Acceptability, usability, and credibility of a mindfulness-based digital therapeutic for pediatric concussion: A mixed-method study.

Background: The ability to cope with concussion symptoms and manage stress is an important determinant of risk for prolonged symptoms. Objective: This open-label mixed-methods pilot study assessed the acceptability and credibility of a mindfulness-based intervention delivered through a digital therapeutic (DTx; therapeutic smartphone app) for pediatric concussion. Methods: Participants aged 12 to 18 years were recruited from an emergency department within 48 hours of a concussion (acute cohort) or from a tertiary care clinic at least 1-month post-concussion (persisting symptoms cohort). Participants completed a novel 4-week mindfulness-based intervention, for 10 to 15 minutes/day, at a minimum of 4 days/week. At 2 weeks, participants completed a credibility and expectancy questionnaire. At 4 weeks, participants completed questionnaires assessing satisfaction, usability and working alliance, as well as a semi-structured phone interview. Results: Ten participants completed the study outcomes (7 acute; 3 persisting symptoms). The intervention was perceived as credible (median/max possible = 6.50/9.00 [6.83,8.75]) and DTx was usable (median/max possible = 70.00/100.00 [55.00,82.50]). Participants rated their satisfaction with the DTx (median/max possible = 27.00/32.00 [24.50,29.50]) and the working alliance with the digital mindfulness guides (median/max possible = 3.92/5.00 [3.38-4.33]) as high. Four themes were identified from the qualitative data: (a) positive attributes; (b) negative attributes; (c) ideas for modifications; and (d) technical issues. Conclusion: Results show modifications to the DTx, instructions and mindfulness intervention, and potential ways to increase adherence by leveraging positive attributes. A randomized control trial will assess the effectiveness of the DTx MBI to decrease the risk of persisting symptoms and reduce the symptom burden following pediatric concussion.

Nitrous oxide use in Canadian pediatric emergency departments: a survey of physician's knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

OBJECTIVES: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an inhaled analgesic/ anxiolytic gas with evidence supporting its safety and efficacy for distressing procedures in children. Despite this, its use is not consistent across Canadian pediatric emergency departments (EDs). We aimed to characterize a) physicians' knowledge and practices with N2O and b) site-specific N2O protocols in Canadian pediatric EDs to help optimize its use nationally. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was distributed to physician members of Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC) in early 2021. Survey items addressed practice patterns, clinician comfort, and perceived barriers/ facilitators to use. Further, a representative from each ED completed a site-specific inventory of N2O policies and procedures. RESULTS: N2O was available in 40.0% of 15 pediatric EDs, with 83.3% of these sites having written policies in place. Of 230 distributed surveys, 67.8% were completed with mean (SD) attending experience of 14.7 (8.6) years and 70.1% having pediatric emergency subspecialty training. Of the 156 respondents, 48.7% used N2O in their clinical practice. The most common indications for use were digit fracture/ dislocation reduction (69.7%), wound closure (60.5%), and incision & drainage (59.2%). Commonly perceived facilitators were N2O equipment availability (73.0% of 156) and previous clinical experience (71.7% of 156). Of the 51.3% of physicians who reported not using N2O, 93.7% did not have availability at their site; importantly, the majority indicated a desire to acquire access. They identified concerns about ventilation/ scavenging systems (71.2% of 80) and unfamiliarity with equipment (52.5% of 80) as the most common barriers to use. CONCLUSIONS: Despite evidence to support its use, only half of Canadian pediatric ED physicians surveyed use N2O in their clinical practice for treating procedure-related pain and distress. Increased availability of N2O equipment, protocols, and training may improve clinicians' abilities to better manage pediatric acute pain and distress in the ED.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIFS: Le protoxyde d'azote (N2O) est un gaz analgésique/anxiolytique inhalé dont l'innocuité et l'efficacité ont été démontrées lors d'interventions pénibles chez l'enfant. Malgré cela, son utilisation n'est pas uniforme dans les services d'urgences pédiatriques (SU) du Canada. Nous avons cherché à caractériser a) les connaissances et les pratiques des médecins en matière de N2O et b) les protocoles de N2O spécifiques à un site dans les urgences pédiatriques canadiennes afin d'aider à optimiser son utilisation à l'échelle nationale. MéTHODES: Cette enquête transversale a été distribuée aux médecins membres de Recherche d'urgence pédiatrique Canada (PERC) au début de 2021. Les questions de l'enquête portaient sur les modes de pratique, l'aisance du clinicien et les obstacles/facilitateurs perçus pour l'utilisation. En outre, un représentant de chaque SU a dressé un inventaire des politiques et procédures N2O propres à chaque site. RéSULTATS: La N2O était disponible dans 40,0% des 15 services d'urgence pédiatriques, et 83,3% de ces sites avaient mis en place des politiques écrites. Sur 230 enquêtes distribuées, 67,8% ont été réalisées avec une expérience moyenne (SD) de 14,7 (8,6) ans et 70,1% ont suivi une formation en surspécialité pédiatrique d'urgence. Sur les 156 répondants, 48,7% utilisaient le N2O dans leur pratique clinique. Les indications les plus courantes étaient la réduction des fractures digitales et des luxations (69,7%), la fermeture des plaies (60,5%) et l'incision et le drainage (59,2%). Les facilitateurs généralement perçus étaient la disponibilité de l'équipement N2O (73,0% sur 156) et l'expérience clinique antérieure (71,7% sur 156). Parmi les 51,3% de médecins qui ont déclaré ne pas utiliser de N2O, 93,7% n'avaient pas de disponibilité sur leur site; il est important de noter que la majorité d'entre eux ont indiqué qu'ils souhaitaient y avoir accès. Ils ont identifié les préoccupations concernant les systèmes de ventilation/de récupération (71,2% sur 80) et la méconnaissance de l'équipement (52,5% sur 80) comme étant les obstacles les plus courants à l'utilisation de l'appareil. CONCLUSIONS: Malgré les données probantes à l'appui de son utilisation, seulement la moitié des médecins canadiens des urgences pédiatriques interrogés utilisent le N2O dans leur pratique clinique pour traiter la douleur et la détresse liées à l'intervention. Une plus grande disponibilité de l'équipement N2O, des protocoles et de la formation peut améliorer les capacités des cliniciens à mieux gérer la douleur aiguë et la détresse pédiatrique aux urgences.

