Reliability of Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination Scale Use by Paramedics: Mobile Stroke Unit First-Year Experience.

Background and Purpose: Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination (FAST-ED) scale is a helpful tool to triage patients with stroke in the field. However, data on its reliability in the prehospital setting are lacking. We aim to test the reliability of FAST-ED scale when used by paramedics in a mobile stroke unit covering a metropolitan area. Methods: As part of standard operating mobile stroke unit procedures, paramedics initially evaluated patients. If the event characterized a stroke alert, the FAST-ED score was determined by the paramedic upon patient contact (in-person) and then independently by a vascular neurologist (VN) immediately after paramedic evaluation (remotely/telemedicine). This allowed testing of the interrater agreement of the FAST-ED scoring performance between on-site prehospital providers and remotely located VN. Results: Of a total of 238 patients transported in the first 15 months of the mobile stroke unit's activity, 173 were included in this study. Median age was 63 (interquartile range, 55.5­75) years and 52.6% were females. A final diagnosis of ischemic stroke was made in 71 (41%), transient ischemic attack in 26 (15%), intracranial hemorrhage in 15 (9%), whereas 61 (35%) patients were stroke mimics. The FAST-ED scores matched perfectly among paramedics and VN in 97 (56%) instances, while there was 0 to 1-point difference in 158 (91.3%), 0 to 2-point difference in 171 (98.8%), and 3 or more point difference in 2 (1.1%) patients. The intraclass correlation between VN and paramedic FAST-ED scores showed excellent reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92­0.96; P<0.001). When VN recorded FAST-ED score ≥3, paramedics also scored FAST-ED≥3 in majority of instances (63/71 patients; 87.5%). A large vessel occlusion was identified in 16 (9.2%) patients; 13 occlusions were identified with a FAST-ED≥3 while 3 were missed. All of the latter patients had National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5. Conclusions: We demonstrate excellent reliability of FAST-ED scale performed by paramedics when compared with VN, indicating that it can be accurately performed by paramedics in the prehospital setting.

Taking therapeutic apheresis services to patients in South Africa: An eight year review of SANBS mobile therapeutic apheresis service, 2013-2020.

