An Ambulatory Pathway for the Investigation of Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism.

Aims The aim of this project was to provide an ambulatory pathway for diagnosis and management of patients with suspected Pulmonary Embolism (PE) with "low-risk" features. Methods A structured algorithm for the management of suspected PE was designed and implemented in April 2021. This involved the development of local guidelines to identify those "low-risk" patients with suspected PE, through the use of modified sPESI and Hestia criteria. This pathway was audited monthly to establish effect on admission and hospital length of stay. Results 51 CT PAs were performed by the Emergency Department in April 2021. Total number of CT confirmed PEs in April was 7(11%). 12 "low-risk" patients with suspected PE were identified and placed on the "Ambulatory Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Pathway". One (8.3%) patient on this pathway had a confirmed PE. Patients placed on this pathway spent significantly less time in the Emergency Department and in hospital with greater satisfaction by physicians using this pathway. Conclusion This pathway has succeeded in significantly decreasing length of stay both in the ED and in hospital for patients with suspected and confirmed PE.

Enabling recruitment success in bariatric surgical trials: pilot phase of the By-Band-Sleeve study.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving surgical procedures are challenging for recruitment and infrequent in the specialty of bariatrics. The pilot phase of the By-Band-Sleeve study (gastric bypass versus gastric band versus sleeve gastrectomy) provided the opportunity for an investigation of recruitment using a qualitative research integrated in trials (QuinteT) recruitment intervention (QRI). PATIENTS/METHODS: The QRI investigated recruitment in two centers in the pilot phase comparing bypass and banding, through the analysis of 12 in-depth staff interviews, 84 audio recordings of patient consultations, 19 non-participant observations of consultations and patient screening data. QRI findings were developed into a plan of action and fed back to centers to improve information provision and recruitment organization. RESULTS: Recruitment proved to be extremely difficult with only two patients recruited during the first 2 months. The pivotal issue in Center A was that an effective and established clinical service could not easily adapt to the needs of the RCT. There was little scope to present RCT details or ensure efficient eligibility assessment, and recruiters struggled to convey equipoise. Following presentation of QRI findings, recruitment in Center A increased from 9% in the first 2 months (2/22) to 40% (26/65) in the 4 months thereafter. Center B, commencing recruitment 3 months after Center A, learnt from the emerging issues in Center A and set up a special clinic for trial recruitment. The trial successfully completed pilot recruitment and progressed to the main phase across 11 centers. CONCLUSIONS: The QRI identified key issues that enabled the integration of the trial into the clinical setting. This contributed to successful recruitment in the By-Band-Sleeve trial-currently the largest in bariatric practice-and offers opportunities to optimize recruitment in other trials in bariatrics.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax; a Collapse in Management?

Revised guidelines for the management of spontaneous pneumothoraces were published by the British Thoracic Society in 2010, however compliance remains poor. A retrospective review was performed on patients diagnosed with a pneumothorax over a 26 month period (January 2012 to March 2014). Of the 57 patients identified, 43 (75%) were diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax. 12 patients (21%) had pre-existing lung disease, and 16 patients (28%) admitted to having had a previously documented pneumothorax. 19 patients (33%) were reported as smokers. The main symptoms reported were chest pain (93%) and shortness of breath (54%). Observation was appropriate in 18 cases (31%), while aspiration alone was performed in 9 (16%) with chest drains required in 25 cases (44%). Five patients (9%) were admitted directly under a medical team. Our study demonstrated good compliance with BTS guidelines. The decision to observe, aspirate, insert a chest drain or directly refer to the medical team was appropriate in the majority of cases studied.

Adolescents attending an adult emergency department: their utilisation characteristics and self-reported opinions of care provided.

We aimed to examine the case mix of adolescents presenting to an adult Emergency Department (ED) and to survey a representative sample regarding their perceived care. Of the 323 visits reviewed, 215 (66.6%) were males. Presentations increased at the weekend (151/323, 46.7%). Most visits were non-urgent, 34 (10.5%) were admitted. Acute injuries accounted for 156/215 (72.6%) of male presentations. 12/17 (70.5%) of those with a psychosocial presenting problem registered between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. 33 adolescents presented during the prospective study period. 6 were excluded, 3 were lost to follow-up. 10/24 (41.7%) described the time they were waiting to be seen by a doctor as unacceptable, 9 (37.5%) wanted more privacy and 11 (45.9%) reported a delay in receiving treatment. Adolescents represent a minority in the ED, but have specific needs. We recommend the availability of age specific health promotion information and training of staff in adolescent healthcare issues.

Gender identity disorder.

Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is a relatively rare condition of atypical gender development in which there is a psychological perception of self as masculine or feminine which is incongruent with ones phenotype. GID replaced the term Transsexualism in DSM-IV in 1994. The demographics of GID in Ireland have not been established. Since 2000 we have received 52 referrals of individuals with confirmed GID to our endocrine service for consideration for hormonal treatment (HT). Of the 52 patients 45 have male to female (MTF) GID (mean age 38.9 years) and 7 have female to male (FTM) GID (mean age 30.7 years). The age at presentation in this group is approximately 9 years older than in international series for both MTF (39 years v 30yrs) and FTM (31 yrs v 22yrs). The karyotype where analysed has been normal for their phenotypic sex. Twenty-three of the patients had received HT prior to attending our clinic that in only one case had been prescribed by a specialist. A number of patients had obtained HT via the internet or from overseas sources without medical review. Eighteen of the patients have been or are married and 14 of the group have children. The scale of referrals confirms that GID exists in the Irish population to a significant degree. Thus an appropriate care pathway for people with the condition needs to be established. This will facilitate optimum medical management of the patient group and a coherent approach to the many difficult social issues faced individuals with this disorder.