Hospital-based health systems 20 years later: A taxonomy for policy research and analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Building on the original taxonomy of hospital-based health systems from 20 years ago, we develop a new taxonomy to inform emerging public policy and practice developments. DATA SOURCES: The 2016 American Hospital Association's (AHA) Annual Survey; the 2016 IQVIA Healthcare Organizations and Systems (HCOS) database; and the 2017-2018 National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and Systems (NSHOS). STUDY DESIGN: Cluster analysis of the 2016 AHA Annual Survey data to derive measures of differentiation, centralization, and integration to create categories or types of hospital-based health systems. DATA COLLECTION: Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation generating the factors used in the cluster algorithms. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Among the four cluster types, 54% (N = 202) of systems are decentralized (-0.35) and relatively less differentiated (-0.37); 23% of systems (N = 85) are highly differentiated (1.28) but relatively decentralized (-0.29); 15% (N = 57) are highly centralized (2.04) and highly differentiated (0.65); and approximately 9 percent (N = 33) are least differentiated (-1.35) and most decentralized (-0.64). Despite differences in calculation, the Highly Centralized, Highly Differentiated System Cluster and the Undifferentiated, Decentralized System Cluster were similar to those identified 20 years ago. The other two system clusters contained similarities as well as differences from those 20 years ago. Overall, 82 percent of the systems remain relatively decentralized suggesting they operate largely as holding companies allowing autonomy to individual hospitals operating within the system. CONCLUSIONS: The new taxonomy of hospital-based health systems bears similarities as well as differences from 20 years ago. Important applications of the taxonomy for addressing current challenges facing the healthcare system, such as the transition to value-based payment models, continued consolidation, and the growing importance of the social determinants of health, are highlighted.

Patterns and determinants of prescribed drug use among pregnant women in Adigrat general hospital, northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A vigilant prescription of drugs during pregnancy can potentially safeguard the growing fetus from the deleterious effect of the drug while attempting to manage the mother's health problems. There is a paucity of information about the drug utilization pattern in the area of investigation. Hence, this study was implemented to investigate the pattern of drug utilization and its associated factors among pregnant women in Adigrat general hospital, Northern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 314 pregnant women who attended obstetrics-gynecology and antenatal care units of the hospital. Relevant data were retrieved from the pregnant women's medical records and registration logbook. The drugs prescribed were categorized based on the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) fetal harm classification system. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze the association of the explanatory variables with the medication use, and p < 0.05 was declared statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall prescribed drug use in this study was found to be 87.7%. A considerable percentage of the study participants (41.4%) were prescribed with supplemental drugs (iron folate being the most prescribed drug) followed by antibiotics (23.4%) and analgesics (9.2%). According to the US-FDA drug's risk classification, 42.5, 37, 13, and 7% of the drugs prescribed were from categories A, B, C, and D or X respectively. Prescribed drug use was more likely among pregnant women who completed primary [AOR = 5.34, 95% CI (1.53-18.6)] and secondary education [AOR = 4.1, 95% CI (1.16-14)], who had a history of chronic illness [AOR = 7.9, 95% CI (3.14-19.94)] and among multigravida women [AOR = 2.9, 95% CI (1.57 5.45)]. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of this study revealed that a substantial proportion of pregnant women received drugs with potential harm to the mother and fetus. Reasonably, notifying health practitioners to rely on up-to-date treatment guidelines strictly is highly demanded. Moreover, counseling and educating pregnant women on the safe and appropriate use of medications during pregnancy are crucial to mitigate the burden that the mother and the growing fetus could face.

A four-stage DEA-based efficiency evaluation of public hospitals in China after the implementation of new medical reforms.

This study applied the non-parametric four-stage data envelopment analysis method (Four-Stage DEA) to measure the relative efficiencies of Chinese public hospitals from 2010 to 2016, and to determine how efficiencies were affected by eight factors. A sample of public hospitals (n = 84) was selected from Chongqing, China, including general hospitals and traditional Chinese medicine hospitals graded level 2 or above. The Four-Stage-DEA method was chosen since it enables the control of the impact of environment factors on efficiency evaluation results. Data on the number of staff, government financial subsidies, the number of beds and fixed assets were used as input whereas the number of out-patients and emergency department patients and visits, the number of discharged patients, medical and health service income and hospital bed utilization rate were chosen as study outputs. As relevant environmental variables, we selected GDP per capita, permanent population, population density, number of hospitals and number of available sickbeds in local medical institutions. The relative efficiencies (i.e. technical, pure technical, scale) of sample hospitals were also calculated to analyze the change between the first stage and fourth stage every year. The study found that Four-Stage-DEA can effectively filter the impact of environmental factors on evaluation results, which sets it apart from other models commonly used in existing studies.

