The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family medicine residency training.

BACKGROUND: Family physicians have played a unique clinical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that the pandemic would be associated with significant deleterious effects on clinical activity, educational training, personal safety and well-being. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a national survey to obtain preliminary data that would assist in future targeted data collection and subsequent evaluation of the impact of the pandemic on family medicine residents and teaching faculty. METHODS: An anonymous online survey of residents and faculty was distributed via the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors list serve between 5/21/2020 and 6/18/2020. Survey questions focused on clinical and educational activities, safety and well-being. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three residents and 151 teaching faculty participated in the survey. Decreased clinical activity was noted by 81.5% of residents and 80.9% of faculty and the majority began conducting telehealth visits (97.9% of residents, 91.0% of faculty). Distance learning platforms were used by all residents (100%) and 39.6% noted an overall positive impact on their education. Higher levels of burnout did not significantly correlate with reassignment of clinical duties (residents P = 0.164; faculty P = 0.064). Residents who showed significantly higher burnout scores (P = 0.035) and a decline in levels of well-being (P = 0.031) were more likely to participate in institutional well-being support activities. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data indicate that family medicine residents and teaching faculty were profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies can be directed by current findings with focus on mitigation factors in addressing globally disruptive events such as COVID-19.

Family physicians have played a unique clinical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that the pandemic would be associated with significant deleterious effects on clinical activity, educational training, personal safety and well-being. Towards setting a foundation for further studies, we conducted a national survey to obtain preliminary data that would assist in future targeted data collection and subsequent evaluation of the impact of the pandemic on family medicine residents and teaching faculty. Our preliminary data indicate that family medicine residents and teaching faculty were profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in all domains studied. Future studies can be directed by current findings with focus on mitigation factors in addressing globally disruptive events such as COVID-19.

Proactive Coaching in General Surgery Internship: Incorporating Well-being Practices into Resident Professional Life.

OBJECTIVE: Coaching can provide learners with space to reflect on their performance while ensuring well-being and encouraging professional achievement and personal satisfaction outside of traditional mentorship and teaching models. We hypothesized that a proactive coaching program for general surgery interns coupled with individualized learning plans would help build foundational skills necessary for residency success and facilitate the incorporation of well-being practices into resident professional life. Here, we present the development, implementation, and outcomes of a novel well-being coaching program for surgical interns. DESIGN AND SETTING: A well-being coaching program was developed and implemented from July 2020 through June 2021 at a single university-based surgical residency program. To assess impact of the coaching program, we designed a mixed-methods study incorporating end-of-program survey results as well as participant narratives from commitment-to-act statements for thematic content. PARTICIPANTS: All 32 general surgery interns participated in aspects of the coaching program. RESULTS: The end-of-program survey was completed by 19/32 (59%) interns and commitment-to-act statements were completed by 22/32 (69%). The majority (89%) of survey respondents "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that the longitudinal intern coaching program helped them reach goals they had set for themselves this academic year; 15/19 (79%) noted that the coaching experience was effective in promoting well-being practices in their life. Well-being and professional goals were identified as major themes in the end-of-the-year commitment-to-act statements. Statements specifically mentioned resources highlighted and skills taught in our coaching program such as mindfulness techniques, gratitude journals, and self-compassion strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Our study illustrates the effectiveness of a coaching pilot program on promoting well-being practices in a university-based general surgery internship and can be a roadmap with proven efficacy and measurable outcomes.

An Interprofessional Approach to Chronic Pain Management and Education.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The opioid epidemic highlights the importance of evidence-based practices in the management of chronic pain and the need for improved resident education focused on chronic pain treatment and controlled substance use. We present the development, implementation, and outcomes of a novel, long-standing interprofessional safe prescribing committee (SPC) and resulting policy, protocol, and longitudinal curriculum to address patient care and educational gaps in chronic pain management for residents in training. METHODS: The SPC developed and implemented an opioid prescribing policy, protocol, and longitudinal curriculum in a single, community-based residency program. We conducted a postcurriculum survey for resident graduates to assess impact of knowledge gained. We conducted a retrospective chart review for patients on chronic opioid therapy to assess change in morphine equivalent dosing (MED) and pain scores pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: A postcurriculum survey was completed by 20/26 (77%) graduates; 18/20 (90%) felt well-equipped to manage chronic pain based on their residency training experience. We completed a retrospective chart review on 57 patients. We found a significant decrease in MED (-20.34 [SE 5.12], P<.0001) at intervention visit with MED reductions maintained through the postintervention period (-9.43 per year additional decrease [SE 5.25], P=.073). We observed improvement in postintervention pain scores (P=.017). CONCLUSIONS: Our study illustrates the effectiveness of an interprofessional committee in lowering prescribed opioid doses and enhancing chronic pain education in a community-based residency setting.

