Comparison of self versus expert-assisted feedback for cricothyroidotomy training: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The self-video feedback method may have the potential to provide a low-cost alternative to physician-driven simulation-based training. This study aimed to assess the utility of two video feedback methods by comparing the improvement in performing cricothyroidotomy procedure following self video feedback (trainees review their performance by themselves) and expert-assisted video feedback (trainees review their performance while an emergency physician provides additional feedback). METHODS: This study was pretest-posttest and two-group designed research performed at a university simulation center with 89 final-year medical students and used a cricothyroidotomy simulation model. After seeing an educational presentation and a best practice video, trainees were randomized into two groups; self video feedback group (SVFG) and expert-assisted video feedback group (EVFG). They performed the cricothyroidotomy before and after the feedback. The procedures were also recorded and scored by two emergency physicians. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement between pre-feedback and post-feedback assessments in terms of scores received and time needed for the procedures in both SVFG and EVFG groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the post-feedback assessment scores were higher and time needed for the procedure was lower in the EVFG when compared with SVFG (p < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated significant improvement in cricothyroidotomy performance with both types of video feedback method. Even though the improvement was better in the EVFG compared to the SVFG, the self video feedback may have value especially in situations where expert-assisted feedback is not possible.

Should Emergency Physicians and Nurses Direct Their Patients to YouTube for Heparin Self-Injection Training? A Systematic Review of Social Media Videos.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the content, reliability, popularity, and quality of YouTube videos for patients learning how to self-administer subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin injections. METHODS: A systematic review of YouTube videos was conducted on August 20, 2021, using the keywords of "Low-molecular-weight heparin injection," "Enoxaparin injection," "Heparin injection," "Dalteparin injection," and "Tinzaparin injection." Two independent emergency physicians evaluated included videos separately with 5 different score systems (1- Journal of American Medical Association Score, 2-The Video Power Index, 3- Global Quality Scale, 4- Modified 5 Point DISCERN, 5- Total Comprehensiveness Score). RESULTS: Of 458 videos, a total of 161 unique videos were included. Of these, 94 (58.4%) were classified as useful and 67 (41.6%) as containing misleading information. The total number of views was 6,245,284 in useful information videos. DISCERN score (median 4, P < .001), Global Quality Score (median 4, P < .001), Journal of American Medical Association Score (median 4, P < .001), and Total Comprehensiveness Score (median 6, P < .001) were higher in the Useful Information Group. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse and physician prescreening and prescoring the accuracy and quality of specific low molecular weight heparin injection self-administration videos before recommending YouTube to patients is warranted. Policies to limit the spread of health misinformation through credibility scoring and evaluation are needed on social media sites such as YouTube.

Integrating patient management, reflective practice, and ethical decision-making in an emergency medicine intern boot camp.

BACKGROUND: Integration of clinical skills, ethical decision-making, and reflection skills have emerged as cornerstones of clinical teaching in medical schools. This study aimed to detect whether a multimodal learning environment approach consisting of lectures, a drill, post-drill video debriefing, and written reflection in an emergency medicine rotation boot camp improves interns' patient management skills, ethical decision-making, and reflection skills. METHODS: A multimodal learning environment was created by the collaboration of emergency medicine, ethics, and medical education specialists. Multiple educational techniques involving lectures, case discussions, and role-playing a crisis scenario were applied. Pre-test and post-test, debriefing on performances on video records, video-recorded performance assessment, and reflective essays about their own and group's performances were used to assess various aspects of the student performances. Additionally, a meeting was organized with the presence of the authors to create qualitative data obtained through the program evaluation meeting conducted on three themes: influences of teaching methods, students' performances, and common achievements and mistakes of students. RESULTS: 133 students participated. Post-test multiple-choice question (MCQ) test scores were slightly higher than pre-test. A low and medium correlation was detected among pre-test and post-test patient management problem (PMP) and reflection scores, which was more prominent for female students. Multiple linear regression showed that pre-test and post-test PMP scores significantly contributed to reflection scores. These results might support that better patient management predicts more robust reflective practice. Teachers observed that students appreciated being inspired by well-performing peers, particularly noting the empathic needs of patients, companions, and other health professionals. However, students overlooked summoning forensic or social services and were inhibited by the pressure of the contextual traits of the drill. CONCLUSION: The multimodal learning environment created by multidisciplinary collaboration contributed to the improvement of components of situational awareness of the interns: patient management skills, ethical decision-making, and reflective practice. During this research, we created a toolbox better to capture the richness and diversity of student interactions. Considering the scarcity of context-specific assessment methods and widespread use of MCQs or generic scales for higher-order thinking skills in medicine, this study might be regarded as a step forward in that context.

