A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Paper Versus Digital Reading on Reading Comprehension in Health Professional Education.

Objective. Despite a rise in the use of digital education in health professional education (HPE), little is known about the comparative effectiveness of paper-based reading and its digital alternative on reading comprehension. The objectives of this study were to identify, appraise, and synthesize the evidence regarding the effect of how media is read on reading comprehension in the context of HPE.Methods. Observational, quasi-experimental, and experimental studies published before April 16, 2021, were included if they compared the effectiveness of paper-based vs digital-based reading on reading comprehension among HPE students, trainees, and residents. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean differences.Results. From a pool of 2,208 references, we identified and included 10 controlled studies that had collectively enrolled 817 participants. Meta-analyses revealed a slight but nonsignificant advantage to students reading paper-based HPE texts rather than digital text (standardized mean difference, -0.08; 95% CI -0.28 to 0.12). Subgroup analyses revealed that students reading HPE-related texts had better reading comprehension when reading text on paper rather than digitally (SMD = -0.36; 95% CI -0.69 to -0.03). Heterogeneity was low in all analyses. The quality of evidence was low because of risks of bias across studies.Summary. Current evidence suggests little to no difference in students' comprehension when reading HPE texts on paper vs digitally. However, we observed effects favoring reading paper-based texts when texts relevant to the students' professional discipline were considered. Rigorous studies are needed to confirm this finding and to evaluate new means of boosting reading comprehension among students in HPE programs.

Use of Simulation-Based Medical Education for Advanced Resuscitation of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19.

Cardiac arrest is common in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is associated with poor survival. Simulation is frequently used to evaluate and train code teams with the goal of improving outcomes. All participants engaged in training on donning and doffing of personal protective equipment for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Thereafter, simulations of in-hospital cardiac arrest of patients with COVID-19, so-called protected code blue, were conducted at a quaternary academic centre. The primary endpoint was the mean time-to-defibrillation. A total of 114 patients participated in 33 "protected code blue" simulations over 8 weeks: 10 were senior residents, 17 were attending physicians, 86 were nurses, and 5 were respiratory therapists. Mean time-to-defibrillation was 4.38 minutes. Mean time-to-room entry, time-to-intubation, time-to-first-chest compression and time-to-epinephrine were 2.77, 5.74, 6.31, and 6.20 minutes, respectively; 92.84% of the 16 criteria evaluating the proper management of patients with COVID-19 and cardiac arrest were met. Mean time-to-defibrillation was longer than guidelines-expected time during protected code blue simulations. Although adherence to the modified advanced cardiovascular life-support protocol was high, breaches that carry additional infectious risk and reduce the efficacy of the resuscitation team were observed.

A Right Atrial Mass as Initial Presentation of a Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is recognized to have a strong tendency for vascular invasion. However, right atrial (RA) involvement is uncommon. It has been principally described as a fortuitous discovery during oncology follow-up or as an autopsy finding of patients with known HCC. We present a case of a patient whose initial HCC presentation was an RA mass found during a dyspnea investigation. Thereby, on the basis of this new finding, clinicians should consider HCC in their differential diagnosis when discovering an RA mass.

Le carcinome hépatocellulaire (CHC) est fortement associé à une invasion vasculaire. Une atteinte auriculaire droite est toutefois peu fréquente. Elle a principalement été décrite comme une découverte fortuite lors d'un examen de suivi en oncologie ou à l'autopsie chez des patients qui avaient reçu un diagnostic de CHC. Nous vous présentons le cas d'un patient dont le CHC s'est présenté initialement sous forme de masse au niveau de l'oreillette droite lors d'un examen mené en raison d'une dyspnée. Compte tenu de cette observation, les cliniciens doivent envisager un diagnostic différentiel de CHC lorsqu'une masse est découverte au niveau de l'oreillette droite.

Effects of reading media on reading comprehension in health professional education: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of digital-based reading versus paper-based reading on reading comprehension among students, trainees, and residents participating in health professional education. INTRODUCTION: Several reviews have examined the effects of reading media on reading comprehension; however, none have considered health professional education specifically. The growing use of electronic media in health professional education, as well as recent data on the consequences of digital-based reading on learning, justify the necessity to review the current literature to provide research and educational recommendations. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies conducted with health professions students, trainees, and residents individually receiving educational material written in their first language in a paper-based or a digital-based format will be considered. Studies conducted among participants with cognitive impairment or reading difficulties will be excluded. Observational, experimental and quasi-experimental studies that assess reading comprehension measured by previously validated or researcher-generated tests will be considered. METHODS: Relevant studies will be sought from CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science (SCI and SSCI), without date or language restrictions. Two independent reviewers will perform title and abstract screening, full-text review, critical appraisal, and data extraction. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion or with a third independent reviewer. Synthesis will occur at four levels (i.e., study, participant, intervention, and outcome levels) in a table format. Data will be synthesized descriptively and with meta-analyses if appropriate. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020154519.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society Position Statement on Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Related Disorders of Chronic Orthostatic Intolerance.

