneous physician-led procedures. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing an ILR at our institution between 1st July 2016 and 4th June 2018 were included. Data were prospectively entered into a computerized database, which was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 475 patients underwent ILR implantation, 271 (57%) of these were implanted by physicians in the catheter laboratory and 204 (43%) by nurses in the outpatient setting. Six complications occurred in physician-implants and two in nurse-implants (P = .3). Procedural time for physician-implants (13.4 ± 8.0 minutes) and nurse-implants (14.2 ± 10.1 minutes) were comparable (P = .98). The procedural cost was estimated as £576.02 for physician-implants against £279.95 with nurse-implants, equating to a 57.3% cost reduction. In our center, the total cost of ILR implantation in the catheter laboratory by physicians was £10 513.13 p.a. vs £6661.55 p.a. with a nurse-delivered model. When overheads for running, cleaning, and maintaining were accounted for, we estimated a saving of £68 685.75 was performed by moving to a nurse-delivered model for ILR implants. Over 133 catheter laboratory and implanting physician hours were saved and utilized for other more complex procedures. CONCLUSION: ILR implantation in the outpatient setting by suitably trained nurses is safe and leads to significant financial savings.

Higher Volume Surgeons Have Lower Medicare Payments, Readmissions, and Mortality After THA.

BACKGROUND: The advent of value-based care, in which surgeons and hospitals accept more responsibility for clinical and financial results, has increased the focus on surgeon- and hospital-specific outcomes. However, methods to identify high-quality, low-cost surgeons are not well developed. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Is there an association between surgeon THA volume and 90-day Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Part A payments, readmissions, or mortality? (2) What proportion of THAs in the United States is performed by low- and high-volume surgeons? METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the CMS Limited Data Set on all primary elective THAs performed in the United States (except Maryland) between January 2013 and June 2016 on patients insured by Medicare. This represented 409,844 THAs totaling more than USD 7.7 billion in direct CMS expenditures. Surgeons were divided into five groups based on annualized volume of CMS elective THAs over the study period. Using linear and logistic regression, we calculated and compared 90-day CMS Part A payments, readmissions, and mortality among the groups. For each episode, demographic information (age, sex, and race), geographic location, and Elixhauser comorbidities were calculated to control for major confounding factors in the regression. RESULTS: When compared with the highest volume group, each lower volume group had increased payments, increased readmission rates, and increased mortality rates in a stepwise fashion when controlling for patient-specific variables including Elixhauser comorbidity index, demographic information, region, and background trend. The lowest volume group resulted in 27.2% more CMS payments per case (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 26.6%-27.8%), had an increased readmission odds ratio (OR) of 1.8 (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.7-1.9), and an increased mortality OR of 4.7 (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.0-5.5) when compared with the highest volume group. There was also variation within volume groups: some lower volume surgeons had lower payments, readmissions, and mortality than some higher volume surgeons despite the general trend. In terms of CMS volume, surgeons who were at least moderate volume (11+ annual cases) performed 78% of THAs and represented 26% of operating surgeons. The low- and lowest volume surgeons (10 or fewer annual cases) performed only 22% of THAs in the United States while representing 74% of unique operating surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong association between a surgeon's Medicare volume and lower CMS payments, readmissions, and mortality. Furthermore, the majority of Medicare THAs in the United States are performed by surgeons who perform > 10 CMS operations annually. Compared with previous work, these results suggest a trend toward higher volume surgeons in the Medicare population. The results also suggest a benefit to the shift toward higher volume surgeons in reducing payments, readmissions, and mortality for elective THA in the United States. However, given that payments, readmission, and mortality of surgeons varied widely, it is important to note that available individual CMS data can be used to directly evaluate each individual surgeon based on their actual results well as through association with volume. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

The Match: To Thine Own Self Be True.