INTRODUCTION: A 20 year review of health and health care presents the multiple challenges faced by South Africans. Health and poverty is highlighted with 45% of population living on approximately US$ 2 per day and 10 million living on less than US$ 1 per day. Widening disparities in health care provision between public and private sector hospital services exist. The South African population includes the largest number of people living with HIV infection/AIDS of any country in the world, with a 70% estimate of 7.5 million people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. The South African National Blood Service provides a mixed model therapeutic apheresis service including mobile service and fixed-site therapeutic apheresis and an apheresis collection of hematopoietic stem cell (HPC-A) service. Therapeutic apheresis modalities offered by SANBS include plasmapheresis, red cell exchange, leukocyte and platelet reduction. In addition, collection of plasma, thrombocytes, mononuclear cells including CD34+ cells (HPCs) and granulocytes by apheresis for plasma and cellular therapies, and customised apheresis products for research purposes is offered. An operational database for the period 2013 to 2020 was reviewed to characterise the SANBS's mixed therapeutic apheresis service and HPC-A service from 2013 to 2020 in terms of patient numbers, patient demographics, patient procedures, therapeutic apheresis indication or diagnosis, therapeutic apheresis modality, hospital service type, and the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) category of diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of therapeutic apheresis patients referred to SANBS characterising patient numbers, patient demographics, patient procedures, therapeutic apheresis indication or diagnosis, therapeutic apheresis modality (Linz, 2017), hospital service type, and the ASFA category of diagnosis (Padmanabhan et al., 2019) for the period 01 January 2013 to 31 December 2020 was completed. Data is obtained from a SANBS operational routinely utilised to record patient procedure data. Patient procedure data is manually recorded by apheresis nurses and indexed on to the operational database, with both processes audited. The review period is a convenience sample. Storage of the database and access of the operational database is in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (Government Gazette, 2013). Therapeutic apheresis modalities analysed include Plasmapheresis, Red Cell Exchange, Leukopheresis, Thrombocytapheresis, Lymphocyte collection, Granulocyte collection, Haematopoietic stem cell collection by apheresis and customised apheresis products for research purposes. Customised apheresis products for research purposes is excluded from this review. Descriptive statistics is used. RESULTS: For the review period, 2,485 unique patients with 120 unique indications as recorded by referring clinicians received 13,518 procedures involving 7 therapeutic apheresis modalities at 78 hospitals (21 public sector and 57 private sector) and at 3 SANBS blood donor centres in 7 provinces of South Africa. The age range of patients serviced is 4 months to 90 years (median = 39.5 years) (figure 1), 91% by procedure count was for patients 21 years of age or older, 62% were female, with 10,783 (79.6%) procedures performed in public sector hospitals. In all patients, the most common indications was plasmapheresis for thrombotic thromobocytopaenic purpura (52.5% of cumulative procedures), HPC-A for multiple myeloma (7.86%) and Antibody-mediated kidney transplant rejection (4.90%). Plasmapheresis was the most common therapeutic apheresis modality used (82.5% of cumulative procedures) followed by HPC-A (13.7%) and leukoreduction (3.39%). A range of indications for plasmapheresis (n = 65) and HPC-A (n = 41) were observed. Red cell exchange procedures was performed for patients with severe malaria and sickle cell disease indications. For leukoreduction indications, all patients were adults managed in public sector facilities and all were symptomatic. The most common indications were Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia and Multiple Myeloma. A pooled, total white cell count average of 457 × 109/L (range 141-689 × 109/L) prior to first procedure. Despite complex challenges for a national mixed model service, successful patient outcomes in emergent indications such as TTP (Louw et al., 2018; Swart et al., 2019) and engraftment post HPC-A in HSCT in multiple centres (Glatt, personal communication) are reported. CONCLUSION: The review confirms that apheresis medicine is increasingly used in South Africa in patients in both public and private sector, with the most common modalities being plasmapheresis, HPC-A and leukoreduction. Patients with HIV-associated TTP is the most commonly referred patient in both paediatric and adult patients and this is anticipated to continue. A growing HSCT transplant network capacity in South Africa is augmented through the mixed model mobile and fixed-site therapeutic apheresis services, including a mobile HPC-A service. The increasing number of HPC-A is a trend towards increasing numbers of patients support to HSCT for both adults and paediatric patients in private and public sector hospitals.

Comparison of lung image quality between CT Ark and Brilliance 64 CT during COVID-19.

AIM: This study is to compare the lung image quality between shelter hospital CT (CT Ark) and ordinary CT scans (Brilliance 64) scans. METHODS: The patients who received scans with CT Ark or Brilliance 64 CT were enrolled. Their lung images were divided into two groups according to the scanner. The objective evaluation methods of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were used. The subjective evaluation methods including the evaluation of the fine structure under the lung window and the evaluation of the general structure under the mediastinum window were compared. Kappa method was used to assess the reliability of the subjective evaluation. The subjective evaluation results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. SNR and CNR were tested using independent sample t tests. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in somatotype of enrolled subjects. The Kappa value between the two observers was between 0.68 and 0.81, indicating good consistency. For subjective evaluation results, the rank sum test P value of fine structure evaluation and general structure evaluation by the two observers was ≥ 0.05. For objective evaluation results, SNR and CNR between the two CT scanners were significantly different (P<0.05). Notably, the absolute values ​​of SNR and CNR of the CT Ark were larger than Brilliance 64 CT scanner. CONCLUSION: CT Ark is fully capable of scanning the lungs of the COVID-19 patients during the epidemic in the shelter hospital.

A phenomenological study of nurses experience about their palliative approach and their use of mobile palliative care teams in medical and surgical care units in France.