Acute Ocular Effects of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Nerve Block.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to measure acute ocular effects in patients undergoing routine sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) nerve block for headache. Projections from the SPG influence blood flow to the eye which may influence intraocular pressure (IOP). There are limited animal and human studies investigating the relationship between the SPG and its effect on the eye. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-site, investigator-initiated, single-visit, prospective study. Participants were aged 18-85 years old who had consented to SPG nerve block for headache. The primary outcome measures were change in near visual acuity (NVA) and IOP pre-procedure to immediately post-procedure. Additional data collected included pupil diameter and presence of any ocular or visual complaints. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were enrolled in the study. Average pre-procedure IOP was 14.2 mm Hg [standard deviation (SD) 3.8] in the right eye and 13.7 mm Hg (SD 3.2) in the left eye. Average post-procedure IOP was 14.8 mm Hg (SD 3.8) in the right eye and 14.2 mm Hg (SD 2.9) in the left eye. Neither the right nor left eye experienced a statistically significant change in IOP after SPG block. There were no statistically significant changes in average NVA or pupil diameter in either eye. There were no adverse events. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This pilot study suggests no significant acute changes in IOP or other ocular parameters after SPG block for headache disorders and supports the fact that the procedure is safe as it relates to ocular health. The ocular effects of SPG blockade merit further study in a larger cohort of patients. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Siegel DT, Ertel MK, Patnaik JL, et al. Acute Ocular Effects of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Nerve Block. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2020;14(2):57-60.

What Works for Managing Chronic Pain: An Appreciative Inquiry Qualitative Analysis.

Background: Chronic pain is a prevalent and dynamic condition for both patients and providers. Learning how patients with chronic pain successfully manage their pain may prove helpful in guiding health care providers in their treatment of other patients with chronic pain. This research sought to identify successful strategies for managing chronic pain from interviews with individuals experiencing chronic pain who were able to do "most of what they want on most days." Methods: Qualitative, descriptive study. Patients were from metro Denver, Colorado, USA and were recruited from community and health care settings. Appreciative inquiry (AI) was used as an approach to elicit stories of successful pain management. We conducted one-on-one, in person interviews using a semistructured interview guide. Analysis was completed using a grounded hermeneutic editing approach. Results: Twenty-four interviews were completed representing a range of adult ages, genders, race/ethnicities, and underlying reasons for chronic pain. Consistent themes were found in that all patients had developed multiple strategies for ongoing pain management and prevention, as well as a mental approach embedded with elements of positive beliefs and determination. Friends, family, support group members, and health care providers were key in support and ongoing management. Although 10 patients regularly used opioid pain medications, none were dependent, and all stated an active desire to avoid these medications. Conclusions: Successful chronic pain management seems possible as displayed from the patient narratives but requires persistence through individual trial and error. Recommendations for health care provider teams are made to apply these findings to assist patients with chronic pain.