Identifying value-based quality indicators for general hospital psychiatry.

OBJECTIVE: To define generic quality indicators for general hospital psychiatry from the perspectives of patients, professionals (physicians, nurses, and managers), and payers (health insurance companies). METHODS: Quality variables were identified by reviewing the relevant literature. A working. group consisting of patients', professionals' and payers' representatives was mandated by their respective umbrella organizations. The working group prioritized the quality variables that were identified. Core values were defined and subsequently linked to preliminary quality indicators. These were tested for feasibility in ten hospitals in a four-week period. Stakeholder consultation took place by means of two invitational conferences and two written commentary rounds. RESULTS: Forty-one quality variables were identified from the literature. After prioritization, seven core values were defined and translated to 22 preliminary indicators. Overall, the feasibility study showed high relevance scores and good implementability of the preliminary quality indicators. A final set of twenty-two quality indicators (17 structure, 3 process and 2 outcome indicators) was then established using a consensus-based approach. CONCLUSION: Consensus on a quality framework for general hospital psychiatry was built by incorporating the perspectives of relevant stakeholders. Results of the feasibility study suggest broad support and good implementability of the final quality indicators. Structural indicators were broadly defined, and process and outcome indicators are generic to facilitate quality measurement across settings. The quality indicator set can now be used to facilitate quality and outcome assessment, stimulate standardization of services, and help demonstrate (cost-) effectiveness.

Practice and outcomes of neonatal resuscitation for newborns with birth asphyxia at Kakamega County General Hospital, Kenya: a direct observation study.

BACKGROUND: About three - quarters of all neonatal deaths occur during the first week of life, with over half of these occurring within the first 24 h after birth. The first minutes after birth are critical to reducing neonatal mortality. Successful neonatal resuscitation (NR) has the potential to prevent these perinatal mortalities related to birth asphyxia. This study described the practice of NR and outcomes of newborns with birth asphyxia in a busy referral hospital. METHODS: Direct observations of 138 NRs by 28 healthcare providers (HCPs) were conducted using a predetermined checklist adapted from the national pediatric resuscitation protocol. Descriptive statistics were computed and chi - square tests were used to test associations between the newborn outcome at 1 h and the NR processes for the observed newborns. Logistic regression models assessed the relationship between the survival status at 1 h versus the NR processes and newborn characteristics. RESULTS: Nurses performed 72.5% of the NRs. A warm environment was maintained in 71% of the resuscitations. Airway was checked for almost all newborns (98%) who did not initiate spontaneous breathing after stimulation. However, only 40% of newborns were correctly cared for in case of meconium presence in airway. Bag and mask ventilation (BMV) was initiated in 100% of newborns who did not respond to stimulation and airway maintenance. About 86.2% of resuscitated newborns survived after 1 h. Removing wet cloth (P = 0.035, OR = 2.90, CI = 1.08-7.76), keeping baby warm (P = 0.018, OR = 3.30, CI = 1.22-8.88), meconium in airway (P = 0.042, OR = 0.34, CI = 0.12-0.96) and gestation age (P = 0.007, OR = 1.38, CI = 1.10-1.75) were associated with newborn outcome at 1 h. CONCLUSIONS: Mentorship and regular cost - effective NR trainings with focus on maintaining the warm chain during NR, airway maintenance in meconium presence, BMV and care for premature babies are needed for HCPs providing NR.

High prevalence of missed opportunities for secondary fracture prevention in a regional general hospital setting in Singapore.

