Identification of Patient-Related and Procedure-Related Factors Contributing to Hypoxemia in Adult Outpatients Undergoing Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

PURPOSE: To assess which patient factors and procedure-related factors contribute to hypoxemia during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and determine whether prophylactic oropharyngeal suctioning reduces the rate of hypoxemia when compared to oropharyngeal suctioning when clinically indicated by patient's coughing or secretions. DESIGN: This was a single-site study taking place at a private practice, outpatient facility with no anesthesia trainees present. Patients were randomized to one of two groups based on birth month. After the administration of sedating medications but before the insertion of the endoscope, Group A was oropharyngeal suctioned by either the anesthesia provider or the proceduralist. Group B was oropharyngeal suctioned only when clinically indicated by coughing or visible copious secretions. METHODS: Data were collected on a variety of patient and procedure-related factors. Associations between these factors and hypoxemia during esophagogastroduodenoscopy were analyzed using the statistical analysis system application JMP. After analysis and literature review, a protocol for prevention and treatment of hypoxemia during EGD was proposed. FINDINGS: This study found that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases the risk for hypoxemia during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. There were no other statistically significant associations between other factors and hypoxemia. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights factors that should be evaluated in the future when considering the risk of hypoxemia during EGD. Although not statistically significant, this study's results indicated that prophylactic oropharyngeal suctioning may reduce rates of hypoxemia, as only 1 of 4 cases of hypoxemia occurred in Group A. Additionally, future studies on hypoxemia during monitored anesthesia care for EGD should include an evaluation of the impact of American Society of Anesthesiologists class, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, body mass index, obstructive sleep apnea, and opioid administration on hypoxemia risk.

Urodynamic autonomic bladder dysfunction in women with complex chronic pelvic pain is associated with small fiber polyneuropathy.

AIMS: Small fiber neuropathy/polyneuropathy (SFN) has been found to be present in 64% of complex (refractory or multisystem) chronic pelvic pain (CPP) patients. The small fiber dysfunction seen in SFN can negatively impact autonomic control of micturition in addition to pain. This study investigated the clinical association of autonomic dysfunction (detrusor underactivity and primary bladder neck obstruction [BNO]) on video urodynamics (VUDS) with SFN in patients with CPP. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study, querying data from patients with complex CPP. Inclusion criteria were: the presence of complex (refractory or multisystem) CPP, and completion of both (1) subspecialty autonomic neurology evaluation for SFN and (2) high-quality VUDS performed according to ICS standards. Autonomic bladder dysfunction (BNO or detrusor underactivity) on VUDS was compared to the presence of SFN. RESULTS: Thirty-two female patients with complex CPP met criteria. Of the 32, 23 (72%) were found to have SFN. Patient with autonomic bladder dysfunction (BNO or detrusor underactivity) were more likely to have SFN (OR = 9.5 [95% CI: 1.641, 55.00], p = 0.007). Post-void residual volume was higher in the SFN group (p = 0.011 [95% CI: 13.12, 94.0]) and symptoms of urge urinary incontinence were more likely to be present (p = 0.000 [95% CI: -3.4, -1.25]). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with complex CPP with autonomic bladder dysfunction are more likely to have SFN. This suggests patients with complex CPP should be considered for diagnosis and treatment of SFN, particularly if BNO or detrusor underactivity is noted on VUDS evaluation.

Perioperative glucose monitoring and treatment of patients undergoing vascular surgery in a community hospital setting.

This article discusses the glucose monitoring and treatment practices of a small community hospital and aims to determine how these practices relate to postoperative complications in patients undergoing vascular surgery. Previous studies in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery have demonstrated that glucose control directly affects outcomes, including length of stay and incidence of infection, stroke, renal failure, myocardial infarction, and readmissions within 30 days of the initial surgery. A retrospective analysis of 101 patients who underwent vascular surgery was performed. After informed consent was obtained, patient charts were reviewed. Perioperative blood glucose levels, frequency of monitoring, treatment practices, and postoperative complications were collected by review of both electronic and paper medical records. Twenty-seven of the 101 patients had a blood glucose level greater than 140 mg/dL preoperatively. Intraoperative blood glucose levels were monitored for 8 patients. Nine patients had blood glucose levels treated during the perioperative period. The threshold for treatment of preoperative hyperglycemia was a blood glucose level of 236 mg/dL. Increased vigilance of perioperative blood glucose levels is needed so that appropriate interventions can be instituted and outcomes improved. Glucometers must be readily available to anesthesia providers so that intraoperative monitoring of blood glucose levels can occur.

