Challenges for maintaining surgical care practices in the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review / Desafíos para mantener las prácticas de cuidado quirúrgico durante la pandemia de COVID-19: una revisión integrativa / Desafios para a manutenção das práticas de cuidados cirúrgicos na pandemia por COVID-19: uma revisão integrativa

Objective: to present the knowledge produced on challenges of health services for maintaining surgical care practices in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: this is an integrative literature review, performed with descriptors 'Surgical Centers' and 'Coronavirus Infections' in the MEDLINE/PubMed Central, IBECS, LILACS, BDENF, Coleta SUS, BIGG, BINACIS, SciELO, PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library databases. Results: of the 405 studies analyzed, 27 met the inclusion criteria. The main challenges for surgical services during the pandemic were: (i) rearrangement of the general practice in surgical units; (ii) management and administration of resources and elective surgeries; (iii) follow-up and control of preoperative patients to medium term; (iv) maintenance of autonomy and mental health of patients and health professionals in this context; and (v) teaching health residents in the operating room. Conclusion: for surgical care services, the challenges caused by managing the high demand of patients in need of care resulted in the transfer of own resources to other units and the consequent hiring of professionals to meet the demand for these services due to the damming of postponed elective surgeries. This knowledge will allow us to propose strategies in decision making in this scenario, considering the new waves that may arise from this disease.

Objetivo. Presentar el conocimiento producido sobre los desafíos de los servicios de salud para el mantenimiento de las prácticas de atención quirúrgica en tiempos de pandemia por COVID-19. Métodos. Revisión integradora de la literatura, realizada con los descriptores 'Centros quirúrgicos' e 'Infecciones por Coronavirus' en las bases de datos Medline/PubMed Central, IBECS, LILACS, BDENF, Collects SUS, BIGG, BINACIS, SCIELO, PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT y Cochrane Library. Resultados. De 405 estudios analizados 27 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Los principales desafíos para los servicios de cirugía durante la pandemia fueron: (i) la reorganización de la práctica del cuidado general en las unidades quirúrgicas, (ii) la gestión y administración de recursos y de las cirugías electivas, (iii) el seguimiento y control de los pacientes preoperatorios a medio plazo, (iv) el mantener la autonomía y la salud mental del paciente y de los profesionales sanitarios en este contexto, y (v) la enseñanza de los residentes sanitarios en el quirófano. Conclusión. Para los servicios de atención quirúrgica el reto ocasionado por el manejo de la alta demanda de pacientes con necesidad del cuidado tuvo como consecuencia la transferencia de recursos propios a otras unidades y la contratación posterior de profesionales para suplir la demanda de estos servicios ante el represamiento de cirugías electivas. Este conocimiento permitirá plantear estrategias en la toma de decisiones frente a este escenario, si se consideran las nuevas olas de esta enfermedad que se pueden presentar.

Objetivo. Apresentar o conhecimento produzido sobre os desafios dos serviços de saúde para a manutenção das práticas de cuidados cirúrgicos em tempos de pandemia por COVID-19. Métodos. Revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada com os descritores 'Centros Cirúrgicos' e 'Infecções por Coronavírus' nas bases de dados Medline/PubMed Central, IBECS, LILACS, BDENF, Coleta SUS, BIGG, BINACIS, SCIELO, PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT e Cochrane Library. Resultados. Dos 405 estudos analisados, 27 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os principais desafios para os serviços cirúrgicos durante a pandemia foram: (i) a reorganização da clínica geral nas unidades cirúrgicas, (ii) a gestão e administração de recursos e cirurgias eletivas, (iii) o acompanhamento e controle de pacientes pré-operatórios a médio prazo, (iv) manutenção da autonomia e saúde mental do paciente e dos profissionais de saúde nesse contexto, e (v) ensino dos residentes de saúde no centro cirúrgico. Conclusão. Para os serviços de atendimento cirúrgico, os desafios causados pelo gerenciamento da alta demanda de pacientes com necessidade de atendimento resultaram no repasse de recursos próprios para outras unidades e consequente contratação de profissionais para atender a demanda desses serviços devido ao represamento de cirurgias eletivas adiadas. Este conhecimento permitirá propor estratégias na tomada de decisão diante desse cenário, considerando as novas ondas que podem surgir dessa doença.