This study aims at assessing the gap in secondary fracture prevention at a regional general hospital setting in Singapore. Male patients have significantly lower rate of being investigated and treated for osteoporosis than their female counterparts. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in our population. PURPOSE: Secondary fracture prevention services are not routine in Singapore; we seek to assess the treatment gap that exists in the lack of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in fragility fracture patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all admissions for fragility fractures between December 2013 and December 2014. Demographic data, rates of BMD performance, serum vitamin D investigation and calcium and vitamin D supplementation as well as antiresorptive initiation 1 year post admission were analysed. RESULTS: There were 125 fragility fractures in patients below 65 and 615 fractures in older patients. There was a slightly higher proportion of males in the younger population, whereas females predominated in the older population. Median vitamin D levels were low in both younger (19.1 µg/L) and older (22.0 µg/L) groups, but supplementation was lower in younger patients (4.8 versus 16.6%, p = 0.003). Rate of BMD performance was lower in younger patients (34.4 versus 64.6%, p < 0.01); there was a significant difference of BMD performance between male and female patients in the younger population (19.1 versus 52.8%, p < 0.01) which was not present in the older age group. Antiresportive initiation was significantly lower in the younger age group versus older (10.4 versus 31.5%, p < 0.01); male patients in the younger and older age groups had significantly lower antiresorptive initiation rate compared to the females. CONCLUSION: There is a significant treatment gap in diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in fragility fracture patients in a regional hospital setting in Singapore. Male osteoporosis remains inadequately investigated and treated in both age groups.

Preoperative clinical pathway of breast cancer patients: determinants of compliance with EUSOMA quality indicators.

BACKGROUND: The European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA) has defined quality indicators for breast cancer (BC). The aim of this study was to describe the preoperative clinical pathway of breast cancer patients and evaluate the determinants of compliance with EUSOMA quality indicators in the Optisoins01 cohort. METHODS: Optisoins01 is a prospective, multicentric study. Data from operable BC patients were collected, including results from before surgery to 1 year follow-up. Seven preoperative EUSOMA quality indicators were compared with the clinical pathways Optisoins01. RESULTS: Six hundred and four patients were included. European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists targets were reached for indicator 1 (completeness of clinical and imaging diagnostic work-up), 3 (preoperative definitive diagnosis) and 5 (waiting time). For indicator 8 (multidisciplinary discussion), the minimum standard of 90% of the patients was reached only in general hospitals and comprehensive cancer centres. Having more than 1 medical examination within the centre was associated with an increased waiting time for surgery, whereas it was reduced by having an outpatient breast biopsy. The comprehensive cancer centre type was the only parameter associated with the other quality indicators. CONCLUSIONS: European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists quality indicators are a useful tool to evaluate care organisations. This study highlights the need for a standardised and coordinated preoperative clinical pathway.

Quality indicators for prostate radiotherapy: are patients disadvantaged by receiving treatment in a 'generalist' centre?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective review was to evaluate concordance with evidence-based quality indicator guidelines for prostate cancer patients treated radically in a 'generalist' (as distinct from 'sub-specialist') centre. We were concerned that the quality of treatment may be lower in a generalist centre. If so, the findings could have relevance for many radiotherapy departments that treat prostate cancer. METHODS: Two hundred fifteen consecutive patients received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and/or brachytherapy between 1.10.11 and 30.9.12. Treatment was deemed to be in line with evidence-based guidelines if the dose was: (i) 73.8-81 Gy at 1.8-2.0 Gy/fraction for EBRT alone (eviQ guidelines); (ii) 40-50 Gy (EBRT) for EBRT plus high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy boost (National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines); and (iii) 145 Gy for low dose rate (LDR) I-125 monotherapy (NCCN). Additionally, EBRT beam energy should be ≥6 MV using three-dimensional conformal RT (3D-CRT) or intensity-modulated RT (IMRT), and high-risk patients should receive neo-adjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) (eviQ/NCCN). Treatment of pelvic nodes was also assessed. RESULTS: One hundred four high-risk, 84 intermediate-risk and 27 low-risk patients (NCCN criteria) were managed by eight of nine radiation oncologists. Concordance with guideline doses was confirmed in: (i) 125 of 136 patients (92%) treated with EBRT alone; (ii) 32 of 34 patients (94%) treated with EBRT + HDR BRT boost; and (iii) 45 of 45 patients (100%) treated with LDR BRT alone. All EBRT patients were treated with ≥6 MV beams using 3D-CRT (78%) or IMRT (22%). 84%, 21% and 0% of high-risk, intermediate-risk and low-risk patients received ADT, respectively. Overall treatment modality choice (including ADT use and duration where assessable) was concordant with guidelines for 176/207 (85%) of patients. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of patients were treated concordant with evidence-based guidelines suggesting that, within the limits of the selected criteria, prostate cancer patients are unlikely to be disadvantaged by receiving radiotherapy in this 'generalist' centre.

