The current state of transplant advanced practice providers: results of the advanced practice provider practice survey.

Advanced practice providers (APPs) are trained, licensed health care providers. The American Society of Transplant APP community of practice developed an electronic survey to investigate transplant APP demographics, scope of practice, and academic activities. We defined the top of scope of practice as delivering health care to the fullest extent of APP education and training as allowed by state laws and regulations. From July 11, 2020, to August 31, 2020, 307 invitations were e-mailed and survey links were distributed electronically on the community of practice hub and social media. Two hundred fifty-three APPs responded. APPs practice in inpatient and outpatient settings. Among the respondent APPs, 11.5% assist in the operating room (OR), 46.3% of inpatient and 46.6% of outpatient APPs perform procedures, and 17.8% run specialized APP clinics. 26.2% feel they do not function at the top of their scope of practice and 29.7% were expected to function as a coordinator some or all of the time. Forty-three percent gave invited lectures, 41.5% have published, and 69.2% teach physician trainees. 74.7% and 35.1%, respectively, would like to participate in research and teach but are limited by time, opportunity, and experience. APPs should practice at the top of their scope of practice. Clinical workloads and lack of time limit the ability of APP to teach and contribute to evidence-based practice.

Clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery in lung transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Reports on outcomes following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in lung transplant recipients remain limited. METHODS: We performed a single-center, observational study of outcomes in lung transplant recipients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 between 5/1/2020 and 3/15/2022 that were followed for a median of 123 days. We analyzed changes in spirometry, acute lung allograft dysfunction (ALAD) incidence, hospitalization, mechanical ventilation needs, secondary infection, and survival. RESULTS: In our cohort of 336 patients, 103 developed coronavirus disease (COVID) (27 pre-Delta, 20 Delta, and 56 Omicron-era). Twenty-five patients (24%) required hospitalization and 10 patients ultimately died (10%). Among 85 survivors who completed ambulatory spirometry, COVID-19 did not alter change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) or forced vital capacity (FVC) over time compared to the preceding 6 months. The pre-COVID FEV1 change was -0.05 ml/day (IQR -0.50 to 0.60) compared to -0.20 ml/day (IQR -1.40 to 0.70) post-COVID (p = .16). The pre-COVID change in FVC was 0.20 ml/day (IQR -0.60 to 0.70) compared to 0.05 ml/day (IQR -1.00 to 1.10) post-COVID (p = .76). Although the cohort overall had stable lung function, 33 patients (39%) developed ALAD or accelerated chronic lung allograft dysfunction (FEV1 decline >10% from pre-COVID baseline). Nine patients (35%) with ALAD recovered lung function. Within 3 months of acute COVID infection, 18 patients (17%) developed secondary infections, the majority being bacterial pneumonia. Finally, vaccination with at least two doses of mRNA vaccine was not associated with improved outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large cohort of lung transplant recipients. Although one third of patients develop ALAD requiring augmented immunosuppression, infection with SARS-CoV-2 is not associated with worsening lung function.

Examining the critical role of advanced practice providers on a multidisciplinary transplant team.

It is well documented that Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), collectively known as Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), have a beneficial role beyond the field of primary care. APPs broad spectrum of knowledge make them particularly well suited for specializing in complex fields such as transplant. Variations in practice across transplant centers lead to questions regarding optimal use of APPs. Using job descriptions from transplant centers currently employing APPs, we sought to examine the critical role of transplant APPs beyond clinical care alone. In this review, we explore not only the general training of APPs and current utilization of APPs in transplant, but also safety, cost effectiveness, and comparison of APPs to other transplant providers. We aimed to highlight the importance of recruitment and retention of transplant specific trained APPs to provide continuity in transplant programs. Additionally, APPs expansion into transplant research, quality improvement, leadership, and management must be considered. We challenge transplant centers utilizing APPs to consider these important aspects when seeking ways to expand and optimize the critical role APPs provide on the transplant team.

The Effect of Transplant Education on Nurses Attitudes Toward Organ Donation and Advocacy for Transplantation.

