Remote Didactic Education Effectively Increases Cardiac Critical Care Nursing Staff Knowledge in Low-Resource Settings.

Background: While progress has been made to decrease mortality in children under age five, there continues to be a need for improvement in the treatment of children with congenital heart disease. Many of these patients require surgical correction and live in areas without the expertise of surgical teams. Research has shown that appropriate training is critical to ensure the best clinical outcomes. The Ethiopian government has identified the need for increased training of health care professionals as a method to improve hospital outcomes. Methods: Twenty-five cardiac critical nurses participated in a remote didactic education curriculum over the course of multiple months. We used a pre- and post-test model to evaluate knowledge acquisition and retention after the curriculum. Nurses completed post-tests at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals to monitor knowledge retention over time. Results: We found a significant increase in nursing knowledge that was retained over the course of 12 months. Nursing knowledge on pre- and post-tests was impacted by experience level. However, after completion of the curriculum experience was not a significant factor. Conclusion: Virtual curriculum delivered via remote didactic education is an inexpensive and effective way to increase nursing knowledge in cardiac critical care. It encourages bidirectional learning and allows the sharing of expertise from individuals who may otherwise be limited by travel or finances. Our approach is generalizable and further research needs to be done to evaluate the effectiveness of this type of curriculum in other environments.

An internal medicine residency preparatory curriculum for fourth-year medical students.

BACKGROUND: Intern preparation courses are often broad in scope; there are few published specialty-specific programs outside of General Surgery and Obstetrics. We designed an internal medicine (IM) residency preparatory course at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, which aimed to prepare graduating medical students for the rigours of IM residency training, mapped to Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). METHODS: Fourteen fourth-year medical students who were matriculating into IM residency programs enrolled in a 4-week long residency preparation course. The course was designed to teach skills using case-based learning modules, specialty topic seminars, simulation laboratories, procedure laboratories and clinical practice. Participants were surveyed before and after the course on their perceived knowledge and ability with the skills tested. RESULTS: With the exception of 'giving signout to a colleague', there was a significant difference in the participant's perceived ability for each skill taught within the course (P < 0.03 for each), with mean pre-course scores of 1.4-3.7 (SD = 0.5-1.2) and mean post-course scores of 3.2-4.2 (SD = 0.5-1.3). A second survey on course evaluation and perceived impact, completed 3 months after starting intern year, resulted in all respondents reporting that the information learned during the course had directly affected their care of patients on a daily or weekly basis. The modified Ottawa scale was the primary assessment means for the EPAs, with participants approaching entrustment at the conclusion of the course. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an IM-specific residency preparation course is a useful adjunct in the fourth year of medical school.

Implicit Racial Bias in Evaluation of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess implicit bias by administrating the Modified Finnegan Score (MFS) for quantifying neonatal opioid withdrawal and to evaluate risk of decreased opioid treatment of Black versus White infants. STUDY DESIGN: Study participants were nurses recruited from a large tertiary care center who received three clinical vignettes portraying withdrawing infants and were randomized to receive an accompanying photo of either a Black or White infant. MFS results were compared for identical vignettes based on race of infant photo. RESULTS: Out of 275 nurses, 70 completed the survey. In vignette 2, nurses aged ≤35 years scored Black infants lower than White infants (MFS=8.3 ± 2 vs. 9.5 ± 1.2, p=0.012). Nurses with <5 years of experience and ≤10 years of experience also scored Black infants lower for the same vignette (8.2 ± 2.3 vs. 9.6 ± 1.2, p=0.032 and 8.3 ± 2 vs. 9.5 ± 1.2, p=0.0083). CONCLUSION: Implicit bias may contribute to the difference in opioid treatment.

Diverse strategies are needed to support physical activity engagement in women who have had breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Physical activity can improve health in people living with and beyond breast cancer; however, how to best support physical activity participation in this population is unclear. This qualitative study sought to identify important physical activity program components for breast cancer. METHODS: Women with previous breast cancer (n = 11) and allied health professionals (n = 7) participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews (n = 15) or focus groups (n = 1). Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis methods. RESULTS: Four main themes were generated including (1) the need for physical activity programs; (2) person-centered programs; (3) flexible physical activity programs; and (4) systems factors. These reflected the health and non-health benefits of physical activity, the need to facilitate agency, the diversity in individual characteristics, preferences, abilities, and commitments of people with lived experience of cancer, as well as the need for physical activity programs to be integrated within the broader health system. CONCLUSION: Strategies to support physical activity engagement for breast cancer should embrace the diversity of those who are diagnosed with cancer as well as the diversity in which physical activity can be achieved.