Centro cirúrgico: percepção da equipe de enfermagem / Systematization of nursing care at the surgical center: perception of the nursing team / Sistematización de la atención de enfermería en el centro quirúrgico: percepción del equipo de enfermería

Objetivo: avaliar a atuação e a percepção da equipe de enfermagem quanto a Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem no centro cirúrgico de um hospital. Método: estudo exploratório, descritivo, documental, de abordagem mista, desenvolvido de janeiro a abril de 2019, em duas fases: análise de prontuários e entrevista com 14 profissionais de enfermagem. O cenário foi um centro cirúrgico de um hospital público no nordeste brasileiro. Organização dos dados pela análise estatística descritiva e análise temática. Resultados: a avaliação dos prontuários apontou que os registros da anamnese e exame físico são frágeis e em algumas fases não há registros da fase pré-operatória e pós-operatória. Verificou-se que para os profissionais o papel da equipe é prestar um cuidado holístico ao paciente e a fase mais dificultosa é a pós-operatória. Conclusão: a falta do planejamento para a implantação, execução e entendimento atrapalham o processo e dificulta uma assistência de qualidade ao paciente

Objective: to evaluate the performance and perception of the nursing team regarding the systematization of nursing care in the operating room of a hospital. Method: exploratory, descriptive, documentary study, with a mixed approach, developed from January to April 2019, in two phases: analysis of medical records and interview with 14 nursing professionals. The setting was a surgical center in a public hospital in northeastern Brazil. Data organization by descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis. Results: the evaluation of the medical records showed that the records of anamnesis and physical examination are fragile and in some phases there are no records of the preoperative and postoperative phase. It was found that for the professionals the role of the team is to provide holistic care to the patient and the most difficult phase is the post-operative. Conclusion: the lack of planning for the implementation, execution and understanding hinder the process and hinder quality patient care

Objetivo: evaluar el desempeño y la percepción del equipo de enfermería con respecto a la sistematización de los cuidados de enfermería en el quirófano de un hospital. Método: estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, documental, con enfoque mixto, desarrollado de enero a abril de 2019, en dos fases: análisis de historias clínicas y entrevista con 14 profesionales de enfermería. El escenario era un centro quirúrgico en un hospital público en el noreste de Brasil. Organización de datos mediante análisis estadístico descriptivo y análisis temático. Resultados: la evaluación de los registros médicos mostró que los registros de anamnesis y examen físico son frágiles y en algunas fases no hay registros de la fase preoperatoria y postoperatoria. Se descubrió que para los profesionales, el papel del equipo es proporcionar atención integral al paciente y la fase más difícil es la postoperatoria. Conclusión: la falta de planificación para la implementación, ejecución y comprensión dificulta el proceso y dificulta la calidad de la atención al paciente

Percepção da equipe multidisciplinar acerca da assistência humanizada no centro cirúrgico / Perception of the multidisciplinary team concerning humanized assistance at the surgical center / Percepción del equipo multidisciplinar sobre la asistencia humanizada en el centro quirúrgico

Objetivo: Compreender as percepções dos profissionais da equipe multidisciplinar acerca da humanização no centro cirúrgico. Método: Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, com fins descritivos, cuja coleta de dados ocorreu em um hospital público regional de média complexidade, de Brasília, Distrito Federal, no período de agosto a outubro de 2019, com 18 profissionais das áreas médica e de enfermagem. Realizou-se entrevista aberta e de caráter individual composta de cinco perguntas norteadoras, examinadas por meio da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: As respostas a cada uma das questões foram categorizadas, considerando-se que a assistência humanizada foi percebida como a busca pelo bem-estar dos pacientes, mantendo relação de empatia pelo próximo com enfoque no atendimento holístico. Conclusão: A humanização envolve aspectos inerentes à condição de ser humano, e, para sua efetivação, é necessário o envolvimento de toda a equipe multidisciplinar nos cuidados com os pacientes

