Educação permanente e sua interface com melhores práticas em enfermagem na atenção primária à saúde / Educación permanente y su interfaz con las mejores prácticas de enfermería en la atención primaria a la salud / Permanent education and its interface with best nursing practices in primary health care

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a implicação do processo de educação permanente para o desenvolvimento das melhores práticas em enfermagem na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Metodologia: estudo quanti-qualitativo, realizado em duas macrorregiões de saúde do estado de Santa Catarina - Brasil. A amostra quantitativa foi de 216 enfermeiros, de 97 municípios. Os dados foram obtidos mediante aplicação de questionário e analisados via estatística descritiva. As informações qualitativas foram produzidas via grupos focais, em três municípios, e analisadas com auxílio do Atlas.ti 8.0®. Resultados: 174 enfermeiros (80,6%) possuem especialização. 200 (92%) participam de processos de educação permanente, incluindo troca de experiências e atualização, com destaque para o Telessaúde. Os discursos originaram cinco codegroups: compartilhar saberes e experiências; conhecimento e experiência qualificam a prática; educação: libertação e mudança; integração ensino-serviço; tempo para aprender. Conclusão: os processos de educação permanente tangenciam concepções da educação libertadora e apontam para a experiência e uso de evidências.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: analizar la implicancia del proceso de educación permanente para el desarrollo de las mejores prácticas de Enfermería en la Atención Primaria de la Salud. Metodología: estudio cuanti-cualitativo, realizado en dos macroregiones de salud del estado de Santa Catarina - Brasil. La muestra cuantitativa estuvo compuesta por 216 enfermeros, de 97 municipios. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario y se los analizó a través de estadística descriptiva. Los datos cualitativos se produjeron a través de grupos focales, en tres municipios, y se los analizó con la ayuda del programa Atlas.ti 8.0®. Resultados: 174 enfermeros (80,6%) poseen alguna especialización. 200 (92%) participan de procesos de educación permanente, incluyendo intercambio de experiencias y actualización, destacándose el programa Telessaúde (Telesalud). Los discursos originaron cinco code groups: compartir saberes y experiencias; el conocimiento y la experiencia califican la práctica; educación: liberación y cambio; integración enseñanza-servicio; y tiempo para aprender. Conclusión: los procesos de educación permanente entran en contacto tangencial con conceptos de la educación liberadora y apuntan a la experiencia y al uso de evidencias.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the implication of the permanent education process for the development of best Nursing practices in Primary Health Care. Methodology: a quanti-qualitative study conducted in two health macro-regions in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The sample was made up of 216 nurses, from 97 municipalities. The data were obtained by applying a questionnaire, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The qualitative data were produced by means of focus groups, in three municipalities, and analyzed with the aid of Atlas.ti 8.0®. Results: A total of 174 nurses (80.6%) have some specialization. 200 (92%) participate in permanent education processes, including exchange of experiences and updates, with Telessaúde (Telehealth) standing out. The discourses originated five code groups: sharing knowledge and experiences; knowledge and experience qualify the practice; education: liberation and change; teaching-service integration, and time to learn. Conclusion: the permanent education processes approach concepts of liberating education and point to the experience and use of evidence.

Best practices in nursing and their interface with the expanded family health and basic healthcare centers / Las mejores prácticas en enfermería y su interfaz con el núcleo extendido de salud de la familia y atención primaria / Melhores práticas em enfermagem e sua interface com o núcleo ampliado de saúde da família e atenção básica