Partnering With Patients, Caregivers, and Clinicians to Determine Research Priorities for Concussion.

Importance: Identifying research priorities of patients with concussion, their caregivers, and their clinicians is important to ensure future concussion research reflects the needs of those who will benefit from the research. Objective: To prioritize concussion research questions from the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional survey study used the standardized James Lind Alliance priority-setting partnership methods (2 online cross-sectional surveys and 1 virtual consensus workshop using modified Delphi and nominal group techniques). Data were collected between October 1, 2020, and May 26, 2022, from people with lived concussion experience (patients and caregivers) and clinicians who treat concussion throughout Canada. Exposures: The first survey collected unanswered questions about concussion that were compiled into summary questions and checked against research evidence to ensure they were unanswered. A second priority-setting survey generated a short list of questions, and 24 participants attended a final priority-setting workshop to decide on the top 10 research questions. Main Outcomes and Measures: Top 10 concussion research questions. Results: The first survey had 249 respondents (159 [64%] who identified as female; mean [SD] age, 45.1 [16.3] years), including 145 with lived experience and 104 clinicians. A total of 1761 concussion research questions and comments were collected and 1515 (86%) were considered in scope. These were combined into 88 summary questions, of which 5 were considered answered following evidence review, 14 were further combined to form new summary questions, and 10 were removed for being submitted by only 1 or 2 respondents. The 59 unanswered questions were circulated in a second survey, which had 989 respondents (764 [77%] who identified as female; mean [SD] age, 43.0 [4.2] years), including 654 people who identified as having lived experience and 327 who identified as clinicians (excluding 8 who did not record type of participant). This resulted in 17 questions short-listed for the final workshop. The top 10 concussion research questions were decided by consensus at the workshop. The main research question themes focused on early and accurate concussion diagnosis, effective symptom management, and prediction of poor outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: This priority-setting partnership identified the top 10 patient-oriented research questions in concussion. These questions can be used to provide direction to the concussion research community and help prioritize funding for research that matters most to patients living with concussion and those who care for them.