Development of a Training Program in Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Placement for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Using an N-of-1 Method.

Patients wait an average of 23 hours for a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in our hospital. Long waits lead to delays in discharge and medication administration. For quality improvement, development of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) PICC line backup service was proposed. This project collected benchmarking data about the current PICC line service over 3 months. The Intravenous (IV) Nursing Unit and the Interventional Radiology Division teams insert an average of 8.1 PICC lines daily, but the demand for PICC lines is 12 insertions per day; thus, the current, combined PICC service meets 66% of its demand. The CRNAs insert IV catheters daily and are eligible to insert PICC lines. A PICC training pro-gram was developed to train a CRNA in a standardized curriculum with simulation using a partial-task trainer. Using an N-of-1 method, the CRNA inserted 10 PICCs over 3 weeks under the guidance of an IV team PICC nurse. The CRNA reached a level of competence in PICC insertion after 10 attempts, with a 70% success rate, in intervals equivalent to those of IV PICC RNs. A CRNA can be trained in a short timeframe as a resource to decrease waiting for patients needing PICC lines.

Validation of PROMIS Physical Function Instruments in Patients With an Orthopaedic Trauma to a Lower Extremity.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability, convergent validity, known-groups validity, and responsiveness of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Mobility Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and PROMIS Physical Function 8a Short Form. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Two Level-I trauma centers. PATIENTS: Eligible adults with an isolated lower extremity trauma injury receiving treatment were approached consecutively (n = 402 consented at time 1, median = 80 days after treatment). After 6 months, 122 (30.3%) completed another assessment. INTERVENTION: Cross-sectional and longitudinal monitoring of patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Floor and ceiling effects, reliability (marginal reliability and Cronbach's alpha), convergent validity, known-groups discriminant validity (weight-bearing status and fracture severity), and responsiveness (Cohen's d effect size) were evaluated for the PROMIS Mobility CAT, PROMIS Physical Function 8a Short Form, and 5 other measures of physical function. RESULTS: PROMIS PFSF8a and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Activities of Daily Living Index had ceiling effects. Both PROMIS measures demonstrated excellent internal consistency reliability (mean marginal reliability 0.94 and 0.96; Cronbach's alpha = 0.96). Convergent validity was supported by high correlations with other measures of physical function (r = 0.70-0.87). Known-groups validity by weight-bearing status and fracture severity was supported as was responsiveness (Mobility CAT effect size = 0.81; Physical Function Short Form 8a = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: The PROMIS Mobility CAT and Physical Function 8a Short Form demonstrated reliability, convergent and known-groups discriminant validity, and responsiveness in a sample of patients with a lower extremity orthopaedic trauma injury.

AO Patient Outcomes Center: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Software Application for the Collection of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Orthopedic Outpatient Clinics.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly utilized in routine orthopedic clinical care. Computer adaptive tests (CATs) from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) offer a brief and precise assessment that is well suited for collection within busy clinical environments. However, software apps that support the administration and scoring of CATs, provide immediate access to patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, and minimize clinician burden are not widely available. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to design, implement, and test the feasibility and usability of a Web-based system for collecting CATs in orthopedic clinics. METHODS: AO Patient Outcomes Center (AOPOC) was subjected to 2 rounds of testing. Alpha testing was conducted in 3 orthopedic clinics to evaluate ease of use and feasibility of integration in clinics. Patients completed an assessment of PROMIS CATs and a usability survey. Clinicians participated in a brief semistructured interview. Beta-phase testing evaluated system performance through load testing and usability of the updated version of AOPOC. In both rounds of testing, user satisfaction, bugs, change requests, and performance of PROMIS CATs were captured. RESULTS: Patient feedback supported the ease of use in completing an assessment in AOPOC. Across both phases of testing, clinicians rated AOPOC as easy to use but noted difficulties in integrating a Web-based software application within their clinics. PROMIS CATs performed well; the default assessment of 2 CATs was completed quickly (mean 9.5 items) with a satisfactory range of measurement. CONCLUSION: AOPOC was demonstrated to be an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use software application for patients and clinicians that can be integrated into orthopedic clinical care. The workflow disruption in integrating any type of PRO collection must be addressed if patients' voices are to be better integrated in clinical care.

