Determining the top research priorities in UK prehospital critical care: a modified Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Prehospital critical care is a rapidly evolving field. There is a paucity of evidence relating to its practice, with limited progress in answering those research questions identified over a decade ago. It is vital that evidence gaps are identified and addressed. This study aimed to define the current research priorities in UK prehospital critical care. METHODS: This modified national Delphi study was coordinated by the Pre-HOspital Trainee Operated research Network and conducted in four rounds between October 2021 and April 2022. Rounds 1 and 2 were conducted online with clinicians involved in prehospital critical care delivery and non-clinical prehospital researchers. Rounds 3 and 4 were completed online by a subject matter expert (SME) panel. RESULTS: In round 1, 78 participants submitted 394 research questions relating to prehospital critical care delivery in the UK. These were refined and categorised into 192 questions, which were scored for importance in round 2. Fifty questions were discussed and scored by the SME panel in round 3. Round 4 created a ranked top 20 list. The top research priority was 'Which cardiac arrest patients should critical care teams be dispatched to; how do we identify these patients during the emergency call?'. Other priorities included dispatch optimisation, out-of-hospital medical cardiac arrest management, optimising resuscitation in haemorrhagic shock, improving traumatic brain injury outcomes and optimising management of traumatic cardiac arrest. CONCLUSIONS: This modified Delphi study identified 20 research priorities where efforts should be concentrated to develop collaborative prehospital critical care research within the UK over the next 5 years.

Community emergency medicine throughout the UK and Ireland: a comparison of current national activity.

BACKGROUND: Community emergency medicine (CEM) aims to bring highly skilled, expert medical care to the patient outside of the traditional ED setting. Currently, there are several different CEM models in existence within the UK and Ireland which confer multiple benefits including provision of a senior clinical decision-maker early in the patient's journey, frontloading of time-critical interventions, easing pressure on busy EDs and reducing inpatient bed days. This is achieved through increased community-based management supplemented by utilisation of alternative care pathways. This study aimed to undertake a national comparison of CEM services currently in operation. METHOD: A data collection tool was distributed to CEM services by the Pre-Hospital trainee Operated Research Network in October 2020 which aimed to establish current practice among services in the UK and Ireland. It focused on six key sections: service aims; staffing and training; job tasking and patient selection; funding and vehicles used; equipment and medication; data collection, governance and research activity. RESULTS: Seven services responded from across England, Wales and Ireland. Similarities were found with the aims of each service, staffing structures and operational times. There were large differences in equipment carried, categories of patient targeted and with governance and research activity. CONCLUSION: While some national variations in services are explained by funding and geographical location, this review process revealed several differences in practice under the umbrella term of CEM. A national definition of CEM and its aim, with guidance on scope of practice and measurable outcomes, should be generated to ensure high standard and cost-effective emergency care is delivered in the community.

Community emergency medicine: taking the ED to the patient: a 12-month observational analysis of activity and impact of a physician response unit.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: International and national health policies advocate greater integration of emergency and community care. The Physician Response Unit (PRU) responds to 999 calls 'taking the Emergency Department to the patient'. Operational since 2001, the service was reconfigured in September 2017. This article presents service activity data and implications for the local health economy from the first year since remodelling. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive analysis of a prospectively maintained database was undertaken. Data collected included dispatch information, diagnostics and treatments undertaken, diagnosis and disposition. Treating clinical teams recorded judgments whether patients managed in the community would have been (1) conveyed to an emergency department (ED)and (2) admitted to hospital, in the absence of the PRU. Hospital Episode Statistics data and NHS referencing costs were used to estimate the monetary value of PRU activity. RESULTS: 1924 patients were attended, averaging 5.3 per day. 1289 (67.0%) patients were managed in the community. Based on the opinion of the treating team, 945 (73.3%) would otherwise have been conveyed to hospital, and 126 (9.7%) would subsequently have been admitted. The service was estimated to deliver a reduction of 868 inpatient bed days and generate a net economic benefit of £530 107. CONCLUSIONS: The PRU model provides community emergency medical care and early patient contact with a senior clinical decision-maker. It engages with community providers in order to manage 67.0% of patients in the community. We believe the PRU offers an effective model of community emergency medicine and helps to integrate local emergency and community providers.

Evaluation of sexual dysfunction in female patients presenting with faecal incontinence or defecation disorder.