Objective: To understand the perceptions of professionals of the multidisciplinary team concerning humanization in the surgical center. Method: This is a qualitative study, with descriptive purposes, whose data collection took place in a regional public hospital of medium complexity, in Brasília, Federal District, from August to October 2019, with 18 professionals in the medical and nursing areas. An open and individual interview was conducted, composed of five guiding questions, analyzed through Bardin's content analysis. Results: The answers to each of the questions were categorized, considering that humanized assistance was perceived as the search for the patients' well-being, maintaining a relationship of empathy for others, and focusing on holistic care. Conclusion: Humanization involves aspects inherent in the condition of being human and, for its effectiveness, the involvement of the entire multidisciplinary team in patient care is necessary.

Objetivo: Comprender las percepciones de los profesionales del equipo multidisciplinar sobre la humanización en el quirófano. Método: Estudio de abordaje cualitativo, con fines descriptivos, cuya recolección de datos se realizó en un hospital público regional de mediana complejidad, en Brasilia, Distrito Federal, de agosto a octubre de 2019, con 18 profesionales de las áreas médica y de enfermería. Se implementó una entrevista abierta e individual, compuesta por cinco preguntas orientadoras, analizadas a través del análisis de contenido de Bardin. Resultados: Se categorizaron las respuestas a cada una de las preguntas, considerando que el cuidado humanizado se percibía como la búsqueda del bienestar de los pacientes, manteniendo una relación de empatía por los demás con un enfoque de cuidado integral. Conclusión: Se pudo entender que la humanización involucra aspectos inherentes a la condición del ser humano y que, para su efectividad, es necesario involucrar a todo el equipo multidisciplinario en el cuidado de los pacientes.

Complex Cancer Surgery in the Outpatient Setting: The Josie Robertson Surgery Center.

Minimally invasive operative techniques and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have transformed clinical practice and made it possible to perform increasingly complex oncologic procedures in the ambulatory setting, with recovery at home after a single overnight stay. Capitalizing on these changes, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Josie Robertson Surgery Center (JRSC), a freestanding ambulatory surgery facility, was established to provide both outpatient procedures and several surgeries that had previously been performed in the inpatient setting, newly transitioned to this ambulatory extended recovery (AXR) model. However, the JRSC core mission goes beyond rapid recovery, aiming to be an innovation center with a focus on superlative patient experience and engagement, efficiency, and data-driven continuous improvement. Here, we describe the JRSC genesis, design, care model, and outcome tracking and quality improvement efforts to provide an example of successful, patient-centered surgical care for select patients undergoing relatively complex procedures in an ambulatory setting.

Efetividade da massagem com aromaterapia no estresse da equipe de enfermagem do centro cirúrgico: estudo-piloto / Efectividad del masaje con aromaterapia en el estrés del equipo de enfermería del quirófano: estudio piloto / Effectiveness of aromatherapy massage on the stress of the surgical center nursing team: a pilot study

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a efetividade do uso da aromaterapia com óleos essenciais de lavanda (Lavandula angustifolia) e gerânio (Pelargonium graveolens) associado à massagem para alívio do estresse de uma equipe de Enfermagem do centro cirúrgico por meio da avaliação de parâmetros biofisiológicos e psicológicos. Método Estudo-piloto do tipo ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado, realizado com a equipe de enfermagem de um centro cirúrgico de um hospital escola do interior do estado de São Paulo. A intervenção foi composta de seis massagens com aromaterapia com os óleos essenciais diluídos em creme neutro na concentração de 1% cada. A frequência cardíaca e a pressão arterial foram verificadas antes e após cada massagem e a Escala de Estresse no Trabalho e a Lista de Sintomas de Stress foram aplicadas antes e ao final da intervenção. A análise estatística foi realizada com o teste t pareado e qui-quadrado, intervalo de confiança de 95% e p<0,05. Resultados Houve diminuição com significância estatística da frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial após as sessões de massagem. Conclusão O uso da aromaterapia demostrou efetividade na diminuição de parâmetros biofisiológicos da equipe de enfermagem do centro cirúrgico. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos: RBR-6mgqn3.

