The predictive value of Qandali and Miller index scores in patients with intermediate-high- and high-risk pulmonary emboli undergoing aspiration thrombectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between clot burden and pulmonary artery pressures, in patients undergoing suction thromboembolectomy for high-risk and intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism, with secondary outcomes of 30-day morality and ICU length of stay,. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IRB exemption was granted for this retrospective study. The charts of 120 consecutive patients who underwent mechanical thromboembolectomy using the Inari FlowTriever system between February 2020 and August 2022 were retrospectively reviewed and the following data collected: pre-procedural BNP and creatinine; echocardiographic findings; pre- and post-procedural pulmonary artery pressures; ICU length of stay; 30-day mortality. Clot burden was scored using Qandali and Miller indices and correlated with the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 120 patients undergoing thromboembolectomy, pulmonary artery pressures and diagnostic-quality angiograms were available in 109 patients. In the 109 patients with adequate data, Qanadli, pre-Miller and post-Miller scores correlated with pulmonary artery pressures. Neither was independently associated with ICU length of stay. Freedom from 30-day mortality was 91%, and embolism-specific mortality was 92%. All-risk and high-risk patients who survived demonstrated a meaningfully lower pre-Miller and post-Miller score, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thrombus burden as measured by the Qanadli and Miller scores appear to correlate with pulmonary artery pressures. Furthermore, catheter directed thromboembolectomy leads to a reduction in Miller scores which appears to correlate with a reduction in pulmonary pressures. In high-risk patients, a reduced post-procedural Miller score and pulmonary pressure demonstrated improved 30-day survival. Further investigation between Miller scores and patient mortality is warranted to stratify patients who would benefit from emergent intervention.

A survey of generative AI for de novo drug design: new frontiers in molecule and protein generation.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven methods can vastly improve the historically costly drug design process, with various generative models already in widespread use. Generative models for de novo drug design, in particular, focus on the creation of novel biological compounds entirely from scratch, representing a promising future direction. Rapid development in the field, combined with the inherent complexity of the drug design process, creates a difficult landscape for new researchers to enter. In this survey, we organize de novo drug design into two overarching themes: small molecule and protein generation. Within each theme, we identify a variety of subtasks and applications, highlighting important datasets, benchmarks, and model architectures and comparing the performance of top models. We take a broad approach to AI-driven drug design, allowing for both micro-level comparisons of various methods within each subtask and macro-level observations across different fields. We discuss parallel challenges and approaches between the two applications and highlight future directions for AI-driven de novo drug design as a whole. An organized repository of all covered sources is available at https://github.com/gersteinlab/GenAI4Drug.

A primer for quantum computing and its applications to healthcare and biomedical research.

OBJECTIVES: To introduce quantum computing technologies as a tool for biomedical research and highlight future applications within healthcare, focusing on its capabilities, benefits, and limitations. TARGET AUDIENCE: Investigators seeking to explore quantum computing and create quantum-based applications for healthcare and biomedical research. SCOPE: Quantum computing requires specialized hardware, known as quantum processing units, that use quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits to perform computations. This article will cover (1) proposed applications where quantum computing offers advantages to classical computing in biomedicine; (2) an introduction to how quantum computers operate, tailored for biomedical researchers; (3) recent progress that has expanded access to quantum computing; and (4) challenges, opportunities, and proposed solutions to integrate quantum computing in biomedical applications.

Recurrence of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation after Embolization in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between pulmonary hypertension (PH) and recurrence of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) after embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With institutional review board (IRB) approval, the records of 377 patients with PAVMs evaluated at a single hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) center of excellence between January 1, 2013, and September 10, 2023, were retrospectively reviewed. PAVMs embolized during this time period were evaluated for recurrence. Patients and PAVMs not treated during this time period were excluded. Growth of previously untreated PAVMs was not considered recurrence. Patients without chest computed tomography (CT) follow-up were excluded. General demographics, HHT status as defined by genetic testing or Curacao criteria, presence of PH, history of smoking, anemia, and hepatic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were documented. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated and stratified analysis was performed to assay the correlation between PAVM recurrence, PH, and possible confounders. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients with PAVMs were treated during the study period, including 438 PAVMs, for which follow-up was available. This included 106 patients with definite, 31 with doubtful, and 14 with possible HHT. The presence of PH was significantly associated with PAVM recurrence both by patient (OR, 8.13; 95% CI, 3.50-19.67) and by lesion (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 2.14-7.91). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that this correlation was independent of several variables including HHT status, smoking history, presence of hepatic AVMs, and anemia. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high correlation between PH and PAVM recurrence, suspected to be due to high pulmonary artery pressures causing recanalization. PH may suggest the need for shorter surveillance intervals.

