Physician Group Practices Accrued Large Bonuses Under Medicare's Bundled Payment Model, 2018-20.

The Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced Model (BPCI-A), a voluntary Alternative Payment Model for Medicare, incentivizes hospitals and physician group practices to reduce spending for patient care episodes below preset target prices. The experience of physician groups in BPCI-A is not well understood. We found that physician groups earned $421 million in incentive payments during BPCI-A's first four performance periods (2018-20). Target prices were positively associated with bonuses, with a mean reconciliation payment of $139 per episode in the lowest decile of target prices and $2,775 in the highest decile. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, mean bonuses increased from $815 per episode to $2,736 per episode. These findings suggest that further policy changes, such as improving target price accuracy and refining participation rules, will be important as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services continues to expand BPCI-A and develop other bundled payment models.

Daily compliance of the ABCDEF liberation bundle for patients in the intensive care unit: A retrospective descriptive study / Cumplimiento diario del bundle ABCDEF de liberación de los pacientes de cuidados intensivos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo.

Introduction: Implementing the ABCDEF bundle has demonstrated improved outcomes in patients with critical illness. This study aims to describe the daily compliance of the ABCDEF bundle in a Chilean intensive care unit. Methods: Retrospective observational study of electronic clinical records of nursing, physiotherapy, and medical professionals who cared for patients over 18 years of age, admitted to an intensive care unit for at least 24 hours, with or without mechanical ventilation. Daily bundle compliance was determined by considering the daily records for each element: Assess pain (element A), both spontaneous awakening trials (element B1) and spontaneous breathing trials (element B2), choice of sedation (element C), delirium assessment (element D), early mobilization (element E), and family engagement (element F). Results: 4165 registered bundle elements were obtained from nursing (47%), physiotherapy (44%), and physicians (7%), including 1134 patient/days (from 133 patients). Elements E and C showed 67 and 40% compliance, while D, A, and B2 showed 24, 14 and 11%, respectively. For B1 and F, 0% compliance was achieved. Compliance was higher in patients without mechanical ventilation for A and E, while it was similar for D. Conclusions: Early mobilization had the highest compliance, while spontaneous awakening trials and family engagement had absolute non-compliance. Future studies should explore the reasons for the different degrees of compliance per bundle element in clinical practice.

Introducción: La implementación del ABCDEF ha demostrado mejores resultados en los pacientes críticos. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar el cumplimiento del registro diario del ABCDEF en una unidad de cuidados intensivos chilena. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de los registros clínicos electrónicos de profesionales de enfermería, kinesiología y medicina que trataron a pacientes mayores de 18 años, hospitalizados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos durante al menos 24 horas, con o sin requerimiento de ventilación mecánica. Se determinó el cumplimiento diario del considerando la presencia del registro en la ficha clínica de cada elemento: evaluación del dolor (elemento A), prueba de interrupción de la sedación (elemento B1) y ventilación espontánea (elemento B2), elección de la sedación (elemento C), evaluación del (elemento D), movilización temprana (elemento E) y empoderamiento de la familia (elemento F). Resultados: Se obtuvieron 4165 elementos del registrados provenientes de enfermería (47%), kinesiología (44%) y medicina (7%), incluyendo 1134 días/paciente (133 pacientes). Los elementos E y C mostraron un cumplimiento del 67 y 40%, mientras que D, A, y B2 mostraron 24, 14 y 11%, respectivamente. Para B1 y F se obtuvo 0% de cumplimiento. El cumplimiento fue mayor en los pacientes sin ventilación mecánica para A y E, mientras que para D fue similar. Conclusiones: La movilización temprana fue el elemento con mayor cumplimiento, mientras que las pruebas de interrupción de sedación y el empoderamiento de la familia tuvieron incumplimiento absoluto. Futuros estudios deberían explorar las razones que expliquen los diferentes grados de cumplimiento por elemento del en la práctica clínica.

Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health: Evolution of a program to address maternal morbidity and mortality.

The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health program is a national investment in promoting safe care for every birth in the United States and lowering rates of preventable maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. Through its work with state and jurisdiction-based teams on patient safety bundle implementation, the program supports data-driven quality improvement. This paper details key aspects of the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health including patient safety bundles, technical assistance, implementation resource development, data support, and partnerships while providing an overview of the program's evolution, reach, impact, and future opportunities.