NQO1 expression in pancreatic cancer and its potential use as a biomarker.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is rarely curable due to regional/metastatic spread at diagnosis. Identification of molecular markers may enhance diagnosis and early detection of PDA. The 2-electron reductase, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) has been found to be overexpressed in many solid tumors including PDA, and may be a useful clinically relevant diagnostic marker of malignancy. For this study, we used 37 surgical resection cases: 24 PDAs and 13 benign pancreatic tissue specimens. An additional 16 specimens from pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) were included as a pilot series. NQO1 was detected by avidin-biotin based immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical methods. Both staining intensity and proportion of NQO1 positive tumor cells were scored. Moderate to strong (2 to 3+) staining for NQO1 was detected in 22/24 (92%) surgically resected PDAs, 9/9 (100%) EUS-FNAs with malignant diagnoses, one cytologically atypical but not diagnostic for malignancy EUS-FNA, and 1/6 (17%) EUS-FNAs initially diagnosed as negative for malignancy. Subsequent histologic assessment confirmed malignancy in all 9 cytologically positive EUS-FNAs and in the atypical case. The NQO1 positive case initially diagnosed as negative for malignancy showed no evidence of carcinoma on subsequent tissue biopsy. NQO1 staining was also observed in some benign ducts/cells; however, correlation of NQO1 expression with cellular morphology assessment minimizes the risk of false positive diagnosis. NQO1 is consistently overexpressed in PDA. Although NQO1 is observed in some benign tissue components, this marker may be a clinically useful diagnostic adjunct for detection of PDA, independent of tumor grade/stage.

Transpapillary cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy in patients with difficult bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There are limited prospective data and long-term follow-up on cholangioscopy-directed management of difficult bile duct stones. The study objectives were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy in patients who had failed standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques and to determine the stone recurrence rate. METHODS: Consecutive patients with biliary stones referred for cholangioscopy after failure of conventional stone therapy were enrolled and followed prospectively. RESULTS: Between February 2000-October 2004, 32 consecutive patients had cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy (30 electrohydraulic lithotripsy, 2 mechanical) after a mean of 3.3 (range, 2-14) failed ERCPs. Stones were intrahepatic (N = 8); extrahepatic (N = 18); or both (N = 6). Biliary strictures were present in 20 (63%) patients. Cholangioscopy identified additional stones not seen at ERCP in 9 (28%) patients. A mean of 1.4 lithotripsy sessions achieved complete (N = 26, 81%), partial (N = 5, 16%), or failed (N = 1, 3%) stone clearance. Follow-up was available in 28 (88%) patients for a mean of 29.2 months (95% confidence interval, 20.3-38.1 months). Stone recurrence occurred in 4 of 22 (18%) patients with complete clearance and follow-up data; 3 had primary sclerosing cholangitis. There were 2 minor periprocedural complications and 1 late complication. CONCLUSIONS: Cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy is a safe and effective treatment in patients who have failed standard ERCP stone removal techniques. Stone recurrence is low in patients who had complete stone clearance except in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Cholangioscopy detects stones missed by cholangiography.

The Fit Family Challenge: A Primary Care Childhood Obesity Pilot Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has increased dramatically over several decades, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended primary care practices as ideal sites for the identification, education, and implementation of therapeutic interventions. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation and results for the Fit Family Challenge (FFC), a primary care-based childhood obesity intervention. METHODS: A single-intervention pilot project that trains primary care practices on childhood obesity guidelines and implementation of a family-focused behavior modification curriculum. A total of 29 family medicine and pediatric community practices in Colorado participated. Participants included 290 patients, aged 6 to 12 years, with a body mass index (BMI) above the 85th percentile. The main outcome measure included the feasibility of implementation of a childhood obesity program in primary care; secondary outcomes were changes in BMI percentile, BMI z-scores, blood pressure, and changes in lifestyle factors related to childhood obesity. RESULTS: Implementation of FFC is feasible, statically significant changes were seen for decreases in BMI percentile and BMI z-scores for participants who completed 9 to 15 months of follow-up; lifestyle factors related to childhood obesity in proved Spanish-speaking families and food insecurity were associated with less follow-up time (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A primary care-based childhood obesity intervention may result in significant clinical and lifestyle changes.

Tafluprost: a novel prostaglandin analog for treatment of glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tafluprost, a fluoroprostaglandin receptor analog, for reduction of intraocular pressure in open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. METHODS: A search of published literature was performed on the PubMed database using the search term "tafluprost." The literature search identified 48 publications, including clinical and preclinical studies, from 2003 to 2011. From these ressults, articles available in the English language and in full text were selected and systematically reviewed by the authors. RESULTS: Recent studies have shown that tafluprost is an effective IOP-lowering medication. Evidence based medicine also reveals that tafluprost is safe and well-tolerated. Preservative-free tafluprost is as potent as the preserved formulation, but with fewer and milder ocular surface side effects. CONCLUSION: Since its introduction in 2008, initial studies have demonstrated that preserved and preservative-free tafluprost formulations have proven efficacy and safety in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to assess long-term safety, efficacy, and tolerability compared with other prostaglandin analogs used for treating glaucoma.

