Mixed Methods Assessment of Incivility During Surgical Mortality and Morbidity Conference.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed incivility during Mortality and Morbidity (M&M) Conference. BACKGROUND: A psychologically safe environment at M&M Conference enables generative discussions to improve care. Incivility and exclusion demonstrated by "shame and blame" undermine generative discussion. METHODS: We used a convergent mixed-methods design to collect qualitative data through non-participant observations of M&M conference and quantitative data through standardized survey instruments of M&M participants. The M&M conference was attended by attending surgeons (all academic ranks), fellows, residents, medical students on surgery rotation, advanced practice providers, and administrators from the department of surgery. A standardized observation guide was developed, piloted and adapted based on expert non-participant feedback. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short-Form (PANAS) and the Uncivil Behavior in Clinical Nursing Education (UBCNE) survey instruments were distributed to the Department of Surgery clinical faculty and categorical general surgery residents in an academic medical center. RESULTS: We observed 11 M&M discussions of 30 cases, over six months with four different moderators. Case presentations (virtual format) included clinical scenario, decision-making, operative management, complications, and management of the complications. Discussion was free form, without a standard structure. The central theme that limited discussion participation from attending surgeon of record, as well as absence of a systems-approach discussion led to blame and blame then set the stage for incivility. Among 147 eligible to participate in the survey, 54 (36.7%) responded. Assistant professors had a 2.60 higher Negative Affect score (p-value=0.02), a 4.13 higher Exclusion Behavior score (p-value=0.03), and a 7.6 higher UBCNE score (p-value=0.04) compared to associate and full professors. Females had a 2.7 higher Negative Affect Score compared to males (p-value=0.04). CONCLUSION: Free-form M&M discussions led to incivility. Structuring discussion to focus upon improving care may create inclusion and more generative discussions to improve care.

Transitional care and clinical management of adolescents, young adults, and suspected new adult patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome.

PURPOSE: With contemporaneous advances in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS), recognition, confirmatory diagnostics with PHOX2B genetic testing, and conservative management to reduce the risk of early morbidity and mortality, the prevalence of identified adolescents and young adults with CCHS and later-onset (LO-) CCHS has increased. Accordingly, there is heightened awareness and need for transitional care of these patients from pediatric medicine into a multidisciplinary adult medical team. Hence, this review summarizes key clinical and management considerations for patients with CCHS and LO-CCHS and emphasizes topics of particular importance for this demographic. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of literature on diagnostics, pathophysiology, and clinical management in CCHS and LO-CCHS, and supplemented the review with anecdotal but extensive experiences from large academic pediatric centers with expertise in CCHS. RESULTS: We summarized our findings topically for an overview of the medical care in CCHS and LO-CCHS specifically applicable to adolescents and adults. Care topics include genetic and embryologic basis of the disease, clinical presentation, management, variability in autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and clarity regarding transitional care with unique considerations such as living independently, family planning, exposure to anesthesia, and alcohol and drug use. CONCLUSIONS: While a lack of experience and evidence exists in the care of adults with CCHS and LO-CCHS, a review of the relevant literature and expert consensus provides guidance for transitional care areas.

Comparison of two point-of-care measurements of hemoglobin against standard laboratory values during pediatric liver transplantation: A retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care hemoglobin testing devices play an important role in intraoperative anesthetic management where significant hemorrhage is anticipated; however, the reliability of these devices has not been examined in the context of pediatric liver transplantation. In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to determine whether 95% of results from two point-of-care hemoglobinometers, the HemoCue and iSTAT, would fall within a difference of ±1 g/dl, our a priori-defined clinically acceptable level of agreement, of the hemoglobin measures on a core laboratory complete blood count. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 70 patients presenting for a liver transplant at a single center, tertiary care pediatric hospital over a 3.5-year period. We analyzed 92 contemporaneous pairs of hemoglobin values from the HemoCue and complete blood count, and 252 pairs of hemoglobin values from the iSTAT and complete blood count. Agreement between the point-of-care devices and complete blood count was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, which was the primary outcome. Secondary analyses included an error grid analysis and Cohen's kappa statistic. RESULTS: Both point-of-care devices underestimated complete blood count hemoglobin values and neither device satisfied our a priori-defined clinically acceptable level of agreement that 95% of values would fall within ±1 g/dl of the complete blood count measurement. The mean difference [limits of agreement] of the HemoCue was 0.4 g/dl (p < .001) [-0.9 to 1.6 g/dl] and of the iSTAT was 0.6 g/dl (p < .001) [-1.4 to 2.6 g/dl]. Secondary error grid analysis revealed that neither device performed well enough to replace a complete blood count at critical thresholds of hemoglobin values. CONCLUSIONS: While the HemoCue and iSTAT contribute information in a timely manner during dynamic intraoperative situations, there is significant imprecision compared to the gold standard complete blood count. If clinical stability allows, the results of these point-of-care hemoglobinometers should be confirmed with a complete blood count, rather than being used as the sole factor in determining transfusion needs during pediatric liver transplantation.

