Assessing dynamic violence risk: Common language risk levels and recidivism rates for the Violence Risk Scale.

The present study features the development of new risk categories and recidivism estimates for the Violence Risk Scale (VRS), a violence risk assessment and treatment planning tool. We employed a combined North American multisite sample (k = 6, N = 1,338) of adult mostly male offenders, many with violent criminal histories, from correctional or forensic mental health settings that had complete VRS scores from archival or field ratings and outcome data from police records (N = 1,100). There were two key objectives: (a) to identify the rates of violent recidivism associated with VRS scores and (b) to generate updated evidence-based VRS violence risk categories with external validation. To achieve the first objective, logistic regression was applied using VRS pretreatment and change scores on treated samples with a minimum 5-year follow-up (k = 5, N = 472) to model 2-, 3-, and 5-year violent and general recidivism estimates, with the resulting logistic regression algorithms retained to generate a VRS recidivism rates calculator. To achieve the second objective, the Council of State Governments' guidelines were applied to generate five risk levels using the common language framework using percentiles, risk ratios (from Cox regression), and absolute violent and general recidivism estimates (from logistic regression). Construct validity of the five risk levels was examined through group comparisons on measures of risk, need, protection, and psychopathy obtained from the constituent samples. VRS applications to enhance risk communication, treatment planning, and violence prevention in light of the updated recidivism estimates and risk categories are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Transition to Adult IBD Care: A Pilot Multi-Site, Telehealth Hybrid Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Transition to adult IBD care continues to be a challenge. Efficacious models of improving transition to adult care in the United States are lacking. We present data from a pilot, prospective, non-randomized, intervention implemented at IBD centers in the Midwest and Southeast United States. DESIGN AND METHODS: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 16-20 years) with IBD and their parents completed a 4- to 5-month transition program (1 in-person group session; 4 individual telehealth sessions). Primary outcomes were feasibility (i.e., recruitment, retention, fidelity) and acceptability (i.e., program satisfaction). Secondary outcomes were changes in transition readiness, self-management skill acquisition, perceived readiness to transfer to adult care, and disease knowledge. RESULTS: The study exceeded goals for recruitment (target N = 20; actual: 36) and retention (target: 80%; actual: 86.11%). On average, it took participants 20.91 ± 3.15 weeks to complete our 4- to 5-month intervention and there were no deviations from the study protocol. Participant ratings for overall program satisfaction, perceived helpfulness, and program length and format were positive. Increases in transition readiness, t(30) = 8.30, d = 1.49, p < .001, self-management skill acquisition, t(30) = 3.93, d = 0.70, p < .001, and disease knowledge, t(30) = 8.20, d = 1.58, p < .001 were noted. AYA- and parent-perceived transfer readiness also improved (p's < .05; d's = 0.76-1.68). CONCLUSIONS: This article presents feasibility and acceptability data for a 4- to 5-month transition intervention. Improvements in AYA transition readiness, self-management skill acquisition, IBD knowledge, and AYA/parent perceived transfer readiness were also observed.

Improving IBD Transition, Self-management, and Disease Outcomes With an In-clinic Transition Coordinator.

OBJECTIVES: Deficits in the preparation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are transitioning to adult care are known yet studies presenting outcome data of transition interventions in IBD are lacking. We present data evaluating the impact of a transition coordinator on behavioral and clinical transition outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified 135 patients who had met with our transition coordinator and completed the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire before, and 1 year after, the intervention. Changes in transition readiness, self-management skill acquisition, and clinical outcomes (eg, number of patients transferred vs "bounced back" to pediatrics, percentage of patients over age 21, changes in disease remission) were examined and compared with patients who received no intervention. RESULTS: Intervention participants demonstrated a significant increase in transition readiness, F(1, 134) = 24.34, P < 0.001, and self-management skill acquisition, F(1, 134) = 5.61, P < 0.05. The percentage of patients in remission significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention, χ(134) = 9.03, P < 0.01. There were no significant changes in the comparison population (Ps > 0.05). Following implementation of our programming, the percentage of patients over age 21 decreased by 33.07%. CONCLUSIONS: A 1-time transition coordinator-led intervention improved adolescent transition readiness and acquisition of self-management skills. The proportion of young adult patients retained in pediatric care was reduced. Benefits of hiring a transition coordinator are discussed.

Multi-Site Comparison of Patient, Parent, and Pediatric Provider Perspectives on Transition to Adult Care in IBD.