RESUMEN Objetivo Verificar la efectividad del empleo de la aromaterapia con aceites esenciales de lavanda (Lavandula angustifolia) y geranio (Pelargonium graveolens) asociado con el masaje para alivio del estrés de un equipo de Enfermería del quirófano mediante la evaluación de parámetros biofisiológicos y psicológicos. Método Estudio piloto del tipo ensayo clínico controlado y randomizado, realizado con el equipo de enfermería de un quirófano de un hospital escuela del interior del Estado de São Paulo. La intervención estuvo compuesta de seis masajes con aromaterapia utilizándose los aceites esenciales diluidos en crema neutra en la concentración del 1% cada. La frecuencia cardiaca y la presión arterial fueron verificadas antes y después de cada masaje y la Escala de Estrés Laboral y la Lista de Síntomas de Estrés fueron aplicadas antes y al final de la intervención. El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo con la prueba t pareada y chi cuadrada, intervalo de confianza del 95% y p<0,05. Resultados Hubo disminución con significación estadística de la frecuencia cardiaca y presión arterial luego de las sesiones de masaje. Conclusión El uso de la aromaterapia demostró efectividad en la disminución de parámetros biofisiológicos del equipo de enfermería del quirófano. Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos: RBR-6mgqn3.

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the effectiveness of aromatherapy with essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) associated with massage for stress relief of a nursing staff of the surgical center through evaluation of biophysiological and psychological parameters. Method Pilot study, controlled and randomized clinical trial performed with the nursing team of a surgical center of a teaching hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo. The intervention comprised six aromatherapy massages with essential oils diluted in neutral cream at concentration 1% each. Heart rate and blood pressure levels were measured before and after each massage session. The Work Stress Scale (WSS) and the List of Stress Symptoms (LSS) were applied before and at the end of the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed with the paired t-test and chi-square test, 95% confidence interval and p <0.05. Results There was a statistically significant reduction in heart rate and blood pressure levels after massage sessions. Conclusion The use of aromatherapy has demonstrated effectiveness for lowering biophysiological parameters of the surgical center nursing staff. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-6mgqn3.

Processo de enfermagem: implicações para a segurança do paciente em centro cirúrgico / Nursing process: implications for the safety of surgical patients / Proceso de enfermería: implicaciones para la seguridad del paciente en centro quirúrgico

O objetivo deste estudo foi refletir sobre o processo de enfermagem e suas implicações para a segurança do paciente no centro cirúrgico. Trata-se de uma reflexão alicerçada nos pressupostos teóricos e literatura científica acerca do tema. A segurança do paciente vem sendo tema de discussão desde o século XIX com o intuito de alcançar a qualidade assistencial nas instituições hospitalares. O Processo de Enfermagem constitui-se em um instrumento metodológico e uma valiosa tecnologia leve dura a ser utilizada para garantir segurança no contexto das práticas de enfermagem, porém deve ser aplicado com qualidade e em sua totalidade, estando alinhado com os objetivos institucionais para assim promover a segurança do paciente (AU).

The objective in this study was to reflect on the nursing process and its implications for surgical patients. This reflection is based on the theoretical premises and scientific literature on the theme. Patient safety has been discussed since the 19 th century to achieve high-quality care at hospital institutions. The Nursing Process is a methodological instrument and a valuable light-hard technology to guarantee safety in the context of the nursing practices. It should be applied qualitatively and holistically though, in line with the institutional objectives, with a view to promoting patient safety (AU).

El objetivo de este estudio fue reflejar sobre el proceso de enfermería y sus implicaciones para la seguridad del paciente en el centro quirúrgico. Se trata de una reflexión basada en las premisas teóricas y literatura científica acerca del tema. La seguridad del paciente ha sido tema de discusión desde el siglo XIX con objeto de alcanzar la calidad asistencial en las instituciones hospitalarias. El Proceso de Enfermería es un instrumento metodológico y una valiosa tecnología leve-dura a ser utilizada para garantizar la seguridad en el contexto de las prácticas de enfermería. Sin embargo, debe ser aplicado con calidad y en su conjunto, en línea con los objetivos institucionales para así promover la seguridad del paciente (AU).