Clinical and demographic factors associated with pediatric difficult intravenous access in the operating room.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric intravenous catheter insertion can be difficult in the operating room due to the technical challenges of small diameter vessels and the need to rapidly gain intravenous access in anesthetized children. Few studies have examined factors associated with difficult vascular access in the operating room, especially accounting for the increased possibility to use ultrasound guidance. AIMS: The primary aim of the study was to identify factors associated with pediatric difficult vascular access in the operating room. Our primary hypothesis was that Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and ultrasound use would be associated with pediatric difficult vascular access. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of pediatric patients who had intravenous catheters inserted in the operating room at an academic tertiary care children's hospital from March 2020 to February 2021. We measured associations among patients who were labeled as having difficult vascular access (>2 attempts at access) with demographic, clinical, and hospital factors. RESULTS: 12 728 intravenous catheter insertions were analyzed. Multivariable analysis showed significantly higher odds of difficult vascular access with Black non-Hispanic race (1.43, 95% CI: 1.06-1.93, p = .018), younger age (0.93, 95% CI: 0.89-0.98, p = .005), overweight (1.41, 95% CI: 1.04-1.90, p = .025) and obese body mass index (1.56, 95% 95% CI: 1.12-2.17, p = .008), and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III (1.54, 95% CI:1.11-2.13, p = .01). The attending anesthesiologist compared to all other practitioners (certified registered nurse anesthetist: (0.41, 95% CI: 0.31-0.56, p < .001, registered nurse: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.13-0.48, p < .001, trainee: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.17-0.28, p-value <.001 with attending as reference variable) and ultrasound use (2.61, 95% CI: 1.85-3.69, p < .001) were associated with successful intravenous catheter placement. CONCLUSIONS: Black non-Hispanic race/ethnicity, younger age, obese/overweight body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III, and ultrasound were all associated with pediatric difficult vascular access in the operating room.

Educational Review: Error traps in anesthesia for pediatric liver transplantation.

Anesthetic and surgical techniques for the liver transplantation have progressed considerably over the past sixty years; however, this procedure is still fraught with substantial morbidity. To increase the safety culture associated with the liver transplantation, we detail nine error traps associated with anesthesia for pediatric liver transplantation. These potential pitfalls are divided into the operative phases: pre-operative preparation (Failure to have a dedicated anesthesia team for pediatric liver transplantation); pre-anhepatic (Failure to prepare for massive blood loss, Failure to monitor for coagulation abnormalities); anhepatic including reperfusion (Failure to prepare for clamping of the inferior vena cava, Failure to recognize metabolic changes, Failure to maintain homeostasis for reperfusion, Failure to prepare for Post-reperfusion syndrome); and post-anhepatic (Failure to optimize liver perfusion, Failure to maintain hemostatic balance). By offering practical advice on the preparation and treatment of these error traps, we aim to better prepare anesthesiologists to take care of pediatric patients undergoing the liver transplantation.

Carer and staff perceptions of end-of-life care provision: case of a hospice-at-home service.

People requiring palliative care should have their needs met by services acting in accordance with their wishes. A hospice in the south of England provides such care via a 24/7 hospice at home service. This study aimed to establish how a nurse-led night service supported patients and family carers to remain at home and avoid hospital admissions. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with family carers (n=38) and hospice-at-home staff (n=9). Through night-time phone calls and visits, family carers felt supported by specialist hospice staff whereby only appropriate hospital admission was facilitated. Staff provided mediation between family carer and other services enabling more integrated care and support to remain at home. A hospice-at-home night service can prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and meet patient wishes through specialist care at home.