PURPOSE: This multi-site study examines patient, parent, and pediatric provider perspectives on what is most important for successful transition. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire, 190 participants recruited from two pediatric IBD centers selected the top five skills they considered "most important for successful transition." Rankings were summarized and compared by group. RESULTS: While patients, parents, and clinicians all identified "calling the doctor about unusual changes in health" and "taking medications correctly and independently" as being important, each stakeholder group qualitatively and statistically differed in terms of transition readiness skills emphasized. Patients endorsed "calling the doctor about unusual changes in health" and "being knowledgeable about insurance coverage," as being most important to successful transition while parents emphasized health monitoring and problem solving. Pediatric providers emphasized adherence to treatment and reporting unusual changes in health. There were statistically significant differences in endorsement rates across participants for seven transition readiness skills. Patients agreed with providers 80% of the time and with their parents 40% of the time. Parent-provider agreement was 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was some overlap across groups, areas of emphasis differed by informant. Patients emphasized skills they need to learn, parents emphasized skills they most likely manage for their children, and providers emphasized skills that directly impact their provision of care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Patient, parent, and provider beliefs all need to be considered when developing a comprehensive transition program. Failure to do so may result in programs that do not meet the needs of youth with IBD.

Improving health maintenance supervision in a paediatric IBD clinic.

BACKGROUND: Previsit planning (PVP) has been an integral part of clinical care for paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center since 2007. Over the past years, we have adopted several programmes to improve health maintenance supervision for our paediatric patients with IBD but did not have a sustainable way to provide health maintenance updates for every patient at every encounter that was concise and complete in the setting of an increasing patient population and fewer support staff to complete the work. METHODS: Using quality improvement methods, we completed several Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles aimed at improving our centre's ability to provide complete health maintenance 'bundle' recommendations from 0% to 90% of patients over a period of 11 months. RESULTS: First steps included consensus gathering and summarising evidence into guidelines suitable for the group. PDSAs centred on consensus building from standardised guidelines, using empty checklists for simulated and real patients, and use of autofilled checklists. After several PDSA cycles, we have improved our ability to provide complete health maintenance PVP from 0% to nearly 100% with very little variation. CONCLUSION: Using the health maintenance PVP process, we can now sustainably provide health maintenance guidance for all outpatient clinic visits. We have begun to scale up this work and anticipate over the coming months that we will be able to expand the health maintenance PVP to provide complete PVP for over 90% of patients for any scheduled encounter including biologic infusion visits. We anticipate that using this reliable process we can improve remission rates and reduce preventable infections for these at-risk patients.

Improving a process to obtain hepatitis B serology among patients treated with infliximab at a large urban children's hospital.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B infection is a significant public health challenge despite improvements in vaccination efforts. Patients such as those on chronic immunosuppressive therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or rheumatic disease may incur greater risk. The risk of reactivation of hepatitis B while on immunosuppressive therapy may have mortality rates up to 25%. These patients should be screened for acute or chronic infection and vaccinated if necessary. Our aim was to reliably complete hepatitis B screenings in patients receiving infliximab at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). METHODS: Eligible patients included all patients with gastroenterology (GI) IBD and rheumatology receiving infliximab between October 2015 and March 2016. Using quality improvement methodology and the 'plan-do-study-act' (PDSA) approach, interventions centred around education of clinical providers, previsit planning and the development of 'talking points' for patients. RESULTS: An initial screen of the IBD population revealed that 48% of the IBD patient population had been screened for anti-HBs alone, but no patients from GI or rheumatology divisions had a complete set of hepatitis B serology prior to the intervention including anti-Hep B Core and Hep B Surface Antigen. Seven PDSA cycles were performed during the 32-week intervention period, resulting in an increase in patients screened from 0% to ~85%. By March 2016, a total of 251 patients (201 GI, 50 rheumatology) had up-to-date hepatitis B serology screening. Automated ordering of the hepatitis B serology and 'talking points' for the provider had the greatest impact on successful screening. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a method to obtain hepatitis B serology on at-risk patients on infliximab within two subspecialty divisions within a large children's hospital. Next steps will be to develop a process to reliably provide vaccines for patients who are seronegative, expand this process to all patients who are identified as immunocompromised within GI and rheumatology and then expand this process to other divisions at the CCHMC.

Shifting Autologous Breast Reconstruction into an Ambulatory Setting: Patient-Reported Quality of Recovery.