Effect of care bundles for acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent among in-hospital patients with high incidence and mortality. Implementing a series of evidence-based AKI care bundles may improve patient outcomes by reducing changeable standards of care. The aim of this meta-analysis was therefore to appraise the influences of AKI care bundles on patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored three international databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and two Chinese databases (Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for studies from databases inception until November 30, 2022, comparing the impact of different AKI care bundles with usual standards of care in patients with or at risk for AKI. The study quality of non-randomized controlled trials and randomized controlled trials was evaluated by the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tool and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Heterogeneity between studies was appraised by Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. The possible origins of heterogeneity between studies were assessed adopting Meta-regression and subgroup analyses. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger regression and Begg correlation tests were performed to discover potential publication bias. Data analysis was completed by software (RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0). The primary outcome was short- or long-term mortality. The secondary outcomes involved the incidence and severity of AKI. RESULTS: Sixteen studies containing 25,690 patients and 25,903 AKI episodes were included. In high-risk AKI patients determined by novel biomarkers, electronic alert or risk prediction score, the application of AKI care bundles significantly reduced the AKI incidence (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53-0.96; p = 0.02; I2 = 84%) and AKI severity (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.89; p = 0.01; I2 = 65%). No strong evidence is available to prove that care bundles can significantly reduce mortality (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.58-2.30; p = 0.68; I2 = 97%). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of AKI care bundles in routine clinical practice can effectively improve the outcomes of patients with or at-risk of AKI. However, the accumulated evidence is limited and not strong enough to make definite conclusions.

Implementation of a geriatric care bundle for older adults with acute burns.

BACKGROUND: Frailty and comorbidities are important outcome determinants in older patients (age ≥65) with burns. A Geriatric Burn Bundle (Geri-B) was implemented in 2019 at a regional burn center to standardize care for older adults. Components included frailty screening and protocolized geriatric co-management, malnutrition screening with nutritional support, and geriatric-centered pain regimens. METHODS: This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the implementation of Geri-B using the Proctor Framework. From June-August 2022, older burn-injured patients, burn nurses, and medical staff providers (attending physicians and advanced practice providers) were surveyed and interviewed. Transcribed interviews were coded and thematically analyzed. From May 2022 to August 2023, the number of inpatient visits aged 65 + with a documented frailty screening was monitored. RESULTS: The study included 23 participants (10 providers, 13 patients). Participants highly rated Geri-B in all implementation domains. Most providers rated geriatric care effectiveness as 'good' or 'excellent' after Geri-B implementation. Providers viewed it as a reminder to tailor geriatric care and a safeguard against substandard geriatric care. Staffing shortages, insufficient protocol training, and learning resources were reported as implementation barriers. Many providers advocated for better bundle integration into the hospital electronic health record (EHR) (e.g., frailty screening tool, automatic admission order sets). Most patients felt comfortable being asked about their functional status with strong patient support for therapy services. The average frailty screening completion rate from May 2022 to August 2023 was 86%. CONCLUSIONS: Geri-B was perceived as valuable for the care of older burn patients and may serve as a framework for other burn centers.

Effect of Standardized Bundle Care and Bundle Compliance on Reducing Surgical Site Infections: A Pragmatic Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND Care bundles for infection control consist of a set of evidence-based measures to prevent infections. This retrospective study aimed to compare surgical site infections (SSIs) from a single hospital surveillance system between 2017 and 2020, before and after implementing a standardized care bundle across specialties in 2019. It also aimed to assess whether bundle compliance affects the rate of SSIs. MATERIAL AND METHODS A care bundle consisting of 4 components (peri-operative antibiotics use, peri-operative glycemic control, pre-operative skin preparation, and maintaining intra-operative body temperature) was launched in 2019. We compared the incidence rates of SSIs, standardized infection ratio (SIR), and clinical outcomes of surgical procedures enrolled in the surveillance system before and after introducing the bundle care. The level of bundle compliance, defined as the number of fully implemented bundle components, was evaluated. RESULTS We included 6059 procedures, with 2010 in the pre-bundle group and 4049 in the post-bundle group. Incidence rates of SSIs (1.7% vs 1.0%, P=0.013) and SIR (0.8 vs 1.48, P<0.01) were significantly lower in the post-bundle group. The incidence of SSIs was significantly lower when all bundle components were fully adhered to, compared with when only half of the components were adhered to (0.3% vs 4.0%, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS SSIs decreased significantly after the application of a standardized care bundle for surgical procedures across specialties. Full adherence to all bundle components was the key to effectively reducing the risk of surgical site infections.

