Hemoglobin Threshold for Blood Transfusion in Young Children Hospitalized with Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Current recommendations advise against blood transfusion in hemodynamically stable children with iron deficiency anemia. In an observational study of 125 children aged 6 through 36 months, hospitalized with iron deficiency anemia, we found that hemoglobin level predicted red blood cell transfusion (area under the curve 0.8862). A hemoglobin of 39 g/L had sensitivity 92% and specificity 72% for transfusion.

Clinical Health Outcomes of Siblings of Children with Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess clinical mental and physical health outcomes of siblings of children with chronic health condition(s) compared with siblings of healthy children or normative data. STUDY DESIGN: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and CINAHL through August 9, 2021. We included English-language studies that reported clinically diagnosable mental or physical health outcomes among siblings of children (<18 years old) with a chronic health condition, included a comparison group, and used an experimental or observational study design. Two reviewers extracted data and independently assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Of 9899 screened studies, 34 were included; 28 studies reported on mental health, 3 reported on physical health, and 3 reported on mortality. Siblings of children with chronic conditions had greater depression rating scale scores than their comparison groups (standardized mean difference = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.38-0.68; P < .001 [6 studies]), whereas anxiety scores were not substantially increased (standardized mean difference = 0.21; 95% CI = -0.02 to 0.43; P = .07 [7 studies]). The effects for confirmed psychiatric diagnoses (7 studies), mortality (3 studies), or physical health outcomes (3 studies) could not be meta-analyzed given the limited number of studies and between-study heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Siblings of children with chronic health conditions may be at an increased risk of depression. Our findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to support the psychological well-being of siblings of children with chronic health conditions.

Factors Associated with Surgery and Imaging Characteristics in Severe Orbital Infections.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate risk factors associated with surgical intervention and subperiosteal/orbital abscess in hospitalized children with severe orbital infections. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a multicenter cohort study of children 2 months to 18 years hospitalized with periorbital or orbital cellulitis from 2009 to 2018 at 10 hospitals in Canada. Clinical details were extracted, and patients were categorized as undergoing surgical or medical-only management. Primary outcome was surgical intervention and the main secondary outcome was clinically important imaging. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors. RESULTS: Of 1579 patients entered, median age was 5.4 years, 409 (25.9%) had an orbital/subperiosteal abscess, and 189 (12.0%) underwent surgery. In the adjusted analysis, the risk of surgical intervention was associated with older age (age 9 to <14: aOR 3.9, 95% CI 2.3-6.6; and age 14 to ≤18 years: aOR 7.0, 95% CI 3.4-14.1), elevated C-reactive protein >120 mg/L (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3-5.9), elevated white blood cell count of 12-20 000/µL (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6), proptosis (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7-4.0), and subperiosteal/orbital abscess (aOR 5.3, 95% CI 3.6-7.9). There was no association with antibiotic use before hospital admission, sex, presence of a chronic disease, temperature greater than 38.0°C, and eye swollen shut. Complications were identified in 4.7% of patients, including vision loss (0.6%), intracranial extension (1.6%), and meningitis (0.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In children hospitalized with severe orbital infections, older age, elevated C-reactive protein, elevated white blood cell count, proptosis, and subperiosteal/orbital abscess were predictors of surgical intervention.

Humility in medical practice: a qualitative study of peer-nominated excellent clinicians.

BACKGROUND: Humility has recently been conceptualized as a positive, multifaceted attribute in fields outside of medicine, such as psychology and philosophy. In medicine, there has been limited study into the nature of humility and its role in clinical practice. We sought to develop a deeper understanding of humility in medical practice through the lived-experiences of peer-nominated excellent clinicians. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study with secondary analysis of transcripts from individual open ended, semi-structured interviews of 13 peer nominated physicians [7 (54%) female] at an academic centre. Using constant comparative analysis, the transcripts were analyzed for instances where humility was discussed as it related to clinical practice. RESULTS: Participants perceived humility to be an important driver for excellence in clinical practice. This was further explained using two overarching themes: an inward, intellectual perspective and an outward, social perspective. The physician's inward perspective was their view of their abilities and limits, their self-confidence, and their intellectual openness and adaptability to the limitations and evolving nature of knowledge in medicine. Their outward perspective was an understanding and appreciation for the larger system in which they worked, an openness to others, and valuing patients' experience. Through these perspectives, humility positively influenced clinical care, learning and curiosity, motivation in the care of others, and relationships with team members and patients. CONCLUSIONS: Humility in medicine is a rich, multifaceted construct that was perceived to be a driver for excellence in medical practice by peer-nominated excellent clinicians. Humility was seen as an active force in formulating and calibrating a clinician's perspective of self and of others, and as such, positively influencing clinical practice. These findings will help inform a discourse in medical education and faculty development about the important role of humility in medical practice.