Risk mitigation of shared electronic records system in campus institutions: medical social work practice in singapore.

In 2013, the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Campus initiated a shared electronic system where patient records and documentations were standardized and shared across institutions within the Campus. The project was initiated to enhance quality of health care, improve accessibility, and ensure integrated (as opposed to fragmented) care for best outcomes in our patients. In mitigating the risks of ICT, it was found that familiarity with guiding ethical principles, and ensuring adherence to regulatory and technical competencies in medical social work were important. The need to negotiate and maneuver in a large environment within the Campus to ensure proactive integrative process helped.

[Standardized management of acupuncture-moxibustion clinic in Singapore General Hospital].

The standardized management of acupuncture-moxibustion in Singapore General Hospital is introduced. With gradual improvement of outpatient infrastructure, re-training of medical staff, strict disinfection of manipulation, periodical inspection of medical instruments, unified management of writing, saving and processing in medical records and public education of TCM knowledge, a standardized management system in accordance with modernized hospital is gradually established. As a result, efficiency and quality of clinical treatment is continuously increasing. From April of 1998 to December of 2012, a total of 74 654 times of treatment were performed, and treatment amount per day is gradually increased. The unusual condition of acupuncture is avoided. Periodical strict inspection of joint committee authenticated by domestic and overseas medical health organization is repeatedly passed and accepted. Additionally, three clinical researches funded by Singapore Health-care Company are still in progress in acupuncture-moxibustion department.

Embedding integrated mental health assessment and management in general hospital settings: feasibility, acceptability and the prevalence of common mental disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of routine web-based screening in general hospital settings, and describe the level of common mental disorder. METHOD: A service development platform to integrate mental and physical healthcare was implemented in six specialties (rheumatology, limb reconstruction, hepatitis C, psoriasis, adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), chronic pain) across three general hospitals in London, UK. Under service conditions, patients completed a web-based questionnaire comprising mental and physical patient-reported outcome measures, whilst waiting for their appointment. Feasibility was quantified as the proportion of patients who completed the questionnaire. Acceptability was quantified as the proportion of patients declining screening, and the proportion requiring assistance completing the questionnaire. The prevalence of probable depression and anxiety was expressed as the percentage of cases determined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7. RESULTS: The proportion of patients screened varied widely across specialties (40.1-98.2%). The decline rate was low (0.6-9.7%) and the minority required assistance (11.7-40.4%). The prevalence of probable depression ranged from 60.9% in chronic pain to 6.6% in ACHD. The prevalence of probable anxiety ranged from 25.1% in rheumatology to 11.4% in ACHD. CONCLUSION: Web-based screening is acceptable to patients and can be effectively embedded in routine practice. General hospital patients are at increased risk of common mental disorder, and routine screening may help identify need, inform care and monitor outcomes.

Case studies of orthopedic surgery in California: the virtues of care coordination versus specialization.

Two overarching frameworks compete to address the organizational ills of the health care system. One framework diagnoses lack of coordination and prescribes integration and global payment. The other diagnoses loss of focus and prescribes specialization and episode payment. This article, based on research and interviews, assesses how the two frameworks manifest themselves at two high-volume orthopedic hospitals in Irvine, California. The Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center is part of a large and diversified health system. The Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a single-specialty facility jointly owned by the physicians and the hospital. Market outcomes, such as the merger of the Hoag specialty hospital into a larger diversified health system, suggest that Kaiser's focus on coordination of patient care from preadmission to postdischarge is a key factor in its success. But Hoag's specialization also leads to improved efficiencies. The integrated approach appears to be prevailing. At the same time, large diversified organizations might obtain further efficiencies by pursuing service-line strategies as described in this article--for instance, by providing incentives for efficiency and quality for each specialty and type of care.