Patient-reported outcomes of serum eye drops manufactured from Australian blood donations and packaged using Meise vials.

Introduction: Serum eye drops (SED) are an effective treatment for dry eye syndrome. However, autologous serum collection can have challenges. Patient-tailored (allogeneic) SED (PT-SED) can be made from healthy blood donors. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has manufactured both autologous SED (Auto-SED) and PT-SED and, in May 2021, introduced Meise vial packaging. This study aimed to explore SED patient-reported outcomes and vial packaging satisfaction. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with recruitment between 1 November 2021 and 30 June 2022. Participants completed the dry eye questionnaire (DEQ5), health-related quality-of-life (SF-8™), functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-treatment satisfaction-general (FACIT-TS-G), and general wellbeing surveys. Existing patients completed these once, and new patients were surveyed at baseline, 3 months post-treatment, and 6 months post-treatment. Results: Participants who completed all study requirements were 24 existing and 40 new Auto-SED and 10 existing and 8 new PT-SED patients. Auto-SED patients were younger [56.2 (±14.7) years] than PT-SED patients [71.4 (±10.0) years]. Participants used a mean of 1.8 (±1.1) SED, 5.3 (±2.9) times per day. In new patients, DEQ5 scores improved within 6 months from 14.0 (±2.9) to 10.6 (±3.4) for Auto-SED and from 12.9 (±3.7) to 11.4 (±2.8) for PT-SED. General wellbeing measures improved in the new Auto-SED from 7.0 (±1.9) to 7.8 (±1.7) but were reduced for new PT-SED from 6.7 (±2.9) to 6.1 (±2.9). Discussion: SED improved dry eye symptoms in most patients, regardless of the serum source. Patients using PT-SED showed decreases in some quality-of-life measures; however, recruitment was reduced due to operational constraints, and concurrent comorbidities were not assessed. General feedback for SED and vial packaging was positive, with some improvements identified.

Regional delivery in graduate nursing programs for students living in rural communities.

Oregon has a lack of primary care providers in rural areas. To address this issue, employers have indicated they plan to hire greater numbers of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing (SoN) responded to this need by developing a statewide delivery model to educate APRN students in their communities. A performance improvement work group including practice faculty, statewide academic leaders, and staff created a project charter with scope of work, timelines, and outcomes with the goal of improving the systems supporting APRN education. An initial distance APRN education delivery model emerged from this effort and was refined over the following year. Strategies were implemented to address identified challenges using small cycles of change. The final model has three main principles: being learner-centered, equitable, and sustainable. The central outcome is graduating students committed to practicing in rural and urban underserved communities to meet workforce needs in Oregon.

Habilitative Teletherapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Survey of Parents.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether service losses during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic were associated with worsened parent mental health or child behavioral health among families of children with autism spectrum disorder and to identify factors associated with favorable parent appraisals of habilitative teletherapy (applied behavior analysis; speech, occupational, physical therapy) for their child. METHOD: This web-based survey study was conducted from May to July 2021 with parents whose children were receiving habilitative therapy for autism from an integrated health system. A total of 322 parents responded to the survey (20% response rate). The outcome variables were pandemic-related parent mental health, pandemic-related child behavioral health, and appraisal of habilitative teletherapy. Predictors were COVID-19-related services changes in health care or child care, COVID-19 history (COVID-19 stress, testing positive for COVID-19), and child autism factors (autistic behaviors, caregiving strain). RESULTS: Loss of regular child care was associated with higher odds of worsened parent mental health (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-4.8); higher levels of caregiving strain were associated with worsened child behavioral health (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.4-3.8). Higher levels of COVID-19 stress were associated with more favorable appraisals of telehealth (ß = 0.4, p < 0.01), whereas higher caregiving strain scores were associated with less favorable appraisals of telehealth (ß = -0.2, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: During COVID-19, caregiving factors were associated with worsened parent mental health and worsened child behavioral health, and telehealth is not preferred by all families. Policy interventions to support caregivers, such as affordable, high-quality child care and paid family leave, are a high priority.