Inhaled nitrous oxide for painful procedures in children and youth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to synthesize indication-based evidence for N2O for distress and pain in children. STUDY DESIGN: We included trials of N2O in participants 0-21 years, reporting distress or pain for emergency department procedures. The primary outcome was procedural distress. Where meta-analysis was not possible, we used Tricco et al.'s classification of "neutral" (p ≥ 0.05), "favorable," or "unfavorable" (p < 0.05, supporting N2O or comparator, respectively). We used the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to evaluate risk of bias and quality of evidence, respectively. RESULTS: We included 30 trials. For pain using the Visual Analog Scale (0-100 mm) during IV insertion, 70% N2O (delta:-16.5; 95%CI:-28.6 to -4.4; p = 0.008; three trials; I2 = 0%) and 50% N2O plus eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) (delta:-1.2; 95%CI:-2.1 to -0.3; p = 0.007; two trials; I2 = 43%) were superior to EMLA. 50% N2O was not superior to EMLA (delta:-0.4; 95%CI:-1.2 to 0.3; p = 0.26; two trials; I2 = 15%). For distress and pain during laceration repair, N2O was "favorable" versus each of SC lidocaine, oxygen, and oral midazolam but "neutral" versus IV ketamine (five trials). For distress and pain during fracture reduction (three trials), N2O was "neutral" versus each of IM meperidine plus promethazine, regional anesthesia, and IV ketamine plus midazolam. For distress and pain during lumbar puncture (one trial), N2O was "favorable" versus oxygen. For distress and pain during urethral catheterization (one trial), N2O was "neutral" versus oral midazolam. For pain during intramuscular injection (one trial), N2O plus EMLA was "favorable" versus N2O and EMLA alone. Common adverse effects of N2O included nausea (4.4%), agitation (3.7%), and vomiting (3.6%) AEs were less frequent with N2O alone (278/1147 (24.2%)) versus N2O plus midazolam (48/52 (92.3%)) and N2O plus fentanyl (123/201 (61.2%)). CONCLUSIONS: There is sufficient evidence to recommend N2O plus topical anesthetic for IV insertion and laceration repair. Adverse effects are greater when combined with other sedating agents.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIFS: Synthétiser les données probantes fondées sur l'indication pour le N2O pour la détresse et la douleur chez les enfants. Plan d'étude : Nous avons inclus des essais de N2O chez des participants âgés de 0 à 21 ans, signalant une détresse ou une douleur pour les procédures des services d'urgence. Le critère de jugement principal était la détresse procédurale. Lorsqu'une méta-analyse n'était pas possible, nous avons utilisé la classification de Tricco et al. "neutre" (p>0,05), "favorable" ou "défavorable" (p<0,05, en faveur de la N2O ou du comparateur, respectivement). Nous avons utilisé l'outil risque de biais de la Collaboration Cochrane et le système Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation pour évaluer respectivement le risque de biais et la qualité des preuves. RéSULTATS: Nous avons inclus 30 essais. Pour la douleur sur l'échelle visuelle analogique (0-100 mm) pendant l'insertion IV, 70 % de N2O (delta : -16,5 ; IC à 95% : -28,6 à -4,4 ; p = 0,008 ; trois essais ; I2 = 0 %) et 50 % de N2O plus un mélange eutectique d'anesthésiques locaux (EMLA) (delta : -1,2 ; IC à 95 % : -2,1 à -0,3 ; p = 0,007 ; deux essais ; I2 = 43 %) étaient supérieurs à l'EMLA. La N2O à 50 % n'était pas supérieure à l'EMLA (delta : -0,4 ; IC à 95 % : -1,2 à 0,3 ; p = 0,26 ; deux essais ; I2 = 15 %). En ce qui concerne la détresse et la douleur pendant la réparation des lacérations, le N2O était "favorable" par rapport à la lidocaïne SC, à l'oxygène et au midazolam oral, mais "neutre" par rapport à la kétamine IV (cinq essais). Pour la détresse et la douleur pendant la réduction des fractures (trois essais), le N2O était « neutre ¼ par rapport à la mépéridine IM plus prométhazine, l'anesthésie régionale et la kétamine IV plus midazolam. Pour la détresse et la douleur lors de la ponction lombaire (un essai), le N2O était "favorable" par rapport à l'oxygène. Pour la détresse et la douleur pendant le cathétérisme urétral (un essai), N2O était "neutre" par rapport au midazolam oral. Pour la douleur pendant l'injection intramusculaire (un essai), le N2O plus EMLA était « favorable ¼ par rapport au N2O et à l'EMLA seuls. Les effets indésirables les plus fréquents de la N2O étaient les nausées (4,4 %), l'agitation (3,7 %) et les vomissements (3,6 %). Les EI étaient moins fréquents avec la N2O seule (278/1147 (24,2 %)) par rapport au N2O plus midazolam (48/52 (92,3 %)) et le N2O plus fentanyl (123/201 (61,2 %)). CONCLUSIONS: Il existe suffisamment de preuves pour recommander le N2O plus un anesthésique topique pour l'insertion intraveineuse et la réparation des lacérations. Les effets indésirables sont plus importants lorsqu'ils sont combinés avec d'autres agents sédatifs.

Return to the Emergency Department Within 3 Months Following Pediatric Acute Concussion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of concussed children returning to the emergency department (ED) for a concussion-related reason within 3 months of initial presentation and to determine which clinical composite score (5P or Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory) best predicts a return visit. SETTING, DESIGN, AND PARTICIPANTS: We combined a secondary analysis of data from the prospectively collected 5P study with a retrospective medical record review of children aged 5 to 18 years who returned to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) ED for a concussion-related reason within 3 months of an acutely diagnosed concussion. Among 770 eligible participants, 632 children (median age: 11.8 [interquartile range (IQR), 9.0-14.5] years; 58.9% male) were included in the study. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome was the number of patients who returned to CHEO ED for a concussion-related reason within 3 months of an acute concussion diagnosed at CHEO ED. The secondary outcome was number of patients who returned within 14 days. RESULTS: Forty-seven children (7.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.6-9.7) had a concussion-related return to the ED within 3 months, the majority of which occurred in the first 14 days (29/47; 61.7%; 95% CI: 47.4-74.2). History of migraines (21.3% vs 9.7%; P = .03) were more common in those with a return visit. Headache was the most frequently reported symptom (87.2%) on revisit. Females aged 13 to 18 years had the highest return rate (survival rate: 85.8% [95% CI: 79.8-92.3]) compared with males and younger age groups. In multivariable Cox hazards regression modeling, inclusion of risk scores improved prognostication (pseudo R2 = 8%). The difference in pseudo R2 between 5P and Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory is small. CONCLUSION: Most children and adolescents do not return to the ED following an acute concussion. Female youth with medium to high 5P scores at the index concussion visit may benefit from early referral to interdisciplinary specialty concussion care to guide treatment in anticipation of prolonged symptoms. By identifying these risk factors at the initial ED visit, healthcare and patient burden may be reduced.

