ABSTRACT
Burnout and its negative sequelae are a persistent problem in gynecologic oncology, threatening the health of our physician workforce. Individual-level interventions such as stress management training, physical activity, and sleep hygiene only partially address this widespread, systemic crisis rooted in the extended work hours and stressful situations associated with gynecologic oncology practice. There is an urgent need for systematic, institution-level changes to allow gynecologic oncologists to continue the crucial work of caring for people with gynecologic cancer. We present recommendations for institution-level changes which are grounded in the framework presented by the National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being by the National Academy of Medicine. These are aimed at facilitating gynecologic oncologists' well-being and reduction of burnout. Recommendations include efforts to create a more positive and inclusive work environment, decrease administrative barriers, promote mental health, optimize electronic medical record use, and support a diverse workforce. Implementation and regular evaluation of these interventions, with specific attention to at-risk groups, is an important next step.
Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Gynecology , Medical Oncology , Oncologists , Humans , Burnout, Professional/prevention & control , Female , Gynecology/standards , Medical Oncology/standards , Genital Neoplasms, Female/therapy , Genital Neoplasms, Female/psychology , Societies, Medical/standards , Health Promotion/methodsABSTRACT
Despite their high success rates, peri-implantitis can affect the stability and function of dental implants. Various treatment modalities have been investigated for the treatment of peri-implantitis to achieve re-osseointegration. An electronic literature search was performed supplemented by a manual search to identify studies published until January 2022. Articles that evaluated re-osseointegration in peri-implantitis sites in animal models following laser therapy or antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) were included. Case reports, case series, systematic reviews, and letters to the editor were excluded. Risk of bias and GRADE assessment were followed to evaluate the quality of the evidence. Six studies out of 26 articles identified on electronic search were included in this review. The studies included animal studies conducted on canine models. Four out of six studies reported a higher degree of re-osseointegration following treatment of implants with laser therapy. The findings suggest that laser decontamination shows potential in enhancing re-osseointegration, particularly with the Er: YAG laser, which effectively decontaminated implant surfaces. However, conflicting outcomes and limitations in the evidence quality warrant caution in drawing definitive conclusions. Based on the limited available evidence, laser therapy may show a higher degree of re-osseointegration of implants than mechanical debridement.
Subject(s)
Dental Implants , Peri-Implantitis , Photochemotherapy , Animals , Lasers , Osseointegration , Peri-Implantitis/radiotherapyABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate primary care provider (PCP) experiences using a clinical decision support (CDS) tool over 16 months following a user-centered design process and implementation. Materials and Methods: We conducted a qualitative evaluation of the Chronic Pain OneSheet (OneSheet), a chronic pain CDS tool. OneSheet provides pain- and opioid-related risks, benefits, and treatment information for patients with chronic pain to PCPs. Using the 5 Rights of CDS framework, we conducted and analyzed semi-structured interviews with 19 PCPs across 2 academic health systems. Results: PCPs stated that OneSheet mostly contained the right information required to treat patients with chronic pain and was correctly located in the electronic health record. PCPs used OneSheet for distinct subgroups of patients with chronic pain, including patients prescribed opioids, with poorly controlled pain, or new to a provider or clinic. PCPs reported variable workflow integration and selective use of certain OneSheet features driven by their preferences and patient population. PCPs recommended broadening OneSheet access to clinical staff and patients for data entry to address clinician time constraints. Discussion: Differences in patient subpopulations and workflow preferences had an outsized effect on CDS tool use even when the CDS contained the right information identified in a user-centered design process. Conclusions: To increase adoption and use, CDS design and implementation processes may benefit from increased tailoring that accommodates variation and dynamics among patients, visits, and providers.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Our study investigates early experiential learning as a method of curricular integration by allowing students to begin their clinical experience in the first year of the programme, as well as distributing biomedical classes throughout the predoctoral dental school curriculum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study utilises a quasi-experimental design with two different groups, Standard Curriculum Group and Integrated Curriculum Group, n = 87. Data were collected from 2017 to 2021. RESULTS: We found that, on average, it took 608 h less for the participants in an integrated curriculum group to reach clinical competence in comparison to peers who did not experience the same methods of integration in their programme. These data were collected through daily faculty evaluations of students' progression as well as participants' own self-assessment. Our results indicate that participants in the Integrated Curriculum Group also experienced a positive effect on their confidence in their ability to apply the biomedical sciences to patient care. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that predoctoral dental programmes may be able to bring about positive outcomes for students' clinical confidence and competence by providing patient care opportunities early in the programme and sequencing the biomedical sciences throughout the curriculum. As such, it appears that early experiential learning may be a viable option for curricular integration that can have a positive effect on both students' confidence in their clinical abilities and their progression to clinical competence.