Auriculoterapia chinesa para redução de estresse e melhoria de qualidade de vida de equipe de enfermagem: ensaio clínico randomizado / Chinese Auricular therapy to reduce stress and improve life quality of Nursing Team: Randomized Clinical Tria

Introdução: A equipe de Enfermagem em hospitais tem sido exposta a ambientes de trabalho estressantes, submetidos, muitas vezes, à condições de trabalho precárias, com baixa qualidade de vida. A auriculoterapia chinesa apresentou eficácia em estudo preliminar para redução de estresse com um protocolo escolhido com base na Medicina Tradicional Chinesa(MTC) e este Ensaio Clínico se propôs a avaliar a eficácia e o alcance da técnica quando é aplicada com e sem protocolo fechado. Objetivos: Descrever e investigar os níveis de estresse da equipe de Enfermagem do Hospital Samaritano; Comparar a eficácia da auriculoterapia chinesa realizada com e sem protocolo, descrever os principais diagnósticos de MTC para estresse e a eficácia dos pontos escolhidos. Material e Método: Na primeira fase, 484 profissionais responderam a um questionário de dados sócio-demográficos e à Lista de Sintomas de Stress de Vasconcellos(LSS). Foram incluídos aqueles com pontuação entre 37 a 119 pontos (médio e alto estresse). Randomizaram-se 213 pessoas em 3 grupos (controle, grupo protocolo e grupo sem protocolo); 175 finalizaram o tratamento de 12 sessões de auriculoterapia com agulha semipermanente, duas vezes por semana, por seis semanas. O protocolo de pontos utilizado foi: ponto Rim, Tronco Cerebral, Shenmen e Yang do Fígado 1 e 2. Os instrumentos de Coleta de dados no Ensaio Clínico foram a LSS, o Inventário de Sintomas de Stress da Lipp (ISSL), o Instrumento de Qualidade de Vida (SF36v2), uma Ficha de diagnósticos de MTC. O período de coleta foi de novembro de 2011 a julho de 2012 e sete acupunturistas participaram do estudo. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da EEUSP e do Hospital. Resultados: Na primeira fase, a pontuação média de estresse de 484 profissionais foi de 45,92 (nível médio). Os que apresentaram níveis mais elevados de estresse foram: as enfermeiras (p=0,012), profissionais do turno da manhã (p=0,022) e sujeitos com doenças auto referidas (p=0,001). Na segunda fase, os dois grupos de intervenção obtiveram diferenças estatísticas significativas quando comparadas ao grupo controle (p<0,05), com efeito superior para o grupo sem protocolo segundo a LSS no pós-tratamento e follow-up. Quanto ao ISSL, houve melhores resultados para o grupo sem protocolo para a fase de resistência/quase exaustão e domínio psicológico da fase de alerta. Quanto ao SF36v2, houve diferença estatística (p<0,05) somente para o grupo sem protocolo quanto ao domínio físico no follow-up. No domínio mental, ambos os grupos de intervenção obtiveram resultados positivos(p<0,05), com ligeira superioridade para o grupo sem protocolo quanto ao índice d de Cohen. Os principais diagnósticos de MTC foram: Estagnação de Qi e Xue nos meridianos tendino-musculares, Calor de Estômago e Subida de Yang do Fígado, Estagnação de Qi do Fígado, Distúrbio de Shen, Deficiência de Yin do Rim, Deficiência de Qi e Xue do Baço-Pâncreas. Os pontos mais utilizados foram os cinco pontos do protocolo somados a Estômago, Baço e pontos de dor. Conclusão: o grupo sem protocolo obteve melhores resultados para redução de estresse e melhoria de qualidade de vida, demonstrando que a auriculoterapia chinesa quando feita de forma individualizada.(AU)

