Leaning in and moving forward: a call to action and review of diversity initiatives in SAGES.

BACKGROUND: Diversity, equity, and inclusion have been an intentional focus for SAGES well before the COVID-19 pandemic and the coincident societal recognition of social injustices and racism. Longstanding inequities within our society, healthcare, and the surgery profession have come to light in the aftermath of events that rose to attention around the time of Covid. In so doing, they have brought into focus disparities, injustices, and inequalities that have long been present in the field of surgery, selectively affecting the most vulnerable. METHODS: This White paper examines the current state of diversity within the field of surgery and SAGES (Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons) approach and effort to pave the way forward to meaningful change. We delineate the imperative for diversity, equity, and inclusion for all. By all, we mean to be inclusive of the diversity of gender and sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, geography, sex, and disability in the field of surgery. RESULTS: SAGES is an organization that lives at the intersection of education and innovation. It has a vital role in assisting the surgical profession in addressing these issues and needs and being a force alongside others for sustained and necessary change. SAGES can only realize these goals through a commitment across all aspects of the organization to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into our very fabric. CONCLUSION: True diversity, equity, and inclusion within a surgical organization is vital for its longevity, growth, relevance, and impact. Unfortunately, the absence of DEI limits opportunity, robs the organization of collective intelligence in an environment in which its presence is critical, contributes to health inequities, and impoverishes all within the society and its value to all with whom it interfaces. SAGES is an organization that lives at the intersection of education and innovation. It has a vital role in assisting the surgical profession in addressing these issues and needs and being a force alongside others for sustained and necessary change. SAGES can only realize these goals through a commitment across all aspects of the organization to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into our very fabric. Strategies like those highlighted in this White Paper, may be within our grasp and we can learn yet more if we remain in a place of humility and teachability in the future.

The impact of bowel dysfunction on health-related quality of life after rectal cancer surgery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of bowel dysfunction after sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery have an important impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but that relationship is complex. A better understanding of this relationship allows for better informed shared decision-making about surgery. Our objective was to perform a systematic review to determine which HRQOL domains are most affected by postoperative bowel dysfunction. METHODS: A systematic review of the CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included studies that evaluated bowel function after sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery and assessed HRQOL using a validated instrument. The quality of HRQOL analysis was assessed using an 11-item checklist. The main outcome was the impact bowel dysfunction had on global and domain specific quality-of-life indices. The impact was evaluated for clinical relevance using the Minimum Clinical Important Difference (MCID) for each specific HRQOL instrument. RESULTS: Out of 952 unique citations, 103 studies were full-text reviews. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria (4 prospective cohorts and 9 cross-sectional studies). Of the 15 studies with long-term follow-up, the time to assessment after surgery ranged from 1.2 to 14.6 years. The low anterior resection syndrome score and European Organization for Research and Treatment core quality-of-life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) were the most commonly used instruments. Medium and large magnitudes in MCID were seen for global health, social functioning, emotional functioning, fatigue, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. Among included studies, the most consistently reported functional domains affected by bowel function were social functioning and emotional functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Following sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, poor bowel function mainly affects the social and emotional functional domains of HRQOL, which in turn impact global scores. This finding can help inform patients about expected changes in HRQOL after rectal cancer surgery and facilitate individualized treatment decisions.

Trajectory of change of low anterior resection syndrome over time after restorative proctectomy for rectal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer is associated with a high incidence of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), but few studies report longitudinal results for bowel function. The aim of our study was to examine the trajectory of change of LARS over the first 18 months after restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer. METHODS: A prospective database measuring functional outcomes in rectal cancer patients from a single university-affiliated specialist colorectal referral center from 10/2018 to 03/2020 was queried. Patients were included in this study if they underwent restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer and had at least three assessments in the first 18 months after primary surgery or after closure of proximal diversion. Bowel function was assessed using the LARS score, administered at every surveillance follow-up after restoration of bowel continuity. Latent-class growth curve (trajectory) analysis was used to identify different trajectories of LARS changes over the first 18 months and group patients into these trajectory groups. These groups were then compared to identify predictors for each trajectory. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients were included (63 males, mean age. 61.3 ± 12.5 years). Trajectory analysis identified three distinct trajectory groups. Group 1 had stable minimal LARS over time (26%). Group 2 had early LARS scores consistent with the minor LARS category and improved with time (28%). Group 3 had persistently high LARS scores (45%). Neoadjuvant therapy, intersphincteric resection, and proximal diversion were more common in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: We identified three main trajectories of change of LARS in the 18 months after restorative proctectomy. These data may be used to better inform patients of their expected postoperative bowel function.