BACKGROUND: As bundled payment models gain popularity, it is imperative that providers use patient outcomes and patient experience to define evidence-based pathways of care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of recovery experienced by women undergoing early discharge (<24 hours) after autologous breast reconstruction with a pedicled flap and determine predictors of postoperative quality of recovery. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed on all women undergoing autologous breast reconstruction at Women's College Hospital between September of 2011 and July of 2013 that met study inclusion criteria. The patient-reported Quality of Recovery-27 questionnaire was used to measure quality of recovery on postoperative days 1, 2, 4, and 7. Preoperative and postoperative day 7 Quality of Recovery-27 questionnaire scores were compared. A multivariable random effect model for longitudinal data was used to evaluate any relationship between postoperative Quality of Recovery-27 questionnaire scores and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, body mass index, and pain. Secondary analyses of delayed discharge (>24 hours) and complications were also undertaken. RESULTS: Forty women, aged 28 to 69 years, were included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative day 7 Quality of Recovery-27 questionnaire scores, suggesting that our patients recovery to their preoperative state by postoperative day 7. Poorer total Quality of Recovery-27 questionnaire scores were associated with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, low and high body mass indexes (U-shaped relationship), and higher pain scores. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing an ambulatory pathway of care for autologous breast reconstruction demonstrate acceptable quality of recovery. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Simulation as a new tool to establish benchmark outcome measures in obstetrics.

BACKGROUND: There are not enough clinical data from rare critical events to calculate statistics to decide if the management of actual events might be below what could reasonably be expected (i.e. was an outlier). OBJECTIVES: In this project we used simulation to describe the distribution of management times as an approach to decide if the management of a simulated obstetrical crisis scenario could be considered an outlier. DESIGN: Twelve obstetrical teams managed 4 scenarios that were previously developed. Relevant outcome variables were defined by expert consensus. The distribution of the response times from the teams who performed the respective intervention was graphically displayed and median and quartiles calculated using rank order statistics. RESULTS: Only 7 of the 12 teams performed chest compressions during the arrest following the 'cannot intubate/cannot ventilate' scenario. All other outcome measures were performed by at least 11 of the 12 teams. Calculation of medians and quartiles with 95% CI was possible for all outcomes. Confidence intervals, given the small sample size, were large. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the use of simulation to calculate quantiles for management times of critical event. This approach could assist in deciding if a given performance could be considered normal and also point to aspects of care that seem to pose particular challenges as evidenced by a large number of teams not performing the expected maneuver. However sufficiently large sample sizes (i.e. from a national data base) will be required to calculate acceptable confidence intervals and to establish actual tolerance limits.

Concerns, Barriers, and Recommendations to Improve Transition from Pediatric to Adult IBD Care: Perspectives of Patients, Parents, and Health Professionals.

BACKGROUND: The current transition literature is a fragmented assortment of studies examining select subsections of transition stakeholders. METHODS: Adolescent/young adult patients with IBD (40% transferred to adult care), parents, and health providers (53.8% adult providers) participated in 1 of 6 focus group interviews focused on concerns and needs surrounding transition to adult care. Data were analyzed through directed content analysis. RESULTS: Transition needs/concerns focused on (1) losing relationships with pediatric providers, (2) perceptions of poorer quality care from adult providers, (3) high parent involvement preventing the development of youth self-management skills, and (4) finances and insurance. Suggestions to improve transition to adult care included the following: (1) meeting alone with adolescents during appointments, (2) providing concrete guidance on how/when to transition responsibility, and (3) increasing accountability for adolescents. Recommendations to improve transfer included the following: (1) providing more information about the transfer process and adult providers, (2) obtaining peer support and mentoring, and (3) setting goals and deadlines for transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of several stakeholder groups allowed for the identification of commonalities across groups as well as their unique needs and concerns surrounding transition to adult care. Concerns and recommendations by participants should be targeted in future transition program efforts.

