Education in obstetric anesthesiology: an international approach.

Competency-based training and active teaching methods are increasingly becoming accepted and utilized in medical schools and hospitals, and obstetric anesthesiology training is expected to follow this process. This article summarizes current modalities of obstetric anesthesiology training in five countries from various parts of the world. Analysis of these curricula shows that implementation of new educational methods is variable, incomplete, and lacking in data related to patient outcomes. Research in assessments and practical applications are required to avoid wide ranges of educational strategies.

Learning non-technical skills in surgery.

Skills other than technical or clinical competences are also recognized as essential in surgery. Most serious adverse events in health care are related to non-technical skill (NTS) failures. This has fostered interest in teaching surgeons about NTS. Reproducible evaluation scales, inspired by management strategies in the air transportation industry have been created in health care and some have been fashioned and validated specifically for surgeons. The list of NTS varies according to authors but one usually finds the same division into two main categories: social skills (communication, teamwork, leadership) and cognitive competences (situational awareness, decision-making). Stress and fatigue affect the implementation of these skills. Simulation is an efficient manner to teach NTS. The goals and exact modalities of how to teach NTS remains to be defined.

[Human Resources for Unplanned Activities in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Consensus statements by the CNGOF, CARO, CNSF, FFRSP, SFAR, SFMP and SFN]. / Ressources humaines pour les activités non programmées en gynécologie-obstétrique. Propositions élaborées par le CNGOF, le CARO, le CNSF, la FFRSP, la SFAR, la SFMP et la SFN.

OBJECTIVE: To determine a minimum threshold of human resources (midwives, obstetricians and gynecologists, anesthesiology and intensive care units, pediatricians) to ensure the safety and quality of unplanned activities in Obstetrics and Gynecology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consultation of the MedLine database, the Cochrane Library and the recommendations of authorities. Meetings of representative members in different modes of practice (university, hospital, liberal) under the aegis of and belonging to the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CNGOF), the French Society of Anesthesia and Resuscitation (SFAR), the French Society of Neonatalogy (SFN), the French Society of Perinatal Medicine (SFMP), the French College of Midwives (CNSF), the French Federation of Perinatal Care Networks (FFRSP) with elaboration of a re-read text by external experts, in particular by the members of the Boards of Directors of these authorities and of Club of Anesthesiology-Intensive Care Medicine in Obstetrics (CARO). RESULTS: Different minimum thresholds for each category of caregivers were proposed based on the number of births/year. These proposed minimum thresholds can be modulated upwards according to the types (level I, IIA, IIB or III) or the activity (existence of an emergency reception service, maternal-fetal and/or surgical activity of resort or referral). Due to peak activity and the possibility of unpredictable concomitance of urgent medical procedures, it is necessary that organizations plan to use resource persons. The occupancy rate of the target beds of a maternity ward must be 85%. CONCLUSION: These proposed minimum thresholds are intended to help caregivers providing non-scheduled perinatal as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology care to make the most of the human resources allocated to institutional bodies to ensure their safety and quality.

[The Script Concordance Test: A multimodal teaching tool]. / Le test de concordance de script : un outil pédagogique multimodal.

In recent years, there has been a major interest in assessing learners during their medical education. The core of medical competence is the clinical reasoning that should be acquired by all medical actors. Its assessment includes the ability to integrate and apply different types of knowledge, weigh critical evidence and think about the process used to have a diagnosis. French faculties of medicine will have to include it in the training and evaluation of students during 2017. It should therefore be part of the new docimological modalities of the computerized "Épreuves Classantes Nationales" from 2020 onwards. In this article, we did a specific review of the literature concerning the theoretical foundations, methodology and use of Script Concordance Test (SCT) in the field of health. To do so, we used the PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases and selected articles in English and French language using the following keywords alone or in combination: script, concordance, script concordance test, medical studies, validity, fidelity, psychometric properties. We have found 62 articles that matched our search. Built on a well-targeted methodology, the SCT is a reliable and valid pedagogical tool. It can discriminate the levels of practice between medical students, residents and medical doctors, evaluate the progression and skills of clinical reasoning. It can be administered online, in multicentric centers, at a national or international level. There are, however, limitations that teachers must take into account.