There is little association between prehospital delay, persistent symptoms, and post-discharge healthcare utilization in patients evaluated for acute coronary syndrome.

AIMS: Test for an association between prehospital delay for symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), persistent symptoms, and healthcare utilization (HCU) 30-days and 6-months post hospital discharge. BACKGROUND: Delayed treatment for ACS increases patient morbidity and mortality. Prehospital delay is the largest factor in delayed treatment for ACS. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data collected from a multi-center prospective study. Included were 722 patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with symptoms that triggered a cardiac evaluation. Symptoms and HCU were measured using the 13-item ACS Symptom Checklist and the Froelicher's Health Services Utilization Questionnaire-Revised instrument. Logistic regression models were used to examine hypothesized associations. RESULTS: For patients with ACS (n = 325), longer prehospital delay was associated with fewer MD/NP visits (OR, 0.986) at 30 days. Longer prehospital delay was associated with higher odds of calling 911 for any reason (OR, 1.015), and calling 911 for chest related symptoms (OR, 1.016) 6 months following discharge. For non-ACS patients (n = 397), longer prehospital delay was associated with higher odds of experiencing chest pressure (OR, 1.009) and chest discomfort (OR, 1.008) at 30 days. At 6 months, longer prehospital delay was associated with higher odds of upper back pain (OR, 1.013), palpitations (OR 1.014), indigestion (OR, 1.010), and calls to the MD/NP for chest symptoms (OR, 1.014). CONCLUSIONS: There were few associations between prehospital delay and HCU for patients evaluated for ACS in the ED. Associations between prolonged delay and persistent symptoms may lead to increased HCU for those without ACS.

Treatment Readiness among Primarily Latine Families Seeking Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in an Urban Setting.

(1) Background: Given the high prevalence of childhood mental health problems and their long-lasting negative consequences if left untreated, it is important to investigate factors that affect family engagement in psychological interventions such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), including caregiver treatment readiness and readiness for change (RFC). Specifically, Latine families experience greater mental health disparities and have unique cultural factors that affect engagement. The current project examined caregiver pretreatment readiness among primarily Latine Spanish- and English-speaking families. (2) Methods: Participants were 100 caregivers (96% female) of young children ages 2 to 7 who sought PCIT services from a community mental health center in Washington, D.C. Families completed written and observational assessment measures at pretreatment and throughout PCIT, which were used for the current study. (3) Results: Caregivers reported high readiness and importance of treatment at intake, with higher RFC among Spanish-speaking caregivers. Regardless of language, caregivers who reported more frequent and problematic child misbehavior and who were from a multi-caregiver household tended to report more RFC and treatment importance at intake. Pretreatment RFC also predicted family completion of the first phase of PCIT although there was a high attrition rate for the sample as only 18% of families completed treatment. (4) Conclusions: These findings provide insight into the implementation of standard PCIT among Spanish- and English speaking families and highlight the benefits of assessing pretreatment caregiver readiness to inform clinical decision-making.

Disseminated Tele-OSCE During a Pandemic: One University's Experience.

BACKGROUND: Due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in-person educational activities were suspended across the globe throughout 2020. In health care education, this required a swift, creative response to maintain the flow of trained clinicians into the workforce without compromising the integrity of core learning outcomes. Early during the pandemic, remote synchronous simulation emerged as a compelling focus of the overall strategy. METHOD: At one large health sciences university in the northwestern United States, family nurse practitioner faculty worked closely with the Simulation Operations team to plan, deliver, and assess a pilot tele-OSCE (objective structured clinical examination). RESULTS: In postevent debriefs and surveys, both standardized patients and students affirmed that the activity was generally safe, accessible, and high value. CONCLUSION: With appropriate planning, consensus building, and technology readiness assessment, tele-OSCEs can play a critical role in sustaining the flow of health care students into the workforce during a pandemic. [J Nurs Educ. 2022;61(2):107-110.].