The residency match process, culminating with the Match Day celebration, plays out in medical schools across the United States and Canada every year. The process may seem strange and mysterious for observers outside of medicine. The notion that each graduating student's employer for the next several years is first revealed to thousands of people, all at the same moment, through the opening of an envelope is surreal. The emotional reactions accompanying the process range from jubilance to deep disappointment. Much attention and care have been given to developing the algorithm underpinning the Match, and the process seems just: Optimization favors applicants over training programs. Witnessing students as they progress to their next stage of medical training is special for those involved in medical education. Faculty are filled with pride. But the process is far from perfect. The author of this Invited Commentary notes several concerns about the Match: the arduous process that students undergo to maximize their chances of success; the costs attendant to the travel and related expenses of multiple, geographically dispersed interviews; and the metrics that students and their medical schools use to judge the outcomes. The author worries that for some students, the "ideal" match may not be the one driven by their dreams and aspirations but, rather, by an amalgamation of those of many well-meaning friends, family members, and faculty. Medical students should seek advice and guidance, but the author hopes that, ultimately, students follow their own drumbeat and are true first to themselves.

Development and Implementation of an Inexpensive, Easily Producible, Time Efficient External Ventricular Drain Simulator Using 3-Dimensional Printing and Image Registration.

BACKGROUND: External ventricular drain (EVD) placement is one of the most commonly performed procedures in neurosurgery, frequently by the junior neurosurgery resident. Simulators for EVD placement are often costly, time-intensive to create, and complicated to set up. OBJECTIVE: To describe creation of a simulator that is inexpensive, time-efficient, and simple to set up. METHODS: This simulator involves printing a hollow head using a desktop 3-dimensional (3D) printer. This head is registered to a commercially available image-guidance system. A total of 11 participants volunteered for this simulation module. EVD placement was assessed at baseline, after verbal teaching, and after live 3D view instruction. RESULTS: Accurate placement of an EVD on the right side at the foramen of Monro or the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle increased from 44% to 98% with training. Similarly, accurate placement on the left increased from 42% to 85% with training. CONCLUSION: During participation in the simulation, accurate placement of EVDs increased significantly. All participants believed that they had a better understanding of ventricular anatomy and that this module would be useful as a teaching tool for neurosurgery interns.

Cost-effective analysis of teaching pelvic examination skills using Gynaecology Teaching Associates (GTAs) compared with manikin models (The CEAT Study).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of Gynaecology Teaching Associate (GTA) teaching versus conventional pelvic model (manikin) teaching of pelvic examination skills for final year medical students within a UK undergraduate obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) curriculum. METHODS: An economic evaluation was carried out alongside a randomised controlled trial involving 492 final year medical students. 240 students received manikin teaching, and 241 GTA-led teaching. 418 (85%) students completed their assessment. Proficiency in gynaecological pelvic examination on GTAs was estimated by a senior clinical examiner, blinded to the method of teaching, using a standardised assessment tool. University of Birmingham Medical School thresholds were applied to determine proficiency levels; competence (pass) 50%, merit 60% and distinction 70%. Costs incurred in the delivery of both the educational pathways (control and intervention) were combined. All costs are reported in 2013-2014 prices and earlier costs adjusted using inflation indices. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost per student competent in pelvic examination at completion of a 5-week clinical O&G placement. RESULTS: GTA teaching was more effective compared with conventional teaching with 12 more students considered competent at pass level and 28 more students competent at merit and distinction levels, respectively. However, the average cost of GTA teaching was £45.06 per student compared with £7.40 per student for conventional teaching, with an increased cost of £37.66 per student. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio demonstrated that it cost an additional £640.20 per competent student and £274.37 per student competent at merit level and £274.37 at distinction level compared with conventional manikin-based teaching. CONCLUSIONS: GTA teaching of female pelvic examination at the start of undergraduate medical student O&G clinical placements is shown to cost more and be more effective. GTA teaching is likely to be considered cost-effective in the context of other tests, and over the lifespan of a competent doctor's career. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01944592.

Measuring the value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography activity: an opportunity to stratify endoscopists on the basis of their value.