BACKGROUND: Despite a broad consensus and recommendations, numerous international reports or studies have shown the difficulties of implementing palliative care within healthcare services. The objective of this study was to understand the palliative approach of registered nurses in hospital medical and surgical care units and their use of mobile palliative care teams. METHODS: Qualitative study using individual in depth semi-structured interviews and focus group of registered nurses. Data were analyzed using a semiopragmatic phenomenological analysis. Expert nurses of mobile palliative care team carried out this study. 20 registered nurses from three different hospitals in France agreed to participate. RESULTS: Nurses recognize their role as being witnesses to the patient's experience through their constant presence. This is in line with their professional values and gives them an "alert role" that can anticipate a patient-centered palliative approach. The physician's positioning on palliative care plays a key role in its implementation. The lack of recognition of the individual role of the nurse leads to a questioning of her/his professional values, causing inappropriate behavior and distress. According to nurses, "rethinking care within a team environment" allows for the anticipation of a patient-centered palliative approach. Mobile Palliative Care Team highlights the major role of physicians-nurses "balance" while providing personal and professional support. CONCLUSIONS: The Physician's positioning and attitude toward palliative approach sets the tone for its early implementation and determines the behavior of different staff members within healthcare service. "Recognition at work", specifically "recognition of the individual role of nurse" is an essential concept for understanding what causes the delay in the implementation of a palliative approach. Interprofessional training (physicians and nurses) could optimize sharing expertise. Registered nurses consider MPCT as a "facilitating intermediary" within the healthcare service improving communication. Restoring a balance in sharing care and decision between physicians and other caregivers lead care teams to an anticipated and patient-centered palliative approach according to guidelines.

Association between clinical observations and a mobile crisis team's level of care recommendations.

Mobile mental health crisis programs are a widely used and valuable community resource. Literature analyzing the service, however, is sparse and descriptive in nature. This study uses multinomial logistic regression to analyze clinical data from a mobile crisis program in Pennsylvania over 12 months. 793 individuals recommended to various levels of care were analyzed. Clinical and demographic presentations were used as predictor variables and level of care recommendation as outcome variable. Several clinical presentations were found to increase the likelihood of various levels of care recommendations. These findings are discussed in light of current suicide intervention and data-driven practice.

[Interest of extrahospital multidisciplinary unit of neuro-psycho-geriatric intervened in nursing home: Analysis of 288 interventions]. / Intérêt d'une unité mobile multidisciplinaire extra-hospitalière de neuro-psychogériatrie intervenant en EHPAD : analyse de 288 interventions.

INTRODUCTION: Geriatrics Mobile Units are a new organisation operating in nursing homes. Their mission is to propose globally oriented neuro-psychiatric and geriatric care. The purpose of the study is to assess their activity and impact over a 21-month period. METHOD: A prospective single center study of UMNPG's data including intervention characteristics, patient characteristics, recommendations and reassessment after intervention. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version (NPI-NH) was measured during intervention and reassessed after 30 days (Student's t-test). RESULTS: From March 2014 to December 2015, UMNPG conducted 288 interventions mainly for medical advices (81%), clinical assessments (54%) and health care team support (46%). The average age was 84.6±7.3years, 73.3% of whom were women. The patients were dependent (62% of GIR 1 or 2) with dementia (60%) and under several medications (83.7%). The symptoms were mainly agitation/aggression (76.4%), anxiety (75%), depression (66.7%), irritability (60.4%), aberrant motor behaviour (55.9%) and delusions (48.6%). The main proposals of UMNPG were a change in treatment (79.5%), a health care team support (85.4%) and hospitalization (8.4%). The rate of follow-up on recommendation was 83% on the 15th day and 80% on the 30th day. The rate of avoided hospitalizations was 16%. The average NPI-NH decreased (on day 0 NPI=50±19.2; on day 30 NPI=33.9±19.6, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: UMNPG-EHPAD intervenes for frail elderly residents with multiple disorders in crisis situations. Medical recommendations help to support people in nursing homes and decrease NPI-NH. UMNPG-EHPAD is part of geriatric network strengthening the city/hospital connection.

Challenges in Implementing International Standards for the Field Hospital Emergency Department in a Disaster Zone: The Israeli Experience.

