Aprendizagem baseada em projeto e a formação médica: relato de experiência introduzindo questões para o debate interprofissional / Project-based learning and medical education: experience report introducing issues for interprofessional debate / El aprendizaje basado en proyecto y la formación médica: informe de experiencia que introduce cuestiones para el debate interprofesional

A aprendizagem baseada em projeto orientada pelos fundamentos da educação interprofissional é um modelo que pode contribuir para a formação de relacionamentos interpessoais, criatividade, empatia e colaboração na educação médica, por meio de uma colaboração mútua com profissionais de saúde da rede. Muito se fala da efetividade desse método no campo do ensino e aprendizagem médica, mas há a necessidade de incluir a importância do desenvolvimento de habilidades interprofissionais, com equipes colaborativas, em ações extensionistas, diante das necessidades locais no contexto da atenção primária, pensando na melhoria dos resultados de saúde. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um relato de experiência de aprendizagem baseada em projeto de estudantes de Medicina no contexto da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Participaram deste trabalho estudantes do Módulo Integração Ensino, Serviço e Comunidade da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri que executaram, em colaboração com uma equipe interprofissional o projeto sobre a saúde do homem. Como resultado da análise qualitativa do feedback entre os integrantes, observaram-se mudanças no comportamento dos estudantes, com melhorias na comunicação, empatia e nas relações interpessoais, por meio do trabalho colaborativo com a equipe interprofissional. Esta experiência poderá ser adaptada para implementar o ensino e aprendizagem no projeto pedagógico orientado pela educação interprofissional na atenção primária.

Project-based learning guided by the fundamentals of interprofessional education is a model that can contribute to the formation of interpersonal relationships, creativity, empathy and collaboration within medical education, through mutual collaboration with health professionals in the health network. Much has been said about the effectiveness of this method in medical teaching and learning, but there is a need to include the importance of developing interprofessional skills, with collaborative teams, within extension actions, in view of local needs in the context of primary care, thinking about the improved health outcomes. The objective of this work was to present a report of a project-based learning experience of medical students in Family Health Strategy. Students from the Teaching, Service and Community Integration Module of the Faculty of Medicine of Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri participated in this work, executing in collaboration with an interprofessional team a project about men's health. As a result of the qualitative analysis of the feedback among the members, changes in student behavior were observed with improvements in communication, empathy and interpersonal relationships through collaborative work with the interprofessional team. This experience can be adapted to implement teaching and learning in the pedagogical project guided by interprofessional education in primary care.

El aprendizaje basado en proyectos y guiado por los fundamentos de la educación interprofesional es un modelo que puede contribuir a la formación de relaciones interpersonales, creatividad, empatía y colaboración dentro de la educación médica, a través de la colaboración mutua con los profesionales de la salud en la red de salud. Mucho se habla de la efectividad de este método dentro de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje médico, pero es necesario incluir la importancia del desarrollo de habilidades interprofesionales, con equipos colaborativos, dentro de las acciones de extensión, frente a las necesidades locales en el contexto de la atención primaria, pensando sobre los mejores resultados de salud. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un informe de experiencia de aprendizaje basado en proyectos de estudiantes de medicina en la Estrategia de Salud Familiar. Participaron en este trabajo estudiantes del Módulo Integración Enseñanza, Servicio y Comunidad de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri que ejecutaron en colaboración con un equipo interprofesional el proyecto sobre la salud del hombre. Como resultado del análisis cualitativo de la retroalimentación entre los integrantes, se observaron cambios en el comportamiento de los estudiantes con mejoras en la comunicación, la empatía y las relaciones interpersonales a través del trabajo colaborativo con el equipo interprofesional. Esta experiencia puede adaptarse para implementar la enseñanza y el aprendizaje en el proyecto pedagógico guiado por la educación interprofesional en atención primaria.

Goals of Morbidity and Mortality meetings in paediatric acute care. A qualitative case study.