Implementation Evaluation of an Early Notification Care Bundle for Patients with Hip Fracture (eHIP).

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture in older adults results in significant mortality and is one of the costliest fall-related injuries. The Australian Commission for Quality and Safety in Health Care hip fracture clinical care standards consolidate the best available evidence for managing this patient group; however, uptake is variable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a multidisciplinary early activation mechanism and bundle of care (eHIP) on patient and health service outcomes. METHODS: This controlled pre- and post-test study was conducted from June 2019-June 2021 at a large regional hospital in Australia. We hypothesised that eHIP would result in at least 50% of hip fracture patients receiving six or more components of the ACSQHC Hip Fracture Clinical Care Standard. Secondary outcomes include hospital-acquired complication rates and acute treatment costs. RESULTS: There were 565 cases included for analysis. After implementation of eHIP (the post-period), 88% of patients received a correct activation of the eHIP pathway, sustained over 12 months. The proportion of patients receiving the primary outcome of six or more components increased from 36% to 49%. Care at presentation (pain and cognitive assessment) increased by 23%, and unrestricted mobilisation within 24 h improved by 10%. Prescription of appropriate analgesia improved 10-fold (5.2-57%), and patients receiving the gold standard fascia iliaca block increased from 68% to 88%. Acute treatment costs did not significantly change. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: eHIP, a hip fracture care program incorporating evidence-based behaviour change theory, resulted in sustained improvements to patient care as recommended by the ACSQHC Hip Fracture Clinical Care Standard.

Does improved patient care lead to higher treatment costs? A multicentre cost evaluation of a blunt chest injury care bundle.

BACKGROUND: Blunt chest injury is associated with significant adverse health outcomes. A chest injury care bundle (ChIP) was developed for patients with blunt chest injury presenting to the emergency department. ChIP implementation resulted in increased health service use, decreased unplanned Intensive Care Unit admissions and non-invasive ventilation use. In this paper, we report on the financial implications of implementing ChIP and quantify costs/savings. METHODS: This was a controlled pre-and post-test study with two intervention and two non-intervention sites. The primary outcome measure was the treatment cost of hospital admission. Costs are reported in Australian dollars (AUD). A generalised linear model (GLM) estimated patient episode treatment costs at ChIP intervention and non-intervention sites. Because healthcare cost data were positive-skewed, a gamma distribution and log-link function were applied. RESULTS: A total of 1705 patients were included in the cost analysis. The interaction (Phase x Treatment) was positive but insignificant (p = 0.45). The incremental cost per patient episode at ChIP intervention sites was estimated at $964 (95 % CI, -966 - 2895). The very wide confidence intervals reflect substantial differences in cost changes between individual sites Conclusions: The point estimate of the cost of the ChIP care bundle indicated an appreciable increase compared to standard care, but there is considerable variability between sites, rendering the finding statistically non-significant. The impact on short- and longer-term costs requires further quantification.

The effect of a bundle intervention for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology procedures on same-day case cancellation rate and associated costs.

Cancellations within 24 h of planned elective surgical procedures reduce operating theatre efficiency, add unnecessary costs and negatively affect patient experience. We implemented a bundle intervention that aimed to reduce same-day case cancellations. This consisted of communication tools to improve patient engagement and new screening instruments (automated estimation of ASA physical status and case cancellation risk score plus four screening questions) to identify patients in advance (ideally before case booking) who needed comprehensive pre-operative risk stratification. We studied patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery with the otorhinolaryngology service at a single centre from April 2021 to December 2022. Multivariable logistic regression and interrupted time-series analyses were used to analyse the effects of this intervention on case cancellations within 24 h and costs. We analysed 1548 consecutive scheduled cases. Cancellation within 24 h occurred in 114 of 929 (12.3%) cases pre-intervention and 52 of 619 (8.4%) cases post-intervention. The cancellation rate decreased by 2.7% (95%CI 1.6-3.7%, p < 0.01) during the first month, followed by a monthly decrease of 0.2% (95%CI 0.1-0.4%, p < 0.01). This resulted in an estimated $150,200 (£118,755; €138,370) or 35.3% cost saving (p < 0.01). Median (IQR [range]) number of days between case scheduling and day of surgery decreased from 34 (21-61 [0-288]) pre-intervention to 31 (20-51 [1-250]) post-intervention (p < 0.01). Patient engagement via the electronic health record patient portal or text messaging increased from 75.9% at baseline to 90.8% (p < 0.01) post-intervention. The primary reason for case cancellation was patients' missed appointment on the day of surgery, which decreased from 7.2% pre-intervention to 4.5% post-intervention (p = 0.03). An anaesthetist-driven, clinical informatics-based bundle intervention decreases same-day case cancellation rate and associated costs in patients scheduled for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology surgery.