PURPOSE: Female patients with pelvic floor diseases may suffer from several sexual disorders and sexual life impairments. The aim of this manuscript was to evaluate sexual dysfunction in female patients presenting with faecal incontinence (FI) and defecation disorder (DD). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of a prospectively collected database of sexually active women referred to the pelvic floor clinic, who completed the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) at first visit. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate and compare sexual dysfunction between patients with FI and DD and with published data on the general population. Regression analysis was used to identify predictors of sexual dysfunction and surgery. RESULTS: Three hundred thirteen patients were included, 192 (61%) with FI and 121 (39%) with DD. The patients with DD received more non-gynaecological surgical procedures (p = 0.023). More patients with DD received surgery for their current pelvic floor disease (p < 0.001). Major sexual impairment (PISQ-12 < 30) was found in 100 patients (31.9%). The mean PISQ-12 (33.2 ± 7.2) score was by 5 points lower than those reported in the general population from PISQ-validating studies. Prior anorectal surgery (odds ratio (OR) = 15.4), partner ejaculation problems (PISQ item 11, OR = 2.5), reduced sexual arousal (item 2, OR = 2.1), and orgasm perception (item 13, OR = 2.1) were the strongest predictors of worse sexual function in patients with FI. Patients with DD were almost 15 times more likely to receive subsequent surgery (OR = 14.6, p < 0.001), whereas fear of urine leakage almost doubled the risk. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among patients suffering from FI and DD, and questionnaires are useful in recognizing these patients. Subsequent surgery is more common for patients with DD compared to those with FI.

Functional and quality of life outcomes following obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI): does the grade of injury affect outcomes?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to compare functional and quality of life data in patients with increasing grades of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) presenting to a tertiary colorectal pelvic floor clinic within 24 months of delivery. METHODS: Prospective data were collected from the patients for the period 2009-2016 and included data on functional outcomes and motor anorectal manometry parameters. The instruments used for the evaluation of functional outcomes were the Birmingham Bowel and Urinary Symptoms Questionnaire, the Wexner Incontinence Score, Short Form 36, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire. OASI grade of injury was based on the postdelivery endoanal ultrasound scan. Data from patients with a grade 3a, 3b, 3c or 4 OASI were compared using one-way ANOVA for parametric data and the Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric data overall and for separate time periods (3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months). RESULTS: Functional patient data were available in 177 patients: 29 with grade 3a, 55 with grade 3b, 77 with grade 3c and 16 with grade 4 OASI. There was no discernible trend in worsening function with increasing severity of OASI overall, nor for the specified time periods of 3-6 months 58 patients), 6-12 months (85 patients) or 12-24 months (18 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Our series demonstrated no significant differences in functional outcomes or quality of life in patients with different OASI grades. Longer-term follow-up is required to ascertain any later functional differences which may become apparent with time.

Diagnostic accuracy of anorectal manometry for fecal incontinence: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal manometry (ARM) is conventionally used to assess patients with fecal incontinence (FI). This review aims to establish the diagnostic accuracy of ARM for FI. METHOD: A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library was performed. Studies examining the sensitivity and specificity of ARM measures, either individually or combined, in the diagnosis of FI, were included. Data analysis was conducted using the bivariate statistical method. RESULTS: Seven studies were included out of an initial search of 1499 studies. The summary sensitivity and specificity for ARM as an overall test were 0.80 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.88) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.65-0.90), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for ARM was found to be 16.61 (95% CI: 5.52-50.03). The positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) for ARM were found to be 4.09 (95% CI: 2.11-7.94) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.14-0.42), respectively. Subgroup analysis based on four studies reporting on maximum resting pressure (MRP) demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, DOR, PLR and NLR of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.38-0.79), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.80-0.97), 20.0 (95% CI: 4.00-91.00), 8.60 (95% CI: 3.00-24.30) and 0.43 (95% CI: 0.24-0.76), respectively. CONCLUSION: ARM has been shown to be an accurate test for diagnosing FI. Further studies are required to establish the diagnostic accuracy of individual ARM measures.