Morbidity and Mortality meetings are conducted in varied clinical contexts including paediatrics. Widely cited as an educational or quality improvement tool, the reality is more complex. In this qualitative study, the aim was to explore the perceived goals of the paediatric acute care Morbidity and Morbidity meeting. This study used semi-structured interviews and observation within a qualitative case study methodology. Data were collected in a large paediatric quaternary hospital. Analysis generated themes related to meeting observations and the participant's interpretation of meeting goals. A total of 44 interviews were conducted with 14 nurses, 29 doctors, and 1 allied health professional. Thirty-two meetings in six clinical departments were observed. Two themes were developed: complex and nuanced goals; and tensions and contest between and within goals. Meeting goals to evaluate care, learn, support, adhere, and change and respond were sometimes in competition and had varied interpretations. Morbidity and Mortality meetings in this setting are valued and occupy a complex role which reaches beyond identification of measurable patient safety interventions. Understanding goals more fully can lead to optimised conduct and meaningful measurement of efficacy. The strength in these meetings may be the way they promote an embedded safety culture, and an informed and skilled workforce.

Care training and family caregiver anxiety: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to improve family caregivers' skills and evaluate the effect on their anxiety levels. METHOD: In our study, family caregivers of patients unable to perform daily activities were provided with care training. Their anxiety levels were examined before and after the training. RESULTS: Care training increased the family caregivers' sense of self-efficacy but caused no significant difference in their anxiety levels. Factors such as gender, education level and employment status influenced anxiety levels. Higher education and income were associated with lower trait anxiety while employment status was linked to higher anxiety levels. CONCLUSION: Care training increased the family caregivers' sense of self-efficacy while causing no difference in their anxiety levels. In order to reduce anxiety, other negative factors affecting the caregiver should be discovered and corrected.

Effectiveness of an interprofessional assessment and management approach for people with chronic low back disorders delivered via virtual care: A randomized controlled trial pilot intervention.

Objective: Virtual care for chronic conditions has seen uptake due to COVID-19. Evaluation of virtual models is important to ensure evidence-based practice. There is a paucity of research in the use of virtual care for management of chronic back disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of a team-based virtual care model for back disorder assessment where a physical therapist uses virtual care to join a nurse practitioner and patient in a rural Saskatchewan, Canada community. Methods: Sixty-four rural adults with chronic back disorders were randomly allocated to receive either: (1) team-based virtual care (n = 24); (2) care from an urban physical therapist travelling to community (n = 20); or (3) care from a rural nurse practitioner (n = 20). The team-based care group involved a nurse practitioner located with a rural patient, and a physical therapist joining using virtual care. The physical therapist alone and the nurse practitioner alone groups received in-person assessments. Groups with a physical therapist involved had follow-up treatments by in-person physical therapy. Outcomes over six months included pain, disability, back beliefs, satisfaction, quality-adjusted health status and management-related costs. Results: There were no significant differences for pain, disability, back beliefs and satisfaction between groups. The average cost per patient for implementing in-person physical therapist assessment ($135) was higher compared with the team over virtual care ($118) and NP care ($59). Conclusion: Primary outcomes were not different by group. Physical therapist alone was more costly than other groups. Future research should include more participants, longer follow-up time and refined cost parameters. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02225535; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02225535 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6lqLTCNF7).

Healthcare professionals roles in pancreatic cancer care: patient and family views and preferences.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the information needs and requirements of patients with pancreatic cancer (PPCs) and their families through patients' and families' views and preferences (PVPs) collected by healthcare professionals (HCPs) and to identify differences in PVPs by profession. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous web-based survey of HCPs in cancer care hospitals in Japan, posing specific questions from patients or families regarding pancreatic cancer within the past year. We qualitatively analysed the data and classified them into several categories according to their content. We also compared the percentage of PVPs in each category in the medical profession. RESULTS: We collected 893 PVPs from 353 HCPs and classified them into 15 topics within 5 categories: (1) treatment and care, (2) characteristics of the disease, (3) daily life, (4) feelings of patients or families and (5) communication with HCPs/peer support information. Physicians, nurses and pharmacists received mainly PVPs in categories 1 and 2. Characteristically, cancer counsellors received PVPs in all categories, with higher frequencies for categories 3-5. CONCLUSIONS: PPCs and families have diverse PVPs, and appear to select different HCPs for consultation based on their specific concerns. Each HCP should recognise that their individual experience may be insufficient in understanding the full spectrum of PVPs; however, cancer counsellors tend to have a broader awareness of them. To support PPCs and families, HCPs should appropriately collaborate with each other, considering that HCPs like cancer counsellors who do not provide direct treatment still play an important role in providing holistic support.