Nurses are the largest group of health-care professionals, yet they are not uniformly educated regarding transplantation and organ donation. The future of transplantation hinges on education of this group. Before meaningful studies can be conducted, an instrument to measure attitudes and commitment to organ transplantation is needed. The purpose of this study was to examine content and construct validity as well as establish internal reliability of an investigator-developed online instrument to measure nurses' attitudes and commitment to organ transplantation by registered nurses. The online instrument was administered to registered nurses enrolled in transplantation electives at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Vanderbilt University. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 4 components with eigenvalues over 1.0. The components were as follows: (1) desire to work in transplantation, (2) confidence in transplantation advocacy, (3) organ donation advocacy, and (4) procurement. Internal consistency of the revised instrument was established (α = .94). The Transplant-Registered Nurse (TXP-RN) instrument is a new instrument with excellent reliability and validity that can be used to measure attitudes and knowledge of American nurses about organ donation and transplantation. This important step is necessary before educational interventions can be accurately assessed.

Increasing the Volume of Delivered Enteral Feeds Using a Volume-Based Feeding Protocol in a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic malnutrition is a significant burden to patients, clinicians, and health care systems. Compared with well-nourished patients, underfed patients (those who receive less than 80% of their daily energy requirement) have more adverse outcomes related to nutritional status. Volume-based protocols allow for catch-up titrations, are consistently superior to rate-based protocols, and can be implemented in most settings. LOCAL PROBLEM: This project was conducted in an 8-bed neuroscience intensive care unit in which up to 41% of patients who required enteral feeding were underfed. METHODS: This quality improvement clinical practice change project used a before-and-after design to evaluate (1) the effect of implementing a volume-based feeding protocol on the delivery of enteral feeds and (2) the effect of a nutrition-based project on staff members' attitudes regarding nutrition in critical care. The effectiveness of a volume-based feeding titration protocol was compared with that of a rate-based feeding protocol for achieving delivery of at least 80% of prescribed nutrition per 24-hour period. Staff members' attitudes were assessed using a survey before and after the project. RESULTS: During 241 enteral feeding days (n = 40 patients), the percentage of delivered enteral feeding volume and the percentage of days patients received at least 80% of the prescribed volume increased after volume-based feeding was implemented. After project implementation, 74 staff members reported increased emphasis on nutrition delivery in their practice and a higher level of agreement that nutrition is a priority when caring for critically ill patients. CONCLUSIONS: Using a volume-based feeding protocol with supplemental staff education resulted in improved delivery of prescribed enteral feeding.

Machine Learning Approach for Cardiovascular Death Prediction among Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Liver Transplant Recipients.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality among nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients who undergo liver transplants. In the present study, machine learning algorithms were used to identify important risk factors for cardiovascular death and to develop a prediction model. The Standard Transplant Analysis and Research data were gathered from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. After cleaning and preprocessing, the dataset comprised 10,871 patients and 92 features. Recursive feature elimination (RFE) and select from model (SFM) were applied to select relevant features from the dataset and avoid overfitting. Multiple machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, random forest, decision tree, and XGBoost, were used with RFE and SFM. Additionally, prediction models were developed using a support vector machine, Gaussian naïve Bayes, K-nearest neighbors, random forest, and XGBoost algorithms. Finally, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were used to increase interpretability. The findings showed that the best feature selection method was RFE with a random forest estimator, and the most critical features were recipient and donor blood type, body mass index, recipient and donor state of residence, serum creatinine, and year of transplantation. Furthermore, among all the outcomes, the XGBoost model had the highest performance, with an accuracy value of 0.6909 and an area under the curve value of 0.86. The findings also revealed a predictive relationship between features and cardiovascular death after liver transplant among NASH patients. These insights may assist clinical decision-makers in devising strategies to prevent cardiovascular complications in post-liver transplant NASH patients.

Initiating collaboration among organ transplant professionals through Web portals and mobile applications.

The knowledge base for healthcare providers working in the field of organ transplantation has grown exponentially. However, the field has no centralized 'space' dedicated to efficient access and sharing of information. The ease of use and portability of mobile applications (apps) make them ideal for subspecialists working in complex healthcare environments. In this article, the authors review the literature related to healthcare technology; describe the development of health-related technology; present their mobile app pilot project assessing the effects of a collaborative, mobile app based on a freely available content manage framework; and report their findings. They conclude by sharing both lessons learned while completing this project and future directions.

Relative Change in Donor-Derived Cell-free DNA is Superior to Absolute Values for Diagnosis of Acute Lung Allograft Dysfunction.

Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA%) is a biomarker of early acute lung allograft dysfunction (ALAD), with a value of ≥1.0% indicating injury. Whether dd-cfDNA% is a useful biomarker in patients >2 y posttransplant is unknown. Our group previously demonstrated that median dd-cfDNA% in lung recipients ≥2 y posttransplant without ALAD was 0.45%. In that cohort, biologic variability of dd-cfDNA% was estimated by a reference change value (RCV) of 73%, suggesting that change exceeding 73% may be pathologic. In this study, we aimed to determine whether dd-cfDNA% variability or absolute thresholds are optimal for detecting ALAD. Methods: We prospectively measured plasma dd-cfDNA% every 3 to 4 mo in patients ≥2 y post-lung transplant. ALAD was defined as infection, acute cellular rejection, possible antibody-mediated rejection, or change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s >10%, and was adjudicated retrospectively. We analyzed area under the curve for RCV and absolute dd-cfDNA% and reported performance of RCV ≥73% versus absolute value >1% for discriminating ALAD. Results: Seventy-one patients had ≥2 baseline measurements of dd-cfDNA%; 30 developed ALAD. RCV of dd-cfDNA% at ALAD had a greater area under the receiver operator characteristic curve than absolute dd-cfDNA% values (0.87 versus 0.69, P = 0.018). Test characteristics of RCV >73% for ALAD diagnosis were sensitivity 87%, specificity 78%, positive predictive value 74%, and negative predictive value 89%. In contrast, dd-cfDNA% ≥1% had sensitivity 50%, specificity 78%, positive predictive value 63%, and negative predictive value 68%. Conclusions: Relative change in dd-cfDNA% has improved test characteristics for diagnosing ALAD compared with absolute values.

Negative effects of pretransplant body mass index on physical health-related quality of life after lung transplant.

BACKGROUND: Although current national data show improved graft and patient survival following lung transplant, the effects of several modifiable preexisting comorbid conditions on health-related quality of life after transplant have not been evaluated. This study examines the effects of 3 comorbid conditions present before lung transplant (reduced bone density, diabetes mellitus, and elevated body mass index) on health-related quality of life after lung transplant. METHODS: The Short Form 36 Health Survey was completed by 92 adult recipients at various times after lung transplant (mean, 41 months; range, 1-127 months). Multiple linear regression models that controlled for underlying disease, chronic rejection, and time after transplant tested the independent effects of the 3 pretransplant conditions on posttransplant health-related quality of life. RESULTS: The effects of pretransplant reduced bone density and diabetes mellitus were not statistically significant in these models. However, pretransplant body mass index had a significant negative effect (ß = -.29, P = .007) on posttransplant physical health-related quality of life. Additionally, overweight status and obesity exerted comparable independent negative effects (P = .01 and P = .03, respectively) on the physical function scale of the Short-Form 36 Health Survey compared with persons who were underweight or normal weight before transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Reevaluation of elevated body mass index before transplant as a risk for reduced physical quality of life after lung transplant should be considered.

Evaluation of living kidney donors: variables that affect donation.

Approximately 10000 deceased donor organs are available yearly for 85 000 US patients awaiting kidney transplant. Living kidney donation is essential to close this gap and offers better survival rates. However, nationally, 80% of potential donors evaluated fail to donate. Nurse coordinators who perform predonation screening and education need additional insight into the large number of potential donors who fail to complete the donation process. Reasons for nondonation in donor candidates undergoing medical evaluation, and variables affecting nondonation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center between 2004 and 2009 are examined. Multivariable logistic regression models are used to test the effects of age and race on donation status and reasons for nondonation. Summary data are frequencies, percentages, and means (SD). The sample included 706 candidates (63% female, 80% white; mean age, 40 [SD, 12] years). Almost half (46%) received clearance to donate. Undiagnosed hypertension (14%), abnormal glucose tolerance (10%), and protein-urea (9%) were the most prevalent medical reasons for nondonation. About 13% of candidates changed their minds during evaluation. Analyses demonstrated an increased likelihood of older candidates (P < .001) and a decreased likelihood of white candidates (P = .007) being excluded from donation. Within the nondonation group, increased age was associated with undiagnosed hypertension and abnormal glucose tolerance (both race-adjusted, P = .01). Younger candidates (race-adjusted, P = .003) and African Americans (age-adjusted, P = .04) were more likely to decide against donation. The most prevalent medical reasons for nondonation could be identified through enhanced prescreening, and improved preevaluation education could decrease nondonation rates.

Implementing Preoxygenation in Obese Patients Prior to Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Procedures in a Fast-Paced Ambulatory Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center: A Quality Improvement Project.