Gender distribution of speakers on panels at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) annual meeting.

BACKGROUND: Speaking invitations are used by faculty promotion committees as evidence of external recognition. However, women are underrepresented as speakers at specialty society conferences despite the rise in women physicians. The purpose of this study was to estimate to what extent the gender of session conveners is associated with the gender distribution of invited speakers at SAGES meetings. METHODS: A retrospective audit of annual SAGES meeting programs during 2009-2018 was performed. All invited panel speakers, defined as faculty delivering a prepared oral presentation in a session under the organization of one or more chairs, were identified. The gender of speakers and chairs/co-chairs was determined. Hands-on courses, paper sessions, military symposia, mock trials, and jeopardy sessions were excluded. We compared the proportion of all-male panels in sessions with all-male conveners versus sessions with at least one woman convener. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and t tests. RESULTS: There were 3405 speakers and 459 panels identified. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2836 invited speakers on 402 panels were analyzed. Women represented 15% of all speakers, increasing from 9 to 19% (2009 to 2018). This reflects the rise in the proportion of women overall members (11% in 2010 to 19% in 2018). The proportion of panels with at least one woman convener increased from 12 to 58%. All-male panels represented 40% of all panels (n = 163) and their proportion significantly decreased over time from 50 to 31% (p trend < 0.000). Sessions with all-male conveners had 52% all-male panels, while sessions with at least one woman convener had 19% all-male panels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The proportion of women invited speakers at the annual SAGES meeting has significantly increased over time. All-male convener sessions were more likely to convene all-male speaker panels. Including a woman chair/co-chair increased the number of women speakers and is a successful strategy to achieve gender balance in conference planning.

The SAGES Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy program (FUSE): history, development, and purpose.

BACKGROUND: Adverse events due to energy device use in surgical operating rooms are a daily occurrence. These occur at a rate of approximately 1-2 per 1000 operations. Hundreds of operating room fires occur each year in the United States, some causing severe injury and even mortality. The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) therefore created the first comprehensive educational curriculum on the safe use of surgical energy devices, called Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy (FUSE). This paper describes the history, development, and purpose of this important training program for all members of the operating room team. METHODS: The databases of SAGES and the FUSE committee as well as personal photographs and documents of members of the FUSE task force were used to establish a brief history of the FUSE program from its inception to its current status. RESULTS: The authors were able to detail all aspects of the history, development, and national as well as global implementation of the third SAGES Fundamentals Program FUSE. CONCLUSIONS: The written documentation of the making of FUSE is an important contribution to the history and mission of SAGES and allows the reader to understand the idea, concept, realization, and implementation of the only free online educational tool for physicians on energy devices available today. FUSE is the culmination of the SAGES efforts to recognize gaps in patient safety and develop state-of-the-art educational programs to address those gaps. It is the goal of the FUSE task force to ensure that general FUSE implementation becomes multinational, involving as many countries as possible.

The effects of added whey protein to a pre-operative carbohydrate drink on glucose and insulin response.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative complex carbohydrate (CHO) drinks are recommended to attenuate post-operative insulin resistance. However, many institutions use simple CHO drinks, which while convenient, may have less metabolic effects. Whey protein may enhance insulin release when added to complex CHO. The aim of this study was to compare the insulin response to simple CHO vs. simple CHO supplemented with whey protein. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers participated in this double-blinded, within subject, cross-over design study investigating insulin response to simple CHO drink vs. simple CHO + whey (CHO + W) drink. The primary outcome was the accumulated insulin response during 180 min after ingestion of the drinks (Area under the curve, AUC). Secondary outcomes included plasma glucose and ghrelin levels, and gastric emptying rate estimated by acetaminophen absorption technique. Data presented as mean (SD). RESULTS: There was no differences in accumulated insulin response after the CHO or CHO + W drinks [AUC: 15 (8) vs. 20 (14) nmol/l, P = 0.27]. Insulin and glucose levels peaked between 30 and 60 min and reached 215 (95) pmol/l and 7 (1) mmol/l after the CHO drink and to 264 (232) pmol/l and 6.5 (1) mmol/l after the CHO + W drink. There were no differences in glucose or ghrelin levels or gastric emptying with the addition of whey. CONCLUSION: The addition of whey protein to a simple CHO drink did not change the insulin response in healthy individuals. The peak insulin responses to simple CHO with or without whey protein were lower than that previously reported with complex CHO drinks. The impact of simple carbohydrate drinks with lower insulin response on peri-operative insulin sensitivity requires further study.