Association Between Early Return to School Following Acute Concussion and Symptom Burden at 2 Weeks Postinjury.

Importance: Determining how the timing of return to school is related to later symptom burden is important for early postinjury management recommendations. Objective: To examine the typical time to return to school after a concussion and evaluate whether an earlier return to school is associated with symptom burden 14 days postinjury. Design, Setting, and Participants: Planned secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter observational cohort study from August 2013 to September 2014. Participants aged 5 to 18 years with an acute (<48 hours) concussion were recruited from 9 Canadian pediatric emergency departments in the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada Network. Exposure: The independent variable was the number of days of school missed. Missing fewer than 3 days after concussion was defined as an early return to school. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was symptom burden at 14 days, measured with the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI). Symptom burden was defined as symptoms status at 14 days minus preinjury symptoms. Propensity score analyses applying inverse probability of treatment weighting were performed to estimate the relationship between the timing of return to school and symptom burden. Results: This cohort study examined data for 1630 children (mean age [SD] 11.8 [3.4]; 624 [38%] female). Of these children, 875 (53.7%) were classified as having an early return to school. The mean (SD) number of days missed increased across age groups (5-7 years, 2.61 [5.2]; 8-12 years, 3.26 [4.9]; 13-18 years, 4.71 [6.1]). An early return to school was associated with a lower symptom burden 14 days postinjury in the 8 to 12-year and 13 to 18-year age groups, but not in the 5 to 7-year age group. The association between early return and lower symptom burden was stronger in individuals with a higher symptom burden at the time of injury, except those aged 5 to 7 years. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of youth aged 5 to 18 years, these results supported the growing belief that prolonged absences from school and other life activities after a concussion may be detrimental to recovery. An early return to school may be associated with a lower symptom burden and, ultimately, faster recovery.

Paediatric post-concussive symptoms: symptom clusters and clinical phenotypes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the co-occurrence and clustering of post-concussive symptoms in children, and to identify distinct patient phenotypes based on symptom type and severity. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of the prospective, multicentre Predicting and Preventing Post-concussive Problems in Pediatrics (5P) cohort study, evaluating children 5-17 years of age presenting within 48 hours of an acute concussion. Our primary outcome was the simultaneous occurrence of two or more persistent post-concussive symptoms on the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory at 28 days post-injury. Analyses of symptom and patient clusters were performed using hierarchical cluster analyses of symptom severity ratings. RESULTS: 3063 patients from the parent 5P study were included. Median age was 12.1 years (IQR: 9.2-14.6 years), and 1857 (60.6%) were male. Fatigue was the most common persistent symptom (21.7%), with headache the most commonly reported co-occurring symptom among patients with fatigue (55%; 363/662). Headache was common in children reporting any of the 12 other symptoms (range: 54%-72%). Physical symptoms occurred in two distinct clusters: vestibular-ocular and headache. Emotional and cognitive symptoms occurred together more frequently and with higher severity than physical symptoms. Fatigue was more strongly associated with cognitive and emotional symptoms than physical symptoms. We identified five patient groups (resolved/minimal, mild, moderate, severe and profound) based on symptom type and severity. CONCLUSION: Post-concussive symptoms in children occur in distinct clusters, facilitating the identification of distinct patient phenotypes based on symptom type and severity. Care of children post-concussion must be comprehensive, with systems designed to identify and treat distinct post-concussion phenotypes.

Association Between Preinjury Symptoms and Postconcussion Symptoms at 4 Weeks in Youth.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether preinjury physical, emotional, cognitive, and sleep symptoms on the Post-Concussion Symptoms Inventory (PCSI) are associated with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) at 4 weeks and whether any associations are moderated by sex or age. STUDY SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3063 participants with acute concussion, presenting to 9 Canadian pediatric emergency departments, were enrolled from August 2013 to June 2015. DESIGN: A planned secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter cohort study (Predicting Persistent Post-concussive Problems in Pediatrics or 5P). Primary outcome was PPCS at 4 weeks, defined as 3 or more new or worsening individual symptoms compared with the preinjury score at 28 days on the PCSI. The association between preinjury scores and PPCS was analyzed with a multivariable logistic regression analysis that included preinjury, sex, age, sex × preinjury, and age × preinjury interactions as predictors. Missing baseline covariates were imputed. RESULTS: A total of 2123 (n = 844 [39.8%] girls; median [IQR] age = 12.9 [10.7, 15.0] participants were included in the analysis. Preinjury physical symptom score was associated with PPCS at 4 weeks (χ2 = 13.87, df = 6, P = .031). The preinjury emotional score also contributed to the variability in PPCS (χ2 = 11.79, df = 6, P = .067). While girls reported higher preinjury physical, emotional, and cognitive scores than boys, neither sex nor age interacted with preinjury to predict PPCS at 4 weeks. Independent of age and sex, preinjury physical symptoms were associated with PPCS at 4 weeks (OR = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.15-1.70). CONCLUSION: Preinjury physical symptoms are associated with the probability of having PPCS at 4 weeks postconcussion independent of age and sex. Providers should consider preinjury symptoms to inform prognosis and recovery management.