Impact of electronic AKI alert/care bundle on AKI inpatient outcomes: a retrospective single-center cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes among acute kidney injury (AKI) patients are poor in United Kingdom (UK) hospitals, and electronic alerts and care bundles may improve them. We implemented such a system at West Suffolk Hospital (WSH) called the 'AKI order set'. We aimed to assess its impact on all-cause mortality, length of stay (LOS) and renal function among AKI patients, and its utilization. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center cohort study of patients ≥ 18 years old with AKI at WSH, a 430-bed general hospital serving a rural UK population of approximately 280,000. 7243 unique AKI events representing 5728 patients with full data were identified automatically from our electronic health record (EHR) between 02 September 2018 and 1 July 2021 (median age 78 years, 51% male). All-cause mortality, LOS and improvement in AKI stage, demographic and comorbidity data, medications and AKI order set use were automatically collected from the EHR. RESULTS: The AKI order set was used in 9.8% of AKI events and was associated with 28% lower odds of all-cause mortality (multivariable odds ratio [OR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.91). Median LOS was longer when the AKI order set was utilized than when not (11.8 versus 8.8 days, p < .001), but was independently associated with improvement in the AKI stage (28.9% versus 8.7%, p < .001; univariable OR 4.25, 95% CI 3.53-5.10, multivariable OR 4.27, 95% CI 3.54-5.14). CONCLUSIONS: AKI order set use led to improvements in all-cause mortality and renal function, but longer LOS, among AKI patients at WSH.

Faster refill in an urban emergency medical services system saves lives: A prospective preliminary evaluation of a prehospital advanced resuscitative care bundle.

INTRODUCTION: Military experience has demonstrated mortality improvement when advanced resuscitative care (ARC) is provided for trauma patients with severe hemorrhage. The benefits of ARC for trauma in civilian emergency medical services (EMS) systems with short transport intervals are still unknown. We hypothesized that ARC implementation in an urban EMS system would reduce in-hospital mortality. METHODS: This was a prospective analysis of ARC bundle administration between 2021 and 2023 in an urban EMS system with 70,000 annual responses. The ARC bundle consisted of calcium, tranexamic acid, and packed red blood cells via a rapid infuser. Advanced resuscitative care patients were compared with trauma registry controls from 2016 to 2019. Included were patients with a penetrating injury and systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg. Excluded were isolated head trauma or prehospital cardiac arrest. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome of interest. RESULTS: A total of 210 patients (ARC, 61; controls, 149) met the criteria. The median age was 32 years, with no difference in demographics, initial systolic blood pressure or heart rate recorded by EMS, or New Injury Severity Score between groups. At hospital arrival, ARC patients had lower median heart rate and shock index than controls ( p ≤ 0.03). Fewer patients in the ARC group required prehospital advanced airway placement ( p < 0.001). Twenty-four-hour and total in-hospital mortality were lower in the ARC group ( p ≤ 0.04). Multivariable regression revealed an independent reduction in in-hospital mortality with ARC (odds ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.68; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Early ARC in a fast-paced urban EMS system is achievable and may improve physiologic derangements while decreasing patient mortality. Advanced resuscitative care closer to the point of injury warrants consideration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

'Baby Liberation' - Developing and implementing an individualised, developmentally-supportive care bundle to critically unwell infants in an Australian Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Infants requiring high acuity care within a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit are at multifactorial risk of neurological injury to the immature brain, resulting in long-term developmental difficulties. In 2020, Queensland Children's Hospital implemented an individualised family-centred developmental care program, 'Baby Liberation', to address an identified service gap for critically unwell infants, aimed at optimising early neuroprotective strategies and minimising risk of suboptimal developmental outcomes. AIM: To implement Baby Liberation for infants admitted to a quaternary paediatric intensive care referral centre. Secondary aims were to describe environmental changes, enablers and limitations related to implementation. STUDY DESIGN: A single-centre, prospective implementation pilot study investigated the feasibility of implementing Baby Liberation. Subjects included infants less than six months of age admitted to Queensland Children's Hospital Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary measures comprised data collected during the implementation period, including number of eligible patients and number of developmental care plans provided. Environmental audit data were collected pre and post implementation to inform secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Baby Liberation was feasibly implemented into the Queensland Children's Hospital Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. During implementation, 181 individualised care plans were provided to 313 eligible infants (57.8 %). Environmental audits showed improvements in all areas of developmental care, with greatest improvements noted in pain and stress management (+95 %) and staff support and development (+83.3 %). CONCLUSION: Implementation of Baby Liberation was feasible within a large quaternary paediatric intensive care unit and has potential to be expanded into other clinical areas providing acute infant care.