The perceptions of nurses and physicians in primary care of rehabilitation for frail older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the perceptions of primary care nurses and physicians of the potential contributions of physiotherapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) in the treatment of frail older persons, as well as the obstacles to, and opportunities for, collaboration. DESIGN: A qualitative study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Nurses (n = 9) and physicians (n = 8) in primary care in the county council [14 women (82%)] with experience working with older people. METHOD: Interview study conducted with a semi-structured interview guide. Analyses were carried out with content analysis with an inductive approach. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in six categories: knowledge of physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions; what triggers the need for physiotherapy and occupational therapy?; the availability of rehabilitation interventions; teamwork opportunities and difficulties; motivating the patient; the site of the rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Close and clear collaboration between nurses and physicians and PTs and OTs is an important factor in ensuring that rehabilitation interventions provide the greatest possible benefit to the patient. Improving communication between different healthcare providers and clarifying the contact routes is a prerequisite for patients to be able to get the rehabilitation they need. More research is needed to determine the best approach to achieving this goal.

Evaluating the participation of junior members and patient and healthcare professionals representatives in EULAR task forces: results from an international survey.

OBJECTIVE: European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) task forces (TF) requires participation of ≥2 junior members, a health professional in rheumatology (HPR) and two patient research partners for the development of recommendations or points to consider. In this study, participation of these junior and representative members was compared with the one of traditional TF members (convenor, methodologist, fellow and expert TF members). METHODS: An online survey was developed and emailed to previous EULAR TF members. The survey comprised multiple-choice, open-ended and 0-100 rating scale (fully disagree to fully agree) questions. RESULTS: In total, 77 responded, 48 (62%) women. In total, 46 (60%) had participated as a junior or representative TF member. Most junior/representative members reported they felt unprepared for their first TF (10/14, 71%). Compared with traditional members, junior/representative members expressed a significantly higher level of uncertainty about their roles within the TF (median score 23 (IQR 7.0-52.0) vs 7 (IQR 0.0-21.0)), and junior/representative members felt less engaged by the convenor (54% vs 71%). Primary factors that facilitated interaction within a TF were experience, expertise and preparation (54%), a supportive atmosphere (42%) and a clear role (12%). CONCLUSION: Juniors, patients and HPR experience various challenges when participating in a EULAR TF. These challenges differ from and are generally less pronounced than those experienced by traditional TF members. The convenor should introduce the participants to the tasks, emphasise the value of their contributions and how to prepare accordingly for the TF meeting.

Cultura de segurança em unidades de terapia intensiva na perspectiva da equipe multiprofissional: Estudo multicêntrico / Cultura de seguridad en unidades de terapia intensiva en la perspectiva del equipo multiprofesional: Estudio multicéntrico / Safety Culture in intensive care units from multiprofessional team perspective: A multicenter study

Resumo Introdução: A Cultura de Segurança do Paciente é considerada um importante componente estrutural dos serviços, que favorece a implantação de práticas seguras e a diminuição da ocorrência de eventos adversos. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores associados à cultura de segurança do paciente nas unidades de terapia intensiva adulto em hospitais de grande porte da região Sudeste do Brasil. Método: Estudo transversal do tipo survey e multicêntrico. Participaram 168 profissionais de saúde de quatro unidades (A, B, C e D) de terapia intensiva adulto. Foi utilizado o questionário "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture". Considerou-se como variável dependente o nível de cultura de segurança do paciente e variáveis independentes aspectos sociodemográficos e laborais. Foram usadas estatísticas descritivas e para a análise dos fatores associados foi elaborado um modelo de regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: Identificou-se associação entre tipo de hospital com onze dimensões da cultura de segurança, quanto à função a categoria profissional médico, técnico de enfermagem e enfermeiro foram relacionadas com três dimensões; o gênero com duas dimensões e tempo de atuação no setor com uma dimensão. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que o tipo de hospital, categoria profissional, tempo de atuação no setor e gênero foram associados às dimensões de cultura de segurança do paciente.