Impact of Routine Gastric Aspirate Monitoring on Very Low Birth Weight Early Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVES: Routine gastric aspirate (RGA) monitoring is a common yet controversial practice intended for early identification of gastrointestinal pathology in infants receiving gavage feeds. Our objectives were to evaluate the association of ceasing RGA monitoring on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) as well as nutritional outcomes in a large population of very low birth weight (VLBW) and very preterm neonates. METHODS: Retrospective record review of neonates born ≤32 weeks and/or VLBW from 2 cohorts: (1) during pre-feed RGA monitoring (September 2015 to June 2018) and (2) after cessation of RGA ("non-RGA") monitoring (July 2018 to December 2020). We compared incidence of NEC, time-to-full enteral feeds, central line duration, and duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) in bivariate and multivariable models accounting for changes in feeding protocols over time. RESULTS: We identified 617 subjects, 53% in the RGA monitoring cohort (n = 327) and 47% in non-RGA cohort (n = 290). The non-RGA cohort had feeds initiated earlier ( P < 0.0001), achieved full enteral feeds more rapidly ( P < 0.0001), received a shorter duration of PN ( P = 0.0003), and had shorter central access duration ( P < 0.0001) without increasing NEC risk. In fact, the non-RGA cohort had a lower incidence of NEC ( P = 0.0345) compared to the RGA cohort. Even after adjusting for changes in feeding protocols over time in a multivariable model, the RGA cohort had significantly higher odds of NEC. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-feed RGA monitoring in the absence of concerning clinical exam findings is not indicated for neonates receiving gavage feeds as it does not improve NEC incidence but instead may delay important nutritional outcomes such as feed initiation and central line removal.

Predicting the likelihood of lower respiratory tract Ureaplasma infection in preterms.

OBJECTIVE: To develop predictive models of Ureaplasma spp lower airway tract infection in preterm infants. METHODS: A dataset was assembled from five cohorts of infants born <33 weeks gestational age (GA) enrolled over 17 years (1999-2016) with culture and/or PCR-confirmed tracheal aspirate Ureaplasma status in the first week of life (n=415). Seventeen demographic, obstetric and neonatal factors were analysed including admission white blood cell (WBC) counts. Best subset regression was used to develop three risk scores for lower airway Ureaplasma infection: (1) including admission laboratory values, (2) excluding admission laboratory values and (3) using only data known prenatally. RESULTS: GA and rupture of membranes >72 hours were significant predictors in all 3 models. When all variables including admission laboratory values were included in the regression, WBC count was also predictive in the resulting model. When laboratory values were excluded, delivery route was found to be an additional predictive factor. The area under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic indicated high predictive ability of each model to identify infants with lower airway Ureaplasma infection (range 0.73-0.77). CONCLUSION: We developed predictive models based on clinical and limited laboratory information available in the perinatal period that can distinguish between low risk (<10%) and high risk (>40%) of lower airway Ureaplasma infection. These may be useful in the design of phase III trials of therapeutic interventions to prevent Ureaplasma-mediated lung disease in preterm infants and in clinical management of at-risk infants.

Implementing a Longitudinal Adolescent Transition of Care Curriculum: Identifying Comfort and Barriers Among Residents.