Patient Outcomes After Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of service receipt and patient outcomes for children receiving applied behavior analysis (ABA) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in an integrated health care system in which commercially insured children were covered by a state autism mandate. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study used a random sample of children with ASD (3-17 yrs) who were members of a large integrated health care system in Southern California and referred for ABA between January 2016 and November 2018. From the 4145 children referred, a random stratified sample of 334 was selected to extract data from clinical reports over 24 months of services. The primary outcome measures were time in ABA and child adaptive behavior. RESULTS: Thirteen percent of the sample never received ABA after referral. Of those who were referred for ABA, 66% initiated ABA and remained in services for 12 months, whereas less than half (46%) remained in services for 24 months. Having a history of special education was associated with longer time spent in ABA, whereas having a single parent was associated with discontinuation of ABA. A minority of children received a full ABA dose (28%), but the lowest functioning children still experienced clinically significant adaptive behavior gains after 24 months of ABA (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In a health system implementation of ABA for children with ASD, there were high rates of ABA discontinuation and low ABA dosing. These challenges may diminish the potential benefits of ABA, even in a context in which there is mandated commercial insurance coverage.

Establishing norms on the Japanese version of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory.

BACKGROUND: The Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) is one of the standardized parent rating scales used to identify disruptive behavior problems in children in Western countries. This study aimed to determine norms for the Japanese version of the ECBI, including clinical cutoff scores among the general population in Japan. METHODS: This study established norms for the Japanese version of the ECBI using a sample of 1,992 parents of children aged 2-7, living in Japan. The research evaluates the validity and the reliability of the ECBI scores for the Intensity Scale and the Problem Scale. After validation, a clinical cutoff value of the ECBI scores was calculated, setting the cutoff to above the +1 standard deviation (SD) level based on the population distribution. RESULTS: The means of the Intensity and Problem Scale scores were 100.07 and 6.57, respectively. Cronbach's α for both the Intensity and the Problem scores was 0.91. At this point, we propose cutoff scores of 125 for the Intensity Scale and 14 for the Problem Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the Japanese version of the ECBI is highly reliable and may be useful as a tool for assessing behavior problems in children.

Differential structure-function network coupling in the inattentive and combined types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The heterogeneous presentation of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive core symptoms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) warrants further investigation into brain network connectivity as a basis for subtype divisions in this prevalent disorder. With diffusion and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the Healthy Brain Network database, we analyzed both structural and functional network efficiency and structure-functional network (SC-FC) coupling at the default mode (DMN), executive control (ECN), and salience (SAN) intrinsic networks in 201 children diagnosed with the inattentive subtype (ADHD-I), the combined subtype (ADHD-C), and typically developing children (TDC) to characterize ADHD symptoms relative to TDC and to test differences between ADHD subtypes. Relative to TDC, children with ADHD had lower structural connectivity and network efficiency in the DMN, without significant group differences in functional networks. Children with ADHD-C had higher SC-FC coupling, a finding consistent with diminished cognitive flexibility, for all subnetworks compared to TDC. The ADHD-C group also demonstrated increased SC-FC coupling in the DMN compared to the ADHD-I group. The correlation between SC-FC coupling and hyperactivity scores was negative in the ADHD-I, but not in the ADHD-C group. The current study suggests that ADHD-C and ADHD-I may differ with respect to their underlying neuronal connectivity and that the added dimensionality of hyperactivity may not explain this distinction.