Subject(s)
Education, Dental , Students, Dental , Humans , Education, Dental/methods , Curriculum , Problem-Based Learning , Patient Care , Clinical CompetenceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Perioperative intra-articular joint injection is a known risk factor for developing prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in the immediate preoperative and postoperative periods for total knee arthroplasty, but is less defined in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The goal of this study was to elucidate the risk of developing PJI after intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) into a post UKA knee. METHODS: A retrospective review of a nationwide administrative claims database was performed from January 2015 to October 2020. Patients who underwent UKA and had an ipsilateral IACI were identified and matched 2:1 to a control group of primary UKA patients who did not receive IACI. Multivariate logistic analyses were conducted to assess differences in PJI rates at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 47,903 cases were identified, of which 2,656 (5.5%) cases received IACI. The mean time from UKA to IACI was 355 days. The incidence of PJI in the IACI group was 2.7%, compared to 1.3% in the control group. The rate of PJI after IACI was significantly higher than the rate in the control group at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years (all P < .05). The majority of PJI occurred within the first 6 months following IACI (75%). CONCLUSION: In this study, IACI in a UKA doubled the risk of PJI compared to patients who did not receive an injection. Surgeons should be aware of this increased risk to aid in their decision-making about injecting into a UKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.
Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Osteoarthritis, Knee , Prosthesis-Related Infections , Humans , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects , Knee Joint/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Prosthesis-Related Infections/etiology , Prosthesis-Related Infections/chemically induced , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/adverse effects , Osteoarthritis, Knee/complicationsABSTRACT
Objective: Given time constraints, poorly organized information, and complex patients, primary care providers (PCPs) can benefit from clinical decision support (CDS) tools that aggregate and synthesize problem-specific patient information. First, this article describes the design and functionality of a CDS tool for chronic noncancer pain in primary care. Second, we report on the retrospective analysis of real-world usage of the tool in the context of a pragmatic trial. Materials and methods: The tool known as OneSheet was developed using user-centered principles and built in the Epic electronic health record (EHR) of 2 health systems. For each relevant patient, OneSheet presents pertinent information in a single EHR view to assist PCPs in completing guideline-recommended opioid risk mitigation tasks, review previous and current patient treatments, view patient-reported pain, physical function, and pain-related goals. Results: Overall, 69 PCPs accessed OneSheet 2411 times (since November 2020). PCP use of OneSheet varied significantly by provider and was highly skewed (site 1: median accesses per provider: 17 [interquartile range (IQR) 9-32]; site 2: median: 8 [IQR 5-16]). Seven "power users" accounted for 70% of the overall access instances across both sites. OneSheet has been accessed an average of 20 times weekly between the 2 sites. Discussion: Modest OneSheet use was observed relative to the number of eligible patients seen with chronic pain. Conclusions: Organizations implementing CDS tools are likely to see considerable provider-level variation in usage, suggesting that CDS tools may vary in their utility across PCPs, even for the same condition, because of differences in provider and care team workflows.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The Chronic Pain Treatment Tracker (Tx Tracker) is a prototype decision support tool to aid primary care clinicians when caring for patients with chronic noncancer pain. This study evaluated clinicians' perceived utility of Tx Tracker in meeting information needs and identifying treatment options, and preferences for visual design. METHODS: We conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with primary care clinicians from four health systems in Indiana. The interviews were conducted in two waves, with prototype and interview guide revisions after the first six interviews. The interviews included exploration of Tx Tracker using a think-aloud approach and a clinical scenario. Clinicians were presented with a patient scenario and asked to use Tx Tracker to make a treatment recommendation. Last, participants answered several evaluation questions. Detailed field notes were collected, coded, and thematically analyzed by four analysts. RESULTS: We identified several themes: the need for clinicians to be presented with a comprehensive patient history, the usefulness of Tx Tracker in