Amid growing recognition of the importance of transitioning adolescents and young adults (AYA) from pediatric- to adult-oriented health care systems, residency programs are being tasked with educating residents on best transition practices. However, consensus on how to approach training residents in transition of care (TOC) is limited. Our academic residency program therefore created and implemented a TOC of AYA curriculum for pediatric residents in an effort to increase provider knowledge and comfort with this topic. Three classes of post-graduate year one (PGY1) pediatric residents participated in this curriculum from 2017-2019 (n=35) and subsequently completed a problem-based learning (PBL) exercise in a primary care clinic with adolescent patients based on core goals in transitioning AYA. Residents completed pre-PBL and post-PBL surveys quantifying provider comfort in several aspects of the transition process. The majority of residents (94%) identified the PBL exercise as being useful, with no significant difference between classes. Eighty-nine percent (n=31) identified 1) earlier introduction of TOC and/or 2) incorporation of TOC discussions during AYA well visits as intended areas of future practice change. Overall provider comfort in transitioning AYA increased significantly from matched pre-PBL to post-PBL surveys (p=0.004). Paired mean differences also showed a significant increase in provider comfort based on several identifiable skillsets in transitioning AYA. This study suggests that a formal curriculum for pediatric residents significantly increases resident comfort in transitioning AYA and encourages change in future clinical practice. Future directions include evaluating the implementation of a formal longitudinal curriculum across several PGY levels and expansion of the curriculum to include internal medicine residents. Standardized curricula on this topic may improve resident comfort on a national level.

Novel uses of ketamine in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Ketamine is gaining renewed interest among healthcare providers in the emergency department (ED) setting due to its novel clinical applications. AREAS COVERED: This article provides a comprehensive discussion of ketamine's pharmacological properties, safety profile, and an overview of current evidence for ketamine in the management of ED patients with acute agitation, pain, depression/suicide ideation. EXPERT OPINION: Ketamine is an effective adjunct to opioids, providing greater pain relief than morphine alone. Ketamine (0.1-0.3 mg/kg IV) alone can provide analgesia similar to that of morphine in patients with acute visceral and musculoskeletal pain, as well as for chronic painful conditions (cancer, vaso-occlusive pain crisis associated with sickle cell disease, and in patients with high opioid tolerance and/or opioid dependency). Available literature shows that ketamine (1-2 mg/kg IV or 4-5 mg/kg IM) is a safe, rapid (<5 minutes) and effective tranquilization agent for ED patients with acute agitation. Finally, there is growing evidence that suggests ketamine may have potential utility in the management of patients with self-harm ideation or acute depressive episodes. Intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg over 40 mins) has been shown to produce an antidepressant effect and decrease in suicidal ideation within 4 hours with effects lasting up to one week.

Telehealth cancer care consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of the experiences of Australians affected by cancer.

BACKGROUND: In response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth was rapidly rolled out in health services across Australia including those delivering cancer care. This study aimed to understand people with cancer and carers' experiences with telehealth for cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews conducted with people with cancer and carers via telephone or online video link between December 2020 and May 2021. Participants were recruited through cancer networks and social media. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis undertaken. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients and 5 carers were interviewed. Telephone-based appointments were most common. Responses to telehealth were influenced by existing relationships with doctors, treatment/cancer stage and type of appointment. Four themes were derived: (i) benefits, (ii) quality of care concerns, (iii) involving carers, and (iv) optimising use of telehealth. Benefits included efficiency and reduced travel. Quality of care concerns identified subthemes: transactional feel to appointments; difficulties for rapport; suitability for appointment type and adequacy for monitoring. Both patients and carers noted a lack of opportunity for carers to participate in telephone-based appointments. Aligning appointment mode (i.e. telehealth or in person) with appointment purpose and ensuring telehealth was the patient's choice were seen as essential for its ongoing use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: While telehealth has benefits, its potential to reduce the quality of interactions with clinicians made it less attractive for cancer patients. Patient-centred guidelines that ensure patient choice, quality communication, and alignment with appointment purpose may help to increase telehealth's utility for people affected by cancer.

Contribution of Biologic Response Modifiers to the Risk of Coccidioidomycosis Severity.

BACKGROUND: The risk of coccidioidomycosis (CM) as a life-threatening respiratory illness or disseminated CM (DCM) increases as much as 150-fold in immunosuppressed patients. The safety of biologic response modifiers (BRMs) as treatment for patients with autoimmune disease (AI) in CM-endemic regions is not well defined. We sought to determine that risk in the Tucson and Phoenix areas. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study reviewing demographics, Arizona residency length, clinical presentations, specific AI diagnoses, CM test results, and BRM treatments in electronic medical records of patients ≥18 years old with International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes for CM and AI from 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2019. RESULTS: We reviewed 944 charts with overlapping ICD-10 codes for CM and AI, of which 138 were confirmed to have both diagnoses. Male sex was associated with more CM (P = .003), and patients with African ancestry were 3 times more likely than those with European ancestry to develop DCM (P < .001). Comparing CM+/AI+ (n = 138) with CM+/AI- (n = 449) patients, there were no significant differences in CM clinical presentations. Patients receiving BRMs had 2.4 times more DCM compared to pulmonary CM (PCM). CONCLUSIONS: AI does not increase the risk of any specific CM clinical presentation, and BRM treatment of most AI patients does not lead to severe CM. However, BRMs significantly increase the risk of DCM, and prospective studies are needed to identify the immunogenetic subset that permits BRM-associated DCM.