Transition readiness skills acquisition in adolescents and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease: findings from integrating assessment into clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Almost 80% of adult gastroenterologists report inadequacies in the preparation of patients transferred from pediatrics. To improve transition to adult care, it is important to identify the specific deficits that patients are demonstrating before transfer. We present data from a clinic-wide assessment of transition readiness skill acquisition in adolescents/young adults with IBD. METHODS: A total of 195 patients (age, 16-25 yr) with IBD completed the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire. Patient age, diagnosis, time since diagnosis, physician global assessment, and patient and parent disease management confidence ratings were extracted from the medical record. Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire scores were compared with a benchmark established by an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional Transition Task Force. RESULTS: Only 5.6% of older adolescents/young adults on the verge of transfer to adult care met our institutional benchmark (3.5% of adolescents, 7.3% of young adults). Patients reported mastery of 9.10 ± 4.68 out of 20 Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire items. Transition readiness was associated with older age (r = 0.27, P < 0.001) and female gender (F(1,192) = 13.81, P < 0.001) but not time since diagnosis, physician global assessment, or confidence ratings. Deficits in health care utilization/self-advocacy (e.g., understanding insurance, scheduling appointments/following up on referrals), and self-management (e.g., filling/reordering prescriptions) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients on the verge of transferring to adult care are not demonstrating transition readiness. Deficits observed represent modifiable behaviors. Using data-driven assessments to guide interventions to enhance transition readiness may minimize the retention of young adult patients in pediatrics and result in patients who are better prepared for adult care.

Comparing the DN4 tool with the IASP grading system for chronic neuropathic pain screening after breast tumor resection with and without paravertebral blocks: a prospective 6-month validation study.

Investigating protective strategies against chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) after breast cancer surgery entails using valid screening tools. The DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions) is 1 tool that offers important research advantages. This prospective 6-month follow-up study seeks to validate the DN4 and assess its responsiveness in screening for CNP that satisfies the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) definition and fulfills its grading system criteria after breast tumor resection with and without paravertebral blocks (PVBs). We randomized 66 females to standardized general anesthesia and sham subcutaneous injections, or PVB and total intravenous anesthesia. The 6-month CNP risk was assessed using the IASP grading system and the DN4 screening tools. We evaluated the DN4 sensitivity, specificity, and responsiveness in capturing the impact of PVB on the CNP risk relative to the IASP grading system. Data from 64 patients showed similar demographic characteristics in both groups. Twenty patients in both groups met the grading system CNP criteria; among these, 18 patients also met the DN4 CNP criteria. Furthermore, 15 patients in both groups did not meet the grading system CNP criteria; among these, 9 patients also did not meet the DN4 CNP criteria. Therefore, the sensitivity and specificity of the DN4 were estimated at 90% and 60%, respectively. Both screening tools suggested that PVB reduced the 6-month CNP risk. Our results suggest that the DN4 can reliably identify CNP at 6 months after breast tumor resection and detect the preincisional PVB effect on the risk of developing such pain.

Using a situational awareness global assessment technique for interprofessional obstetrical team training with high fidelity simulation.

Evidence suggests that breakdowns in communication and a lack of situation awareness contribute to poor performance of medical teams. In this pilot study, three interprofessional obstetrical teams determined the feasibility of using the situation awareness global assessment technique (SAGAT) during simulated critical event management of three obstetrical scenarios. After each scenario, teams were asked to complete questionnaires assessing their opinion of how their performance was affected by the introduction of questions during a SAGAT stop. Fifteen obstetrical professionals took part in the study and completed the three scenarios in teams consisting of five members. At nine questions per stop, more participants agreed or strongly agreed that there were too many questions per stop (57.1%) than when we asked six questions per stop (13%) and three questions per stop (0%). A number of interprofessional differences in response to this interprofessional experience were noted. A team SAGAT score was determined by calculating the proportion of correct responses for each individual. Higher scores were associated with better adherence to outcome times, although not statistically significant. A robust study design building on our pilot data is needed to probe the differing interprofessional perceptions of SAGAT and the potential association between its scores and clinical outcome times.

Ultrasound-guided multilevel paravertebral blocks and total intravenous anesthesia improve the quality of recovery after ambulatory breast tumor resection.

BACKGROUND: Regional anesthesia improves postoperative analgesia and enhances quality of recovery (QoR) after ambulatory surgery. This randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial examines the effects of multilevel ultrasound-guided paravertebral blocks (PVBs) and total intravenous anesthesia on QoR after ambulatory breast tumor resection. METHODS: Sixty-six women were randomized to standardized general anesthesia (control group) or PVBs and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (PVB group). The PVB group received T1-T5 PVBs with 5 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine per level, whereas the control group received sham subcutaneous injections. Postoperative QoR was designated as the primary outcome. The 29-item ambulatory QoR tool was administered in the preadmission clinic, before discharge, and on postoperative days 2, 4, and 7. Secondary outcomes included block success, pain scores, intra- and postoperative morphine consumption, time to rescue analgesia, incidence of nausea and vomiting, and hospital discharge time. RESULTS: Data from sixty-four patients were analyzed. The PVB group had higher QoR scores than control group upon discharge (146 vs. 131; P < 0.0001) and on postoperative day 2 (145 vs. 135; P = 0.013); improvements beyond postoperative day 2 lacked statistical significance. None of the PVB group patients required conversion to inhalation gas-based general anesthesia or experienced block-related complications. PVB group patients had improved pain scores on postanesthesia care unit admission and discharge, hospital discharge, and postoperative day 2; their intraoperative morphine consumption, incidence of nausea and vomiting, and discharge time were also reduced. CONCLUSION: Combining multilevel PVBs with total intravenous anesthesia provides reliable anesthesia, improves postoperative analgesia, enhances QoR, and expedites discharge compared with inhalational gas- and opioid-based general anesthesia for ambulatory breast tumor resection.