[First outpatient satisfaction questionnaire with day-surgery in a French comprehensive cancer center]. / Première enquête de satisfaction dans une unité de chirurgie ambulatoire dédiée à la cancérologie.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the patient's satisfaction in a day-surgery unit in oncology for a surgical diagnosis or therapeutic act. METHODS: Between October 2013 and February 2014, we conducted a satisfaction survey from the validated questionnaire COPS-D. This questionnaire analyse the patient's stages in the care system, from the preoperative consultation to the return home: 9 stages with 23 items rated 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent). It was sent by postmail 3 weeks after their hospitalization. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-seven questionnaires were mailed, with a response's rate to 38% (172/467). Participant's characteristics: 88% are women, 45% are full time workers, 54% of senology. Two-third of the assessments were rated 4 or 5. Five percent were rated 1 or 2. The patient's exit is the least preferred step. The operating room's assessment is the most preferred by patients. Sixty-one percent of participants have written a free comment, 31% are positives, 36% are negatives, and 32% are mixed. The wait was the negative recurrent comment (21%). DISCUSSION: Most participants are very satisfied. Improving the wait before the operation and output is already underway. Studies are now needed to assess the care's safety and the economic aspect of day-surgery.

Pediatric thyroidectomy in a high volume thyroid surgery center: Risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia.

INTRODUCTION: Hypocalcemia is a common complication following thyroid surgery. We seek to report on our experience in pediatric thyroidectomy in a high volume thyroid surgery center and accurately assess the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients aged 18 and younger who underwent thyroid surgery between 1992 and 2013. The primary endpoints were the occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia as by defined as a nadir calcium <8.0mg/dL and being discharged on oral calcium supplementation, need for intravenous calcium and the occurrence of permanent hypoparathyroidism. RESULTS: 171 patients who underwent 186 thyroid operations were analyzed. The average age was 15.4years with 82.3% female. The most common indications for surgery were nodular disease (74.7%) and hyperthyroidism (12.4%). 24 patients (12.9%) experienced postoperative hypocalcemia with 13 (7.0%) requiring intravenous calcium infusion. One patient (0.9%) experienced permanent hypoparathyroidism. Risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia included total thyroidectomy (OR 7.39, p<0.01), central and bilateral lateral neck dissection (OR 22.26, p=0.01), Graves' disease (OR 3.99, p=0.02), and malignancy (OR 2.96, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients who undergo total thyroidectomy for underlying malignancy or Graves' disease and those who have more extensive nodal dissections are at increased risk of developing this postoperative hypocalcemia. These patients may benefit from more vigilant preoperative preparation and postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Survey: technique of performing intravitreal injection among members of the Brazilian Retina and Vitreous Society (SBRV).

PURPOSE: To evaluate and describe the precautions involved in the technique of intravitreal injection of antiangiogenic drugs adopted by the ophthalmologists who are members of the Brazilian Society of Retina and Vitreous (SBRV). METHODS: A questionnaire containing 22 questions related to precautions taken before, during, and after intravitreal injection was sent electronically to 920 members of SBRV between November 15, 2013 and April 31, 2014. RESULTS: 352 responses (38%) were obtained. There was a predominance of men (76%) from the southwest region of Brazil (51%). The professional experience varied between 6 and 15 years after medical specialization (50%). Most professionals (76%) performed an average of 1 to 10 intravitreal injections a week, and 88% of the procedures were performed in the operating room using povidone iodine (99%), sterile gloves, and blepharostat (94%). For inducing topical anesthesia, usage of anesthetic eye drops was the most used technique (65%). Ranibizumab (Lucentis®) was the most common drug (55%), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was the most treated disease (57%). Regarding the complications treated, 6% of the ophthalmologists had treated at least one case of retinal detachment, 20% had treated cases of endophthalmitis, 9% had treated cases of vitreous hemorrhage, and 12% had encountered cases of crystalline lens touch. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection is a procedure routinely performed by retina specialists and has a low incidence of complications. Performing the procedure in the operating room using an aseptic technique was preferred by most of the respondents. Ranibizumab was the most used drug, and AMD was the most treated disease.