ABSTRACT Objective: to know and reflect on the best practices in nursing and their interface with the Expanded Family Health and Basic Healthcare Centers (NASF-AB). Method: this is a participatory research based on Paulo Freire's methodological framework and developed from thematic investigation, coding, decoding, and critical unveiling. The information was produced and analyzed in four Culture Circles, with an average of five nurses and duration of two hours each, between April and June 2018. The investigation revealed four generating themes, unveiled during the meetings. In this study, the theme "best nursing practices that favor relations with NASF-AB" will be discussed. Results: nurses acknowledge communication as a tool that promotes best practices in nursing. It was possible to deepen the dialogue and knowledge about NASF-AB's work process and the role of nursing. Nurses act as a link between the support team and the Family Health team, a skill resulting from their training focused on management, having leadership and dialogue as resources for conflict resolution. Conclusion: the present study contributed to improve nurses' thinking and acting in relation to the proposed theme. The reflections made during Culture Circles boosted transformative attitudes in the practice settings. Nurse approximation with NASF-AB favors autonomy and collaborative practices (understood as best practices), encouraging interprofessional and solve-problem actions within Basic Care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: conocer y reflexionar sobre las mejores prácticas en enfermería y su interfaz con el Núcleo Extendido de Salud de la Familia y Atención Primaria (NASF-AB). Método: investigación participativa basada en el marco metodológico de Paulo Freire y desarrollada a partir de las etapas de investigación temática, codificación, decodificación y develación crítica. La información fue producida y analizada en cuatro Círculos de Cultura, con un promedio de cinco enfermeros y una duración de dos horas cada uno, entre abril y junio de 2018. La investigación reveló cuatro temas generadores, develados durante los encuentros. En este estudio se discutirá el tema: mejores prácticas de enfermería que favorecen las relaciones con la NASF-AB. Resultados: las enfermeras reconocen la comunicación como una herramienta que promueve las mejores prácticas en esta interfaz. Se logró profundizar el diálogo y el conocimiento sobre el tema, sobre el proceso de trabajo NASF-AB y el papel de la enfermería en este contexto. Se perciben a sí mismos como un vínculo entre el equipo de apoyo y el equipo de Salud de la Familia, habilidad resultante de su formación enfocada al ejercicio de la gestión y al liderazgo y al diálogo como recursos para la resolución de conflictos. Conclusión: el estudio contribuyó a la mejora del pensamiento y la actuación de los enfermeros en relación con el tema propuesto, ya que las reflexiones realizadas durante los Círculos Culturales estimularon actitudes transformadoras en los escenarios de práctica. Se observa que la aproximación de enfermeras con la NASF-AB favorece la autonomía y las prácticas colaborativas (entendidas como mejores prácticas), estimulando movimientos interprofesionales y resolutivos en el ámbito de la Atención Primaria.

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer e refletir sobre as melhores práticas em enfermagem e sua interface com o Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Básica. Método: pesquisa participante pautada no referencial metodológico de Paulo Freire e desenvolvida a partir das etapas de investigação temática, codificação, decodificação e desvelamento crítico. As informações foram produzidas e analisadas em quatro Círculos de Cultura, com média de cinco enfermeiras e duração de duas horas cada, entre abril e junho de 2018. A investigação revelou quatro temas geradores, desvelados durante os encontros. Neste estudo será discutido o tema: melhores práticas de enfermagem que favorecem as relações com o Núcleo Ampliado. Resultados: as enfermeiras reconhecem a comunicação como ferramenta que promove as melhores práticas nessa interface. Foi possível aprofundar o diálogo e o conhecimento sobre o tema, sobre o processo de trabalho do Núcleo e o papel da enfermagem nesse contexto. Elas se percebem como elo entre a equipe apoiadora a equipe de Saúde da Família, habilidade decorrente da sua formação voltada para o exercício da gestão e tendo a liderança e o diálogo como recursos para a resolução de conflitos. Conclusão: o estudo contribuiu para o aprimoramento do pensar e do agir das enfermeiras em relação ao tema proposto, pois as reflexões tecidas durante os Círculos impulsionaram atitudes transformadoras nos cenários de prática. Nota-se que a aproximação das enfermeiras com os Núcleos favorece a autonomia e as práticas colaborativas (compreendidas como melhores práticas), estimulando movimentos interprofissionais e resolutivos no âmbito da Atenção Primária.

Development and evaluation of an augmented reality education program for pediatric research.