BACKGROUND: Medical response to world disasters has too often been poorly coordinated and nonprofessional. To improve this, several agencies, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), have developed guidelines to provide accreditation for Foreign Medical Teams (FMTs). There are three levels, with the highest known as FMT Type-3 providing outpatient as well as inpatient surgical emergency care in addition to inpatient referral care. In November 2016, the WHO certified the Israel Defense Forces Field Hospital as the first FMT Type-3. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article are to describe the challenges in implementing these international standards for the field hospital emergency department in a disaster zone. DISCUSSION: There are general standards for all levels of FMTs, as well as specific requirements for the FMT-3. These include a mechanism of appropriate triage, two operating suites, 40 regular beds, four to six intensive care unit beds, radiology facilities, and various staff specialties. Despite the sophistication of the field hospital, there are many challenges. Logistical challenges include constructing the hospital in a disaster zone and equipment issues. There are staff challenges such as becoming oriented to a new and difficult environment. Patient challenges include cultural differences, language barriers, and issues of follow-up. There are often ethical challenges unique to the disaster zone. CONCLUSION: By presenting the experience and challenges of the first FMT Type-3, we hope that more countries can join this initiative and improve disaster care throughout the world.

Evaluation of the mobile nurse training (MNT) intervention - a step towards improvement in intrapartum practices in Bihar, India.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that improving the quality of intrapartum care is critical for maternal survival. However, a significant rise in the proportion of facility-based births over the last decade in India - attributable to a cash transfer program - has not resulted in a corresponding reduction in maternal mortality, thanks, in part, to low-skilled care at facilities. The current study evaluated a mobile knowledge-based intervention aimed at improving quality of care by mentoring in-service staff nurses at public obstetric facilities. METHODS: An independent evaluation team conducted baseline and post-intervention assessments at every facility using a mix of methods that included training assessments and Direct Observation of Deliveries. The assessment involved passive observation of pregnant women from the time of their admission at the facility and recording the obstetric events and delivery-related practices on a pre-formatted checklist-based tool. Maternal practices were classified into positive and negative ones and scored. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of MNT intervention with summary scores for positive, negative and overall practice scores. We evaluated retention of intervention effect by comparing the summary scores at baseline, immediately following intervention and 1 year after intervention. RESULTS: In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, the intervention was found to be significantly associated with improvement in positive practice score (Unadjusted: parameter estimate (ß) = 16.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 15.20, 18.60. Adjusted: ß = 13.14; 95% CI = 10.97, 15.32). The intervention was also significantly associated with changes in negative practice score, which was reverse coded to represent positive change (Unadjusted: ß = 11.66; 95% CI = 10.06, 13.27. Adjusted: ß = 2.99; 95% CI = 1.35, 4.63), and overall practice score (Unadjusted: ß = 15.74; 95% CI = 14.39, 17.08; Adjusted: ß = 10.89; 95% CI = 9.18, 12.60). One year after the intervention, negative practices continued to improve, albeit at a slower rate; positive labor practices and overall labor practice remained higher than the baseline but with some decline over time. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that in low resource settings, interventions to strengthen quality of human resources and care through mentoring works to improve intrapartum maternal care.

Do mobile clinics provide high-quality antenatal care? A comparison of care delivery, knowledge outcomes and perception of quality of care between fixed and mobile clinics in central Haiti.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal care (ANC) is an important health service for women in developing countries, with numerous proven benefits. Global coverage of ANC has steadily increased over the past 30 years, in part due to increased community-based outreach. However, commensurate improvements in health outcomes such as reductions in the prevalence of maternal anemia and infants born small-for-gestational age have not been achieved, even with increased coverage, indicating that quality of care may be inadequate. Mobile clinics are one community-based strategy used to further improve coverage of ANC, but their quality of care delivery has rarely been evaluated. METHODS: To determine the quality of care of ANC in central Haiti, we compared adherence to national guidelines between fixed and mobile clinics by performing direct observations of antenatal care consultations and exit interviews with recipients of care using a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Outcome variables were eight components of care, and women's knowledge and perception of care quality. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the predicted proportion or probability of recommended services for four of eight care components, including intake, laboratory examinations, infection control, and supplies, iron folic acid supplements and Tetanus Toxoid vaccine provided to women. These care components were more likely performed in fixed clinics, except for distribution of supplies, iron-folic acid supplements, and Tetanus Toxoid vaccine, more likely provided in mobile clinics. There were no differences between clinic type for the proportion of total physical exam procedures performed, health and communication messages delivered, provider communication or documentation. Women's knowledge about educational topics was poor, but women perceived extremely high quality of care in both clinic models. CONCLUSIONS: Although adherence to guidelines differed by clinic type for half of the care components, both clinics had a low percentage of overall services delivered. Efforts to improve provider performance and quality are therefore needed in both models. Mobile clinics must deliver high-quality ANC to improve health and nutrition outcomes.