Use of a simulation-based mastery learning curriculum to improve ultrasound-guided vascular access skills of pediatric anesthesiologists.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric vascular access is inherently challenging due to the small caliber of children's vessels. Ultrasound-guided intravenous catheter insertion has been shown to increase success rates and decrease time to cannulation in patients with difficult intravenous access. Although proficiency in ultrasound-guided intravenous catheter insertion is a critical skill in pediatric anesthesia, there are no published competency-based training curricula. AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of pediatric anesthesiologists who participated in a novel ultrasound-guided intravenous catheter insertion simulation-based mastery learning curriculum. METHODS: Pediatric anesthesia attendings, fellows, and rotating residents participated in the ultrasound-guided intravenous catheter insertion simulation-based mastery learning curriculum from August 2019 to February 2020. The 2-hour curriculum consisted of participants first undergoing a simulated skills pretest followed by watching a video on ultrasound-guided intravenous catheter insertion and deliberate practice on a simulator. Subsequently, all participants took a post-test and were required to meet or exceed a minimum passing standard. Those who were unable to meet the minimum passing standard participated in further practice until they could be retested and met this standard. We compared pre to post-test ultrasound-guided intravenous catheter insertion skills and self-confidence before and after participation in the curriculum. RESULTS: Twenty-six pediatric anesthesia attendings, 12 fellows, and 38 residents participated in the curriculum. At pretest, 16/76 (21%) participants were able to meet or exceed the minimum passing standard. The median score on the pretest was 21/25 skills checklist items correct and improved to 24/25 at post-test (95% CI 3.0-4.0, P < .01). Self-confidence significantly improved after the course from an average of 3.2 before the course to a postcourse score of 3.9 (95% CI 0.5-0.9, P < .01; 1 = Not all confident, 5 = Very confident). CONCLUSIONS: Simulation-based mastery learning significantly improved anesthesiologists' ultrasound-guided intravenous catheter insertion performance in a simulated setting.

Airway Obstruction during Sleep due to Diaphragm Pacing Precludes Decannulation in Young Children with CCHS.

Children with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) have a PHOX2B mutation-induced control of breathing deficit necessitating artificial ventilation as life support. A subset of CCHS families seek phrenic nerve-diaphragm pacing (DP) during sleep with the goal of tracheal decannulation. Published data regarding DP during sleep as life support in the decannulated child with CCHS and related airway dynamics in young children are limited. We report a series of 3 children, ages 3.3-4.3 years, who underwent decannulation. Sleep endoscopy performed during DP revealed varied (oropharynx, supraglottic, glottic, etc.) levels of complete airway obstruction despite modification of pacer settings. Real-time analysis of end tidal CO2 and SpO2 confirmed inadequate gas exchange. Because the families declined re-tracheostomy, all 3 patients rely on noninvasive mask ventilation as a means of life support while asleep. These results emphasize the need for extreme caution in proceeding with tracheal decannulation in young children with CCHS who expect to use DP during sleep as life support. Parents and patients should anticipate that they will depend on noninvasive mask ventilation (rather than DP) during sleep after undergoing decannulation. This information may improve management and guide expectations regarding potential decannulation in young paced children with CCHS.

Perioperative anesthetic management of children with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation undergoing thoracoscopic phrenic nerve-diaphragm pacemaker implantation.