Unusual Fatigue and Failure to Utilize EMS Are Associated With Prolonged Prehospital Delay for Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Rapid reperfusion reduces infarct size and mortality for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but efficacy is time dependent. The aim of this study was to determine if transportation factors and clinical presentation predicted prehospital delay for suspected ACS, stratified by final diagnosis (ACS vs. no ACS). METHODS: A heterogeneous sample of emergency department (ED) patients with symptoms suggestive of ACS was enrolled at 5 US sites. Accelerated failure time models were used to specify a direct relationship between delay time and variables to predict prehospital delay by final diagnosis. RESULTS: Enrolled were 609 (62.5%) men and 366 (37.5%) women, predominantly white (69.1%), with a mean age of 60.32 (±14.07) years. Median delay time was 6.68 (confidence interval 1.91, 24.94) hours; only 26.2% had a prehospital delay of 2 hours or less. Patients presenting with unusual fatigue [time ratio (TR) = 1.71, P = 0.002; TR = 1.54, P = 0.003, respectively) or self-transporting to the ED experienced significantly longer prehospital delay (TR = 1.93, P < 0.001; TR = 1.71, P < 0.001, respectively). Predictors of shorter delay in patients with ACS were shoulder pain and lightheadedness (TR = 0.65, P = 0.013 and TR = 0.67, P = 0.022, respectively). Predictors of shorter delay for patients ruled out for ACS were chest pain and sweating (TR = 0.071, P = 0.025 and TR = 0.073, P = 0.032, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients self-transporting to the ED had prolonged prehospital delays. Encouraging the use of EMS is important for patients with possible ACS symptoms. Calling 911 can be positively framed to at-risk patients and the community as having advanced care come to them because EMS capabilities include 12-lead ECG acquisition and possibly high-sensitivity troponin assays.

Rural Telehealth Team Education for Baccalaureate and Nurse Practitioner Students.

BACKGROUND: Rural areas face health care workforce shortages. Nursing students seeking rural employment require instruction and clinical experience in using telehealth to work in health care teams. METHOD: An innovative telehealth consultation simulation paired nurse practitioner (NP) students with prelicensure baccalaureate nursing degree (BSN) students. The simulation aimed to enhance NP student proficiency and confidence in telehealth consultation skills and to foster professional role development through exposure to telehealth nursing roles for RNs and NPs. On-campus BSN students assumed the role of the RN in a rural clinic and consulted with off-campus NP students using telehealth technology in the care of a standardized patient. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated level-appropriate proficiency and reported confidence in telehealth consultation and favorable attitudes toward intraprofessional communication. CONCLUSION: An intraprofessional educational model allowing BSN and NP students to develop telehealth consultation skills successfully addressed a gap in preparing nursing students to meet rural health care workforce needs. [J Nurs Educ. 2020;59(5):274-277.].

Autism Insurance Mandates in the US: Comparison of Mandated Commercial Insurance Benefits Across States.

INTRODUCTION: Autism mandates are laws that require commercial insurers to cover certain evidence-based treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to review state variability in autism insurance mandates and the benefits they cover and to discuss recommendations for research and policy to improve ASD services across states. METHODS: Data were extracted from 2001 to 2020 from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia (N = 51) from policy text. News articles and websites of ASD advocacy organizations were also reviewed to ensure inclusion of the most recent policy changes. Descriptive statistics and heatmaps were used to characterize the autism mandate landscape and visualize variability in benefit parameters across states. RESULTS: Autism mandates vary greatly in benefit parameters across US states, but there is a common set of benefits that most states have adopted. These include coverage of provider-recommended ASD services except for medical equipment, coverage up to an age limit of 18 to 21, an annual dollar limit of $36,000 with no restriction on the number of hours or visits, no lifetime cap on benefits, and requirement of BCBA® certification or its equivalent for providers of ABA. DISCUSSION: There is a need for continued research evaluating the impact of autism mandates and benefit parameters on access to care, service utilization, and clinical outcomes for the ASD population. Stakeholder engagement and understanding the impact of autism mandates on clinical and patient-centered outcomes may provide direction for policy advocacy and public health initiatives.