Survey: technique of performing intravitreal injection among members of the Brazilian Retina and Vitreous Society (SBRV) / Survey: técnica para realização de injeção intravítrea pelos membros da Sociedade Brasileira de Retina e Vítreo (SBRV)

Purpose: To evaluate and describe the precautions involved in the technique of intravitreal injection of antiangiogenic drugs adopted by the ophthalmologists who are members of the Brazilian Society of Retina and Vitreous (SBRV). Methods: A questionnaire containing 22 questions related to precautions taken before, during, and after intravitreal injection was sent electronically to 920 members of SBRV between November 15, 2013 and April 31, 2014. Results: 352 responses (38%) were obtained. There was a predominance of men (76%) from the southwest region of Brazil (51%). The professional experience varied between 6 and 15 years after medical specialization (50%). Most professionals (76%) performed an average of 1 to 10 intravitreal injections a week, and 88% of the procedures were performed in the operating room using povidone iodine (99%), sterile gloves, and blepharostat (94%). For inducing topical anesthesia, usage of anesthetic eye drops was the most used technique (65%). Ranibizumab (Lucentis®) was the most common drug (55%), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was the most treated disease (57%). Regarding the complications treated, 6% of the ophthalmologists had treated at least one case of retinal detachment, 20% had treated cases of endophthalmitis, 9% had treated cases of vitreous hemorrhage, and 12% had encountered cases of crystalline lens touch. Conclusion: Intravitreal injection is a procedure routinely performed by retina specialists and has a low incidence of complications. Performing the procedure in the operating room using an aseptic technique was preferred by most of the respondents. Ranibizumab was the most used drug, and AMD was the most treated disease. .

Objetivo: Avaliar e descrever os cuidados envolvidos durante o procedimento de injeção intravítrea de drogas antiangiogênicas realizado pelos oftalmologistas membros da Sociedade Brasileira de Retina e Vítreo (SBRV). Métodos: Foi enviado um questionário aos 920 membros da SBRV, por meio de correio eletrônico, entre o período de 15/11/2013 a 31/04/2014, contendo 22 questões, relacionado aos cuidados pré, intra e pós-operatório da injeção intravítrea. Resultados: Foram obtidas 352 respostas (38% dos sócios). Houve um predomínio do sexo masculino (76%), procedentes da região Sudeste (51%). O tempo de experiência profissional se concentrou entre 6 a 15 anos após o término da especialização (50%). A maioria dos participantes tem média semanal de 1 a 10 (76%), sendo 88% das vezes realizado dentro do centro cirúrgico, utilizando iodopovidona (99%), luvas e blefarostato estéreis (94%). A anestesia tópica com colírio anestésico foi a técnica mais utilizada (65%). Entre os participantes, ranibizumabe (Lucentis®) é a droga mais utilizada (55%) e a degeneração macular relacionada a idade (DMRI) é a doença mais tratada (57%). Das complicações citadas pelos oftalmologistas, 6% já vivenciaram pelo menos um caso de descolamento de retina, 20% endoftalmite, 9% hemorragia vítrea e 12% toque cristaliniano. Conclusão: A injeção intravítrea é um procedimento realizado rotineiramente por retinólogos, com baixo índice de complicações. A realização do procedimento no centro cirúrgico com técnica asséptica é preferida pelos pesquisados. A droga mais utilizada foi o ranibizumabe e a doença mais tratada foi a DMRI. .

Measuring general surgery residents' communication skills from the patient's perspective using the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT).