BACKGROUND: Children often have limited understanding of clinical research and what they might expect from participating in a clinical study. Studies, however, suggest that multimedia delivery of medical and research information may promote greater understanding and engagement compared with standard written approaches. AIM: This study was designed to examine the effects of a novel interactive augmented reality (AR) program on children's understanding of clinical research. METHODS: Children (ages 7-13 years) were randomized to receive the basic information about clinical research using either a printed storybook (control) or the same storybook enhanced using a video see-through AR iPad program (AR) with embedded interactive quizzes. Children were interviewed to assess their understanding of the material before (pre-test) and after (post-test) receiving either of the randomized interventions. Both parents and children completed short surveys to measure their perceptions of the information delivery. RESULTS: Ninety-one parent/child dyads were included in the analysis. There were no differences between the control and AR children's pre-test understanding of the research information. However, both groups demonstrated significant and similar improvements in post-test understanding. Parents of children in the AR group found the information to be of higher quality and greater clarity compared with the control group, and 91.7% of children in the AR group found the inclusion of interactive quizzes to be helpful. Both parents and children found the AR program very easy to use and 85.0 % and 71.2%, respectively, indicated that if recruited for a future study that they would prefer information delivered using some type of iPad AR program together with a discussion with the researcher. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated the importance of providing children and parents with information in an easy to read and visually compelling manner. Although both groups demonstrated improved understanding, children and their parents preferred the AR program and reported a preference for receiving information using computer-based technology. Given the seemingly insurmountable challenge of keeping children and families engaged in health research related information exchange, the use of AR would appear to provide a novel and effective vehicle for enhancing children's and parents assimilation and understanding of research (and medical) information and as a potential tool to optimize the informed consent and assent processes. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: This study reinforces the importance in providing information to research participants and patients in an easy-to-read and visually salient manner. Although the AR program used in this study did not result in an increased level of understanding, AR was deemed the preferred method of information delivery. It is hoped that the results of this study will serve as a platform for future studies.

Behavioral Intervention and Disposal of Leftover Opioids: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Leftover prescription opioids pose risks to children and adolescents, yet many parents keep these medications in the home. Our objective in this study was to determine if providing a behavioral disposal method (ie, Nudge) with or without a Scenario-Tailored Opioid Messaging Program (STOMP) (risk-enhancement education) improves parents' opioid-disposal behavior after their children's use. METHODS: Parents whose children were prescribed a short course of opioids were recruited and randomly assigned to the Nudge or control groups with or without STOMP. Parents completed surveys at baseline and 7 and 14 days. Main outcomes were (1) prompt disposal (ie, immediate disposal of leftovers after use) and (2) planned retention (intention to keep leftovers). RESULTS: There were 517 parents who took part, and 93% had leftovers after use. Prompt disposal behavior was higher for parents who received both the STOMP and Nudge interventions (38.5%), Nudge alone (33.3%), or STOMP alone (31%) compared with controls (19.2%; P ≤ .02). Furthermore, the STOMP intervention independently decreased planned retention rates (5.6% vs 12.5% no STOMP; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.40 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.85]). Higher risk perception lowered the odds of planned retention (aOR 0.87 [95% CI 0.79-0.96]), whereas parental past opioid misuse increased those odds (aOR 4.44 [95% CI 1.67-11.79]). CONCLUSIONS: Providing a disposal method nudged parents to dispose of their children's leftover opioids promptly after use, whereas STOMP boosted prompt disposal and reduced planned retention. Such strategies can reduce the presence of risky leftover medications in the home and decrease the risks posed to children and adolescents.

Melhores Práticas na perspectiva de Enfermeiros da Rede de Atenção à Saúde / Best practices for nurses in the health care network

Objetivo: compreender e estimular o desenvolvimento de melhores práticas entre enfermeiros de uma Rede de Atenção à Saúde. Metodologia: pesquisa-ação, alicerçada no referencial metodológico de Paulo Freire. Realizaram-se três Círculos de Cultura, com 10 enfermeiros atuantes no Oeste de Santa Catarina, entre os meses de junho a agosto de 2018. As informações foram analisadas à luz dos atributos da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Resultados: o ideário das melhores práticas converge com estratégias como a interlocução, integração e apoio entre enfermeiros e demais profissionais da Rede, constituindo a base para uma Atenção Primária resolutiva. Os desafios para a sua realização perpassam a mudança do modelo de atenção, refletindo, sobretudo, na efetivação dos atributos essenciais na Atenção Primária. Conclusões: o estudo provocou a reflexão e, em certa medida, a reconstrução da práxis dos enfermeiros, que se percebem como protagonistas, no âmbito do sistema de saúde. (AU)