BACKGROUND: Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome and Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation are rare neurocristopathies characterized by autonomic dysregulation including bradyarrhythmias, abnormal temperature control, and most significantly, abnormal control of breathing leading to tracheostomy and ventilator dependence as life support. Surgical advancements have made phrenic nerve-diaphragm pacemakers available, to eliminate the tether to a mechanical ventilator for 12-15 hours each day. The thoracoscopic approach to implantation has allowed for a less invasive approach which may have implications for pain control and recovery time. However, thoracoscopic implantation of these devices presents several challenges to the anesthesiologist in these complex ventilator-dependent patients, including, but not limited to, sequential lung isolation, prevention of hypothermia, and management of arrhythmias. Postoperative challenges may also include strategies to treat hemodynamic instability, managing the ventilator following lung derecruitment, and providing adequate pain control. AIMS: We aimed to describe the anesthetic management of Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome and Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation patients undergoing thoracoscopic phrenic nerve-diaphragm pacemaker implantation and the nature and incidence of perioperative complications. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of 14 children with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome and Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation undergoing phrenic nerve-diaphragm pacemaker implantation at a single academic pediatric hospital between 2009 and 2017. Demographic information, intraoperative management, and perioperative complications were analyzed from patient records. RESULTS: Twelve of 14 patients (86%) underwent an inhalational induction via tracheostomy. Lung isolation was achieved via fiberoptic guidance of a single lumen endotracheal tube sequentially into the right or left mainstem bronchi for 12 patients (86%). Double lumen endotracheal tubes were utilized in two patients (7%) and bronchial blockers in two patients (7%) for lung isolation. Anesthesia was maintained using a balanced technique of volatile agents (sevoflurane/isoflurane) and opioids (fentanyl). Bradyarrhythmias developed in six patients (43%) during surgery, 5 (36%) responded to anticholinergics and one patient (7%) required backup cardiac pacing using a previously implanted bipolar cardiac pacemaker. Intraoperative hypothermia (<35.5°C) was present in five patients (36%) despite the use of warming devices. Hypercarbia (>50 mm Hg) during lung isolation was present in eight patients (57%) and hemoglobin desaturation (<90%) in four patients (29%). Postoperatively, oxygen desaturation was a common complication with nine patients (64%) requiring supplemental oxygen administration via mechanical ventilator or manual bag ventilation. Opioids via patient-controlled analgesia devices (12 patients, 86%) or intermittent injection (two patients, 14%) were administered to all patients for postoperative pain control. Phrenic nerve-diaphragm pacemaker placement was successful thoracoscopically in all patients with no perioperative mortality. CONCLUSION: The main anesthetic challenges in patients with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome and Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation include hemodynamic instability, the propensity to develop hypothermia, hypercarbia/hypoxemia, and the need to perform bilateral sequential lung isolation requisite to the thoracoscopic implantation technique. Most anesthetic agents can be used safely in these patients; however, adequate knowledge of the susceptibility to complications, coupled with adequate preparation and understanding of the innate disease characteristics, are necessary to treat anticipated complications.

ATP and adenosine in the regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise.

Adenosine was identified as a regulator of skeletal muscle blood flow almost 50 years ago. It was first proposed that increased use of ATP during muscle contractions led to net ATP breakdown, and its breakdown product, adenosine, diffused through the interstitial space to the blood stream to be washed away. En-route to its removal, adenosine was suggested to relax the vascular smooth muscle, thereby increasing the blood flow and oxygen supply to the contracting muscle. This mechanism has been researched quite intensively over the years, yet there are still many aspects that remain unclear. It has been confirmed that adenosine does, indeed, relax vascular smooth muscle and contribute to exercise hyperaemia, but the discovery that adenosine was formed extracellularly has shifted the research focus onto its precursor, ATP. ATP is released from many tissues, and produces many effects, including both vasodilation and vasoconstriction, as well as modulation of the neural mechanisms for skeletal muscle blood flow control. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the contributions of adenosine and ATP to the skeletal muscle vasodilation that accompanies contractile activity.

Burnout in Medicine: Are We Asking the Right Questions?

After reviewing a substantial amount of published data on academic physician burnout, we were left pondering the question, "Are we on the right track with combating burnout?" This point-counterpoint manuscript details two opposing viewpoints: 1) the current approach to fighting burnout is working, and 2) resources should be diverted and focus placed on other areas because current interventions are failing physicians. In addressing these points, we discuss four poignant questions that we discovered researching this multifaceted issue: 1) Why do current burnout interventions have limited effects on prevalence over time? 2) Who benefits from the current health care structure (is burnout a profitable and desirable consequence of our work environment)? 3) What organizational conceptual frameworks are most beneficial to improve burnout? 4) How do we take responsibility and seize the ground for our own well-being? Though these differing viewpoints provoked an engaging and lively conversation among our writing team, we all agree on one point. Burnout is an immense problem that affects physicians, patients, and society; therefore, it demands our attention and resources.