OBJECTIVE: The Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) has been used and validated to assess Family and Emergency Medicine resident communication skills from the patient's perspective. However, it has not been previously reported as an outcome measure for general surgery residents. The purpose of this study is to establish initial benchmarking data for the use of the CAT as an evaluation tool in an osteopathic general surgery residency program. Results are analyzed quarterly and used by the program director to provide meaningful feedback and targeted goal setting for residents to demonstrate progressive achievement of interpersonal and communication skills with patients. DESIGN: The 14-item paper version of the CAT (developed by Makoul et al. for residency programs) asks patients to anonymously rate surgery residents on discrete communication skills using a 5-point rating scale immediately after the clinical encounter. Results are reported as the percentage of items rated as "excellent" (5) by the patient. SETTING: The setting is a hospital-affiliated ambulatory urban surgery office staffed by the residency program. PARTICIPANTS: Participants are representative of adult patients of both sexes across all ages with diverse ethnic backgrounds. They include preoperative and postoperative patients, as well as those needing diagnostic testing and follow-up. RESULTS: Data have been collected on 17 general surgery residents from a single residency program representing 5 postgraduate year levels and 448 patient encounters since March 2012. The reliability (Cronbach α) of the tool for surgery residents was 0.98. The overall mean percentage of items rated as excellent was 70% (standard deviations = 42%), with a median of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The CAT is a useful tool for measuring 1 facet of resident communication skills-the patient's perception of the physician-patient encounter. The tool provides a unique and personalized outcome measure for identifying communication strengths and improvement opportunities, allowing residents to receive specific feedback and mentoring by program directors.

Use of local anesthesia during dental rehabilitation with general anesthesia: a survey of dentist anesthesiologists.

The purpose of this study was to document current practices of dentist anesthesiologists who are members of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists regarding the supplemental use of local anesthesia for children undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. A survey was administered via e-mail to the membership of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists to document the use of local anesthetic during dental rehabilitations under general anesthesia and the rationale for its use. Seventy-seven (42.1%) of the 183 members responded to this survey. The majority of dentist anesthesiologists prefer use of local anesthetic during general anesthesia for dental rehabilitation almost always or sometimes (90%, 63/70) and 40% (28/70) prefer its use with rare exception. For dentist anesthesiologists who prefer the administration of local anesthesia almost always, they listed the following factors as very important: "stabilization of vital signs/decreased depth of general anesthesia" (92.9%, 26/28) and "improved patient recovery" (82.1%, 23/28). There was a significant association between the type of practice and who determines whether or not local anesthesia is administered during cases. The majority of respondents favor the use of local anesthesia during dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia.

Determining the appropriate oral surgery anesthesia modality, setting, and team.

This article reviews the anesthesia modalities available to the practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon, including the anesthesia TEAM makeup. If office-based anesthesia is not the best option for the patient, alternative locations are discussed including out-patient surgery centers and hospitals. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) has fought long and hard to establish and maintain our ability to provide office-based anesthesia. This is our Standard of Care!

[Formation of centers in general and abdominal surgery -- necessity or trend?]. / Zentrenbildung in der Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie - Notwendigkeit oder Trend?

The introduction of the DRG (diagnosis-related groups) system as basis for reimbursement in the German health-care system has led to a mentality of quality orientation and verification of therapeutic results. An immediate result was the formation of medical "centres" on rather different levels and consequently the inauguration of institutions, authorities, and organisations to review these centres. Finally, a range of certifications was installed in order to stratify the rather diverse aims of different centres. This review critically evaluates the current situation in the field of general and abdominal surgery in Germany.

A service model for delivering care closer to home.