Resumen Introducción: La cultura de seguridad del paciente se considera un componente estructural importante de los servicios, que favorece la aplicación de prácticas seguras y la reducción de la aparición de acontecimientos adversos. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la cultura de seguridad del paciente en unidades de terapia intensiva adulto en hospitales de la región Sudeste del Brasil. Metodología: Estudio transversal de tipo encuesta y multicéntrico. Participaron 168 profesionales de salud de cuatro unidades (A, B, C y D) de terapia intensiva adulto. Se utilizó el cuestionario "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture". Se consideró como variable dependiente el nivel de cultura de seguridad del paciente y variables independientes los aspectos sociodemográficos y laborales. Fueron usadas estadísticas descriptivas y, para analizar los factores asociados, fue elaborado un modelo de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: Se identificó asociación entre tipo de hospital con once dimensiones de cultura de seguridad del paciente. En relación a la función, personal médico, técnicos de enfermería y personal de enfermería fueron asociados con tres dimensiones, el género con dos dimensiones y tiempo de actuación con una dimensión en el modelo de regresión. Conclusión: Se evidenció que el tipo de hospital, función, tiempo de actuación en el sector y género fueron asociados a las dimensiones de la cultura de seguridad del paciente.

Abstract Introduction: Patient safety culture is considered an important structural component of the services, which promotes the implementation of safe practices and the reduction of adverse events. Objective: To identify the factors associated with patient safety culture in adult intensive care units in large hospitals in Belo Horizonte. Method: Cross-sectional survey and multicenter study. A total of 168 health professionals from four units (A, B, C and D) of adult intensive care participated. The questionnaire "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture" was used. The patient's level of safety culture was considered as a dependent variable, and sociodemographic and labor aspects were the independent variables. Descriptive statistics were used and a multiple logistic regression model was developed to analyze the associated factors. Results: An association was identified between the type of hospital and eleven dimensions of the safety culture. In terms of function, the doctors, nursing technicians, and nurse were related to three dimensions; gender with two dimensions, and time working in the sector with one dimension. Conclusion: It was evidenced that the type of hospital, function, time working in the sector, and gender were associated with the dimensions of patient safety culture.

The 21-Gene Recurrence Score Assay Improved Multidisciplinary Treatment Compliance in Hormone Receptor-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative Breast Cancer Patients: An Analysis of 2,323 Patients.

PURPOSE: The 21-gene recurrence score (RS) can guide adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in the multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) of patients with early breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the 21-gene RS assay on patient' compliance with MDT and its association with disease outcomes. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with pN0-1, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative breast cancer between January 2013 and June 2019 were enrolled. A logistic regression model was used to identify parameters associated with treatment adherence. Prognostic indicators were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: After the assay, patients were less likely to violate the treatment plan (14.9% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001), and higher compliance rates were observed for chemotherapy (p = 0.042), radiotherapy (p = 0.012), and endocrine therapy (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the 21-gene RS assay (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.88; p = 0.009) was independently associated with MDT compliance. Moreover, compliance with MDT was independently associated with better disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.29-0.64; p < 0.001), regardless of the 21-gene RS assay (interaction p = 0.842). CONCLUSION: The 21-gene RS assay improved the MDT compliance rate in patients with early breast cancer. Adherence to MDT is associated with a better prognosis.

A road less traveled in critical care: A call for improved acceptance and implementation of palliative and supportive care.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

The Impact of Primary Care Clinic and Family Physician Continuity on Patient Health Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis From Alberta, Canada.