Postoperative cerebral dysfunction in the elderly: Diagnosis and prophylaxis.

Post-operative cerebral dysfunction includes delirium, usually occurring early and reversible, and post-operative cognitive disorders, usually occurring later and prolonged. This is a frequent complication in patients older than 75 years old. The two neurological pictures are often inter-related. The pathophysiology of both entities is similar and related to post-operative neuro-inflammation; therefore onset may occur independently of any surgical complication. Post-operative cerebral dysfunction is a serious organic complication. Reduction of inflammation represents the most logical preventive measure but currently there are no studies that show this to be effective. Prevention therefore means combining several minor measures, elements that fit well into programs of enhanced post-operative recovery after surgery. Diminished pre-operative cognitive status being a major risk factor, pre-operative rehabilitation combining nutritional, physical and cognitive support can be helpful.

[Post-partum: Guidelines for clinical practice--Short text]. / Post-partum: recommandations pour la pratique Clinique--Texte court.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the post-partum management of women and their newborn whatever the mode of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed database, the Cochrane Library and the recommendations from the French and foreign obstetrical societies or colleges have been consulted. RESULTS: Because breastfeeding is associated with a decrease in neonatal morbidity (lower frequency of cardiovascular diseases, infectious, atopic or infantile obesity) (EL2) and an improvement in the cognitive development of children (EL2), exclusive and extended breastfeeding is recommended (grade B) between 4 to 6 months (Professional consensus). In order to increase the rate of breastfeeding initiation and its duration, it is recommended that health professionals work closely with mothers in their project (grade A) and to promote breastfeeding on demand (grade B). There is no scientific evidence to recommend non-pharmacological measures of inhibition of lactation (Professional consensus). Pharmacological treatments for inhibition of lactation should not be given routinely to women who do not wish to breastfeed (Professional consensus). Because of potentially serious adverse effects, bromocriptin is contraindicated in inhibiting lactation (Professional consensus). For women aware of the risks of pharmacological treatment of inhibition of lactation, lisuride and cabergolin are the preferred drugs (Professional consensus). Whatever the mode of delivery, numeration blood count is not systematically recommended in a general population (Professional consensus). Anemia must be sought only in women with bleeding or symptoms of anemia (Professional consensus). The only treatment of post-dural puncture headache is the blood patch (EL2), it must not be carried out before 48 h (Professional consensus). Women vaccination status and their family is to be assessed in the early post-partum (Professional consensus). Immediate postoperative monitoring after caesarean delivery should be performed in the recovery room, but in exceptional circumstances, it may be performed in the delivery unit provided safety rules are maintained and regulatory authorities are informed (Professional consensus). An analgesic multimodal protocol developed by the medical team should be available and oral way should be favored (Professional consensus) (grade B). For every cesarean delivery, thromboprophylaxis with elastic stockings applied on the morning of the surgery and kept for at least 7 postoperative days is recommended (Professional consensus) with or without the addition of LMWH according to the presence or not of additional risk factors, and depending on the risk factor (major, minor). Early postoperative rehabilitation is encouraged (Professional consensus). Postpartum visit should be planned 6 to 8 weeks after delivery and can be performed by an obstetrician, a gynecologist, a general practitioner or a midwife, after normal pregnancy and delivery (Professional consensus). Starting effective contraception later 21 days after delivery in women who do not want closely spaced pregnancy is recommended (grade B), and to prescribe it at the maternity (Professional consensus). According to the postpartum risk of venous thromboembolism, the combined hormonal contraceptive use before six postpartum weeks is not recommended (grade B). Rehabilitation in asymptomatic women in order to prevent urinary or anal incontinence in medium or long-term is not recommended (Expert consensus). Pelvic-floor rehabilitation using pelvic-floor muscle contraction exercises is recommended to treat persistent urinary incontinence at 3 months postpartum (grade A), regardless of the type of incontinence. Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation is recommended to treat anal incontinence (grade C). Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation is not recommended to treat or prevent prolapse (grade C) or dyspareunia (grade C). The optimal time for maternity discharge for low risk newborn depends more on the organisation of the post-discharge follow up (Professional consensus). The months following the birth are a transitional period, and psychological alterations concern all parents (EL2). It is more difficult in case of psychosocial risk factors (EL2). In situations of proven psychological difficulties, the impact on the psycho-emotional development of children can be important (EL3). Among these difficulties, postpartum depression is the most common situation. However, the risk is generally higher in the perinatal period for all mental disorders (EL3). CONCLUSION: Postpartum is, for clinicians, a unique and privileged opportunity to address the physical, psychological, social and somatic health of their patients.