The impact of complications after elective colorectal resection within an enhanced recovery pathway.

BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of enhanced recovery pathways (ERP), morbidity following colorectal surgery remains high. The aim of the present study was to estimate the impact of postoperative complications on excess hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery at a single institution from 2003 to 2010 was performed. Patients managed by an ERP were compared to conventional care (CC), matched by propensity score radius matching. Complications were defined a priori. Excess (independent effect on LOS from multivariate analysis) and attributable (absolute number of additional bed days) LOS of common postoperative complications determined the impact of complications on bed utilization. Multivariate analysis was performed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 810 propensity-score-matched patients were included (ERP = 472, CC = 338). Complications were significantly lower in the ERP group compared to the CC group (20 vs. 31%, p < 0.001). Median LOS decreased from 7 days in the CC group to 5 days in the ERP group [adjusted decrease in mean LOS of 2.8 days (95% CI 0.8, 4.8)]. Anastomotic leak, myocardial infarction and C. difficile infection had the highest excess LOS for both the ERP and CC groups. However, impaired gastrointestinal function had a higher impact on the absolute number of hospital bed days in the ERP group, as high as anastomotic leak (72.7 vs. 73.5 days respectively), while in the CC group the impact of gastrointestinal dysfunction was less of that of anastomotic leak (50.6 vs. 78.9 days respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of an ERP, postoperative complications have significant impact on total bed utilization. Impaired gastrointestinal function, given its high incidence, accounted for almost the same number of additional hospital bed days as anastomotic leak in the ERP group and is a target for quality improvement.

Study protocol evaluating the use of bowel stimulation before loop ileostomy closure to reduce postoperative ileus: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

AIM: Postoperative ileus is the most commonly observed morbidity following ileostomy closure. Studies have demonstrated that the defunctionalized bowel of a loop ileostomy undergoes a series of functional and structural changes, such as atrophy of the intestinal villi and muscular layers, which may contribute to ileus. A single-centre study in Spain demonstrated that preoperative bowel stimulation via the distal limb of the loop ileostomy decreased postoperative ileus, length of stay and time to gastrointestinal function. METHOD: A multicentre randomized controlled trial involving patients from Canadian institutions was designed to evaluate the effect of preoperative bowel stimulation before ileostomy closure on postoperative ileus. Stimulation will include canalizing the distal limb of the ileostomy loop with an 18Fr Foley catheter and infusing it with a solution of 500 ml of normal saline mixed with 30 g of a thickening agent (Nestle© Thicken-Up© ). This will be performed 10 times over the 3 weeks before ileostomy closure in an outpatient clinic setting by a trained Enterostomal Therapy nurse. Surgeons and the treating surgical team will be blinded to their patient's group allocation. Data regarding patient demographics, and operative and postoperative variables, will be collected prospectively. Primary outcome will be postoperative ileus, defined as an intolerance to oral food in the absence of clinical or radiological signs of obstruction, that either requires nasogastric tube insertion or is associated with two of the following on or after post-operative day 3: nausea/vomiting; abdominal distension; and the absence of flatus. Secondary outcomes will include length of stay, time to tolerating a regular diet, time to first passage of flatus or stool and overall morbidity. A cost analysis will be performed to compare the costs of conventional care with conventional care plus preoperative stimulation. DISCUSSION: This manuscript discusses the potential benefits of preoperative bowel stimulation in improving postoperative outcomes and outlines our protocol for the first multicenter study to evaluate preoperative bowel stimulation before ileostomy closure. The results of this study could have considerable implications for the care of patients undergoing ileostomy closure.

Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease in Argentina.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of osteoporosis (OP) in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) in Argentina. GD patients from 28 centers were consecutively included from April 2012 to 2014. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry in the lumbar spine and the femoral neck or the total proximal femur for patients ≥20 yr of age, and by whole-body scan in the lumbar spine in patients <20 yr of age. In children, mineral density was calculated using the chronological age and Z height. OP diagnosis was determined following adult and pediatric official position of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. A total of 116 patients were included, of which 62 (53.5%) were women. The median age was 25.8 yr. All patients received enzyme replacement therapy, with a median time of 9.4 yr. Normal BMD was found in 89 patients (76.7%), whereas low bone mass (LBM) or osteopenia was found in 15 patients (13%) and OP in 12 patients (10.3%). The analysis of the pediatric population revealed that 4 patients (9.3%) had LBM and 3 (7%) had OP (Z-score ≤ -2 + fractures height-adjusted by Z), whereas in the adult population (n = 73), 11 patients (15%) had LBM or osteopenia and 9 (12.3%) had OP. Bone marrow infiltration and the presence of fractures were significantly correlated with the presence of OP (p = 0.04 and <0.001, respectively). This is the first study in Argentina and in the region describing the frequency of OP or LBM in GD patients treated with imiglucerase using the official position of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for gastrointestinal surgery, part 2: consensus statement for anaesthesia practice.

BACKGROUND: The present interdisciplinary consensus review proposes clinical considerations and recommendations for anaesthetic practice in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery with an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programme. METHODS: Studies were selected with particular attention being paid to meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials and large prospective cohort studies. For each item of the perioperative treatment pathway, available English-language literature was examined and reviewed. The group reached a consensus recommendation after critical appraisal of the literature. RESULTS: This consensus statement demonstrates that anaesthesiologists control several preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative ERAS elements. Further research is needed to verify the strength of these recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the evidence available for each element of perioperative care pathways, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society presents a comprehensive consensus review, clinical considerations and recommendations for anaesthesia care in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery within an ERAS programme. This unified protocol facilitates involvement of anaesthesiologists in the implementation of the ERAS programmes and allows for comparison between centres and it eventually might facilitate the design of multi-institutional prospective and adequately powered randomized trials.

Meta-analysis of the effect of goal-directed therapy on bowel function after abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative goal-directed therapy (GDT) was introduced to titrate intravenous fluids, with or without inotropic drugs, based on objective measures of hypovolaemia and cardiac output measurements to improve organ perfusion. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of GDT on the recovery of bowel function after abdominal surgery. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases were searched for randomized clinical trials and cohort studies, from January 1989 to June 2013, that compared patients who did, or did not, receive intraoperative GDT, and reported outcomes on the recovery of bowel function. Time to first flatus and first bowel motion, time to tolerate oral diet, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and primary postoperative ileus were included. RESULTS: Thirteen trials with 1399 patients were included in the analysis. GDT shortened the time to the first bowel motion (weighted mean difference (WMD -0·67, 95 per cent c.i. -1·23 to -0·11; P = 0·020) and time to tolerate oral intake (WMD -0·95, -1·81 to -0·10; P = 0·030), and reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk difference -0·15, -0·26 to -0·03; P = 0·010). When only high-quality studies were included, GDT reduced only the time to tolerate oral intake (WMD -1·18, -2·03 to -0·33; P = 0·006). GDT was more effective outside enhanced recovery programmes and in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. CONCLUSION: GDT facilitated the recovery of bowel function, particularly in patients not treated within enhanced recovery programmes and in those undergoing colorectal operations.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for gastrointestinal surgery, part 1: pathophysiological considerations.