A hospital-based multidimensional intervention for high risk pediatric patients with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a multi-dimensional intervention (consisting of education, recommendations for medical management, and short-term case management) provided by pulmonology nurse practitioners(NP) on inpatient and post-discharge outcomes for patients admitted with asthma exacerbations to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit(PICU). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was completed on subjects with an asthma exacerbation admitted to the PICU from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2018. Records were reviewed for 12-months post-discharge. We compared inpatient and post-discharge outcomes for those who did vs. did not receive NP consultation. The primary outcome evaluated was optimization of discharge medications. Rates of follow up, repeat ED visits and hospitalizations were also reviewed. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty two subjects met inclusion and exclusion criteria; of those, 101 (45.5%) patients received NP consultation and 121 (54.5%) had PICU management only. Patients with NP consultation were more likely to have controllers initiated (34.6% vs. 15%) or adjusted (55.5% vs. 33.3%) per asthma guidelines (p < 0.001). The consult group were more likely to have an asthma follow-up appointment made prior to discharge (99% vs. 45%, p < 0.001), and were more likely to attend the appointment (51% vs. 21%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between groups for ED visits or readmission for asthma 12-months post-discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NP consultation were more likely to have controllers started or adjusted per guidelines and were more likely to attend specialty follow-up appointments post-discharge. No impact was seen on ED visits or readmissions. Implementation of such a program may aid in optimizing asthma management and continuity of care post hospitalization.

Randomized trial of azithromycin to eradicate Ureaplasma respiratory colonization in preterm infants: 2-year outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To assess the potential impact of azithromycin treatment in the first week following birth on 2-year outcomes in preterm infants with and without Ureaplasma respiratory colonization who participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Respiratory morbidity was assessed at NICU discharge and at 6, 12, and 22-26 months corrected age using pulmonary questionnaires. Comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments were completed between 22 and 26 months corrected age. The primary and secondary composite outcomes were death or severe respiratory morbidity and death or moderate-severe neurodevelopmental impairment, respectively, at 22-26 months corrected age. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one randomized participants (azithromycin, N = 60; placebo, N = 61) were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. There were no significant differences in death or serious respiratory morbidity (34.8 vs 30.4%, p = 0.67) or death or moderate-severe neurodevelopmental impairment (47 vs 33%, p = 0.11) between the azithromycin and placebo groups. Among all trial participants, tracheal aspirate Ureaplasma-positive infants experienced a higher frequency of death or serious respiratory morbidity at 22-26 months corrected age (58%) than tracheal aspirate Ureaplasma-negative infants (34%) or non-intubated infants (21%) (p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe strong evidence of a difference in long-term pulmonary and neurodevelopment outcomes in preterm infants treated with azithromycin in the first week of life compared to placebo. IMPACT: No strong evidence of a difference in long-term pulmonary and neurodevelopment outcomes was identified at 22-26 months corrected age in infants treated with azithromycin in the first week of life compared to placebo. The RCT is the first study of 2-year pulmonary and neurodevelopmental outcomes of azithromycin treatment in ELGANs. Provides evidence that ELGANs with lower respiratory tract Ureaplasma have the most frequent serious respiratory morbidity in the first 2 years of life, suggesting that a Phase III trial of azithromycin to prevent BPD targeting this population is warranted.

A Multi-Modal Curriculum Teaching Opioid Use Disorder Management in Young Adult Populations.