PURPOSE: Continuity of care is broadly associated with better patient health outcomes. The relative contributions of continuity with an individual physician and with a practice, however, have not generally been distinguished. This retrospective observational study examined the impact of continuity of care for patients seen at their main clinic but by different family physicians. METHODS: We analyzed linked health administrative data from 2015-2018 from Alberta, Canada to explore the association of physician and clinic continuity with rates of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations across varying levels of patient complexity. Physician continuity was calculated using the known provider of care index and clinic continuity with an analogous measure. We developed zero-inflated negative binomial models to assess the association of each with all-cause ED visits and hospitalizations. RESULTS: High physician continuity was associated with lower ED use across all levels of patient complexity and with fewer hospitalizations for highly complex patients. Broadly, no (0%) clinic continuity was associated with increased use and complete (100%) clinic continuity with decreased use, with the largest effect seen for the most complex patients. Levels of clinic continuity between 1% and 50% were generally associated with slightly higher use, and levels of 51% to 99% with slightly lower use. CONCLUSIONS: The best health care outcomes (measured by ED visits and hospitalizations) are associated with consistently seeing one's own primary family physician or seeing a clinic partner when that physician is unavailable. The effect of partial clinic continuity appears complex and requires additional research. These results provide some reassurance for part-time and shared practices, and guidance for primary care workforce policy makers.

Power Dynamics Perpetuate DEI Inaction: A Qualitative Study of Community Health Clinic Teams.

PURPOSE: Despite increased clinician awareness of systemic racism, lack of substantial action toward antiracism exists within health care. Clinical staff perspectives, particularly those of racial-ethnic minorities/persons of color (POC) who disproportionately occupy support staff roles with less power on the team, can yield insights into barriers to progress and can inform future efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI, also referred to as EDI) within health care settings. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of staff members on race and role power dynamics within community health clinic teams. METHODS: We conducted semistructured 45-minute interviews with staff members working in community health clinics in a large urban health care system from May to July 2021. We implemented purposeful recruitment to oversample POC and support staff and to achieve equal representation from the 13 community health clinics in the system. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed over 6 months using a critical-ideological paradigm. Themes reflecting experiences related to race and role power dynamics were identified. RESULTS: Our cohort had 60 participants: 42 (70%) were support staff (medical assistants, front desk clerks, care navigators, nurses) and 18 (30%) were clinicians and clinic leaders. The large majority of participants were aged 26 to 40 years (60%), were female (83%), and were POC (68%). Five themes emerged: (1) POC face hidden challenges, (2) racial discrimination persists, (3) power dynamics perpetuate inaction, (4) interpersonal actions foster safety and equity, and (5) system-level change is needed for cultural shift. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the race and role power dynamics within care teams, including experiences of staff members with less power, is critical to advancing DEI in health care.

Team climate and patients' perception of primary healthcare attributes in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

Team climate and attributes of primary healthcare (PHC) are key elements for collaborative practice. Few researchers have explored the relationship between team climate and patients' perceptions of PHC. This study aimed to assess the association between team climate and patients' perceptions of primary healthcare attributes. A quantitative approach was adopted. In Stage 1, Team climate was assessed using Team Climate Inventory in 118 Family Health Strategy (FHS) teams at a PHC setting. In Stage 2, Patients' perceptions of PHC attributes were assessed using the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool) in a sample of 844 patients enrolled in teams studied in Stage 1. Cluster analysis was used to identify team climate groups. The analysis used multilevel linear regression models. Patients assigned to teams with the highest team climate scores had the highest PHC attributes scores. Patients who reported affiliation at the team level had the highest PCATool scores overall. They also scored higher on the attributes of comprehensiveness and coordinated care compared to patients with affiliation to the health unit. In conclusion, patients under the care of FHS teams exhibiting a more favorable team climate had more positive patient perceptions of PHC attributes.