Burnout in Academic Physicians.

The prevalence of burnout is much higher in physicians than in other occupations. Academic physicians serve important functions, training future physicians and advancing medical research in addition to doing clinical work. However, they are particularly vulnerable to burnout for reasons including low compensation for teaching, pressure to publish despite a lack of time and declining research funds, and a redistribution of clinical workload due to restrictions on trainee work hours. Junior faculty, women, and marginalized groups are the most affected. Beyond poor physician health and worse patient outcomes, burnout is strongly associated with reduced work effort and an intent to leave the profession. Moreover, physicians are leaving the workforce in record numbers, further increasing the stress on remaining physicians. Combined with a worsening of quality of patient care, this increased rate of physician burnout threatens the viability of health care organizations. This review discusses the causes and consequences of faculty burnout, as well as interventions undertaken for its mitigation.

Patient and Technical Factors Associated with Difficult Arterial Access and Ultrasound Use in the Operating Room.

Arterial catheterization enables continuous hemodynamic monitoring but has been shown to cause severe complications, especially when multiple attempts are required. The aim of this study was to explore what factors were associated with multiple attempts and ultrasound use in the operating room. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had arterial catheters inserted at a tertiary care children's hospital from January 2018 to March 2022, identifying clinical factors that were associated with both outcomes. A total of 3946 successful arterial catheter insertions were included. Multivariable analysis showed multiple attempts were associated with noncardiac surgery: pediatric (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.30-2.51), neurologic (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.89-3.57), orthopedic (OR: 3.23, 95% CI: 2.27-4.55), and non-radial artery placement (OR: 5.00, 95% CI: 3.33-7.14) (all p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed ultrasound use was associated with neonates (OR: 9.6, 95% CI: 4.1-22.5), infants (OR: 6.98, 95% CI: 4.67-10.42), toddlers (OR: 6.10, 95% CI: 3.8-9.8), and children (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7-2.5) compared to teenagers, with cardiac surgery being relative to other specialties-pediatric (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7), neurologic (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18-0.40), and orthopedic (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25-0.58) (all p < 0.001). In our exploratory analysis, increased odds of first-attempt arterial catheter insertion success were associated with cardiac surgery, palpation technique, and radial artery placement. Younger patient age category, ASA III and IV status, cardiac surgery, and anesthesiologist placement were associated with increased odds of ultrasound use.

Use of Simulation-Based Mastery Learning Curriculum to Improve Difficult Conversation Skills Among Anesthesiologists: A Pilot Study.

Background: Breaking bad news (BBN) is an important clinical task for physicians. Unfortunately, there is no standard method to teach and assess these skills of anesthesiologists. Although anesthesiology has become a relatively safe medical specialty, complications still occur that require disclosure to patients and their families. Disclosure of bad news can be a significant source of stress for clinicians, especially for those who have low confidence in their BBN skills. Anesthesiologists' skills in BBN can be improved with simulation-based mastery learning (SBML), an intense form of competency-based learning. Methods: An SBML curriculum was developed using the SPIKES (Situation, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Emotion, Summarize) framework for BBN and the NURSE (Naming, Understanding, Respecting, Supporting, Exploring) statements for expressing empathy. A pretest-posttest study was conducted from March 2020 to June 2022 to evaluate anesthesiologists' performance in BBN. Participants completed a 2-hour curriculum consisting of a pretest, didactic session, deliberate practice with feedback, and a posttest. Anesthesiologists were assessed using a 16-item skills checklist. Results: Six anesthesiology attendings and 14 anesthesiology fellows were enrolled in the study. Three of 20 participants met the minimum passing score (MPS) at the time of their pretest. All study participants met the MPS on their first posttest (P < .001). The median participant confidence in BBN significantly increased (3 to 4, P < .001). Overall course satisfaction in the curriculum was high, with a median score of 5. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that a BBN SBML curriculum for anesthesiologists significantly improved communication skills and confidence in a simulated environment. Because only 3 participants met the MPS before training, our results suggest that anesthesiologists could benefit from further education to gain effective communication skills and that SBML training may be effective to achieve this result.