Objective: to understand and encourage the development of best practices among nurses in a Health Care Network. Methodology: action research, based on Paulo Freire's methodological framework. Three Culture Circles were held, with 10 nurses working in the West of Santa Catarina, between the months of June to August 2018. The information was analyzed in the light of the attributes of Primary Health Care. Results: the ideal of best practices converges with strategies such as interlocution, integration and support between nurses and other professionals of the Network, constituting the basis for resolving Primary Care. The challenges for its realization permeate the change in the model of care, reflecting, above all, in the realization of the essential attributes in Primary Care. Conclusions: the study provoked reflection and, to a certain extent, the reconstruction of the praxis of nurses, who perceive themselves as protagonists, within the scope of the health system. (AU)

Objetivo: comprender y fomentar el desarrollo de mejores prácticas entre enfermeras en una Red de Atención Médica Metodología: investigación de acción, basada en el marco metodológico de Paulo Freire. Se realizaron tres Círculos de Cultura, con 10 enfermeras que trabajan en el oeste de Santa Catarina, entre los meses de junio a agosto de 2018. La información se analizó a la luz de los atributos de La Atención Primaria de Salud. Resultados: el ideal de las mejores prácticas converge com estrategias como la interlocución, integración y apoyo entre enfermeras y otros profesionales de la Red, que constituy en la base para resolver la Atención Primaria. Los desafíos para su realización impregnan el cambio en el modelo de atención, reflejando, sobre todo, en la realización de los atributos esenciales en Atención Primaria. Conclusiones: el estudio provoco la reflexión y, en cierta medida, la reconstrucción de la praxis de las enfermeras, que se perciben a si mismas como protagonistas, dentro del alcance del sistema de salud. (AU)

The association of immediate post cardiac arrest diastolic hypertension and survival following pediatric cardiac arrest.

AIM: In-hospital cardiac arrest occurs in >5000 children each year in the US and almost half will not survive to discharge. Animal data demonstrate that an immediate post-resuscitation burst of hypertension is associated with improved survival. We aimed to determine if systolic and diastolic invasive arterial blood pressures immediately (0-20 min) after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) are associated with survival and neurologic outcomes at hospital discharge. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the Pediatric Intensive Care Quality of CPR (PICqCPR) study of invasively measured blood pressures during intensive care unit CPR. Patients were eligible if they achieved ROSC and had at least one invasively measured blood pressure within the first 20 min following ROSC. Post-ROSC blood pressures were normalized for age, sex and height. "Immediate hypertension" was defined as at least one systolic or diastolic blood pressure >90th percentile. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. RESULTS: Of 102 children, 70 (68.6%) had at least one episode of immediate post-CPR diastolic hypertension. After controlling for pre-existing hypotension, duration of CPR, calcium administration, and first documented rhythm, patients with immediate post-CPR diastolic hypertension were more likely to survive to hospital discharge (79.3% vs. 54.5%; adjusted OR = 2.93; 95%CI, 1.16-7.69). CONCLUSIONS: In this post hoc secondary analysis of the PICqCPR study, 68.6% of subjects had diastolic hypertension within 20 min of ROSC. Immediate post-ROSC hypertension was associated with increased odds of survival to discharge, even after adjusting for covariates of interest.

Deliberative Prescription Opioid Misuse Among Adolescents andEmerging Adults: Opportunities for Targeted Interventions.

BACKGROUND: One in five adolescents and emerging adults have reported prescription opioid misuse (POM), posing significant risks for opioid-related adverse outcomes. Devising prevention strategies requires a better understanding of the decisional factors underlying risky misuse behavior. This research examined the associations between past opioid use behavior, opioid risk knowledge and perceptions, and intentional POM decisions. METHODS: Participants aged 15-23years completed surveys assessing past prescription opioid use and misuse, opioid risk knowledge, opioid risk perceptions, and pain relief preferences (i.e., analgesic benefit vs. risk aversion preference). The outcome, Willingness to Misuse (i.e., intentional decisions to use a prescription opioid in a non-compliant manner) was measured using hypothetical pain decision scenarios. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 972 adolescents and young adults. In total, 44% had taken a prescription opioid and 32% of these reported past POM. Willingness to Misuse was significantly associated with lower opioid misuse risk perceptions (ß = .75 [95% CI .66-.86]) and past opioid misuse (ß = 1.81 [95% CI 1.13-2.91]) but not simple risk knowledge (ß = .81 [95% CI .58-1.11]. The probability of future misuse was highest for those who reported past opioid misuse and had low risk perceptions (58.7% [95% CI 51.3-65.8]) and high pain relief preferences (53.4% [95% CI 45.3%-61.3%]). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that simple knowledge of prescription opioid risks is insufficient to curtail misuse among adolescents and emerging adults. Rather, it may be important to heighten opioid risk perceptions and strengthen opioid risk aversion values when prescribing opioid analgesics to better prevent future misuse in this high risk population.