Introduction: Hospitals Nursing Team have been exposed to highly stressful work environment and submitted many times to precarious work conditions and thus low quality of life. Chinese auricular therapy has presented efficiency in a preliminary study to reduce stress by a selected protocol based on Chinese Traditional Medicine (MTC). This Clinical Trial is proposed to evaluate the effectiveness and reach of the technique whenever this is applied with or without a closed protocol. Objectives: Describe and investigate the stress levels of Samaritano Hospitals Nursing Team; Compare the effectiveness of Chinese Auricular Therapy performed with or without protocol; Describe the main diagnosis of MTC for stress and efficiency of the selected points. Material and Method: On the first phase, 484 professionals answered to a questionnaire containing demographic social data and to the Vasconcelos List of Stress Symptoms (LSS). Those ones with score between 37 and 119 points (average and high stress) were included. 213 people were randomized in 3 groups (control, protocol group and group without protocol); 175 ended a 12-session auricular therapy treatment with semi-permanent ear needles twice a week for six weeks. The scoring protocol used was: Kidney point, Brain stern point, Shenmen and Yang of the Liver 1 and 2. The instruments for the data collection in the Clinical Trial were LSS, Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory (ISSL), Instrument of Life Quality (SF36v2), MTC diagnosis chart. The period of data collection was between November 2011 and July 2012 and seven acupuncturists participated in the trial. This study was approved by the School and Hospital Ethical Committee on Clinical Trial. Results: On the first phase, the average scoring of stress was of 45,92 (average level of stress). The professionals that presented higher stress levels were: nurses (p=0,012), morning shift professionals (p=0,022) and subjects with self-referred diseases (p=0,001). On the second phase, the two intervention groups presented differences once compared with the control group (p<0,05), with higher effect in the group without protocol according to LSS in the after treatment and follow-up. Regarding ISSL, there were better results to without protocol group for resistance/quasi-exhaustion phase and physical domain of alert phase. In relation to SF36v2, there was statistics difference (p<0,05) only for the group without protocol in connection with physical dominance during follow-up. In mental dominance, both of intervention groups presented positive results (p<0,05), with an slight superior effect for the group without protocol as per Cohens index. The main MTC diagnosis was: Qi stagnation and Xue in the tendino-muscular meridians, Stomach Heat and Rising of Yang of the Liver, Qi stagnation of the Liver, Shen Disturbs, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Qi deficiency and Xue of Spleen-Pancreas. The mostly used points were the five ones of the protocol plus Stomach, Spleen and pain points. Conclusion: the group without protocol presented the best results for stress reduction and improvement of life quality, demonstrating that Chinese auricular therapy made in a personalized way broaden the reach of the technique.(AU)

Audit of the introduction of CT colonography for detection of colorectal carcinoma in a non-academic environment and its implications for the national bowel cancer screening programme.

AIM: To compare the sensitivity of double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) with computed tomography colonography (CTC) to determine whether CTC is superior for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) locally, and to compare the results to those of a national barium enema audit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing diagnostic DCBE or CTC between January 2003 and December 2005 were identified from the picture archiving communication system (PACS). Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CRC were identified from the local cancer registry. Patients who were not diagnosed as having CRC on imaging were assumed true negatives if they were not listed in the cancer registry by December 2007, giving a minimum of 2 years follow-up. DCBE and CTC reports of all patients with CRC were analysed, and cancer detection was considered to have occurred (positive test result) if the report stated the definite presence of CRC or possible CRC requiring further investigation. RESULTS: 2520 DCBEs and 604 CTCs were included. Twenty-one of 33 patients with CRC were detected using DCBE (incidence 1.31%, sensitivity 63.7%). Thirty-two of 33 patients with CRC were -detected using CTC (incidence 5.46%, sensitivity 97.7%). CONCLUSION: CTC is more sensitive for the detection of CRC, and its introduction in a district general hospital is justified. However, there has been a consequent decline in DCBE sensitivity, which, if reflected nationally, suggests CTC is the preferential screening test for CRC.

Implementing an MET-based RRS at Toronto General Hospital.

A rapid response system was introduced through a three-phase program, which entailed introductory presentations, training, and finally, full implementation.

Improving mental health care in general hospitals.

The mental health needs of older people being cared for within general hospitals and other acute healthcare settings has been specifically identified as a priority for improvement. Yet in reality little has changed. The Department of Health (DH) (2006) has highlighted how many challenges still exist in developing effective integrated care for this patient group and continues to respond with further centrally initiated policy documents. This article explores the relationship between policy and practice and highlights how, despite their importance, policy initiatives alone are unlikely to be enough to ensure the effective delivery of mental health care for older people in general hospitals.