Processes of care in autogenous breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flaps: expediting postoperative discharge in an ambulatory setting.

BACKGROUND: A multidisciplinary patient care plan was developed to facilitate early discharge following autogenous breast reconstruction and included (1) preadmission patient education, (2) perioperative multimodal pain management, (3) intraoperative nerve blocks, and (4) postdischarge telephone advice. This study evaluated the success of this care plan in the first 18 months after its implementation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive women undergoing pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction (November of 2009 to May of 2011) was performed. The primary outcome was time to discharge; secondary outcomes included complications, readmission, and self-report pain at discharge. Predictors of discharge time were analyzed using stepwise multivariable regression modeling. RESULTS: Ninety-one women (mean age, 50.0 ± 8.5 years) underwent pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction (76 percent unilateral and 81 percent delayed), with 77 percent receiving the intended multimodal analgesia protocol. Mean time to discharge was 38.7 ± 27.6 hours. Overall, 40 percent of patients were discharged within 24 hours, but successful early discharge increased significantly over the study period. Key predictors of shorter time to discharge were use of multimodal analgesia, lower American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and surgery more than 6 months after implementation of the care plan. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' initial experience has supported the safety and feasibility of expedited discharge following pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction, with adherence to the authors' care plan improving steadily over the study period. Multimodal pain management proved a key modifiable factor in facilitating early discharge. A prospective study is currently underway to evaluate patient-reported quality of recovery following ambulatory surgery in this population.

Surgical safety checklist: implementation in an ambulatory surgical facility.

PURPOSE: In 2007, the World Health Organization created a Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) that encompassed a simple set of surgical safety standards. The threefold purpose of this study was to add ambulatory-specific items to the SSC, to introduce the items into an ambulatory surgical facility, and to determine if patient outcomes regarding postoperative pain and nausea/vomiting improved following implementation. In addition, safety attitudes, antibiotic timing, regional anesthesia/nerve blocks, preemptive pain medications, prophylactic antiemetics, length of stay, and hospital admission were also assessed. METHODS: After Research Ethics Board approval, staff complete a Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Seven items were added to the SSC. Data were then collected on 180 surgical cases before SSC implementation and 195 cases following implementation. Compliance with each section of the SSC was assessed. RESULTS: On postoperative day one, the median (97.5% confidence interval [CI]) difference between pre- and post-implementation pain scores was 0.5 (97.5% CI, 0 to 1; P = 0.13), and the median difference in the rate of post-discharge nausea/vomiting was -8.4% (97.5% CI, -17.9 to 1.1; P = 0.06). There was no improvement in safety attitudes or any of the secondary outcomes, with the exception of the use of preemptive pain medications. Compliance with the three sections of the checklist, i.e., briefing, time out, and debriefing was 99.49%, 97.95%, and 96.92%, respectively. There was low compliance in verbalization of the added "ambulatory-specific items". CONCLUSION: Potential reasons for lack of uptake and integration include poor "user" buy-in, an overly lengthy checklist, and lack of prioritization of ambulatory-specific items. A shortened SSC was developed based on the results of this study. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00934310.

Improved outcomes with quality improvement interventions in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES: Variations in chronic illness care are common in our health care system and may lead to suboptimal outcomes. Specifically, inconsistent use and suboptimal medication dosing have been demonstrated in the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Quality improvement (QI) efforts have improved outcomes in conditions such as asthma and diabetes mellitus, but have not been well studied in IBD. We hypothesized that QI efforts would lead to improved outcomes in our pediatric IBD population. METHODS: A QI team was formed within our IBD center in 2005. By 2007, we began prospectively capturing physician global assessment (PGA) and patient-reported global assessment. Significant QI interventions included creating evidence-based medication guidelines, joining a national QI collaborative, initiation of preclinic planning, and monitoring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2010, 505 patients have been followed at our IBD center. During this time, the frequency of patients in clinical remission increased from 59% to 76% (P < 0.05), the frequency of patients who report that their global assessment is >7 increased from 69% to 80% (P < 0.05), and the frequency of patients with a Short Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (sPCDAI) <15 increased from 60% to 77% (P < 0.05). The frequency of repeat steroid use decreased from 17% to 10% (P < 0.05). We observed an association between the use of a vitamin D supplement (P = 0.02), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P < 0.05), and quiescent disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that significant improvements in patient outcomes are associated with QI efforts that do not rely on new medication or therapies.