A cluster of high psychological and somatic symptoms in children with idiopathic scoliosis predicts persistent pain and analgesic use 1 year after spine fusion.

BACKGROUND: Persistent postoperative pain is a significant problem for many children, particularly for those undergoing major surgery such as posterior spine fusion. More than two-thirds report persistent pain after spine fusion, yet factors that may contribute to poorer outcomes remain poorly understood. AIMS: This prospective, longitudinal study examined how psychologic and somatic symptoms cluster together in children aged 10-17 years with idiopathic scoliosis, and tested the hypothesis that a higher psychological and somatic symptom cluster would predict worse pain outcomes 1 year after fusion. METHODS: Otherwise healthy children with idiopathic scoliosis completed preoperative surveys measuring recent pain intensity, pain location(s), somatic symptom severity, painDETECT (neuropathic-type pain symptoms), pain interference, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing. Pain outcome data were collected during hospitalization, and at 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-five children completed baseline surveys and a cluster analysis differentiated 28 (30%) with a high symptom profile that included; higher depression, fatigue, pain interference, catastrophizing, and painDETECT scores. High symptom cluster membership independently predicted higher pain interference at 1 year (ß 9.92 [95% CI 6.63, 13.2], P < 0.001). Furthermore, children in this high symptom cluster reported significantly higher pain intensity and painDETECT scores, and had a 50% higher probability of continued analgesic use at 1 year compared to those in the Low Symptom Cluster (95% CI 21.3-78.5, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings from this exploratory study suggest a need to comprehensively assess children with scoliosis for preoperative signs and symptoms that may indicate an underlying vulnerability for persistent pain. This, in turn may help guide a comprehensive perioperative treatment strategy to mitigate the potential for long-term pain trajectories.

Interactive Anatomy-Augmented Virtual Simulation Training.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, clinical psychomotor skills are taught through videos and demonstration by faculty which does not allow for the visualization of internal structures and anatomical landmarks that would enhance the learner skill performance. METHODS: Sophomore and junior nursing students attending a large Midwestern Institution (N=69) participated in this mixed methods study. Students demonstrated their ability to place a nasogastric tube (NGT) after being randomly assigned to usual training (Control group) or an iPad anatomy-augmented virtual simulation training module (AR group). The ability of the participants to demonstrate competence in placing the NGT was assessed using a 17-item competency checklist. After the demonstration, students completed a survey to elicit information about students' level of training, prior experience with NGT placement, satisfaction with the AR technology, and perceptions of AR as a potential teaching tool for clinical skills training. RESULTS: The ability to correctly place the NGT through all the checklist items was statistically significant in the AR group compared with the control group (P = 0.011). Eighty-six percent of participants in the AR group rated AR as superior/far superior to other procedural training programs to which they had been exposed, whereas, only 5.9% of participants in the control group rated the control program as superior/far superior (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Overall the AR module was better received compared with the control group with regards to realism, identifying landmarks, visualization of internal organs, ease of use, usefulness, and promoting learning and understanding.

Short term general anesthesia for retro-bulbar block in ophthalmic surgery generates no significant hypercapnia.