Using Evidence-Based Best Practices of Simulation, Checklists, Deliberate Practice, and Debriefing to Develop and Improve a Regional Anesthesia Training Course.

The 2011 Institute of Medicine report on the future of nursing recommended that nurses practice to the full extent of their education and training. Nurse anesthetists in certain regions of the country have been unable to maintain regional anesthesia skills because of anesthesia practice models. Factors including increased patient loads, economic motivators, and desire to maintain skill sets are driving evolution of the anesthesia practice model. In many practices, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) now have the opportunity to expand their practice scope to include regional anesthesia. This has created the need for a pathway to rapidly develop or augment skills for CRNAs who have not been performing regional anesthesia. Well-designed and facilitated simulation methods can be effective for teaching and evaluating clinical skills with incorporation of rigorous assessment instruments to ensure consistency in training outcomes. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the effectiveness of a blended-learning regional anesthesia training curriculum on improving CRNA knowledge, skill, and attitude in regional anesthesia administration as part of a clinical credentialing pathway. Forty-nine CRNAs completed all course components, including meeting all skill training thresholds through deliberate practice and use of validated checklists. Knowledge and confidence levels demonstrated significant gains.

Implementation of Acceleromyography to Increase Use of Quantitative Neuromuscular Blockade Monitoring: A Quality Improvement Project.

Residual neuromuscular blockade creates excess perioperative morbidity. Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring devices may help ensure full recovery from neuromuscular blocking agents and have been demonstrated to reduce complications associated with residual neuromuscular blockade. We studied the effectiveness of educational efforts to introduce quantitative monitoring at a large academic medical center, with predefined main outcome measures of self-reported familiarity with use of the device and actual device uptake. Anonymous surveys of knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward the devices were administered before and after the education effort. Monitor use rates were quantitatively assessed through data entry into the electronic medical record. Before-and-after results were compared by run charts, unpaired t tests (correcting for multiple comparisons), and examination of 99% confidence intervals. Users agreed that residual blockade was an important topic before and after education, and reported improvement in their ability to use the devices after education. Clinical utilization of the monitors increased from 23% to 40% of eligible cases, with the increased rate sustained in the follow-up period. Education, assessed as improved self-reported proficiency, was associated with measurable increases in utilization of new technology. However, the rate of uptake, even when applied to a problem the users agreed was important, was modest.

Development of an Online, Evidence-Based CRNA Preceptor Training Tutorial (CPiTT): A Quality Improvement Project.

Preceptorship is an effective teaching and learning model that is the mainstay of undergraduate and graduate clinical education. It has a well-documented history in healthcare literature dating back to 1946. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who serve as clinical preceptors have the critical job of transferring high-quality patient care and patient safety skills to the student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) they precept. The education of CRNAs in best precepting practices has the potential to enhance this transfer. However, most CRNAs do not receive formal instruction in how to precept SRNAs, which has the potential to limit the CRNA preceptors' effectiveness in this critical educational role. This article describes the iterative development and evaluation of an online, evidence-based CRNA Preceptor Training Tutorial (CPiTT). Four evidence-based precepting modules were developed through expert educators' input and literature review. Feedback from CRNAs (n = 24) and SRNAs (n = 20) in a facilitated evaluation session refined the content. Additional surveys of both CRNAs (n = 97) and SRNAs (n = 36) established current local precepting practices, with gap analysis identifying areas of deficiency, which were incorporated into the learning modules. The final educational program was launched via an online learning management system.

Depression in orthopaedic trauma patients. Prevalence and severity.