Determination of the psychometric properties of a behavioural marking system for obstetrical team training using high-fidelity simulation.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation for team training, a valid and reliable tool is required. This study investigated the internal consistency, inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability of two newly developed tools to assess obstetrical team performance. METHODS: After research ethics board approval, multidisciplinary obstetrical teams participated in three sessions separated by 5-9 months and managed four high-fidelity simulation scenarios. Two tools, an 18-item Assessment of Obstetric Team Performance (AOTP) and a six-item Global Assessment of Obstetric Team Performance (GAOTP) were used.(5) Eight reviewers rated the DVDs of all teams' performances. RESULTS: Two AOTP items were consistently incomplete and omitted from the analyses. Cronbach's α for the 16-item AOTP was 0.96, and 0.91 for the six-item GAOTP. The eight-rater α for the GAOTP was 0.81 (single-rater intra-class correlation coefficient, 0.34) indicating acceptable inter-rater reliability. The 'four-scenario' α for the 12 teams was 0.79 for session 1, 0.88 for session 2, and 0.86 for session 3, suggesting that performance is not being strongly affected by the context specificity of the cases. Pearson's correlation of team performance scores for the four scenarios were 0.59, 0.35, 0.40 and 0.33, and for the total score across scenarios it was 0.47, indicating moderate test-retest reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that the GAOTP would be a sufficient assessment tool for obstetrical team performance using simulation provided that it is used to assess teams with at least eight raters to ensure a sufficiently stable score. This could allow the quantitative evaluation of an educational intervention.

Guidelines to the Practice of Anesthesia Revised Edition 2012.

OVERVIEW: The Guidelines to the Practice of Anesthesia Revised Edition 2012 (the guidelines) were prepared by the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society (CAS), which reserves the right to determine their publication and distribution. Because the guidelines are subject to revision, updated versions are published annually. Whereas previous versions of the guidelines appeared as special supplements to the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia (the Journal), this edition of the guidelines is published within the Journal. This allows for improved archiving and online access to complement the printed version--a new offering for CAS members and Journal subscribers. The Guidelines to the Practice of Anesthesia Revised Edition 2012 supersedes all previously published versions of this document. Although the CAS encourages Canadian anesthesiologists to adhere to its practice guidelines to ensure high-quality patient care, the society cannot guarantee any specific patient outcome. Each anesthesiologist should exercise his or her own professional judgement in determining the proper course of action for any patient's circumstances. The CAS assumes no responsibility or liability for any error or omission arising from the use of any information contained in its Guidelines to the Practice of Anesthesia.

Nontechnical skills assessment after simulation-based continuing medical education.

INTRODUCTION: Human factors have been identified as root causes of human error in medicine. The "Anesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) system" evaluates the effect of simulation training and debriefing on nontechnical skills (NTS). Studies suggest that residents' NTS may improve after simulation training but the effect on NTS of practicing anesthesiologists is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether high-fidelity simulation training and debriefing improved the NTS of practicing anesthesiologists using the ANTS tool. METHODS: In a previous study, 67 practicing anesthesiologists managed a 45-minute standardized anesthetic case using high-fidelity simulation and returned 5 to 9 months later to manage a second case. After Research Ethics Board approval, two blinded video reviewers, trained in the use of the ANTS system, evaluated archived videotapes of the 59 subjects who completed both sessions. Results were analyzed with a mixed-design analysis of variance. Interrater reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Interrater reliability for the ANTS scoring was 0.436, P < 0.05. Overall, ANTS scores improved approximately 5% from session 1 to 2 (P < 0.01), but there was no effect due to debriefing. The situational awareness ANTS category showed a statistically significant effect of debriefing (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The relatively short simulation intervention, the length of time until the posttest was completed, well-developed NTS in practicing physicians, and a tool that might not be the optimal method of measurement may all account for the lack of improvement in NTS of practicing anesthesiologists as demonstrated in this study.