Developing Cricothyroidotomy Skills Using a Biomaterial-Covered Model.

INTRODUCTION: Cricothyroidotomy is an advanced and life-saving technique, but it is also a rare and a difficult procedure. The purpose of the present study was to produce a low-cost simulation model with realistic anatomic features to investigate its effectiveness in developing cricothyroidotomy skills. METHODS: This study was performed at a university simulation center with 57 second-year student paramedics and a cricothyroidotomy simulation model. Total scores were assessed using a checklist. This consisted of 13 steps and was scored as misapplication/omission=0, correct performance and timing with hesitation=1, and correct performance and timing without hesitation=2. One of these steps, local anesthesia of the area if time is available, was not performed owing to time limitations. The highest possible score was 24. Data are presented as mean±SD with range, as appropriate. Normal distribution was evaluated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student t test, and Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation analysis was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Students completed the cricothyroidotomy procedure steps in 116±46 (55-238) s. At performance assessment, the score achieved was 12±5 (2-24). The highest total score of 24 was achieved by 3 students (5%). Total scores exhibited negative and significant correlation with procedure time (r=-0.403, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The model developed in this study is an inexpensive and effective method that can be used in cricothyroidotomy training for student paramedics. We think that repeating the cricothyroidotomy procedure on the model will increase success levels.

What do we miss without contrast in patients with flank pain?

Flank pain is a common complaint in the emergency department, and the most frequent cause of flank pain is urolithiasis. Spontaneous renal artery dissection and renal artery thrombosis are rare causes of abdominal pain which can result in renal parenchymal injury. They are mostly difficult to diagnose and treat in the emergency setting. The present report describes 2 patients admitted to the emergency department because of acute flank pain who were diagnosed with renal infarction.

Pediatric Minor Head Trauma: Factors Affecting the Anxiety of Parents.

Managing the anxiety of the parents of pediatric patients with head trauma is challenging. This study aimed to examine the factors that affect anxiety levels of parents whose children were admitted to the emergency department with minor head trauma. In this prospective study, the parents of 663 consecutive pediatric patients were invited to answer a questionnaire. Parents of 600 children participated in the study. The parents who believed they were provided sufficient information and who were satisfied with the service received had significantly more improvement in anxiety-related questions. Cranial X-ray assessment had a significantly positive impact on the anxiety of the parents, whereas cranial computed tomography and neurosurgery consultation did not. In assessing pediatric minor head trauma, cranial computed tomography imaging and neurosurgery consultation should not be expected to relieve the anxiety of the parents. However, adequately informing them and providing satisfaction are the factors that could lead to improvement.

Comparison of the efficacy of ShotBlocker and cold spray in reducing intramuscular injection-related pain in adults. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of ShotBlocker and cold spray in reducing intramuscular (IM) injection-related pain in adults. Methos: A prospective, randomized, controlled study carried out between January 2018 and March 2018 at the Department of Emergency Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. Adult patients receiving IM injection of diclofenac sodium (75 mg/3 ml) were included. The patients were randomized into 3 groups: ShotBlocker, cold spray, and control. Each group comprised 40 patients. Patients were instructed to rate the intensity of IM injection-related pain using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Visual analog scale scores of the patients were statistically analyzed. Results: Visual analog scale scores were lower in the ShotBlocker (11 mm) and cold spray (10 mm) groups than in the control group (31 mm) (p=0.001). There were no significant differences in VAS scores between the ShotBlocker and cold spray groups. The operators' responses revealed that ShotBlocker was more difficult to administer than cold spray. Conclusion: ShotBlocker is an effective non-pharmacological method that reduces IM injection-related pain and is similar in efficacy, to cold spray.