BACKGROUND: The present article has been written to convey concepts of anaesthetic care within the context of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme, thus aligning the practice of anaesthesia with the care delivered by the surgical team before, during and after surgery. METHODS: The physiological principles supporting the implementation of the ERAS programmes in patients undergoing major abdominal procedures are reviewed using an updated literature search and discussed by a multidisciplinary group composed of anaesthesiologists and surgeons with the aim to improve perioperative care. RESULTS: The pathophysiology of some key perioperative elements disturbing the homoeostatic mechanisms such as insulin resistance, ileus and pain is here discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based strategies aimed at controlling the disruption of homoeostasis need to be evaluated in the context of ERAS programmes. Anaesthesiologists could, therefore, play a crucial role in facilitating the recovery process.

Outcomes reported in high-impact surgical journals.

BACKGROUND: With advances in operative technique and perioperative care, traditional endpoints such as morbidity and mortality provide an incomplete description of surgical outcomes. There is increasing emphasis on the need for patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to evaluate fully the effectiveness and quality of surgical interventions. The objective of this study was to identify the outcomes reported in clinical studies published in high-impact surgical journals and the frequency with which PROs are used. METHODS: Electronic versions of material published between 2008 and 2012 in the four highest-impact non-subspecialty surgical journals (Annals of Surgery, British Journal of Surgery (BJS), Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Surgery) were hand-searched. Clinical studies of adult patients undergoing planned abdominal, thoracic or vascular surgery were included. Reported outcomes were classified into five categories using Wilson and Cleary's conceptual model. RESULTS: A total of 893 articles were assessed, of which 770 were included in the analysis. Some 91·6 per cent of studies reported biological and physiological outcomes, 36·0 per cent symptoms, 13·4 per cent direct indicators of functional status, 10·6 per cent general health perception and 14·8 per cent overall quality of life (QoL). The proportion of studies with at least one PRO was 38·7 per cent overall and 73·4 per cent in BJS (P < 0·001). The proportion of studies using a formal measure of health-related QoL ranged from 8·9 per cent (JAMA Surgery) to 33·8 per cent (BJS). CONCLUSION: The predominant reporting of clinical endpoints and the inconsistent use of PROs underscore the need for further research and education to enhance the applicability of these measures in specific surgical settings.

Systematic review of outcomes used to evaluate enhanced recovery after surgery.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) aim to improve patient recovery. However, validated outcome measures to evaluate this complex process are lacking. The objective of this review was to identify how recovery is measured in ERP studies and to provide recommendations for the design of future studies. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases was conducted. Prospective studies evaluating ERPs compared with traditional care in abdominal surgery published between 2000 and 2013 were included. All reported outcomes were classified into categories: biological and physiological variables, symptom status, functional status, general health perceptions and quality of life (QoL). The phase of recovery measured was defined as baseline, intermediate (in hospital) and late (following discharge). RESULTS: A total of 38 studies were included based on the systematic review criteria. Biological or physiological variables other than postoperative complications were reported in 30 studies, and included return of gastrointestinal function (25 studies), pulmonary function (5) and physical strength (3). Patient-reported symptoms, including pain (16 studies) and fatigue (9), were reported less commonly. Reporting of functional status outcomes, including mobilization (16 studies) and ability to perform activities of daily living (4), was similarly uncommon. Health aspects of QoL were reported in only seven studies. Length of follow-up was generally short, with 24 studies reporting outcomes within 30 days or less. All studies documented in-hospital outcomes (intermediate phase), but only 17 reported postdischarge outcomes (late phase) other than complications or readmission. CONCLUSION: Patient-reported outcomes, particularly postdischarge functional status, were not commonly reported. Future studies of the effectiveness of ERPs should include validated, patient-reported outcomes to estimate better their impact on recovery, particularly after discharge from hospital.