Symptom Burden, School Function, and Physical Activity One Year Following Pediatric Concussion.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize symptom burden, school function, and physical activity in youth 1 year following acute concussion and those with subsequent repeat concussion. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of Predicting Persistent Postconcussive Problems in Pediatrics prospective, multicenter cohort study conducted in 9 Canadian emergency departments. Participants were children between ages 5 and 18 years who presented consecutively ≤48 hours of concussion and agreed to participate in a post hoc electronic survey 1 year after injury. Outcomes were assessed using a standardized 25-question symptom scale derived from the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory-Parent; school function and physical activity outcomes were queried. The primary outcome was total symptom score 1 year following concussion, defined as the number of symptoms experienced more than before injury. RESULTS: Of 3052 youth enrolled in the Predicting Persistent Postconcussive Problems in Pediatrics study, 432 (median [IQR] age, 11.5 [9,14] years; 266 [62%] male) completed the 1-year survey; 34 respondents reported a repeat concussion. Following acute concussion, youth were more likely to be symptom-free than following repeat concussion (75% vs 50%; difference = 25% [95% CI 8-41]; P = .002) and to have recovered fully (90% vs 74%; difference = 17% [95% CI 5-34]; P = .002) after 1 year. Although physical symptoms were less 1 year after initial emergency department presentation for both groups (P < .001), youth with a repeat concussion reported greater headache persistence (26% vs 13%; difference = 13% [95% CI 1,31]; P = .024). Both groups returned to their normal school routine (100% vs 95%; difference = 5% [95% CI -5 to 8; P = .618). Youth without repeat concussion more frequently returned to normal physical activities (98% vs 85%; difference = 13% [95% CI 4-28]; P < .0001) and sport (95% vs 82%; difference = 13% [95% CI 3-29]; P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Most youth are symptom-free and fully recovered 1 year following concussion. Some children with repeat concussion have worse outcomes and have delays in returning to normal school routines and sport.

What is the risk of recurrent concussion in children and adolescents aged 5-18 years? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the risk of concussion in children with a previous history of concussion. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The primary outcome was number of children with and without a previous lifetime history of concussion who sustained a diagnosed concussion within each study period. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random effects model was used to estimate a pooled risk ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% CIs; results were summarised in forest plots. DATA SOURCES: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus) and selected reference lists were searched (PROSPERO registration No CRD42019135462). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Original English language peer-reviewed publications that compared concussion risk in children aged 5-18 years with and without a previous concussion history in which risk estimates were reported or able to be calculated. RESULTS: Of 732 identified studies, 7 studies representing 23 411 children (risk of bias range, 7-9; maximum possible score=9) were included for meta-analysis. Pooled risk of sustaining a concussion was more than three times greater in children with a previous concussion compared with those with no previous concussion (RR=3.64; 95% CI: 2.68 to 4.96; p<0.0001; I 2=90.55%). Unreported sex-stratified data precluded direct comparison of concussion risk in male versus female athletes. CONCLUSION: Previously concussed children have four times the risk of sustaining a concussion compared with those with no previous concussion history. This should be a consideration for clinicians in return to sport decision-making. Future studies examining subsequent recurrent concussion in youth sports must consider sex differences.

Characteristics of vomiting as a predictor of intracranial injury in pediatric minor head injury.

OBJECTIVES: Vomiting is common in children after minor head injury. In previous research, isolated vomiting was not a significant predictor of intracranial injury after minor head injury; however, the significance of recurrent vomiting is unclear. This study aimed to determine the value of recurrent vomiting in predicting intracranial injury after pediatric minor head injury. METHODS: This secondary analysis of the CATCH2 prospective multicenter cohort study included participants (0-16 years) who presented to a pediatric emergency department (ED) within 24 hours of a minor head injury. ED physicians completed standardized clinical assessments. Recurrent vomiting was defined as ≥ four episodes. Intracranial injury was defined as acute intracranial injury on computed tomography scan. Predictors were examined using chi-squared tests and logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 855 (21.1%) of the 4,054 CATCH2 participants had recurrent vomiting, 197 (4.9%) had intracranial injury, and 23 (0.6%) required neurosurgical intervention. Children with recurrent vomiting were significantly more likely to have intracranial injury (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-3.1), and require neurosurgical intervention (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.5-7.9). Recurrent vomiting remained a significant predictor of intracranial injury (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-3.9) when controlling for other CATCH2 criteria. The probability of intracranial injury increased with number of vomiting episodes, especially when accompanied by other high-risk factors, including signs of a skull fracture, or irritability and Glasgow Coma Scale score < 15 at 2 hours postinjury. Timing of first vomiting episode, and age were not significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent vomiting (≥ four episodes) was a significant risk factor for intracranial injury in children after minor head injury. The probability of intracranial injury increased with the number of vomiting episodes and if accompanied by other high-risk factors, such as signs of a skull fracture or altered level of consciousness.

