Introduction of direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) as a formative assessment tool during postgraduate training in anaesthesiology: Exploration of perceptions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Formative assessment of procedural skills of Anaesthesiology postgraduate (PG) students is not conducted conventionally. Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) helps to identify gaps in performance and provides structured feedback. The present study was taken to explore perceptions of PG students and faculty about DOPS. METHODS: This mixed design interventional study was conducted on 12 PGs and 10 faculty members in Department of Anaesthesiology. After conducting DOPS, a pre-validated questionnaire was given to them about perceptions using 3-point Likert's scale along with open ended questions. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics of perception to calculate percentages and themes were identified for qualitative data. RESULTS: Responses of students were positive about skill improvement (83%), time provided (75%), feedback (100%), interaction (83%), motivation (83%), satisfaction (83%), effectiveness (83%) and opportunity creation (92%). Faculty responded positively regarding change in attitude (100%), effectiveness (100%), scope (90%), feasible application (90%), ease (90%), opportunity creation (80%), gap identification (100%), satisfaction (80%). However, 60% felt training was required, 50% thought more time and commitment was required. Themes identified were DOPS is comprehensive, interactive, student-friendly, good teaching-learning tool, identifies gaps, provides focus for learning, provides systematic constructive feedback, improves skills, prepares for future practice, requires planning, may not reflect competence, has assessor variability and can be included in PG curriculum. CONCLUSION: DOPS was perceived as an effective assessment and teaching-learning tool by PG students as well as faculty.

Role of Ulinastatin, a trypsin inhibitor, in severe acute pancreatitis in critical care setting: A retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical utility of Ulinastatin, a multifunctional serine protease inhibitor, in the management of severe acute pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the archived data of adult patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and admitted to surgical intensive care unit with one or more end organ dysfunction. The patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they did or did not receive ulinastatin. Outcome variables namely in-hospital mortality, development of new-onset organ dysfunction, resolution of existing organ dysfunction by Day 5 and length of hospital stay were compared. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients, 25 who received Ulinastatin (Ulinastatin group) and 23 who did not (Control group) were analyzed. The in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the Ulinastatin group (16% vs 69.6%; p = 0.0003). Significantly smaller proportion of patients (24% vs 73.9%; p = 0.0005) developed new-onset organ dysfunction in the ulinastatin group by day 5. Resolution of existing organ dysfunctions by day 5 was more frequent in the ulinastatin group. Duration of hospital stay was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Ulinastatin treatment was associated with improved outcomes in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

Tension colothorax causing cardiac tamponade: A life-threatening complication following transhiatal oesophagectomy.

Postoperative diaphragmatic hernia following transhiatal oesophagectomy is a rare but potentially life threatening complication. We describe a case of a 65 year old patient who developed diaphragmatic hernia following oesophagectomy and presented with cardio pulmonary compromise. During surgery, haemodynamic instability continued despite fluid resuscitation and noradrenaline infusion. An immediate improvement in the haemodynamics and reduction in airway pressure occurred on reduction of the herniated colon from the thoracic cavity. This can be explained by tension colothorax causing collapse of the underlying lung and cardiac tamponade. It is a surgical emergency requiring urgent decompression for resuscitation. The etiology, clinical presentation, pathophysiology and preventive measures are discussed.