To assess the impact of short time hypnosis for retro-bulbar anesthesia on ventilation in patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery of the anterior eye chamber. In all patients, a combined continuous transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (PtcCO2) and partial oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement was applied in addition to routine monitoring. To enable unconscious application of retro-bulbar anesthesia, intravenous thiopental was given in one to multiple bolus doses. Transient breathing support included chin lift, Esmarch maneuver and manual hand-bag ventilation via face mask. Main endpoints were apnea time, recovery time according to the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale, as well as SpO2 and PtcCO2 readings at predefined time points. Fifty-two patients with a mean age of 68 ± 13 years were included. Average thiopental dose was 2.7 ± 0.6 mg/kg. In seven (13.5%) patients repeated doses of thiopental were necessary to a total of 3.3 ± 1.1 mg/kg. Except one patient, no severe, significant or clinical relevant hypercapnia or desaturation periods were observed, and the occurring elevation of PtcCO2 values did not correlate with the application of repeated doses of thiopental or the need for the Esmarch maneuver. Higher PtcCO2 values were associated with the presence of hypertension and smoking. Apnea (p < 0.001) and recovery (p = 0.003) time were significantly prolonged in the patients needing the Esmarch maneuver. Short term anesthesia with thiopental in ophthalmic surgery is associated with a mild but not clinically relevant hypercapnia.

Effect of a Scenario-tailored Opioid Messaging Program on Parents' Risk Perceptions and Opioid Decision-making.

OBJECTIVES: Poor parental understanding of prescription opioid risks is associated with potentially dangerous decisions that can contribute to adverse drug events (ADE) in children and adolescents. This study examined whether an interactive Scenario-tailored Opioid Messaging Program (STOMP) would (1) enhance opioid risk perceptions and (2) improve the safety of parents' decision-making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 546 parents were randomized to receive the STOMP versus control information and 516 completed the program. A baseline survey assessed parents' opioid risk knowledge, perceptions, and preferences for pain relief versus risk avoidance (Pain Relief Preference). Parents then made hypothetical decisions to give or withhold a prescribed opioid for high-risk (excessive sedation) and low-risk (no ADE) scenarios. The STOMP provided immediate feedback with specific risk and guidance information; the control condition provided general information. We reassessed knowledge, perceptions, and decision-making up to 3 days thereafter. RESULTS: Following the intervention, the STOMP group became more risk avoidant (Pain Relief Preference, mean difference -1.27 [95% confidence interval, -0.8 to -1.75]; P<0.001) and gained higher perceptions of the critical risk, excessive sedation (+0.56 [0.27 to 0.85]; P<0.001). STOMP parents were less likely than controls to give a prescribed opioid in the high-risk situation (odds ratio, -0.14 [-0.24 to -0.05]; P=0.006) but similarly likely to give an opioid for the no ADE situation (P=0.192). DISCUSSION: The STOMP intervention enhanced risk perceptions, shifted preferences toward opioid risk avoidance, and led to better decisions regarding when to give or withhold an opioid for pain management. Scenario-tailored feedback may be an effective method to improve pain management while minimizing opioid risks.

A normal capillary refill time of ≤ 2 seconds is associated with superior vena cava oxygen saturations of ≥ 70%.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a normal capillary refill time (CRT) ≤ 2 seconds is associated with superior vena cava oxygen saturation (ScvO2) ≥ 70% in critically ill children. STUDY DESIGN: Two-year, prospective study in a tertiary-level pediatric intensive care unit. Whenever ScvO2 measurements were obtained, central (forehead/sternum) and peripheral (finger/toe) CRTs were concomitantly assessed. RESULTS: Central and peripheral CRTs ≤ 2 seconds were both associated with ScvO2 ≥ 70% (P < .01). Sensitivity/specificity analyses revealed that central CRT ≤ 2 seconds demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.4%, specificity of 71.4%, positive predictive value of 93.1%, and negative predictive value of 50.0% in predicting ScvO2 ≥ 70%. Peripheral CRT ≤ 2 seconds had a sensitivity of 71.9%, specificity of 85.7%, positive predictive value of 95.8%, and negative predictive value of 40.0% in predicting ScvO2 ≥ 70%. CONCLUSIONS: A normal CRT ≤ 2 seconds can be predictive of ScvO2 ≥ 70%. Our study corroborates the recommendations of the Pediatric Advanced Life Support curricula targeting a normal CRT ≤ 2 seconds as a therapeutic endpoint for goal-directed shock resuscitation. This clinical target remains particularly relevant in community hospitals when the ability to obtain central venous catheter access may be limited and ScvO2 data unavailable.