BACKGROUND: There is a known connection between physical injury and disability and emotional distress. Several investigators have shown a relationship between trauma, depression, and poor outcomes. The literature on trauma and depression is limited with regard to clarifying the relationship between the degree of injury and depression and the relationship between physical function of patients with less severe injuries and depression. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-one patients who presented to our orthopaedic trauma services were enrolled in the study and interviewed. We obtained information about patient demographics and administered several self-reported outcome measures: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), and the Physical Function-10 (PF-10) subset of the Short Form-36 (SF-36). We documented the nature and severity of the injury or injuries and calculated correlations between the outcome measures and the BDI. Injury-specific factors such as the AO Fracture Classification, the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), the Injury Severity Score (ISS), and the Gustilo and Anderson grade of open fractures were also examined. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of the patients had minimal depression, as measured with the BDI; 28% had moderate depression; 13% had moderate-to-severe depression; and 3.7% had severe depression. When the somatic elements of the BDI were removed, the prevalence of moderate, moderate-to-severe, or severe depression was 26%. The SMFA scores had a strong negative correlation with the BDI (-0.75; p < 0.001). Of the injury-specific factors, only open factures were found to have an impact on the presence of depression, with an odds ratio of 4.58 (95% confidence ratio, 1.57 to 12.35). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of clinically relevant depression approached 45% in a diverse cohort of orthopaedic trauma patients. Global disability is strongly correlated with depression. The presence of an open fracture may also increase the risk of depression. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II.

Public health news frames in North Carolina newspaper coverage of the 100% Tobacco-Free Schools campaign? Sometimes.

OBJECTIVE: News organizations are an important and influential part of the social environment. They identify certain issues by the extent and nature of their coverage. To help explain what public health policy messages may have influenced school policy decisions, this content analysis provides an examination of newspaper coverage of North Carolinas 100% tobacco-free schools campaign. DATA COLLECTION METHODS: Researchers searched LexisNexis for articles published in North Carolina newspapers between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2004 that included variations of "North Carolina tobacco-free schools." Researchers then conducted a descriptive analysis of 138 stories from nine North Carolina newspapers (approximately 4% of all the states newspapers) and used page placement and story type to examine the level of importance placed on the issue. Finally, frames for and against tobacco-free school policies were tracked, along with the presence of key messages presented by 100% TFS advocates. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The volume of news coverage changed throughout the study period, with peaks and valleys closely associated with external "trigger" events. In addition, a majority of the newspaper articles did not include key public health messages. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest an opportunity for public health experts and officials to work more effectively with local journalists to increase the use (and impact) of public health messages in news coverage of tobacco policies affecting youth.

The posterior shearing tibial plateau fracture: treatment and results via a posterior approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to describe the fracture patterns and early results of treatment of posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Thirteen patients identified from prospective trauma database with posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures. INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation through a posterior approach to the knee. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Functional outcome assessed by Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment score and Visual Analogue Scale pain scores. Clinical and radiographic outcome. RESULTS: A consistent fracture pattern was identified with a primary, inferiorly displaced posteromedial shear fracture with variable amounts of lateral condylar impaction. The average duration of clinical patient follow-up was 20 (range, 13-27) months. All fractures healed after index surgery. Two complications (1 wound dehiscence and 1 flexion contracture) were all managed nonoperatively. Three independent surgeons graded patients' articular reduction, with good interobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82). The average Musculoskeletal Function Assessment dysfunction score for the 9 patients who responded was 19.5/100, and average resting Visual Analogue Scale pain score was 1.8 cm/10 cm, indicating good function. The functional outcome score was significantly related to the quality of articular reduction (P < 0.017, R = 0.456). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures form a consistent pattern. They can be successfully managed using a posterior approach with direct reduction and buttress fixation of articular fragments. Quality of articular reduction is one factor that influences short-term functional outcome.

Spatial ecology of the critically endangered Fijian crested iguana, Brachylophus vitiensis, in an extremely dense population: implications for conservation.