Perioperative care in acute liver failure: An anaesthesiologist perspective in the operating theatre.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening condition characterized by rapid liver function deterioration, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for optimal perioperative care. This comprehensive review focuses on the critical role of the anaesthesiologist throughout the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, addressing the unique challenges posed by ALF. The article begins with an exploration of ALF, underlining the urgency of timely referral to specialized hepatology centres. Liver transplantation emerges as a life-saving intervention, and the complex decision-making process is discussed, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary team to assess transplantation candidacy based on established prognostic criteria. In the preoperative phase, the review stresses the importance of early engagement with tertiary liver centres for timely referrals and identifies patients suitable for transplantation. Safe transport protocols are detailed, highlighting the meticulous planning required for the secure transfer of ALF patients between healthcare facilities. The intraoperative management section delves into the anaesthesiologist's key concerns, including neurological status, sepsis, acute kidney injury, body mass index, and preoperative fasting. Hemodynamic stability, fluid management, and coagulation balance during surgery are emphasized, with insights into anaesthesia techniques, vascular access, monitoring, and hemodynamic management tailored to the challenges posed by ALF patients. The postoperative care is thoroughly examined covering neurological, hemodynamic, metabolic, renal, and nutritional aspects. Management of ALF involves multidisciplinary team, including nephrology for continuous renal replacement therapy, transfusion medicine for plasma exchange, critical care for overall patient care, nutritionists for ensuring adequate nutrition, and hepatologists as the primary guides. In conclusion, the review recognizes the anaesthesiologist as a linchpin in the perioperative care of ALF patients. The integration of safe transport protocols and multidisciplinary approach is deemed crucial for navigating complexities of ALF, contributing to improved patient outcomes. This article serves as an invaluable resource for gastroenterologist and intensivists, enhancing their understanding of the anaesthesiologist's indispensable role in the holistic care of ALF patients in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Patients' experiences of and roles in interprofessional collaborative practice in primary care: a constructivist grounded theory study.

AIM: This constructivist grounded theory study aimed to (1) explore patients' experiences of and roles in interprofessional collaborative practice for chronic conditions in primary care and (2) consider the relevance and alignment of an existing theoretical framework on patients' roles and based on the experiences of patient advocates. BACKGROUND: High-quality management of chronic conditions requires an interprofessional collaborative practice model of care considering an individual's mental, physical, and social health situation. Patients' experiences of this model in the primary care setting are relatively unknown. METHODS: A constructivist grounded theory approach was taken. Interview data were collected from primary care patients with chronic conditions across Australia in August 2020 - February 2022. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed by (1) initial line-by-line coding, (2) focused coding, (3) memo writing, (4) categorisation, and (5) theme and sub-theme development. Themes and sub-themes were mapped against an existing theoretical framework to expand and confirm the results from a previous study with a similar research aim. FINDINGS: Twenty adults with chronic conditions spanning physical disability, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune, and mental health conditions participated. Two themes were developed: (1) Adapting to Change with two sub-themes describing how patients adapt to interprofessional team care and (2) Shifting across the spectrum of roles, with five sub-themes outlining the roles patients enact while receiving care. The findings suggest that patients' roles are highly variable and fluid in interprofessional collaborative practice, and further work is recommended to develop a resource to support greater patient engagement in interprofessional collaborative practice.

The Role of Telehealth in Improving Care Connections and Outcomes for Community Health Center Patients with Diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Does telehealth decrease health disparities by improving connections to care or simply result in new barriers for vulnerable populations who often lack access to technology? This study aims to better understand the role of telehealth and social determinants of health in improving care connections and outcomes for Community Health Center patients with diabetes. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of Electronic Health Record (EHR) data examined the relationship between telehealth utilization and glycemic control and consistency of connection to the health care team ("connectivity"). EHR data were collected from 20 Community Health Centers from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multivariable linear regression was used to assess the associations between telehealth use and engagement in care and glycemic control. RESULTS: The adjusted analysis found positive, statistically significant associations between telehealth use and each of the 2 primary outcomes. Telehealth use was associated with 0.89 additional months of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) control (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 1.04) and 4.49 additional months of connection to care (95% CI, 4.27 to 4.70). DISCUSSION: The demonstrated increased engagement in primary care for telehealth users is significant and encouraging as Community Health Center populations are at greater risk of lapses in care and loss to follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth can be a highly effective, patient-centered form of care for people with diabetes. Telehealth can play a critical role in keeping vulnerable patients with diabetes connected to their care team and involved in care and may be an important tool for reducing health disparities.