Mobile electrodiagnostic laboratories provide substandard patient care: An educational report.

INTRODUCTION: Mobile electrodiagnostic (EDx) laboratories often do not appear to comply with Medicare rules or the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) standards. METHODS: The AANEM Professional Practice Committee reached a consensus based on expert opinion on the typical deficiencies of EDx studies performed by mobile EDx laboratories and made recommendations on proper performance. RESULTS: Mobile EDx laboratories should be registered as independent diagnostic testing facilities (IDTFs) and be held to the standards established by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Testing performed in a mobile EDx laboratory is often performed: (1) without a physical exam by a qualified EDx physician; (2) without adequate physician supervision; (3) without interpretation "on site" or in "real time"; (4) without an accompanying needle electromyography study; and (5) with an excessive number of tests. CONCLUSIONS: The AANEM recommends that payers require companies that perform studies in a mobile EDx laboratory but have failed to register as an IDTF to be held to the standards listed in the federal rules.

Survey of patient perceptions towards short-term mobile medical aid for those living in a medically underserved area of Swaziland.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of short-term medical missions (STMMs) are being dispatched to provide humanitarian healthcare; however, extensive investigations on how recipient patients perceive STMMs are lacking. The current study evaluated the perceptions of patients toward medical services provided by a Taiwanese STMM in a resource-poor area of Swaziland. METHODS: A structured questionnaire survey was completed by patients who had received medical services from the medical mission of Taipei Medical University in Swaziland in July 2014. RESULTS: In total, 349 questionnaires were valid for the analysis. More respondents were female than male (69.6% vs 30.4%). The most common chief complaint was musculoskeletal problems (45.8%), followed by respiratory symptoms (35.0%). Most of the patients stated that their overall experience with the medical services was excellent (91.4%). Universal patients would like to see the service provided in the future (99.7%). Nearly 90% of the patients were aware of how to take care of the medical problem they were diagnosed with. A majority of the patients comprehended what their medical providers said. Only a few patients did not understand what physicians said (5.2%). CONCLUSION: Medical services provided by the STMM were helpful in resolving patients' problems. The data have crucial implications for evaluating overseas mobile medical aid from the viewpoint of patients.

[The locations of mobile geriatric teams in France]. / Les équipes mobiles de gériatrie en France.

Mobile geriatric teams fulfil several missions in healthcare facilities. They work within and outside hospitals. A nationwide study was carried out in 2011 and a task force was created within the French geriatric and gerontology society (SFGG) to standardise the practices of these teams in France and emphasise their place at the heart of the health care pathway of the elderly.

Sedation assessment in a mobile intensive care unit: a prospective pilot-study on the relation of clinical sedation scales and the bispectral index.