A Role for Tumor Volume Assessment in Resectable Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer has a poor prognosis, and many patients undergoing surgery have a low chance of cure. Imaging studies suggest that tumor volume is prognostic. The study aimed to evaluate pathological tumor volume (PTV) as a prognostic variable in esophageal cancer. METHODS: This single-center cohort study included 283 patients who underwent esophageal cancer resections between 2000 and 2012. PTVs were obtained from pathological measurements using a validated volume formula. The prognostic value of PTV was analyzed using multivariable regression models, adjusting for age, tumor grade, tumor (T) stage, nodal stage, lymphovascular invasion, resection margin, resection type, and chemotherapy response, which provided hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Primary outcomes were time to death and time to recurrence. Secondary outcomes were margin involvement and lymph node positivity. Correlation analysis was performed between imaging and PTVs. RESULTS: On unadjusted analysis, increasing PTV was associated with worse overall mortality (HR 2.30, 95 % CI 1.41-3.73) and disease recurrence (HR 1.87, 95 % CI 1.14-3.07). Adjusted analysis demonstrated worse overall mortality with increasing PTV but reached significance in only one subgroup (HR 1.70, 95 % CI 1.09-2.38). PTV was an independent predictor of margin involvement (OR 2.28, 95 % CI 1.02-5.13) and lymph node-positive status (OR 2.77, 95 % CI 1.23-6.28). Correlation analyses demonstrated significant positive correlation between computed tomography (CT) software and formula tumor volumes (r = 0.927, p < 0.0001), CT and positron emission tomography tumor volumes (r = 0.547, p < 0.0001), and CT and PTVs (r = 0.310, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor volume may predict survival, margin status, and lymph node positivity after surgery for esophageal cancer.

Functional outcomes following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in older patients: a systematic review.

AIM: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is performed in ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis with a view to restoration of GI continuity and prevention of permanent faecal diversion. Debate exists as to its safety in older patients. This review aims to assess functional outcomes and safety of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) in older compared to younger patients. METHODS: Literature search was performed for age-stratified studies which assessed functional outcomes of IPAA. Twelve papers were included overall. Patients were categorized into 'older' and 'younger' groups. Analysis was split into three separate parts: 1. Age cut-off of 50 ± 5 years (with sensitivity analysis); 2. Age cut-off of 65 ± years; 3. Long-term outcomes (>10 years). RESULTS: With an age cut-off of 50 years (4327 versus 513 patients), complication rates were comparable with the exception of an increased rate of small-bowel obstruction in the younger patients (p = 0.034). At 1 year, 24-h stool frequency was significantly higher in the older patient group (p < 0.0001). Daytime (p < 0.0001) and night-time (p < 0.0001) incontinence rates were also significantly higher in older patients. Overall, function deteriorated with time across all ages; however, after 10 years, there was no significant difference in incontinence rates between age groups. Dehydration and electrolyte loss was a significant problem in patients over 65 (p < 0.0001). Despite differences in postoperative function, quality of life was comparable between groups; however, only a few studies reported quality of life data. CONCLUSION: IPAA is safe in older patients, although treating clinicians should bear in mind the increased risk of dehydration. Postoperative function is worse in older patients, but seems to level out with time and does not appear to significantly impact on overall quality of life and patient satisfaction. Assessment for suitability for RPC should not be based on chronological age in isolation. It is imperative that the correct support is given to older patients with worsened postoperative function in order to maintain patient satisfaction and adequate quality of life.

Current State of Neuromodulation for Constipation and Fecal Incontinence in Children: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Neuromodulation is the application of electrical stimulation on nerve fibers to modulate the neuronal activity. Its use for chronic constipation and fecal incontinence has increased in popularity over the past few years. Invasive and noninvasive techniques are currently available. We reviewed the current literature on the application of the neuromodulation techniques in the management of chronic constipation and fecal incontinence in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of Healthcare Database Advanced Search, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane database was performed in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Terms used in the search included neuromodulation, nerve stimulation, fecal/fecal incontinence, incontinence, constipation, children, and pediatric/pediatric. RESULTS: Two-hundred forty-one papers were screened. Fourteen papers were included for the systematic review: seven were selected for the ISNM (implantable sacral nerve modulation) technique, one for the transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation), one for the transcutaneous sacral nerve modulation), and five for the transcutaneous interferential sacral nerve stimulation. Results showed an overall improvement in constipation symptoms in 79 to 85.7% of patients, resolution of symptoms in 40%, reduced use of ACE stoma/transanal irrigation system in 12.5 to 38.4%, and improvement in incontinence symptoms in 75%. High complication rate was reported (17-50%) in the ISNM group. No complications were reported in the non-invasive group. CONCLUSION: Neuromodulation is a promising tool in the management of constipation refractory to medical treatment and fecal incontinence in children. Noninvasive techniques provide good results with no complications. A longer term follow-up will provide more information regarding patient compliance and sustainability of benefits of these new techniques.

Anorectal Manometry Versus Patient-Reported Outcome Measures as a Predictor of Maximal Treatment for Fecal Incontinence.