[Fragility Fractures: Preoperative assessment and optimisation]. / Fragilitätsfraktur beim geriatrischen Patienten: Präoperative Abklärung und Optimierung.

Fragility fractures are associated with high morbidity and mortality. An interdisciplinary collaboration and an individualized, patient-centered approach are essential to ensure an optimized preoperative period and to improve perioperative safety. Preoperative responsibilities of trauma surgery include in the first step the identification of fragility fractures and the necessity for geriatric involvement. Orthogeriatric co-management (OCM) focuses on the identification of the medical, functional and social needs of the patient. In the preoperative period attention is focussed on acute diseases in need of treatment that have a negative impact on the course of further treatment and the prevention of delirium.

Prenatal Ultrasound Imaging of Orofacial Clefts: A Pictorial Essay.

Orofacial clefts (OFCs), including cleft lip (CL), cleft palate (CP), and CL with palate (CL/P), are relatively common congenital birth defects occurring in approximately 1 in 500 to 1 in 2500 live births. Detecting OFCs during prenatal ultrasound screening is crucial for informed decision-making and multidisciplinary medical care. This review provides a practical guide for routine and advanced screening for OFCs during mid-pregnancy. The Maarse classification system facilitates effective communication among the multidisciplinary team, categorizing OFCs into five types. Basic ultrasound views encompass coronal, sagittal, and axial imaging of the face and hard palate. Additional visualization techniques are employed in case of suspected anomalies during the initial screening. Advanced ultrasound views provided by the expert in prenatal OFC diagnosis include imaging of the posterior edge of the hard palate and the posterior part of the soft palate. Detected OFCs exhibit a range of severity and affect different structures, underscoring the importance of accurate detection and classification for appropriate treatment planning. Implementing a standardized screening protocol for OFCs is essential. By enhancing detection rates and enabling early diagnosis, prenatal ultrasound screening contributes to improved patient outcomes and facilitates timely intervention by the multidisciplinary team. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the significance of standardized protocols and specialized techniques for prenatal ultrasound screening of OFCs. Early detection and classification of these malformations play a vital role in comprehensive management, ensuring that affected individuals and their families receive the appropriate care and support they need.

Impact of Rapid Response Teams on Pediatric Care: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Unplanned PICU Admissions and Cardiac Arrests.

Pediatric rapid response teams (RRTs) are expected to significantly lower pediatric mortality in healthcare settings. This study evaluates RRTs' effectiveness in decreasing cardiac arrests and unexpected Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admissions. A quasi-experimental study (2014-2017) at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, involved 3261 pediatric inpatients, split into pre-intervention (1604) and post-intervention (1657) groups. Baseline pediatric warning scores and monthly data on admissions, transfers, arrests, and mortality were analyzed pre- and post-intervention. Statistical methods including bootstrapping, segmented regression, and a Zero-Inflation Poisson model were employed to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention's impact. RRT was activated 471 times, primarily for respiratory distress (29.30%), sepsis (22.30%), clinical anxiety (13.80%), and hematological abnormalities (6.7%). Family concerns triggered 0.1% of activations. Post-RRT implementation, unplanned PICU admissions significantly reduced (RR = 0.552, 95% CI 0.485-0.628, p < 0.0001), and non-ICU cardiac arrests were eliminated (RR = 0). Patient care improvement was notable, with a -9.61 coefficient for PICU admissions (95% CI: -12.65 to -6.57, p < 0.001) and a -1.641 coefficient for non-ICU cardiac arrests (95% CI: -2.22 to -1.06, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed mixed results for PICU admissions, while zero-inflation Poisson analysis confirmed a reduction in non-ICU arrests. The deployment of pediatric RRTs is associated with fewer unexpected PICU admissions and non-ICU cardiopulmonary arrests, indicating improved PICU management. Further research using robust scientific methods is necessary to conclusively determine RRTs' clinical benefits.