Upton Surgery (Worcestershire) has developed a flexible and responsive service model that facilitates multi-agency support for adult patients with complex care needs experiencing an acute health crisis. The purpose of this service is to provide appropriate interventions that avoid unnecessary hospital admissions or, alternatively, provide support to facilitate early discharge from secondary care. Key aspects of this service are the collaborative and proactive identification of patients at risk, rapid creation and deployment of a reactive multi-agency team and follow-up of patients with an appropriate long-term care plan. A small team of dedicated staff (the Complex Care Team) are pivotal to coordinating and delivering this service. Key skills are sophisticated leadership and project management skills, and these have been used sensitively to challenge some traditional roles and boundaries in the interests of providing effective, holistic care for the patient.This is a practical example of early implementation of the principles underlying the Department of Health's (DH) recent Best Practice Guidance, 'Delivering Care Closer to Home' (DH, July 2008) and may provide useful learning points for other general practice surgeries considering implementing similar models. This integrated case management approach has had enthusiastic endorsement from patients and carers. In addition to the enhanced quality of care and experience for the patient, this approach has delivered value for money. Secondary care costs have been reduced by preventing admissions and also by reducing excess bed-days. The savings achieved have justified the ongoing commitment to the service and the staff employed in the Complex Care Team. The success of this service model has been endorsed recently by the 'Customer Care' award by 'Management in Practice'. The Surgery was also awarded the 'Practice of the Year' award for this and a number of other customer-focussed projects.

In-office surgical repair of nasal valve stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Nasal valve (NV) stenosis is a well-known cause of nasal obstruction (NO) and congestion but it is often overlooked because the typical surgical therapies are complex and often associated with cosmetic changes. A simplified surgical procedure is needed to address straightforward stenosis of the NV in patients with no need of cosmetic improvement or cartilage grafting. The purpose of this article is to describe a simplified surgical procedure to relieve symptoms of NO without extensive surgical dissection, sedation, cartilage grafting, or cosmetic change. METHODS: This article describes a retrospective consecutive case series of patients that underwent a surgical procedure to correct NV stenosis in the office setting. The procedure is described in detail along with patient outcome assessment using a visual analog scale of patient satisfaction and a questionnaire regarding perceived postoperative cosmetic changes. RESULTS: Of 190 patients that underwent the procedure, 36 were done in the office setting and 28 completed the questionnaires. Six patients (21%) reported an improvement score of 10, a score of maximal improvement in breathing. The mean breathing score was 4.4, indicating an overall improvement in breathing ability after correction. No patient reported a major cosmetic change and three patients reported a subtle change. The remainder (89%) reported no perceived change in cosmesis. CONCLUSION: In-office surgical correction of the NV specifically targeting the mucosa, fibrous tissue, and caudal upper lateral cartilage was feasible, safe, and reliable in relieving complaints of NO due to uncomplicated NV stenosis.

[Risk scores and outcomes after cholecystectomy: a comparison between a university hospital and a short-stay clinic--a prospective observational study]. / Risikoprofil und Ergebnisqualität nach Cholezystektomie--Ein Vergleich zwischen einer Universitäts- und Praxisklinik.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to compare the risks of morbidity and mortality of patients in a surgical department of an academic medical centre and a short-stay clinic. Furthermore, economic and patient-related parameters were assessed. METHODS: A number of 50 respectively 33 consecutive patients scheduled for a cholecystectomy were included in this prospective study. Data were collected well-assorted against the POSSUM score, the duration of the operation, complications and the length of stay as well as quality of life and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: No differences among patients of the two hospitals became apparent as they were referenced against the POSSUM score, nor were any discrepancies in expected respectively ex-post complications upon cholecystectomy observed. The continuance of the operative procedure was found to be significantly lengthened in the university hospital as compared with the non-academic clinic (120.1 +/- 34.3 min vs. 65.6 +/- 16.3 min; p < 0.001). The difference in durability splits up in 1.2 days pre-operatively versus 2.4 days post-operatively. In return, the post-operative pain therapy was esteemed much better in the university hospital. CONCLUSION: The POSSUM score is a reliable tool to assess morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. The scores were found to be equal for patients in a university hospital and those in a short-stay clinic. Complications likewisely were equally low in both hospitals. The longer duration of the operation and the higher length of stay revealed structural benefits of the smaller unit. Advantages of the academic centre were found in the standards for pain therapy. The present study is taken both as a reference and as a basis for a fundamental process-redesign to the benefit of involved parties e. g. patients, relatives, staff in the university hospital.