Obese patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures require sedation ranging between deep sedation and general anesthesia to tolerate the procedure which predisposes this patient population to hypoxemia development. A practical, cost-effective, and readily available means of preoxygenation that can be implemented by certified registered nurse anesthetists practicing in high-volume, fast-paced ambulatory gastrointestinal endoscopy centers is the use of a nonrebreathing face mask with reservoir bag and one-way exhalation valve, along with oxygen flow rates at 15 liters per minute, and instructing the patient in taking eight vital capacity deep breaths over 60 seconds prior to start of the procedure. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce intraprocedural hypoxemic events, defined as intraprocedural SpO2 values ≤ 90%, in obese patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures with deep sedation using propofol. At baseline, 30.8% obese patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures experienced hypoxemic events. Following preoxygenation, hypoxemic events were reduced to 14.3% with chi-square analysis showing statistical significance (χ2 = 8.859, P =.003). Preoxygenation of obese patients prior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures is an evidence-based practice that can reduce hypoxemic event occurrence during the procedure and improve patient safety.

Assessment of dd-cfDNA Levels in Clinically Stable Lung Allograft Recipients Beyond the Initial 2 y Posttransplant.

Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of acute allograft injury within the first 1 to 2 y after lung transplant, but its utility for diagnosing chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) has not yet been studied. Understanding baseline dd-cfDNA kinetics beyond the initial 2 y posttransplant is a necessary first step in determining the utility of dd-cfDNA as a CLAD biomarker. We seek to establish baseline dd-cfDNA% levels in clinically stable lung allograft recipients who are >2 y posttransplant. Methods: We performed a prospective, single-center, observational study to identify plasma dd-cfDNA levels in clinically stable lung allograft recipients >2 y posttransplant. Results: Fifty-one subjects were enrolled and ≥3 baseline dd-cfDNA measurements were acquired during a median of 252 d. The median baseline percent dd-cfDNA level in our cohort was 0.45% (interquartile range [IQR], 0.26-0.69). There were statistically significant differences in dd-cfDNA based on posttransplant duration (≤5 y posttransplant median 0.41% [IQR, 0.21-0.64] versus >5 y posttransplant median 0.50% [IQR, 0.33-0.76]; P < 0.02). However, the clinical significance of this small change in dd-cfDNA is uncertain because this magnitude of change is within the biologic test variation of 73%. Conclusions: This study is the first to define levels of dd-cfDNA in clinically stable patients who are >2 y post-lung transplant. These findings lay the groundwork for the study of dd-cfDNA as a possible biomarker for CLAD.

Measuring Peak Inspiratory Flow in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are breath actuated, and patients using DPIs need to generate an optimal inspiratory flow during the inhalation maneuver for effective drug delivery to the lungs. However, practical and standardized recommendations for measuring peak inspiratory flow (PIF)-a potential indicator for effective DPI use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-are lacking. To evaluate recommended PIF assessment approaches, we reviewed the Instructions for Use of the In-Check™ DIAL and the prescribing information for eight DPIs approved for use in the treatment of COPD in the United States. To evaluate applied PIF assessment approaches, we conducted a PubMed search from inception to August 31, 2021, for reports of clinical and real-life studies where PIF was measured using the In-Check™ DIAL or through a DPI in patients with COPD. Evaluation of collective sources, including 47 applicable studies, showed that instructions related to the positioning of the patient with their DPI, instructions for exhalation before the inhalation maneuver, the inhalation maneuver itself, and post-inhalation breath-hold times varied, and in many instances, appeared vague and/or incomplete. We observed considerable variation in how PIF was measured in clinical and real-life studies, underscoring the need for a standardized method of PIF measurement. Standardization of technique will facilitate comparisons among studies. Based on these findings and our clinical and research experience, we propose specific recommendations for PIF measurement to standardize the process and better ensure accurate and reliable PIF values in clinical trials and in daily clinical practice.

The role of advanced practice nurses in transplant center staffing.

CONTEXT: Despite increased rates of solid organ transplantation and frequent use of advanced practice nurses (APNs) to manage patients, no established staffing model including APNs and their roles exists. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the role and integration of APNs in the staffing models of existing transplant centers. DESIGN: Descriptive research using a researcher-designed survey of transplant APN professionals. PARTICIPANTS: 53 attendees of a national APN transplant clinical management symposium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Investigator-designed survey tool consisting of 21 questions delivered in a paper format with 1 open-ended question about adequacy of current staffing and ideas for improvement. RESULTS: 53 responses from staff members of 21 different transplant centers were collected. In addition to APNs, members of existing transplant staffing models were identified as licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, social workers, administrative assistants, and data managers. The primary responsibilities of APNs were both inpatient and outpatient, before and after transplant, and consisted primarily of collecting patients' medical histories, doing physical examinations, handling clinic visits, and education. Licensed practical and registered nurses handled pre-transplant referral management and phone triage duties. Social workers, administrative assistants, and data managers were responsible for social support, medical record management, and regulatory documentation, respectively. Most respondents (57%) found current staffing to be inadequate in their centers and suggested areas for improvement. CONCLUSION: APNs play a vital role in management of transplant patients. Transplant centers use APNs in different capacities, depending on the individual needs of the institution. Across institutions, support staff is crucial in the perception of adequate staffing. Additional research is needed to determine the most efficient use of APNs in transplant centers.