INTRODUCTION: The critically-ill undergoing inter-hospital transfers commonly receive sedatives in continuation of their therapeutic regime or to facilitate a safe transfer shielded from external stressors. While sedation assessment is well established in critical care in general, there is only little data available relating to the special conditions during patient transport and their effect on patient sedation levels. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the feasibility and relationship of clinical sedation assessment (Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)) and objective physiological monitoring (bispectral index (BIS)) during patient transfers in our Mobile-ICU. METHODS: The levels of sedation of 30 pharmacologically sedated patients were evaluated at 12 to 17 distinct measurement points spread strategically over the course of a transfer by use of the RASS and BIS. To investigate the relation between the RASS and the BIS, Spearman's squared rank correlation coefficient (ρ(2)) and the Kendall's rank correlation coefficient (τ) were calculated. The diagnostic value of the BIS with respect to the RASS was investigated by its sensitivity and positive predictive value for possible patient awakening. Therefore, measurements were dichotomized considering a clinically sensible threshold of 80 for BIS-values and classifying RASS values being nonnegative. RESULTS: Spearman's rank correlation resulted to ρ(2) = 0.431 (confidence interval (CI) = 0.341 to 0.513). The Kendall's correlation coefficient was calculated as τ = 0.522 (CI = 0.459 to 0.576). Awakening of patients (RASS ≥ 0) was detected by a BIS value of 80 and above with a sensitivity of 0.97 (CI = 0.89 to 1.00) and a positive predictive value of 0.59 (CI = 0.45 to 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the BIS-Monitor can be used for the assessment of sedation levels in the intricate environment of a Mobile-ICU, especially when well-established clinical scores as the RASS are impracticable. The use of BIS is highly sensitive in the detection of unwanted awakening of patients during transfers.

Foreign field hospitals after the 2010 Haiti earthquake: how good were we?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the timing and activities of foreign field hospitals (FFH) deployed during the first month after the Haiti earthquake and to evaluate adherence to WHO/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) guidelines. Results were compared with data from past sudden-onset disasters. METHODS: A systematic attempt was made to contact all relief actors within the health care sector involved in the 12 January through 12 February 2010 FFH deployment. This was done using an email-based questionnaire and a web survey. In addition, the authors undertook a literature review using PubMed and the Google search engine between March 2010 and May 2011. The authors contacted key informants and agencies identified by direct observations in the field by email or phone. RESULTS: A total of 44 FFH were identified. The first FFH was operational on day two post-earthquake. The number of FFH beds peaked at about 3300 on day 17 post-earthquake. During the first month, the authors estimate that FFH conducted no more than 12 000 major surgical operations. While 25% of the FFH adhered to either WHO/PAHO first essential deployment requirements, none followed both requirements of WHO/PAHO. Compared with the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, twice as many FFH provided medical care, resulting in three times more FFH beds. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that more FFH were sent to Haiti than to any previous sudden-onset disasters, but due to lack of data and transparency it remains impossible to determine to what extent did the first wave of FFH do any good in Haiti.

Crew and patient safety in ambulances: results of a personnel survey and experimental side impact crash test.

INTRODUCTION: Ambulance drivers often travel under stressful conditions at high speed while using vehicles with poor high-speed maneuverability. The occupant safety of ambulance vehicles has not yet been addressed by the automotive safety paradigm; particularly for the rear patient compartment. This study had two objectives: (1) to assess by survey the French Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to determine the layout of the vehicle most often used and the EMS personnel's behavior during transport; and (2) to conduct a crash test to analyze the injuries which may affect EMS personnel and patients in the rear patient compartment. METHOD: Firstly, a survey was distributed to the 50 largest metropolitan French EMS programs. Secondly, a crash test was performed with a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) in conditions closest to reality. RESULTS: Forty-nine of the 50 biggest metropolitan French EMS programs responded to the survey. This represents 108 French MICUs. During the last three years, 12 of 49 EMS programs (24%) identified at least one accident with an MICU, and six of these 12 (50%) suffered at least one death in those accidents. A crash test using a typical French EMS MICU showed that after impact of a collision, the ambulance was moved more than five meters with major consequences for all passengers. A study-approved human cadaver placed in the position of a potential patient was partially thrown from the stretcher with a head impact. The accelerometric reaction of the anthropomorphic manikin head was measured at 48G. CONCLUSION: The crash test demonstrated a lack of safety for EMS personnel and patients in the rear compartment. It would be preferable if each piece of medical equipment were provided with a quick release system resistant to three-dimensional 10G forces. The kinetic changes undergone by the "patient" substitute on the stretcher would probably have an effect of causing injury pathology. This study highlights the need for more research and development in this area.