The Critically Endangered Fijian crested iguana, Brachylophus vitiensis, occurs at extreme density at only one location, with estimates of >10,000 iguanas living on the 70 hectare island of Yadua Taba in Fiji. We conducted a mark and recapture study over two wet seasons, investigating the spatial ecology and intraspecific interactions of the strictly arboreal Fijian crested iguana. This species exhibits moderate male-biased sexual size dimorphism, which has been linked in other lizard species to territoriality, aggression and larger male home ranges. We found that male Fijian crested iguanas exhibit high injury levels, indicative of frequent aggressive interactions. We did not find support for larger home range size in adult males relative to adult females, however male and female residents were larger than roaming individuals. Males with established home ranges also had larger femoral pores relative to body size than roaming males. Home range areas were small in comparison to those of other iguana species, and we speculate that the extreme population density impacts considerably on the spatial ecology of this population. There was extensive home range overlap within and between sexes. Intersexual overlap was greater than intrasexual overlap for both sexes, and continuing male-female pairings were observed among residents. Our results suggest that the extreme population density necessitates extensive home range overlap even though the underlying predictors of territoriality, such as male biased sexual size dimorphism and high aggression levels, remain. Our findings should be factored in to conservation management efforts for this species, particularly in captive breeding and translocation programs.

The value of the dedicated orthopaedic trauma operating room.

BACKGROUND: Trauma centers and orthopaedic surgeons have traditionally been faced with limited operating room (OR) availability for fracture surgery. Orthopaedic trauma cases are often waitlisted and done late at night. We investigated the feasibility of having an unbooked orthopaedic trauma OR to reduce nighttime cases and improve OR flow. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for two 1 year time periods before and after the introduction of an unbooked trauma OR. The unbooked trauma OR is kept open for urgent and semi-urgent cases from 7:45 am to 5 pm 6 days per week, and is under the control of Orthopaedics; no elective cases are scheduled in the unbooked trauma room. We collected OR time data on two common surgical cases (dynamic hip screw and closed femoral nailing) done before and after introduction of the unbooked orthopaedic trauma OR. We also reviewed data on waitlist cases, surgical time, anesthetic times, OR utilization, and surgical complications before and after the introduction of the unbooked trauma room. RESULTS: The availability of the unbooked trauma OR significantly improved operating suite flow. The proportion of hip fractures done after 5 pm was reduced by 72% (p<0.01). The number of all orthopaedic waitlist cases started after 5 pm was reduced by 6% (p<0.021). The distinct shift toward performing add-on cases during daytime hours resulted in a 6% reduction in OR over-utilization. Closed femoral nailing done at night required significantly more OR time (261 minutes versus 219 minutes, p<0.04). Hip fracture surgeries and femoral nailings done at night were noted to have a higher incidence of surgical complications (p<0.04 and p<0.036). CONCLUSION: The availability of an unbooked orthopaedic trauma room resulted in a measurable shift from performing "add-on" cases to daytime surgery and may reduce complications. We recommend that hospitals and orthopaedic trauma services commit resources toward having an open OR reserved for orthopaedic trauma.

Enhanced nitric oxide activity offsets peripheral vasoconstriction during acute hypoxaemia via chemoreflex and adrenomedullary actions in the sheep fetus.

We tested the hypothesis that enhanced nitric oxide (NO) opposes fetal peripheral vasoconstrictor responses to acute hypoxaemia via actions involving the carotid chemoreflex and the adrenal medulla. The hypothesis was tested in the late gestation ovine fetus using a novel NO clamp technique, which involves fetal combined treatment with the NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME, and the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside. In contrast to treatment with L-NAME alone, combined fetal treatment with L-NAME and nitroprusside prevents generalized vasoconstriction and pronounced hypertension, not only maintaining basal cardiovascular function, but also permitting blockade of the de novo synthesis of NO during hypoxaemia while compensating for the tonic production of the gas. Under general anaesthesia, seven sheep fetuses were surgically prepared with catheters and a femoral Transonic flow probe. Five days after surgery, fetuses were subjected to a 3 h protocol: 1 h normoxia, 1 h hypoxaemia and 1 h recovery. Fetal hypoxaemia was induced during either fetal infusion with saline or treatment with the NO clamp. During saline infusion, fetuses responded to hypoxaemia with transient bradycardia, femoral vasoconstriction and increases in plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline. During fetal treatment with the NO clamp, bradycardia persisted and there were greater peripheral vasoconstrictor and catecholaminergic responses to hypoxaemia. Further analysis showed that NO clamp treatment enhanced the chemoreflex component of the fetal cardiovascular defence to acute hypoxaemia. These data support the hypothesis that enhanced NO synthesis during acute hypoxaemia offsets fetal peripheral vasoconstrictor responses to hypoxaemia via chemoreflex and adrenomedullary actions.