patient discussions about treatment planning, potential usefulness of Tx Tracker for patients with high uncertainty or risk, potential usefulness of Tx Tracker in aggregating scattered information, variability in expectations about workflows, skepticism about underlying electronic health record data quality, interest in using Tx Tracker to annotate or update information, interest in using Tx Tracker to translate information to clinical action, desire for interface with visual cues for risks, warnings, or treatment options, and desire for interactive functionality. CONCLUSION: Tools like Tx Tracker, by aggregating key information about past, current, and potential future treatments, may help clinicians collaborate with their patients in choosing the best pain treatments. Still, the use and usefulness of Tx Tracker likely relies on continued improvement of its functionality, accurate and complete underlying data, and tailored integration with varying workflows, care team roles, and user preferences.
Subject(s)
Chronic Pain , Decision Support Systems, Clinical , Analgesics, Opioid , Chronic Pain/therapy , Electronic Health Records , Humans , Primary Health CareABSTRACT
Due to public health measures enacted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, educators and students alike have been suddenly thrust into the realm of online learning. To better understand how active and collaborative learning methods can apply to students studying in isolation, we compared the effects of two teach-and-question assignments: one that utilizes the active learning method of reciprocal peer tutoring and a solo version that requires individual verbalized studying and elaborative interrogation. We used a quasi-experimental design, with student participants enrolled in an online introductory human anatomy course. The first treatment group completed regular teach-and-question study assignments virtually with a peer, and the second treatment group completed the same assignment independently. We found no differences in exam scores between treatments, even for students with high social anxiety; however, student attitudes about the social versus individual assignment did differ for specific types of students. Students who reported experiencing high social anxiety preferred completing the active learning exercise by themselves, and students with low scientific reasoning ability preferred the partnered assignment. This research has potential implications for online classrooms. For instance, our results indicate that students who study independently, or in isolation, may have learning outcomes similar to those of students who study with a peer as long as they study actively. Because we found no negative impact on examination results, it also could be that virtually partnered or independent teach-and-question assignments could be helpful for instructors teaching large online classes to ensure all students are getting individualized feedback and attention.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recruiting healthcare providers as research subjects often rely on in-person recruitment strategies. Little is known about recruiting provider participants via electronic recruitment methods. In this study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, we describe and evaluate a primarily electronic approach to recruiting primary care providers (PCPs) as subjects in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a decision support intervention. METHODS: We adapted an existing framework for healthcare provider research recruitment, employing an electronic consent form and a mix of brief synchronous video presentations, email, and phone calls to recruit PCPs into the RCT. To evaluate the success of each electronic strategy, we estimated the number of consented PCPs associated with each strategy, the number of days to recruit each PCP and recruitment costs. RESULTS: We recruited 45 of 63 eligible PCPs practicing at ten primary care clinic locations over 55 days. On average, it took 17 business days to recruit a PCP (range 0-48) and required three attempts (range 1-7). Email communication from the clinic leaders led to the most successful recruitments, followed by brief synchronous video presentations at regularly scheduled clinic meetings. We spent approximately $89 per recruited PCP. We faced challenges of low email responsiveness and limited opportunities to forge relationships. CONCLUSION: PCPs can be efficiently recruited at low costs as research subjects using primarily electronic communications, even during a time of high workload and stress. Electronic peer leader outreach and synchronous video presentations may be particularly useful recruitment strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04295135 . Registered 04 March 2020.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , COVID-19/epidemiology , Electronics , Humans , Patient Selection , Primary Health Care , Research SubjectsABSTRACT