BACKGROUND: The use of both prescription and illicit opioids among adolescents and young adults (AYA) is increasing. Barriers to effective treatment of opioid use disorders among AYA range from patients leaving against medical advice to decreased knowledge and experience of providers caring for those with opioid dependence. No formal curricula for residents on AYA opioid use disorder and management have been implemented despite rapidly increasing use in this population. OBJECTIVE: To develop a brief curriculum for trainees who encounter AYA that will increase knowledge and skills to treat opioid use in the AYA population.  Methods: Twenty-six pediatric and family medicine interns participated in this pilot study. The multimodal curriculum included standardized patient encounters, case-based learning sessions, didactics, and high-fidelity simulations. The curriculum encompasses five individual sessions, each with a different theme: motivational interviewing, naloxone administration, opioid withdrawal medications, complex overdoses, and infectious complications of intravenous drug use. A pre-survey was administered prior to the curriculum and a post-survey was administered at the conclusion to assess its effectiveness in improving knowledge for this specific population and increasing comfort levels providing medical interventions in AYA patients with opioid use disorders. RESULTS: Trainee comfort levels increased significantly in all four domains as measured by the average Likert scale, including interviewing AYA about opioid use (2.5 (standard deviation (SD) 1.2) to 4 (SD 0.9), p<0.0001)), prescribing medication for opioid use disorder (1.3 (SD 0.5) to 2.8 (SD 1.3), p<0.0001)), treating acute opioid overdose (1.5 (SD 0.8) to 3.7 (SD 0.9), p<0.0001)), and treating infectious complications of intravenous drug use (1.7 (SD 0.8) to 3 (SD 1.1), p <0.0001)). The Chi-square test showed similarly significant increases in comfort levels. CONCLUSIONS: Early trainees who provide care to young adults benefit from opioid education specific to this population. Participants described increased knowledge and comfort in interviewing and treating this vulnerable patient group.

The Associations Between Bitter and Fat Taste Sensitivity, and Dietary Fat Intake: Are They Impacted by Genetic Predisposition?

A relationship between bitter and fat taste sensitivity, CD36 rs1761667 and TAS2R38 has been demonstrated. However, research is scarce and does not take diet into account. This study aimed to explore associations between genetics, fat and bitter taste sensitivity and dietary fat intake in healthy UK adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 88 Caucasian participants (49 females and 39 males aged 35 ± 1 years; body mass index 24.9 ± 0.5 kg/m2). Bitter taste sensitivity was assessed using phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) impregnated strips and the general Labeled Magnitude Scale. Fat taste sensitivity was assessed by the Ascending Forced Choice Triangle Procedure and dietary intake with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Genotyping for rs713598, rs1726866, rs10246939, and rs1761667 was performed. Participants with TAS2R38 PAV/PAV diplotype perceived PTC strips as more bitter than groups carrying AVI haplotypes (AVI/AVI, P = 1 × 10-6; AVI/AAV, P = 0.029). CD36 rs1761667 was associated with fat taste sensitivity (P = 0.008). A negative correlation between bitter taste sensitivity and saturated fat intake was observed (rs = -0.256, P = 0.016). When combining the CD36 genotypes and TAS2R38 diplotypes into one variable, participants carrying both TAS2R38 AVI haplotype and CD36 A allele had a higher intake of saturated fat compared to carriers of CD36 GG genotype or TAS2R38 PAV/PAV and PAV/AAV diplotypes (13.8 ± 0.3 vs. 12.6 ± 0.5%TEI, P = 0.047) warranting further exploration in a larger cohort.

Quantifying Medication Exposure in Very Low Birth Weight Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are exposed to medications with insufficient evidence describing pharmacokinetics and safety. Objective was to quantify and identify risk factors associated with the highest quartile of medication exposure. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective record review of VLBW infants admitted to a level-IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We obtained baseline clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as data on all medications received during admission. Characteristics of patients within the upper quartile of medication use were compared with remaining patients. RESULTS: Identified 106 infants, mean birth weight (BW) = 961 g, gestational age = 27.3 weeks. Infants received a median = 20 medications (range, 4-72). Those in the top quartile of medication use received ≥30 medications while in the NICU and had higher odds of being male sex, lower BW, longer length of hospital stay (LOHS), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Sepsis did not affect medication exposure. Antibiotics, opiates, and reflux medications were among the top prescribed. CONCLUSION: Infants are exposed to a large number of medications during NICU hospitalization, including potentially unnecessary antibiotics and reflux medications. Male sex, the presence of certain comorbidities such as necrotizing enterocolitis, and LOHS, are associated with higher exposure. Increased awareness of this issue may assist in decreasing medication exposure in VLBW populations.