Evaluation of a sterile surgical skin marker to indicate the optimal vein for venepuncture in the blood donation setting.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Phlebotomy is a central task for blood donation; however, not all blood donors have veins that are easy to see or feel. This study aimed to determine whether use of a surgical skin marker to highlight the donors' vein location and direction prior to venepuncture increased blood donation success. METHODS: All blood donors who participated in this study were eligible to donate according to Australian guidelines. Ten donor centres with phlebotomy success rates <95% were selected. A randomized cluster trial design assigned five sites to test the skin marking device and five sites as controls. Single-use sterile Gentian violet skin marker pens were used to mark donors' veins. Phlebotomy site skin bacterial load after using the skin marking device was tested on a subset of 100 donors. Phlebotomy success rates and donor adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Of the control donors, 6993 had successful phlebotomies and 225 failed. Of the skin marker donors, 6998 had successful phlebotomies and 248 failed. No statistically significant differences in phlebotomy success were found between the two groups (OR: 0·91, 96·4% CI [96·0, 96·8], P-value 0·348). CONCLUSION: The use of skin marker pens did not increase overall phlebotomy success rate. There was no increase in phlebotomy site skin bacterial load, and amendments to standard skin disinfection techniques were not required. Blood donors were not concerned about the pen mark on their arms. Generally, staff indicated that the markers may be valuable to assist with phlebotomies for donors with difficult or deep veins.

The Effect of Head Flexion/Extension on Acoustic Measures of Singing Voice Quality.

A study was undertaken to identify the effect of head flexion/extension on singing voice quality. The amplitude of the fundamental frequency (F0) and the singing power ratio (SPR), an indirect measure of Singer's Formant activity, were measured. F0 and SPR scores at four experimental head positions were compared with the subjects' scores at their habitual positions. Three vowels and three pitch levels were tested. F0 amplitudes and low-frequency partials in general were greater with neck extension, while SPR increased with neck flexion. No effect of pitch or vowel was found. Gains in SPR appear to be the result of damping low-frequency partials rather than amplifying those in the Singer's Formant region. Raising the amplitude of F0 is an important resonance tool for female voices in the high range, and may be of benefit to other voice types in resonance, loudness, and laryngeal function.

Communicating acute coronary syndrome risk to women in primary care: A scoping review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Delay from symptom onset to hospital arrival drives poor outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly for women. Primary care clinicians can discuss ACS with high-risk women, potentially reducing delay. We conducted a scoping review to assess what is known about ACS risk communication to women in primary care. METHODS: We used Arksey and O'Malley's framework. The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles from inception through September, 2018. No restrictions on study methodology were applied. At least two reviewers assessed each article. Articles addressing risk communication, coronary heart disease, and ACS, related to primary care settings, and including women were retained. RESULTS: Eleven articles met inclusion criteria. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk communication is common in primary care; however, ACS symptoms are rarely discussed. Structured risk calculators are used to frame discussions. Communication styles include patient-centered discussions, paternalistic orders, and "scare tactics;" no single style is more effective. Analysis of gender differences in risk communication is extremely limited. CONCLUSION: There is scant evidence that primary care clinicians communicate effectively about ACS risk, symptoms, and appropriate symptom response. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Interventions are needed to improve communication about ACS to at-risk women in the primary care setting.

Evaluation of a tool to score donor vein suitability for blood donation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Phlebotomy is a central task for whole blood donation, yet there are no published standards regarding systematic donor vein assessment or the impact of vein quality on successful blood donation. Blood donation failures and related adverse events are highly predictive of donors not returning for future blood donation. A specific blood donation vein scoring tool was assessed to measure donor vein suitability for whole blood collection and investigate the correlation of the donor's veins with donation outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The vein assessment tool consisted of three questions using a 5-point Likert-type scale to measure responses. Two phlebotomists performed blinded assessments of each donor's veins on each arm using the tool. The individual measures were then aggregated to provide a total vein score out of 12. Inter-rater reliability of the vein score tool was assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient for absolute agreement. RESULTS: Fifty-seven phlebotomists across four fixed blood donation centres performed paired vein assessments on 553 blood donors. The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated moderate inter-rater reliability was achieved. The median scores for viable donations were 10, for non-viable donations were 6·5 and for failed phlebotomies were 4. Donation histories of donors with lower vein scores indicated lower success during blood donation. CONCLUSION: The vein score tool appears to be predictive of a successful donation outcome, however, since there was not a suitably high correlation between the scores of the two assessors, further refinement of the tool will be required prior to wider use.