The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the Regenstrief Teaching Electronic Medical Record (tEMR), how the tEMR could be used, and how it is currently being used in health professions education. The tEMR is a derivative of a real-world electronic health record (EHR), a large, pseudonymized patient database, and a population health tool designed to support curricular goals. The tEMR has been successfully adopted at 12 health professional, public health, and health information technology (HIT) schools, with over 11 800 unique student users and more than 74 000 logins, for case presentation, to develop diagnostic and therapeutic plans, and to practice documentation skills. With the exponential growth of health-related data and the impact of HIT on work-life balance, it is critical for students to get early EHR skills practice and understand how EHR's work. The tEMR is a promising, scalable, flexible application to help health professional students learn about common HIT tools and issues.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: As the coronavirus pandemic progressed through the United States, Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) identified a gap between the health system capacity and the projected need to support an overwhelmed health care system. In addressing emergencies or special cases, each medical institution in a metropolitan area typically has a siloed process for capturing emergency patient records. These approaches vary in technical capabilities and may include use of an electronic medical record system (EMR) or a hybrid paper/EMR process. Given the projected volume of patients for the COVID-19 pandemic and the proposed multi-institutional team approach needed in case of significant provider illness, IEMS sought a simple, efficient, consolidated EMR solution to support planning for the potential capacity gap. IEMS approached Regenstrief Institute (RI), an established partner with experience in supporting OpenMRS, a global good EMR platform that had been deployed in multiple settings globally. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this project was to determine if OpenMRS, a global good, could be used to quickly stand up a system that would meet the needs for health emergency data collection and reporting. DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION METHODS: The team used an "all hands on deck" approach, bringing together technical and subject matter experts, and a human-centered and iterative process to ensure the system met the key needs of IEMS. The OpenMRS Reference Application was adapted to the specific need and deployed as Docker containers to servers within the Indiana Health Information Exchange. PROJECT OUTCOMES AND LESSONS LEARNED: In less than two weeks, the Regenstrief team was able to install, configure and set up a working version of OpenMRS to support the desired electronic record requirements for the IEMS disaster field clinics. Using a human-centered approach, the RI team developed, tested, and released a user-friendly, installation-ready solution complete with an end user manual and a base support plan. IEMS and RI are sharing this approach to demonstrate how a global good can quickly generate a solution for COVID-19 and other disaster responses. CONCLUSIONS: Open source global goods can rapidly be adapted to meet local needs in an emergency. OpenMRS can be adapted to meet the needs of basic emergency medical services registration, triage, and basic data collection.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Emergencies , Electronic Health Records , Humans , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this descriptive study is to outline the Roseman University of Health Sciences (RUHS) College of Dental Medicines' Patient Assistance Fund development, organization and outcomes. The description and reported results provide insight to others considering similar health professions programs. METHODS: The Patient Assistance Fund (PAF) affords dental students an opportunity to petition for and obtain financial assistance for their most disadvantaged patients. In this study, two sources of data were collected and used with a quantitative analysis for data collected as part of the PAFs operation and a qualitative analysis to evaluate the patient experiences. RESULTS: A total of 16 student advocates, consisting of 6 males and 10 females from the D3 and D4 classes made 26 presentations to the PAF board committee. The combined amount requested from the PAF was $47,428.00 ("Cost of Treatment Plan") representing an average request per patient of $1824.15 (range $324.00 to $4070.00). The approved procedures and treatment plans totaled $21,278.36 ("Cost of Approved Procedures") with an average of $818.40 (range $204.00 to $2434.00) per patient. Patients and students expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the program. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an overview of the structure, funding sources, expenditures and patient services supported by a dental student managed patient assistance fund. The experiences at RUHS College of Dental Medicine (CODM) suggest that other healthcare professions schools can develop similar type programs that yield benefit both to students and to patients in need.