Beyond SEP-1 Compliance: Assessing the Impact of Antibiotic Overtreatment and Fluid Overload in Suspected Septic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) developed the Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Performance Measure bundle (SEP-1) metric to improve sepsis care, but evidence supporting this bundle is limited and harms secondary to compliance have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effect of an emergency department (ED) sepsis quality-improvement (QI) effort to improve CMS SEP-1 compliance, looking specifically at antibiotic overtreatment and harm from fluid resuscitation. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study conducted between March and July 2021 with patients for whom a sepsis order set was initiated. The primary outcomes included the number of patients treated with antibiotics who were ultimately deemed nonseptic and the number of patients who developed pulmonary edema, with or without need for positive pressure ventilation (PPV), within 48 h of receiving a 30 mL/kg fluid bolus. Data were collected via nonblinded chart reviews, with a free marginal κ-calculation indicating excellent interrater reliability. RESULTS: The study cohort included 273 patients, 170 (62.3%) who were ultimately determined to be septic and 103 (37.7%) who were nonseptic. Of the 103 nonseptic patients, 82 (79.6%) received antibiotics in the ED. Of the 121 patients (44.3%) who received a 30 mL/kg bolus, 5 patients (4.1%) developed pulmonary edema and 0 of 121 patients required PPV within 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: The QI effort led to moderate rates of antibiotic overtreatment and very few patients developed pulmonary edema due to a 30 mL/kg fluid bolus.

The Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness of an Individualized Nutritional CAre (INCA) Bundle versus Standard Care for Adults with Pressure Injuries Receiving Home Nursing Services: A Protocol for a Cluster Randomized and Pragmatic Clinical Trial with an Economic Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Pressure injuries (PIs) represent a significant healthcare challenge in Singapore among the aging population. These injuries contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure. Existing research predominantly explores single-component interventions in hospital environments, often yielding limited success. The INCA Trial aims to address this research gap by conducting a comprehensive, cluster randomized controlled trial that integrates education, individualized nutritional support, and community nursing care. This study is designed to evaluate clinical and cost-effectiveness outcomes, focusing on PI wound area reduction and incremental costs associated with the intervention. METHODS: The INCA Trial employs a two-group, non-blinded, cluster randomized, and pragmatic clinical trial design, recruiting 380 adult individuals (age ≥ 21 years) living in the community with stage II, III, IV, and unstageable PI(s) who are receiving home nursing service in Singapore. Cluster randomization is stratified by postal codes to minimize treatment contamination. The intervention arm will receive an individualized nutrition and nursing care bundle (dietary education with nutritional supplementation), while the control arm will receive standard care. The 90-day intervention will be followed by outcome assessments extending over one year. Primary outcomes include changes in PI wound area and the proportion of participants achieving a ≥40% area reduction. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life (HRQOL), nutritional status, and hospitalization rates. Data analysis will be conducted on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis, supplemented by interim analyses for efficacy and futility and pre-specified sensitivity and subgroup analyses. The primary outcome for the cost-effectiveness analysis will be based on the change to total costs compared to the change to health benefits, as measured by quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). DISCUSSION: The INCA Trial serves as a pioneering effort in its approach to PI management in community settings. This study uniquely emphasizes both clinical and economic outcomes and melds education, intensive dietetic support, and community nursing care for a holistic approach to enhancing PI management.

Care bundles and peripheral arterial catheters.