PURPOSE: This study aims to establish the ability of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and anorectal manometry (ARM) in predicting the need for surgery in patients with fecal incontinence (FI). METHODS: Between 2008 and 2015, PROMs data, including the Birmingham Bowel and Urinary Symptoms Questionnaire (BBUSQ), Short Form 36 (SF-36), Wexner Incontinence Score and ARM results, were prospectively collected from 276 patients presenting with FI. Spearman rank was used to assess correlations between specific PROMs questions and ARM assessments of sphincter motor function. Binomial regression analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of the need for surgery. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to establish the utility of individual ARM and PROMs variables in predicting the need for surgical intervention in patients with FI. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-eight patients (82.60%) were treated conservatively while 48 (17.39%) underwent surgery. On univariate analyses, all 4 domains of the BBUSQ, all 8 domains of the SF-36, and the Wexner Incontinence Score were significant predictors of surgery. Additionally, maximum resting pressure, 5-second squeeze endurance, threshold volume, and urge volume were significant. On ROC curve analyses, the only significant ARM measurement was the 5-second squeeze endurance. PROMs, such as the incontinence domain of the BBUSQ and five of the SF-36 domains, were identified as fair discriminators of the need for surgery. CONCLUSION: PROMs are reliable predictors of maximal treatment in patients with FI and can be readily used in primary care to aid surgical referrals and can be applied in hospital settings as an aid to guide surgical treatment decisions.

Functional outcomes with handsewn versus stapled anastomoses in the treatment of ultralow rectal cancer.

Adequate oncological outcomes have been demonstrated with rectal resection and handsewn coloanal anastomosis (CAA) in tumours in close proximity to the internal anal sphincter. Our aim was to assess functional differences between handsewn CAA and ultralow stapled anastomosis. Participants were identified from a single-surgeon series. Included participants underwent anorectal physiology testing of anal sphincter function, in addition to completion of several questionnaires: Wexner Incontinence Score (WIS); Birmingham Bowel, Bladder and Urinary Symptom Questionnaire (BBUSQ); Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Score; SF36. Non-parametric data compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. 20 participants were included; 11 stapled and 9 handsewn. Mean follow-up was 2.95 ± 1.97 years. The mean LARS score was 21.9 ± 1.97 years in the stapled group versus 29.4 ± 9.57 in the handsewn group (p = 0.133). The Wexner incontinence score was significantly higher in the handsewn group (p = 0.0076), with a mean score of 4.6 ± 3.69 versus 10.9 ± 4.76. The incontinence domain of the BBUSQ was also significantly worse in patients with a handsewn anastomosis (p = 0.001). With the exception of general health (p = 0.035) and social functioning (p = 0.035), which were worse in the handsewn groups, the other six domains of the SF-36 showed no statistical difference between groups. Anorectal physiology scores were not significantly different. Handsewn CAA anastomosis is known to be safe and oncologically feasible. Patient selection should be vigorous, with preoperative counseling regarding the likelihood of incontinence to manage patients' expectations and promote comparable quality of life in the long-term.

Can we correlate pelvic floor dysfunction severity on MR defecography with patient-reported symptom severity?

MR defecography (MRD) is an alternative to conventional defecography (CD) which allows for dynamic visualisation of the pelvic floor. The aim of this study was to assess whether MRI features indicative of pelvic floor dysfunction correlated with patient-reported symptom severity. MR proctograms were matched to a prospectively-maintained functional database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using pre-treatment questionnaire responses to the Birmingham Bowel, Bladder and Urinary Symptom Questionnaire (BBUSQ), Wexner Incontinence Score (WIS), and modified Obstructed Defecation Symptom (ODS) Score. 302 MRI proctograms were performed between January 2012 and April 2015. 170 patients were included. Patients with a rectocele > 2 cm (p = 0.003; OR 5.756) or MRD features suggestive of puborectalis syndrome (p = 0.025; OR 8.602) were more likely to report a higher ODS score on multivariate analysis. Lack of rectal evacuation was negatively associated with an abnormal WIS (p = 0.007; OR 0.228). Age > 50 (p = 0.027, OR 2.204) and a history of pelvic floor surgery (p = 0.042, OR 0.359) were correlated with an abnormal BBUSQ incontinence score. Lack of rectal evacuation (p = 0.027, OR 3.602) was associated with an abnormal BBUSQ constipation score. Age > 50 (p = 0.07, OR 0.156) and the presence of rectoanal intussusception (p = 0.010, OR 0.138) were associated with an abnormal BBUSQ evacuation score. Whilst MRD is a useful tool in aiding multidisciplinary decision making, overall, it is poorly correlated with patient-reported symptom severity, and treatment decisions should not rest solely on results.