Six sigma methodology can be used to improve adherence for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Six Sigma methodology is a data management process that can be used to achieve a goal of near perfection in process performance. An audit of 615 surgeries over 2 mo revealed only 38% of noncardiac patients admitted on the day of surgery at our institution received perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis within the target interval of < or =60 min before incision. METHODS: Six Sigma methodology was used to improve our process of timing of antimicrobial prophylaxis administration. A multidisciplinary team was assembled which identified seven process inputs by which patients receive antimicrobial prophylaxis. Interventions for improvement included reinforcement of use of preoperative antibiotic order forms, eliminating administration of antibiotics in the preoperative admission area, and sending appropriate antibiotics and IV tubing with the patient to the operating room. We concurrently developed a control plan to sustain this improvement using a recently deployed electronic anesthesia record keeping system using real-time measurement and reporting capabilities of antimicrobial prophylaxis administration. After defining the new process and undertaking a system-wide educational effort, implementation was begun with data collection and analysis occurring over the next 7 mo. RESULTS: For the 8-mo postintervention interval, there was a significant improvement with 86% of 1716 surgical patients receiving their antibiotic prophylaxis within the specified time frame (P < 0.01). The time interval for antibiotic administration before surgical incision also decreased from a preintervention mean of 88 (CI 56-119 min) to 38 min (CI 25-51 min) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We conclude that Six Sigma methods were used to successfully improve our process for timing of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis before surgical incision. An electronic anesthesia record keeping system is a useful tool to monitor this process improvement.

Safety of targeted perioperative mupirocin treatment for preventing infections after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Indiscriminate antibiotic use may lead to development of antibiotic resistance. Preoperative mupirocin treatment decreases Staphylococcus aureus carriage and may reduce subsequent surgical site infection, but is unlikely to benefit noncarriers. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether avoiding mupirocin in noncarriers places them at increased risk for subsequent postoperative infection. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining incidence of postoperative infection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the Cleveland Clinic after introduction of a protocol of polymerase chain reaction screening for nasal S aureus carriage, and avoiding mupirocin treatment of noncarriers. RESULTS: Between August 1, 2002, and May 31, 2004, 6,334 patients were screened for nasal carriage of S aureus before undergoing cardiac surgery. There was no significant difference in infection rates between carriers and noncarriers when examining the incidence of all infections (5.6% and 5.0%; relative risk [RR] 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86 to 1.43]), infections caused specifically by S aureus (1.04% and 0.80%; RR 1.30 [95% CI: 0.71 to 2.39]), any surgical site infection (3.1% and 3.2%; RR 0.97 [95% CI: 0.69 to 1.36]), S aureus surgical site infection (0.82% and 0.58%; RR 1.41 [95% CI: 0.71 to 2.82]), any bloodstream infection (3.1% and 2.5%; RR 1.21 [95% CI: 0.86 to 1.71]), and S aureus bloodstream infection (0.37% and 0.48%; RR 0.77 [95% CI: 0.30 to 2.03]). Mupirocin use declined substantially after introduction of the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: A strategy of targeting perioperative mupirocin treatment to carriers leads to significant reduction in mupirocin use without increasing early postoperative infectious complications in noncarriers.

Dolasetron for the prevention of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Children undergoing strabismus surgery have a high incidence of postoperative vomiting (POV). The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of dolasetron for the prevention of emesis comparing a single 0.35 mg.kg-1 or 12.5 mg dose with placebo. METHODS: Children aged 2-12 years with an ASA status of 1 or 2 undergoing strabismus surgery were randomized in a double-blind manner to one of three treatment groups. Patients were excluded with a history of previous postoperative vomiting or motion sickness, allergy to serotonin receptor antagonists or previous antiemetic administration within 24 h prior to enrollment. General anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and N2O/O2 and maintained with isoflurane and N2O/O2. The study medication was administered 15 min prior to the end of surgery. Patients experiencing two or more episodes of vomiting were rescued in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) with metoclopramide 0.15 mg.kg-1. A total of 118 patients were enrolled with documentation of the number and severity of vomiting episodes, time to awakening, PACU length of stay and postoperative agitation. RESULTS: Patients with an acute complete response (ACR), defined as no emetic episodes and no rescue medication within 24 h of study drug administration were 62% (weight dose), 64% (fixed dose) and 33% (placebo, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistical difference between the 0.35 mg.kg-1 dose and the fixed 12.5 mg dose of dolasetron with both reducing the incidence of POV.