Pragmatic Strategy Empowering Paramedics to Assess Low-Risk Trauma Patients With the Canadian C-Spine Rule and Selectively Transport Them Without Immobilization: Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Each year, half a million patients with a potential neck (c-spine) injury are transported to Ontario emergency departments (EDs). Less than 1.0% (1/100) of these patients have a neck bone fracture. Even less (1/200, 0.5%) have a spinal cord injury or nerve damage. Currently, paramedics transport all trauma victims (with or without an injury) by ambulance using a backboard, cervical collar, and head immobilizers. Importantly, prolonged immobilization is often unnecessary; it causes patient discomfort and pain, decreases community access to paramedics, contributes to ED crowding, and is very costly. We therefore developed the Canadian C-Spine Rule (CCR) for alert and stable trauma patients. This decision rule helps ED physicians and triage nurses to safely and selectively remove immobilization, without x-rays and missed injury. We successfully taught Ottawa paramedics to use the CCR in the field in a single-center study. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to improve patient care and health system efficiency and outcomes by allowing paramedics to assess eligible low-risk trauma patients with the CCR and selectively transport them without immobilization to the ED. METHODS: We propose a pragmatic stepped-wedge cluster randomized design with health economic evaluation, designed collaboratively with knowledge users. Our 36-month study will consist of a 12-month setup and training period (year 1), followed by the stepped-wedge trial (year 2) and a 12-month period for study completion, analyses, and knowledge translation. A total of 12 Ontario paramedic services of various sizes distributed across the province will be randomly allocated to one of three sequences. Paramedic services in each sequence will cross from the control condition (usual care) to the intervention condition (CCR implementation) at intervals of 3 months until all communities have crossed to the intervention. Data will be collected on all eligible patients in each paramedic service for a total duration of 12 months. A major strength of our design is that each community will have implemented the CCR by the end of the study. RESULTS: Interim results are expected in December 2019 and final results in 2020. If this multicenter trial is successful, we expect the Ontario Ministry of Health will recommend that paramedics evaluate all eligible patients with the CCR in the Province of Ontario. CONCLUSIONS: We conservatively estimate that in Ontario, more than 60% of all eligible trauma patients (300,000 annually) could be transported safely and comfortably, without c-spine immobilization devices. This will significantly reduce patient pain and discomfort, paramedic intervention times, and ED length of stay, thereby improving access to paramedics and ED care. This could be achieved rapidly and with lower health care costs compared with current practices (possible cost saving of Can $36 [US $25] per immobilization or Can $10,656,000 [US $7,335,231] per year). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02786966; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02786966. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/16966.

Early versus delayed emergency department presentation following mild Traumatic Brain Injury and the presence of symptom at 1, 4 and 12 weeks in children.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the association between timing of presentation and postconcussive symptoms (PCS) at 1, 4 and 12 weeks after injury. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study conducted in nine Canadian paediatric EDs in 2013-2015 (5P study). Participants were children who suffered a head injury within the preceding 48 hours and met Zurich consensus concussion diagnostic criteria. The exposure was the time between head injury and ED presentation. The primary outcome was the presence of PCS at 1 week defined by the presence of at least three symptoms on the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI). Secondary outcomes evaluated PCS at 4 and 12 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were adjusted for ED PCSI and other potential confounders. RESULTS: There were 3041 patients with a concussion in which timing of the injury was known. 2287 (75%) participants sought care in the first 12 hours, 388 (13%) 12-24 hours after trauma and 366 (12%) between 24 and 48 hours. Compared with children who sought care >24 hours after trauma, children who sought care in the first 12 hours had a significantly lower incidence of PCS at 1 week (OR: 0.55 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.75)) and 4 weeks (OR: 0.74 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.99)) but not at 12 weeks (OR: 0.88 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.23)). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who present early after a concussion appear to have a shorter duration of PCS than those presenting more than 12 hours later. Patients/families should be informed of the higher probability of PCS in children with delayed presentation.

Derivation and Initial Validation of Clinical Phenotypes of Children Presenting with Concussion Acutely in the Emergency Department: Latent Class Analysis of a Multi-Center, Prospective Cohort, Observational Study.

The identification of clinical phenotypes may help parse the substantial heterogeneity that characterizes children with concussion. This study used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify discernible phenotypes among children with acute concussion and examine the association between phenotypes and persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) at 4 and 12 weeks post-injury. We conducted LCA of variables representing pre-injury history, clinical presentation, and parent symptom ratings, derived from a prospective cohort, observational study that recruited participants from August 2013 until June 2015 at nine pediatric emergency departments within the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada network. This substudy included 2323 children from the original cohort ages 8.00-17.99 years who had data for at least 80% of all variables included in each LCA. Concussion was defined according to Zurich consensus statement diagnostic criteria. The primary outcome was PPCS at 4 and 12 weeks after enrollment. Participants were 39.5% female and had a mean age of 12.8 years (standard deviation = 2.6). Follow-up was completed by 1980 (85%) at 4 weeks and 1744 (75%) at 12 weeks. LCA identified four groups with discrete pre-injury histories, four groups with discrete clinical presentations, and seven groups with discrete profiles of acute symptoms. Clinical phenotypes based on the profile of group membership across the three LCAs varied significantly in their predicted probability of PPCS at 4 and 12 weeks. The results indicate that children with concussion can be grouped into distinct clinical phenotypes, based on pre-injury history, clinical presentation, and acute symptoms, with markedly different risks of PPCS. With further validation, clinical phenotypes may provide a useful heuristic for clinical assessment and management.