Colonoscopy performance correlates with scores on the FES™ manual skills test.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving proficiency in flexible endoscopy is a major priority for general surgery training programs. The Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES™) is a high-stakes examination of the knowledge and skills required to perform flexible endoscopy. The objective of this study was to establish additional evidence for the validity of the FES™ hands-on test as a measure of flexible endoscopy skills by correlating clinical colonoscopy performance with FES™ score. METHODS: Participants included FES™-naïve general surgery residents, gastroenterology fellows at all levels of training and attending physicians who regularly perform colonoscopy. Each participant completed a live colonoscopy and the FES™ hands-on test within 2 weeks. Performance on live colonoscopy was measured using the Global Assessment of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Skills-Colonoscopy (GAGES-C, maximum score 20), and performance on the FES™ hands-on test was assessed by the simulator's computerized scoring system. The clinical assessor was blinded to simulator performance. Scores were compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 24 participants were enrolled (mean age 30; 54 % male) with a broad range of endoscopy experience; 17 % reported no experience, 54 % had <25 previous colonoscopies; and 21 % had >100. The FES™ and GAGES scores reflected the broad range of endoscopy experience of the study group (FES™ score range 32-105; GAGES score range 5-20). Pearson's correlation coefficient between GAGES-C scores and FES™ hands-on test scores was 0.78 (0.54-0.90, p < 0.0001). All eight participants with GAGES-C score >15/20 achieved a passing score on the FES™ hands-on test. CONCLUSION: There is a strong correlation between clinical colonoscopy performance and scores achieved on the FES™ hands-on test. These data support the validity of FES™ as a measure of colonoscopy skills.

Wide-gap semiconducting graphene from nitrogen-seeded SiC.

All carbon electronics based on graphene have been an elusive goal. For more than a decade, the inability to produce significant band-gaps in this material has prevented the development of graphene electronics. We demonstrate a new approach to produce semiconducting graphene that uses a submonolayer concentration of nitrogen on SiC sufficient to pin epitaxial graphene to the SiC interface as it grows. The resulting buckled graphene opens a band gap greater than 0.7 eV in the otherwise continuous metallic graphene sheet.

Evaluation of a virtual interprofessional oral-systemic health simulation experience in nursing, dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy education.

PURPOSE: The annual teaching oral-systemic health (TOSH) virtual clinical simulation and case study activity exposes interprofessional teams of nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, dental, medical, and pharmacy students to a virtual clinical simulation experience that uses oral-systemic health as a clinical exemplar for promoting interprofessional core competencies. The present study examines changes in participating students' self-reported interprofessional competencies following participation in virtual TOSH from 2020 to 2022. These findings are also compared to those from in-person TOSH (2019) to examine the equivalence of student outcomes of both the in-person and virtual programs. METHODS: A pre- and post-test evaluation design was used to examine the effectiveness of exposure to the TOSH program on self-reported attainment of interprofessional competencies for participating students using the interprofessional collaborative competency attainment scale. RESULTS: Analysis of pre- and post-surveys demonstrated statistically significant improvement in students' self-rated interprofessional experience competencies following the virtual TOSH program, which aligns with results from the in-person cohorts. Similar findings between the in-person and virtual cohorts indicated no statistically significant difference between the two formats. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the success of TOSH in promoting attainment of interprofessional competencies among future health professionals. We encourage administrators and faculty who lead health professional programs to take advantage of using virtual simulations as an integral component of interprofessional oral health clinical experiences where students from different health professions learn from and about each other in assessing and treating patients across the lifespan.

Economic impact of an enhanced recovery pathway for oesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Data are lacking to support the cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery pathways (ERP) for oesophagectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an ERP on medical costs for oesophagectomy. METHODS: This study investigated all patients undergoing elective oesophagectomy between June 2009 and December 2011 at a single high-volume university hospital. From June 2010, all patients were enrolled in an ERP. Clinical outcomes were recorded for up to 30 days. Deviation-based cost modelling was used to compare costs between the traditional care and ERP groups. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included (47 traditional care, 59 ERP). There were no differences in patient, pathological and operative characteristics between the groups. Median length of hospital stay (LOS) was lower in the ERP group (8 (interquartile range 7-18) days versus 10 (9-18) days with traditional care; P = 0·019). There was no difference in 30-day complication rates (59 per cent with ERP versus 62 per cent with traditional care; P = 0·803), and the 30-day or in-hospital mortality rate was low (3·8 per cent, 4 of 106). Costs in the on-course and minor-deviation groups were significantly lower after implementation of the ERP. The pathway-dependent cost saving per patient was €1055 and the overall cost saving per patient was €2013. One-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the ERP was cost-neutral or more costly only at extreme values of ward, operating and intensive care costs. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary ERP for oesophagectomy was associated with cost savings, with no increase in morbidity or mortality.