Patient satisfaction, characteristics, radiology, and complications associated with attending a specialized government-funded multidisciplinary spinal pain unit.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively document the satisfaction of a random sample of patients attending a specialized multidisciplinary spinal pain unit in the Australian public health care system and to collect associated data on patient characteristics, radiological findings, treatment modalities used, and any significant complications. Design and setting Spinal pain syndrome patients attended the specialized Multidisciplinary Spinal Pain Unit at Townsville General Hospital and the Kirwan Community Health Centre (Queensland, Australia) for diagnosis and management (ie, chiropractic spinal manipulation, medication, or needle acupuncture). A patient satisfaction questionnaire was sent to a random sample of patients in this Queensland Government funded service that was approved by the health authority's Ethics Committee. RESULTS: A total of 1775 new patients (949 men, 826 women; aged 10 to 91 years; average age = 43 years) visited the unit. Medical referral accounted for 40% of patients, chiropractic for 2%, osteopathy for 1%, and other referrals for 0.7%; 40.3% were self-referred and 16% were specifically referred for a medicolegal consultation and examination following work-related or motor vehicle accident injuries. Thirty-nine patients (2.2%) were found to have acute pain (< 28 days). Of 941 patients who could accurately recall when symptoms first began, 69 (7.3%) presented with subacute pain (4 to 12 weeks duration), and 872 (92.7%) presented with chronic spinal pain syndrome (>12 weeks duration). Following extensive investigations, 1474 patients (83%) had radiologically identifiable abnormalities, including osseous or soft tissue anomalies. There was only 1 significant complication (pneumothorax) out of 7831 acupuncture treatment sessions, representing 0.01% of patients and 0.006% of a total of 16,936 examinations and treatments administered at the unit. The patient satisfaction questionnaire resulted in an extremely high satisfaction score. CONCLUSION: A public hospital or community health center based specialized spinal pain syndrome unit is useful for referring clinicians who wish to obtain a further opinion for challenging spinal pain syndrome patients in the lower socioeconomic group that cannot afford private health care.

Introduction of a board certification system for the Japanese Society of General Hospital Psychiatry.

The importance of board certification systems is increasing in parallel with changes in the social conditions surrounding general medical practice. The same is also the case for consultation-liaison psychiatry, a subspecialty of psychiatry. As a consequence, in April 2001 a board certification system for the Japanese Society of General Hospital Psychiatry was introduced. The clinical abilities required for liaison psychiatrists in this system can be summarized as follows: the ability to adequately treat patients with physical/psychiatric comorbidity or somatization, the ability to form an appropriate and adequate relationship with patients with physical diseases and to collaborate with medical and surgical professionals, and to have a good social and ethical awareness of general medical practice. The conditions required to obtain certification and the issues that remain to be addressed are also discussed.

The impact of a 10-year audit cycle on blood usage in a district general hospital.

As clinical governance moves from concept to practice, it is emerging as a realistic strategy to promote and improve quality within the National Health Service, as well as satisfying the demand for external accountability. In the context of blood transfusion, the area of responsibility encompasses product liability, as well as efficient use of blood as a resource and transfusion as an appropriate clinical response. Clinical governance may be a modern catch phrase, but the principles it enshrines have long been established within blood transfusion, and in other aspects of haematology. Here, an audit cycle comprising four audits over a 10-year period to monitor the use of cross-matched blood in a large district general hospital is described. Initially, blood use was considered by hospital site, and by the surgical procedure for which it was requested. Later, the scope of the audit was expanded to consider usage by individual consultant. A standard of efficient use of cross-matched blood was taken to be a cross-match to transfusion ratio of < 1.5. The information was reviewed by the hospital transfusion committee, who have a key role in co-ordinating and assessing the practice of transfusion within a hospital. In this hospital, audit has been one of the main tools for improving practice, in particular by enabling the implementation and continuous revision of a maximum blood order schedule. Further, as the process of audit has developed, problem areas have been highlighted, and strategies to improve usage have been brought in with encouraging results. The audit is now being expanded again to include a greater focus on usage of cross-matched blood in the nonsurgical setting.