Natural Progression of Symptom Change and Recovery From Concussion in a Pediatric Population.

Importance: The natural progression of symptom change and recovery remains poorly defined in children after concussion. Objectives: To describe the natural progression of symptom change by age group (5-7, 8-12, and 13-18 years) and sex, as well as to develop centile curves to inform families about children after injury recovery. Design, Setting, and Participants: Planned secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study (Predicting Persistent Postconcussive Problems in Pediatrics). The setting was 9 pediatric emergency departments within the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC) network. Participants were aged 5 to 18 years with acute concussion, enrolled from August 1, 2013, to May 31, 2015, and data analyses were performed between January 2018 and March 2018. Exposures: Participants had a concussion consistent with the Zurich Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport diagnostic criteria and 85% completeness of the Postconcussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) at each time point. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was symptom change, defined as current rating minus preinjury rating (delta score), at presentation and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after injury, measured using the PCSI. Symptoms were self-rated for ages 8 to 18 years and rated by the child and parent for ages 5 to 7 years. The secondary outcome was recovery, defined as no change in symptoms relative to current preinjury PCSI ratings (delta score = 0). Mixed-effects models incorporated the total score, adjusting for random effects (site and participant variability), fixed-effects indicators (age, sex, time, age by time interaction, and sex by time interaction), and variables associated with recovery. Recovery centile curves by age and sex were computed. Results: A total of 3063 children (median age, 12.0 years [interquartile range, 9.2-14.6 years]; 60.7% male) completed the primary outcome; 2716 were included in the primary outcome analysis. For the group aged 5 to 7 years, symptom change primarily occurred the first week after injury; by 2 weeks, 75.6% of symptoms had improved (PCSI change between 0 and 2 weeks, -5.3; 95% CI, -5.5 to -5.0). For the groups aged 8 to 12 years and 13 to 18 years, symptom change was prominent the first 2 weeks but flattened between 2 and 4 weeks. By 4 weeks, 83.6% and 86.2% of symptoms, respectively, had improved for the groups aged 8 to 12 years (PCSI change between 0 and 4 weeks, -9.0; 95% CI, -9.6 to -8.4) and 13 to 18 years (PCSI change between 0 and 4 weeks, -28.6; 95% CI, -30.8 to -26.3). Sex by time interaction was significant only for the adolescent group (ß = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.21-0.43; P < .001). Most adolescent girls had not recovered by week 12. Conclusions and Relevance: Symptom improvement primarily occurs in the first 2 weeks after concussion in children and in the first 4 weeks after concussion in preadolescents and male adolescents. Female adolescents appear to have protracted recovery. The derived recovery curves may be useful for evidence-based anticipatory guidance.

Validation and refinement of a clinical decision rule for the use of computed tomography in children with minor head injury in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty about which children with minor head injury need to undergo computed tomography (CT). We sought to prospectively validate the accuracy and potential for refinement of a previously derived decision rule, Canadian Assessment of Tomography for Childhood Head injury (CATCH), to guide CT use in children with minor head injury. METHODS: This multicentre cohort study in 9 Canadian pediatric emergency departments prospectively enrolled children with blunt head trauma presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13-15 and loss of consciousness, amnesia, disorientation, persistent vomiting or irritability. Phys icians completed standardized assessment forms before CT, including clinical predictors of the rule. The primary outcome was neurosurgical intervention and the secondary outcome was brain injury on CT. We calculated test characteristics of the rule and used recursive partitioning to further refine the rule. RESULTS: Of 4060 enrolled patients, 23 (0.6%) underwent neurosurgical intervention, and 197 (4.9%) had brain injury on CT. The original 7-item rule (CATCH) had sensitivities of 91.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.0%-98.9%) for neurosurgical intervention and 97.5% (95% CI 94.2%-99.2%) for predicting brain injury. Adding "≥ 4 episodes of vomiting" resulted in a refined 8-item rule (CATCH2) with 100% (95% CI 85.2%-100%) sensitivity for neurosurgical intervention and 99.5% (95% CI 97.2%-100%) sensitivity for brain injury. INTERPRETATION: Among children presenting to the emergency department with minor head injury, the CATCH2 rule was highly sensitive for identifying those children requiring neurosurgical intervention and those with any brain injury on CT. The CATCH2 rule should be further validated in an implementation study designed to assess its clinical impact.

Pediatric Emergency Research Canada: Origins and Evolution.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe the origins, growth, and progress of a national research network in pediatric emergency medicine. METHODS: The success of Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC) is described in terms of advancing the pediatric emergency medicine agenda, grant funding, peer-reviewed publications, mentoring new investigators, and global collaborations. RESULTS: Since 1995, clinicians and investigators within PERC have grown the network to 15 active tertiary pediatric emergency medicine sites across Canada. Investigators have advanced the research agenda in numerous areas, including gastroenteritis, bronchiolitis, croup, head injury, asthma, and injury management. Since the first PERC Annual Scientific meeting in 2004, the attendance has increased by approximately 400% to 152 attendees, 65 presentations, and 13 project/investigator meetings. More than $33 million in grant funding has been awarded to the network, and has published 76 peer-reviewed articles. In 2011, PERC's success was recognized with a Top Achievement Award in Health Research from Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Medical Association Journal. CONCLUSIONS: Moving forward, PERC will continue to focus on the creation of new knowledge, the mentorship of new investigators and fellows in developing research projects, and promoting a pediatric emergency medicine-focused research agenda guided by the pooling of expertise from individuals across the nation. Through collaborations with networks across the globe, PERC will continue to strive for the conduct of high-quality, impactful research that improves outcomes in children with acute illness and injury.