[Post-partum management after cesarean delivery. Guidelines for clinical practice]. / Césarienne et post-partum. Recommandations pour la pratique clinique.

OBJECTIVE: To determine guidelines for post-partum management after cesarean delivery regarding patient monitoring, organization, postoperative analgesia, time of urinary catheter removal, resumption of feeding and drinking, timing of ambulation, indication and modalities of thromboprophylaxis. METHODS: The PubMed database, the Cochrane Library and the recommendations from the French and foreign obstetrical societies or colleges have been consulted. RESULTS: Immediate postoperative monitoring after caesarean delivery should be performed in the recovery room, but in exceptional circumstances, it may be performed in the delivery unit provided safety rules are maintained and regulatory authorities are informed (professional consensus). Specific surveillance including emergency call procedures must be performed (professional consensus). Systematic blood count performed immediately after cesarean delivery is not recommended in the general population (professional consensus). An analgesic protocol developed by the medical team should be available for each patient (professional consensus). An indwelling bladder catheter should be inserted before and maintained during surgery (professional consensus). The bladder catheter should be preferentially removed in the first 12 hours after cesarean delivery (professional consensus). It is recommended to check that spontaneous voiding has occurred in the 4-6 hours after the removal of the bladder catheter. The physician in charge should be alerted if the patient has failed to void within 6 hours after catheter removal (grade C). Early ambulation on day 1 (or earlier from the 6th to 8th hour) with help is advised and encouraged (professional consensus). Early feeding and drinking after elective or emergency cesarean delivery, performed under regional or general anesthesia, is recommended (grade A). Administration of a prophylactic treatment using two antiemetic medications is recommended during cesarean delivery (grade B). For every cesarean delivery, thromboprophylaxis with elastic stockings applied on the morning of the surgery and kept for at least 7 postoperative days is recommended (professional consensus) with or without the addition of LMWH according to the presence or not of additional risk factors, and depending on the risk factor (major, minor). In obese patient, LMWH dose needs to be weight-adapted (grade C). CONCLUSION: Harmonization of care according to these recommendations is expected to enhance recovery after cesarean delivery.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the i-gel(®) vs laryngeal mask airway in adults.

We systematically reviewed 31 adult randomised clinical trials of the i-gel(®) vs laryngeal mask airway. The mean (95% CI) leak pressure difference and relative risk (95% CI) of insertion on the first attempt were similar: 0.40 (-1.23 to 2.02) cmH2 O and 0.98 (0.95-1.01), respectively. The mean (95% CI) insertion time and the relative risk (95% CI) of sore throat were less with the i-gel: by 1.46 (0.33-2.60) s, p = 0.01, and 0.59 (0.38-0.90), p = 0.02, respectively. The relative risk of poor fibreoptic view through the i-gel was 0.29 (0.16-0.54), p < 0.0001. All outcomes displayed substantial heterogeneity, I(2)  ≥ 75%. Subgroup analyses did not decrease heterogeneity, but suggested that insertion of the i-gel was faster than for first-generation laryngeal mask airways and that the i-gel leak pressure was higher than first generation, but lower than second-generation, laryngeal mask airways. A less frequent sore throat was the main clinical advantage of the i-gel.