HIGHLIGHTS: What we know about the topic: Recommendations for the use of vascular access care bundles to reduce infection are followed for different devices. The risk of arterial catheter-related infection is comparable with short-term, non-cuffed central venous catheters. There are practice concerns for clinicians inserting and caring for peripheral arterial catheters. What this paper adds: The selected studies had a theme of decreased infection after using bundled strategies for all devices. Few studies addressed use of bundles for care of peripheral arterial catheters. High-quality research should be performed about using care bundles for insertion and care of arterial catheters. INTRODUCTION: A scoping review of the literature was performed. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To find information on the use of care bundles for care of arterial, central, and peripherally inserted venous catheters. METHODS: Data was extracted by 2 independent researchers using standardized methodology. RESULTS: Results of 84 studies included 2 (2.4%) randomized controlled trials, 38 (45.2%) observational studies, 29 (34.5%) quality projects, and 15 (17.9%) reviews. Populations had more adults than pediatric patients. All studies had the most prominent theme of decreased infection in all devices after using bundle strategies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The mapping of available evidence strongly supports the use of care bundles to reduce infection in the care of all intravascular devices. However, deficiencies regarding practice concerns about insertion and care of arterial catheters highlight areas for future research with the aim to eliminate the gap in the evidence of studies of care bundles for peripheral arterial catheters.

Association between a Post-Resuscitation Care Bundle and the Odds of Field Rearrest after Successful Resuscitation from Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Pre/Post Study.

OBJECTIVES: Rearrest after successful resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is common and is associated with worse patient outcomes. However, little is known about the effect of interventions designed to prevent rearrest. We assessed the association between a prehospital care protocol for immediate management after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and rates of field rearrest and survival to discharge in patients with prehospital ROSC. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of adult patients with OHCA and field ROSC within a large EMS system before (April 2017-August 2018) and after (April 2019-February 2020) implementation of a structured prehospital post-ROSC care protocol. The protocol was introduced in September 2018 and provided on-scene stabilization direction including guidance on ventilation and blood pressure support. Field data and hospital outcomes were used to compare the frequency of field rearrest, hospital survival, and survival with good neurologic outcome before and after protocol implementation. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between the post-implementation period and these outcomes, and odds ratios were reported. The association between individual interventions on these outcomes was also explored. RESULTS: There were 2,706 patients with ROSC after OHCA in the pre-implementation period and 1,780 patients in the post-implementation period. The rate of prehospital rearrest was 43% pre-implementation vs 45% post-implementation (RD 2%, 95% CI -1, 4%). In the adjusted analysis, introduction of the protocol was not associated with decreased odds of rearrest (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.73, 1.04), survival to hospital discharge (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.81, 1.24), or survival with good neurologic outcome (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.61, 1.06). Post-implementation, post-ROSC administration of saline and push-dose epinephrine increased from 11% to 25% (RD 14%, 95% CI 11, 17%) and from 3% to 12% (RD 9% 95% CI 7, 11%), respectively. In an exploratory analysis, push-dose epinephrine was associated with a decreased odds of rearrest (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50, 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of a post-ROSC care protocol for patients with prehospital ROSC after OHCA was not associated with reduced odds of field rearrest. When elements of the care bundle were considered individually, push-dose epinephrine was associated with decreased odds of rearrest.

Effect of Cough Machine Assistance and Care Bundle Combined Therapy on Burned Patients With Moderate To Severe Inhalation Injury.

To investigate the effectiveness of cough machine assistance combined with care bundle on mental resilience and self-efficacy on burned patients with moderate to severe inhalation injury. Totally 98 burned patients with moderate to severe inhalation injury from April 2021 to April 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. They were divided into the control group (n = 49, conventional therapy) and combined-therapy group (n = 49, cough machine assistance and care bundles). The mental resilience, posttraumatic growth, and self-efficacy were conducted. The arterial blood gas analysis indicators and incidence of pulmonary infection were also evaluated. The length of hospital stay in combined-therapy group was significantly less than that of control group. There was no difference of pulmonary infections between two groups before treatment. However, the incidence of pulmonary infection in the combined-therapy group was significantly lower. After the therapy, the combined-therapy group showed significantly higher partial pressure of oxygen, and lower levels of oxyhemoglobin saturation and partial pressure of carbon dioxide compared with the control group. The evaluation with the mental resilience, posttraumatic growth, and self-efficacy after the therapy, indicated that the patients in the combined-therapy group had significantly higher scores of optimism, strength, tenacity, relating to others, new possibilities, personal strength, appreciation of life and spiritual change, and self-efficacy. The combined therapy with cough machine assistance and care bundles can effectively improve the mental resilience and self-efficacy level of burned patients with moderate to severe inhalation injury, showing potential for possible clinical applications.