Factors influencing the intentions of nurses and respiratory therapists to use automated external defibrillators during in-hospital cardiac arrest: a qualitative interview study.

OBJECTIVES: Nurses and respiratory therapists are seldom allowed to use automated external defibrillators (AED) during in-hospital cardiac arrest. This can result in significant time delays before defibrillation occurs and lower survival for cardiac arrest victims. We sought to identify barriers and facilitators to AED use by nurses and respiratory therapists. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with a purposeful sample of nurses and respiratory therapists. We developed the interview guide based on the constructs of the theory of planned behaviour, which elicits salient attitudes, social influences, and control beliefs potentially influencing the intent to use an AED. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed until achieving data saturation. Two independent reviewers performed inductive analyses to identify emerging categories and themes, and ranked them by frequency of the number of participants stating the topic. RESULTS: Demographics for the 24 interviewees include mean age 40.5, 79.2% female, 87.5% performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), 29.2% defibrillated a patient. Identified attitudes pertained to the timeliness of defibrillation, patient survival, simplicity of AED use, accuracy of rhythm recognition, and harm to self or others. Social influences consisted of physician and hospital administration support of AED use. Control beliefs included training on AED use, policy allowing AED use, familiarity with AED, and task burden during resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Most nurses and respiratory therapists intended to use an AED if permitted to do so by a medical directive. Successful implementation would require educational initiatives focusing on safety and efficacy of AEDs, support from physicians and hospital administrators, and additional training on AED use.

Association Between Early Participation in Physical Activity Following Acute Concussion and Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms in Children and Adolescents.

Importance: Although concussion treatment guidelines advocate rest in the immediate postinjury period until symptoms resolve, no clear evidence has determined that avoiding physical activity expedites recovery. Objective: To investigate the association between participation in physical activity within 7 days postinjury and incidence of persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS). Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective, multicenter cohort study (August 2013-June 2015) of 3063 children and adolescents aged 5.00-17.99 years with acute concussion from 9 Pediatric Emergency Research Canada network emergency departments (EDs). Exposures: Early physical activity participation within 7 days postinjury. Main Outcomes and Measures: Physical activity participation and postconcussive symptom severity were rated using standardized questionnaires in the ED and at days 7 and 28 postinjury. PPCS (≥3 new or worsening symptoms on the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory) was assessed at 28 days postenrollment. Early physical activity and PPCS relationships were examined by unadjusted analysis, 1:1 propensity score matching, and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Sensitivity analyses examined patients (≥3 symptoms) at day 7. Results: Among 2413 participants who completed the primary outcome and exposure, (mean [SD] age, 11.77 [3.35] years; 1205 [39.3%] females), PPCS at 28 days occurred in 733 (30.4%); 1677 (69.5%) participated in early physical activity including light aerobic exercise (n = 795 [32.9%]), sport-specific exercise (n = 214 [8.9%]), noncontact drills (n = 143 [5.9%]), full-contact practice (n = 106 [4.4%]), or full competition (n = 419 [17.4%]), whereas 736 (30.5%) had no physical activity. On unadjusted analysis, early physical activity participants had lower risk of PPCS than those with no physical activity (24.6% vs 43.5%; Absolute risk difference [ARD], 18.9% [95% CI,14.7%-23.0%]). Early physical activity was associated with lower PPCS risk on propensity score matching (n = 1108 [28.7% for early physical activity vs 40.1% for no physical activity]; ARD, 11.4% [95% CI, 5.8%-16.9%]) and on inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis (n = 2099; relative risk [RR], 0.74 [95% CI, 0.65-0.84]; ARD, 9.7% [95% CI, 5.7%-13.7%]). Among only patients symptomatic at day 7 (n = 803) compared with those who reported no physical activity (n = 584; PPCS, 52.9%), PPCS rates were lower for participants of light aerobic activity (n = 494 [46.4%]; ARD, 6.5% [95% CI, 5.7%-12.5%]), moderate activity (n = 176 [38.6%]; ARD, 14.3% [95% CI, 5.9%-22.2%]), and full-contact activity (n = 133 [36.1%]; ARD, 16.8% [95% CI, 7.5%-25.5%]). No significant group difference was observed on propensity-matched analysis of this subgroup (n = 776 [47.2% vs 51.5%]; ARD, 4.4% [95% CI, -2.6% to 11.3%]). Conclusions and Relevance: Among participants aged 5 to 18 years with acute concussion, physical activity within 7 days of acute injury compared with no physical activity was associated with reduced risk of PPCS at 28 days. A well-designed randomized clinical trial is needed to determine the benefits of early physical activity following concussion.