Knowledgeable Neighbors: a mobile clinic model for disease prevention and screening in underserved communities.

The Family Van mobile health clinic uses a "Knowledgeable Neighbor" model to deliver cost-effective screening and prevention activities in underserved neighborhoods in Boston, MA. We have described the Knowledgeable Neighbor model and used operational data collected from 2006 to 2009 to evaluate the service. The Family Van successfully reached mainly minority low-income men and women. Of the clients screened, 60% had previously undetected elevated blood pressure, 14% had previously undetected elevated blood glucose, and 38% had previously undetected elevated total cholesterol. This represents an important model for reaching underserved communities to deliver proven cost-effective prevention activities, both to help control health care costs and to reduce health disparities.

Inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients; expect surprises.

INTRODUCTION: Inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients is increasing. When performed by specialized retrieval teams there are less adverse events compared to transport by ambulance. These transports are performed with technical equipment also used in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). As a consequence technical problems may arise and have to be dealt with on the road. In this study, all technical problems encountered while transporting patients with our mobile intensive care unit service (MICU) were evaluated. METHODS: From March 2009 until August 2011 all transports were reviewed for technical problems. The cause, solution and, where relevant, its influence on protocol were stated. RESULTS: In this period of 30 months, 353 patients were transported. In total 55 technical problems were encountered. We provide examples of how they influenced transport and how they may be resolved. CONCLUSION: The use of technical equipment is part of intensive care medicine. Wherever this kind of equipment is used, technical problems will occur. During inter-hospital transports, without extra personnel or technical assistance, the transport team is dependent on its own ability to resolve these problems. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of having some technical understanding of the equipment used and the importance of training to anticipate, prevent and resolve technical problems. Being an outstanding intensivist on the ICU does not necessarily mean being qualified for transporting the critically ill as well. Although these are lessons derived from inter-hospital transport, they may also apply to intra-hospital transport.

Mobile decontamination units-room for improvement?

INTRODUCTION: Mobile decontamination units are intended to be used at the accident site to decontaminate persons contaminated by toxic substances. A test program was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of mobile decontamination units. OBJECTIVE: The tests included functionality, methodology, inside environment, effects of wind direction, and decontamination efficacy. METHODS: Three different types of units were tested during summer and winter conditions. Up to 15 test-persons per trial were contaminated with the imitation substances Purasolve ethyl lactate (PEL) and methyl salicylate (MES). Decontamination was carried out according to standardized procedures. During the decontamination trials, the concentrations of the substances inside the units were measured. After decontamination, substances evaporating from test-persons and blankets as well as remaining amounts in the units were measured. RESULTS: The air concentrations of PEL and MES inside the units during decontamination in some cases exceeded short-term exposure limits for most toxic industrial chemicals. This was a problem, especially during harmful wind conditions, i.e., wind blowing in the same direction as persons moving through the decontamination units. Although decontamination removed a greater part of the substances from the skin, the concentrations evaporating from some test-persons occasionally were high and potentially harmful if the substances had been toxic. The study also showed that blankets placed in the units absorbed chemicals and that the units still were contaminated five hours after the end of operations. CONCLUSIONS: After decontamination, the imitation substances still were present and evaporating from the contaminated persons, blankets, and units. These results indicate a need for improvements in technical solutions, procedures, and training.

[Emergency obstetrics: the resuscitation mobile center experience].

This article is devoted to topical problem in obstetrics critical states therapy and reflects long-term experience of resuscitation mobile center of S.P. Botkin hospital. Epidemiology of critical state in obstetrics and modern approaches to treatment of these conditions are considered on a voluminous clinical data. Mobile telemedical complexes and multidisciplinary consultations are used for decision-making optimization in difficult clinical situations. The modern concept of anaesthesiology safety level increase is presented. This organizational approach, mobile forms of anaesthesiology and resuscitation care are utterly effective and economically reasonable in Moscow obstetric care system.