A National Survey of Car Seat Tolerance Screening Protocols in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

OBJECTIVE: A predischarge car seat tolerance screen (CSTS) is currently recommended for all infants born prematurely in the United States to monitor for adverse cardiorespiratory events while in the semi-upright car seat. However, specific guidelines for failure criteria, timing of testing, and follow-up of failed CSTS do not exist. Our objective was to perform a national survey of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in order to identify common features and variation in CSTS protocols. METHODS: We surveyed Level II-IV NICUs representing all 50 states to determine whether each performed CSTS, inclusion and failure criteria, timing of CSTS prior to discharge and in relation to feeds, follow-up of initial and subsequent CSTS failures, use of car beds, and outpatient referrals after failed CSTS. RESULTS: Of the 199 NICUs surveyed, 96.5% perform a CSTS. The most common failure saturation cutoff was <90%, but values ranged from <80% to <92%. The most common failure bradycardia definition was <80 bpm but ranged from <70 bpm to <100 bpm. After an initial failed CSTS, 86.5% will perform a repeat CSTS after a period of observation that ranged from <12 hours to 3 or more days. When discharging in a car bed, 20% do not routinely perform a car bed test, and >70% refer only to the primary care physician for car bed follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Despite widespread implementation, significant variation exists in CSTS protocols and follow-up after NICU discharge. A stronger evidence base is needed to define appropriate testing parameters and inform more explicit guidelines.

Variation in Car Seat Tolerance Screen Performance in Newborn Nurseries.

BACKGROUND: Currently, car seat tolerance screens (CSTSs) are recommended for all infants born prematurely in the United States. Although many late-preterm infants are cared for exclusively in newborn nurseries (NBNs), data on implementation of CSTS in nurseries are limited. Our objective for this study was to determine management strategies and potential variation in practice of CSTS in NBNs across the nation. METHODS: We surveyed NBNs across 35 states using the Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns (BORN) network to determine what percentage perform CSTSs, inclusion and failure criteria, performance characteristics, follow-up of failed CSTSs including use of car beds, and provider attitudes toward CSTS. RESULTS: Of the 84 NBNs surveyed, 90.5% performed predischarge CSTSs. The most common failure criteria were saturation <90%, bradycardia <80 beats per minute, and apnea >20 seconds. More than 55% noted hypotonia as an additional inclusion criterion for testing, and >34% tested any infant who had ever required supplemental oxygen. After an initial failed CSTS, >93% of NBNs retested in a car seat at a future time point, whereas only ∼1% automatically discharged infants in a car bed. When asked which infants should undergo predischarge CSTS, the most common recommendations by survey respondents included infants with hypotonia (83%), airway malformations (78%), hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (63%), and prematurity (61%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a large degree of variability in implementation of CSTS in NBNs across the United States. Further guidance on screening practices and failure criteria is needed to inform future practice and policy.

Patient and provider factors impacting referral for neonatal organ donation.

BACKGROUND: As determination of brain death is infrequent in neonates, the AAP endorses donation after circulatory determination of death as an acceptable alternative. Despite this recommendation, neonatal organ donation is infrequent. Timely referral to OPOs is a vital first step in the organ donation process. The aim of this study was to identify patient and provider factors impacting timely referral for neonatal organ donation. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for deaths occurring in a Level IV NICU from 2007 to 2017. Clinical and demographic factors, provider type, timing of OPO referral (before or after death), and outcome were assessed. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to identify predictors of OPO referral characteristics. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2017, 329 deaths occurred in the NICU or delivery room. Of the 265 infants meeting inclusion criteria, 96% had late referrals (after death) and were declined for organ donation. Frequency of timely referrals (before death) improved when OPO contact was by an attending neonatologist, when withdrawal of life support was planned, and with increasing birthweight, gestational age, and PMA. Factors associated with decreased OPO referral included male sex, lower weight at death, earlier PMA, and deaths occurring while receiving maximal intensive care support. No organs or tissues were donated. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report NICU referral patterns for organ donation. We found that timely provider referral of neonates to the OPO was rare. Exploration of provider knowledge will guide future educational interventions aimed to improve the referral process.