Detection of B7-H4 and p53 in pancreatic cancer: potential role as a cytological diagnostic adjunct.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared p53 expression with B7-H4, a novel cancer biomarker, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) resection specimens and in a pilot series of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirations (EUS-FNAs). METHODS: B7-H4 and p53 expression were evaluated by immunoperoxidase methods in 36 PDA and 15 EUS-FNA specimens and were scored for intensity and proportion of positive cells; cases were then assigned a final sum score. RESULTS: B7-H4 was detected in 33 (92%) of 36 PDA sections, 8 (89%) of 9 cytologically positive EUS-FNAs, and 1 (20%) of 5 cytologically negative EUS-FNAs. p53 was detected in 30 (83%) of 36 PDA sections, 4 (44%) of 9 cytologically positive EUS-FNAs, and 1 (20%) of 5 cytologically negative cases. One EUS-FNA case that was cytologically atypical but not diagnostic of malignancy expressed B7-H4 and p53. Some benign tissue components (intercalated cells/ducts, main pancreatic ducts, and acinar cells) were also positive for B7-H4 and/or p53. Overall expression of B7-H4 in benign tissues, however, was relatively low compared with that seen in most carcinoma cases. CONCLUSIONS: B7-H4 was expressed more often in PDA than was p53. Despite potentially problematic expression in benign/normal cells, the 2 markers target different cellular components and demonstrate potential diagnostic use for detection of PDA in resected and EUS-FNA specimens.

Travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination.

Fixed-combination travoprost/timolol solution consists of travoprost 0.004% and timolol 0.5%. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of this medication used once daily for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. This fixed combination has been compared to travoprost and timolol used concomitantly, latanoprost and timolol used concomitantly, latanoprost/timolol fixed combination and travoprost and timolol monotherapy. Fixed-combination medicines such as travoprost/timolol offer the potential of maximizing patient adherence by decreasing the burden of using multiple topical agents that lower intraocular pressure, and by potentially decreasing the overall cost to both the patient and the health-care system. We discuss the benefits of fixed-dose medications, report on previous clinical trials and summarize the existing data on the performance of travoprost/timolol.

Is there a role for cholangioscopy in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis?

OBJECTIVES: Assess the role of cholangioscopy in primary sclerosing cholangitis for 1) detection of cholangiocarcinoma using cholangioscopy-assisted biopsy 2) detection of stones not seen on cholangiography 3) stone removal with cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy. METHODS: Prospective cohort of consecutive patients referred for cholangioscopy to evaluate dominant strictures or stones. A data collection sheet was employed. Follow-up was by chart review/phone contact. Clinical improvement was defined as resolution of jaundice or > or =50% reduction in pain or cholangitis episodes requiring hospitalization. RESULTS: 41 patients (30M, 11F) had 60 cholangioscopy procedures (55 per oral, 5 percutaneous). 33/41 (80%) patients underwent 44 tissue sampling events. HISTOLOGY: positive for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (N = 1), negative/atypical (N = 31), and inadequate (N = 1). Stones were found in 23/41 (56%) patients, of which 7/23 (30%) were missed on cholangiography and detected only by cholangioscopy. 9/23 (39%) underwent cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy. Stone clearance: complete (N = 10, 7 by cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy after failed conventional stone extraction); partial (N = 7); and not attempted (N = 6). Median follow-up was 17.0 months (range 1-56). Clinical improvement was achieved in 25/40 (63%). Eight patients have undergone transplant and cholangiocarcinoma was present in the explant of two at 1 and 12 months post-cholangioscopy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first series of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis undergoing cholangioscopy for the evaluation of dominant strictures and cholangioscopy-directed stone therapy with demonstrable clinical benefits. Stones detected by cholangioscopy were missed by cholangiography in nearly one of three patients. Cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy may be superior to conventional ERCP for achieving complete stone clearance. Despite the use of cholangioscopy, diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma remains technically challenging.