The current definition of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) dates back to a small case series of patients with a subacute illness who presented with excessive orthostatic tachycardia and orthostatic intolerance, in the absence of another recognized disease. Conventional POTS criteria require an excessive orthostatic tachycardia in the absence of substantial orthostatic hypotension, and predominant symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, worse with upright posture and better with recumbence. POTS is a heterogeneous syndrome with likely several underlying pathophysiological processes, and not a specific disease. The primary panel for this Canadian Cardiovascular Society position statement sought to provide a contemporary update of the best evidence for the evaluation and treatment of POTS. We performed a systemic review of evidence for the evaluation of treatment of POTS using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, and developed recommendations on the basis of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society approach to position statements. One identified problem was that numerous patients who did not meet criteria for POTS would still be given that diagnoses by providers to validate the illness even though this diagnosis is incorrect. This includes patients with postural symptoms without tachycardia, orthostatic tachycardia without symptoms, and those with orthostatic tachycardia but another overt cause for excessive tachycardia. We developed a novel nomenclature ecosystem for orthostatic intolerance syndromes to increase clarity. We also provide more clarity on how to interpret the orthostatic vital signs. These concepts will need to be prospectively assessed.

Simulation as a Tool to Ensure Competency and Quality of Care in the Cardiac Critical Care Unit.

Cardiac critical care units are high-risk clinical environments. Medical emergencies are frequent and require the intervention of a cohesive, efficient, and well trained interprofessional team. In modern clinical practice there is increased emphasis on safety but also increased lack of acceptance of medical errors and as a consequence, increased litigation. In the past decade, simulation-based learning has arisen as an effective and safe means to learn and practice acute care setting skills. It has been used and studied in different contexts including procedural skills training, crisis resource management and team training, patient and family member communication skills, and health care system quality improvement. Simulation-based education is a relatively recent teaching strategy and evidence of its efficacy continues to grow. Nevertheless, many influential medical societies are now promoting a simulation-based approach for cardiovascular training and continuing medical education. In this article we review the simulation literature in the intensive care unit and evaluate its integration in coronary care units and postoperative cardiovascular intensive care units. We also provide resources for educators and clinicians who wish to implement simulation workshops in these settings.

Late Infection of an Atrial Septal Defect Closure Device: A Possible Complication.

Atrial septal defect is a common congenital heart defect. In the late 1990s, percutaneous closure became available and eventually the treatment of choice. The procedure is considered safe because of its low incidence of complications. Infection rate is extremely low and occurs typically early after device implantation. Herein we present a case of late and dramatic infection of an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (St Jude Medical). This case illustrates that infection remains possible a long time after atrial septal defect occlusion despite theoretical device endothelialization.

The epidemic of heart failure: a lucid approach to stemming the rising tide.

At least 1 in 5 Canadians will experience heart failure (HF) during their lifetimes, with an average 1-year mortality rate of 23.4%. Hospitalizations for HF are projected to increase 3-fold from 1996 to 2050. HF can be associated with either reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), with the latter becoming increasingly common. The prognosis of both groups is equally concerning, but clinical trials testing pharmacologic therapies for HFpEF have been disappointing. We briefly discuss established therapies for HF and then focus on emerging therapies, challenges, and opportunities. Areas covered include practical pathophysiology; health care organization; monitoring and new technologies; pharmacogenomics, biomarkers, and personalized therapy; novel pharmacologic approaches; special considerations in acutely decompensated HF; revascularization; managing valve dysfunction; refining cardiac resynchronization therapy and device therapies; and cell therapy for cardiac repair. Among the novel pharmacologic directions we address are approaches to reducing oxidative stress, improving myocardial metabolism, new mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, restoring vasoconstrictor-vasodilator balance, increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels, and positive inotropic agents. Modifications in the organization of health care are particularly important, with an emerging hub-and-spokes model involving engaged patients cared for by primary care teams, with ready access to specialized HF clinics. Biomarkers have contributed to better understanding of the pathophysiology of HFrEF as well as HFpEF and will eventually allow much more effective and personalized management. Considering the vast array of areas in development, we can look forward to continuing improvements in the care and outcomes of patients with HF in the future.