Subject(s)
Financial Management , Health Expenditures , Female , Humans , Male , Students , Vulnerable PopulationsABSTRACT
â¢Metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma.â¢IDC metastasis to cervix.â¢Unusual metastasis to cervix.
ABSTRACT
â¢Immature teratomas are rare in pregnancies.â¢Surgical and chemotherapeutic considerations during pregnancy.â¢Growing teratoma syndrome treated with surgical management.
Subject(s)
Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Medical Marijuana/therapeutic use , Neoplasms/therapy , Palliative Care/methods , Cancer Pain/prevention & control , Clinical Trials as Topic , Female , Humans , Nausea/chemically induced , Nausea/prevention & control , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Vomiting/chemically induced , Vomiting/prevention & controlABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The objective of this qualitative study is to better understand primary care clinician decision making for managing chronic pain. Specifically, we focus on the factors that influence changes to existing chronic pain management plans. Limitations in guidelines and training leave clinicians to use their own judgment and experience in managing the complexities associated with treating patients with chronic pain. This study provides insight into those judgments based on clinicians' first-person accounts. Insights gleaned from this study could inspire innovations aimed at supporting primary care clinicians (PCCs) in managing chronic pain. METHODS: We conducted 89 interviews with PCCs to obtain their first-person perspective of the factors that influenced changes in treatment plans for their patients. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, cognitive scientists, and public health researchers. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged through our analysis of factors that influenced a change in chronic pain management: 1) change in patient condition; 2) outcomes related to treatment; 3) nonadherent patient behavior; 4) insurance constraints; 5) change in guidelines, laws, or policies; 6) approaches to new patients; and 7) specialist recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis sheds light on the factors that lead PCCs to change treatment plans for patients with chronic pain. An understanding of these factors can inform the types of innovations needed to support PCCs in providing chronic pain care. We highlight key insights from our analysis and offer ideas for potential practice innovations.
Subject(s)
Clinical Decision-Making/methods , Pain Management/methods , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Primary Health Care/methods , Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use , Chronic Pain/drug therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Medication Adherence , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: For complex patients with chronic conditions, electronic health records (EHRs) contain large amounts of relevant historical patient data. To use this information effectively, clinicians may benefit from visual information displays that organize and help them make sense of information on past and current treatments, outcomes, and new treatment options. Unfortunately, few clinical decision support tools are designed to support clinical sensemaking. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe a decision-centered design process, and resultant interactive patient information displays, to support key clinical decision requirements in chronic noncancer pain care. METHODS: To identify key clinical decision requirements, we conducted critical decision method interviews with 10 adult primary care clinicians. Next, to identify key information needs and decision support design seeds, we conducted a half-day multidisciplinary design workshop. Finally, we designed an interactive prototype to support the key clinical decision requirements and information needs uncovered during the previous research activities. RESULTS: The resulting Chronic Pain Treatment Tracker prototype summarizes the current treatment plan, past treatment history, potential future treatments, and treatment options to be cautious about. Clinicians can access additional details about each treatment, current or past, through modal views. Additional decision support for potential future treatments and treatments to be cautious about is also provided through modal views. CONCLUSION: This study designed the Chronic Pain Treatment Tracker, a novel approach to decision support that presents clinicians with the information they need in a structure that promotes quick uptake, understanding, and action.
Subject(s)
Chronic Pain/therapy , Clinical Decision-Making , Electronic Health Records , User-Computer Interface , HumansABSTRACT
â¢Serous endometrial carcinomas rarely involve the renal system.â¢Stage IVB serous endometrial carcinoma with confirmed renal metastasis.â¢Paclitaxel/carboplatin treating serous endometrial carcinoma with renal metastasis.