INTRODUCTION: As finite healthcare resources come under pressure, the value of physician activity is assuming increasing importance. The value in healthcare can be defined as patient health outcomes achieved per monetary unit spent. Even though some attempts have been made to quantify the value of clinician activity, there is little in the medical literature describing the importance of endoscopists' activity. This study aimed to characterize the value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performance of five gastroenterologists. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective-prospective cohort study using the databases of patients undergoing ERCP between September 2014 and March 2017. We collected data from 1070 patients who underwent ERCP comparing value among the ERCPists at index ERCP. Procedure value was calculated using the formula Q/(T/C), where Q is the quality of procedure, T is the duration of procedure and C is the adjusted for complexity level. Quality and complexity were derived on a 1-4 Likert scale on the basis of American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy criteria; time was recorded (in min) from intubation to extubation. Endoscopist time calculated from procedure time was considered a surrogate marker of cost as individual components of procedure cost were not itemized. RESULTS: In total, 590 procedures were analysed: 465 retrospectively over 24 months and 125 prospectively over 6 months. There was a 32% variation in the value of endoscopist activity in a more substantial retrospective cohort, with an even more considerable 73% variation in a smaller prospective arm. CONCLUSION: In an analysis of greater than 1000 ERCPs by a small cohort of experienced ERCPists, there was a wide variation in the value of endoscopist activity. Although the precision of estimating procedural costs needs further refinement, these findings show the ability to stratify ERCPists on the basis of the value their activity. As healthcare costs are scrutinized more closely, such value measurements are likely to become more relevant.

Oncologists' Perceptions of Drug Affordability Using NCCN Evidence Blocks: Results from a National Survey.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of cancer coupled with approvals of new drugs and technologies used in therapy have brought increased scrutiny to the cost and value of treatments in oncology. To address the rising concern about oncology drug costs, several organizations have developed value frameworks to help assess the value of oncology regimens. The objective of this study was to assess oncologists' perceptions, awareness, and knowledge of all oncology value frameworks in the United States and to understand oncologists' perceptions of affordability in the context of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Evidence Blocks. OBJECTIVES: To (a) assess oncologists' awareness, knowledge, perceptions, and ratings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Value Framework (AVF), the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) value framework, NCCN Evidence Blocks, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's DrugAbacus; (b) assess oncologists' knowledge and perceptions of drug affordability as defined by the NCCN Evidence Blocks methodology; and (c) determine the factors that influence drug affordability ratings. METHODS: Data were collected from an electronic cross-sectional survey of 200 U.S.-based oncologists from a variety of practice settings. Oncologists were asked about their knowledge and perceptions of 4 value frameworks-NCCN Evidence Blocks, AVF, the ICER value framework, and DrugAbacus. Using NCCN Evidence Blocks, oncologists were asked to rate a variety of hypothetical cancer therapies and assign costs (in U.S. dollars) to the 5 levels of affordability. Additional questions that assessed perceived patient out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and comfort level in assessing affordability were also included in the survey. RESULTS: Oncologists were most familiar with NCCN Evidence Blocks (90%), followed by the AVF (84%), ICER value framework (57%), and DrugAbacus (56%). Oncologists rated affordability higher (mean rating 3: moderately expensive) versus the actual NCCN panel affordability rating (mean rating 1: very expensive). The affordability rating was similar across a variety of hypothetical cancer therapies and tumor types (rating: 3). Oncologists estimated the costs for this rating of 3 to range from $4,600 to $6,000 per month, which was inconsistent with actual drug costs. Oncologists estimated the mean monthly OOP costs for patients with insurance to range from $1,260 for a new oral medication to $1,700 for a new infused medication. Only 26% of oncologists were comfortable or very comfortable with rating costs associated with affordability levels. CONCLUSIONS: Surveyed oncologists rated cancer therapies as more affordable (per NCCN Evidence Blocks criteria) than NCCN panel ratings. Costs associated with affordability were not consistent with actual treatment costs; however, most oncologists were not comfortable with rating affordability. Patient OOP costs had the biggest influence on affordability ratings; however, physicians overestimated patient OOP costs significantly. There is an opportunity to improve the value frameworks, especially with regard to affordability assessment. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Genentech. Shah-Manek is employed by Ipsos Healthcare, a health care consulting company that received funding from Genentech to conduct this study. DiBonaventura was employed by Ipsos Healthcare at the time of this study. Wong and Ravelo are employed by Genentech. Shah-Manek has consulted with Genentech, Merck, Alkermes, Avanis, Alnylam, Novo Nordisk, Teva, Lilly, and BMS. This work was presented as an oral presentation at the ASCO 2017 Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, on June 2-6, 2017.