Effect of transplant education on nurses' attitudes toward organ donation and plans to work with transplant patients.

CONTEXT: Despite the increase in rates of solid organ transplantation in the past 2 decades, nurses are inconsistently educated regarding issues of organ donation and posttransplant care. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the attitudes of registered nurses before and after a graduate-level elective on issues in transplantation. DESIGN: Pre-experimental, pretest and posttest interventional study. PARTICIPANTS: 30 graduate students, who are registered nurses, who enrolled in a transplant elective at a university in the Southeastern United States. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Investigator-designed survey tool consisting of 18 questions delivered in an electronic format. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were seen in nurses' attitudes toward encouraging others to become organ donors (P = .04), preparation to discuss transplantation with others (P< .001), advocacy to discuss transplantation among colleagues (P = .003), confidence in working with transplant patients (P = .005), confidence in speaking to communities about organ donation (P = .001), and plans to encourage others to get involved in transplantation (P = .03). CONCLUSION: These results support the need for providing focused education on transplantation issues to registered nurses, particularly in the academic setting.

A Descriptive Study of Transplant Coordinator Job Satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: Substantial growth in the field of transplantation in recent years has increased the need for transplant coordinators. The growing need for these highly skilled clinicians warrants a review of characteristics that increase job satisfaction, an important consideration for transplant centers. RESEARCH QUESTION: The study described transplant coordinators' perceptions of job satisfaction in their current positions. DESIGN: This study evaluated transplant coordinator job satisfaction conducted on 3 separate occasions at US geographically diverse sites. Two instruments, the Vermont Nurses: Job Analysis and Retention Survey and an investigator-designed role and demographic survey, were used to capture study participants' attitudes regarding elements of job satisfaction, design, and involvement. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics of study participants (N = 133) reveal a largely female population (n = 113, 85%) employed full time (n = 124, 93%) in a hospital setting (n = 106, 80%). Scores for items related to job satisfaction, design, and involvement were generally positive. Participants reported being less satisfied for characteristics including promotion opportunities, fringe benefits, and attention to career development provided by employers. CONCLUSION: As annual rates of transplants continue to increase across the United States, the need for growing and retaining talented staff in transplant care settings is even more critical. Results of the study suggest that while transplant coordinators remain largely satisfied with the challenges and personal fulfillment associated with their positions, opportunities for professional development may improve retention and recruitment. Specifically, supporting career development and providing formalized evaluation and supervision were identified as areas of improvement within this specialized group of clinicians.

Choosing the right inhaler for the right patient: Considerations for effective management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Effective management of chronic respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma necessitates that patients inhale their medication. However, lack of detailed guidelines on the technological and mechanical functions of inhalers limits the ability of health care providers (HCPs) to personalize inhaler choice for patients. Numerous types of inhalers are currently available which offer their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Independent of the drug class, the choice of inhaler may be influenced by many factors (e.g., inhaler attributes and the efficiency with which it delivers the medication, patient characteristics and preferences, dosing regimen, clinical setting, and support available for both patients and HCPs). This article attempts to summarize the inhalation technology and factors influencing inhaler choice and use and to provide an approach for matching the right inhaler to the right patient. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying factors related to inhaler choice is critical to ensuring adherence to treatment and patients' ability to use their inhaler correctly. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This review will help HCPs engage their patients in decision-making for inhaler choice and facilitate selection of the correct inhaler for each patient (i.e., one that they will use).

Surgical Treatment of Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death and the second most diagnosed cancer in the United States. Surgical intervention is most applicable to early-stage lung cancer diagnoses and considered the best curative option. Multiple surgical techniques are now available, including wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy. Robotics and video-assistance are commonly used in wedge resection and sometimes used for segmentectomy. Regardless of the technique, focused clinical management of the patient following lung cancer surgery by nurses and nurse practitioners remains a priority. Future innovations affecting the surgical treatment of lung cancer include immunotherapy and oncogenomics.