Measuring Gastric pH in Tube-fed Children With Neurologic Impairments and Gastroesophageal Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the extent of agreement between pH paper and handheld pH meter with a laboratory pH meter for gastric pH measurement in children with neurologic impairments and gastrostomy tubes who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: In this prospective observational study, gastric contents were aspirated from gastric or nasogastric tubes and the pH measured using 3 techniques: pH paper, handheld pH meter, and laboratory pH meter (the gold standard). Agreement between techniques was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman analysis, and kappa statistic. RESULTS: Among 43 patients contributing 67 gastric samples, the ICC was 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-0.97) between the handheld and laboratory meters, 0.69 (95% CI: 0.63--0.94) between the pH paper and laboratory meter and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.63-0.94) between the handheld meter and paper. The Bland-Altman analysis between the handheld and lab meters showed a mean difference of -0.03 pH units (limits of agreement: -0.52 to 0.47 pH units) and 0.17 pH units (limits of agreement: -0.99 to 1.33 pH units) between the paper and lab meter. The kappa coefficients for a pH ≥4 were 1.0 (95% CI: 1.0--1.0) between the handheld and lab meters and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.77--1.0) between the paper and lab meter. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that both point-of-care tests, the pH meter and pH paper, correlate well with the gold standard for testing pH with a laboratory pH meter, indicating usefulness in point-of-care testing for monitoring gastric pH in tube-fed children with neurologic impairments and GERD.

Parenteral versus enteral fluid therapy for children hospitalised with bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND: The main focus of treatment for children hospitalised with bronchiolitis is supportive, including oxygen supplementation, respiratory support, and fluid therapy. Up to half of infants hospitalised with bronchiolitis require non-oral fluid therapy due to dehydration or concerns related to the safety of oral feeding. The two main modalities used for non-oral fluid therapy are parenteral (intravenous (IV)) and enteral tube (nasogastric (NG) or orogastric (OG)). However, it is not known which mode is optimal in young children. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of the effectiveness and safety of parenteral and enteral tube fluid therapy for children under two years of age hospitalised with bronchiolitis. SEARCH METHODS: We conducted a search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform on 8 March 2021. We handsearched conference proceedings, conducted forward and backward searching of citation lists of relevant articles, and contacted experts. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs and quasi-RCTs of children aged up to two years admitted to hospital with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis who required fluid therapy. The trials compared enteral tube fluid therapy with parenteral fluid therapy. The primary outcome was difference in length of hospital stay in hours after each non-oral fluid therapy modality. As actual time of discharge can be impacted by various factors, we also assessed theoretical length of stay (i.e. time when a patient is safe for discharge). We assessed several secondary outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.  MAIN RESULTS: The searches yielded 615 unique records, of which four articles underwent full-text screening. We included two trials (810 children). Oakley 2013 was an open, non-blinded RCT of infants aged two to 12 months admitted to hospitals in Australia and New Zealand with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis during three bronchiolitis seasons. The trial enrolled 759 children, of which 381 were randomised to NG tube therapy and 378 to IV therapy. Risk of bias was low in most domains. Kugelman 2013 was an open, non-blinded RCT that enrolled infants aged less than six months with a clinical diagnosis of "moderate bronchiolitis" at a single hospital in Israel. The study enrolled 51 infants, of which 31 were assigned to NG or OG tube therapy and 20 to IV therapy. Risk of bias was unclear in most domains. The application of enteral tube fluid therapy compared to IV fluid therapy probably makes little to no difference for actual length of hospital stay (mean difference (MD) 6.8 hours, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.7 to 18.4 hours; 2 studies, 810 children, moderate certainty evidence). There was also little to no difference for theoretical length of stay (MD 4.4 hours, 95% CI -3.6 to 12.4 hours; 2 studies, 810 children, moderate certainty evidence). For the secondary outcomes, enteral tube fluid therapy probably makes little to no difference for time to resume full oral feeding compared to IV fluid therapy (MD 2.8 hours, 95% CI -3.6 to 9.2 hours; 2 studies, 810 children, moderate certainty evidence). The use of enteral tube for fluid therapy probably results in a large increase in the success of insertion of fluid modality at first attempt (risk ratio (RR) 1.52, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.69; 1 study, 617 children, moderate certainty evidence), and probably largely reduces the chances of change in fluid therapy modality (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.71; 1 study, 759 children, moderate certainty evidence) compared to IV fluid.  Oakley 2013 reported 47 local complication events after discharge in the IV fluid group compared to 30 events in the NG tube group. They also evaluated parental satisfaction, which was high with both modalities. Enteral tube fluid therapy makes little to no difference to the duration of oxygen supplementation (MD 2.2 hours, 95% CI -5.0 to 9.5 hours; 2 studies, 810 children, moderate certainty evidence). Compared with the IV fluid therapy group, there was a 17% relative reduction in the number of intensive care unit admissions (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.46; 1 study, 759 children, moderate certainty evidence) and a 19% relative reduction in number of readmissions to hospital (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.04; 1 study, 678 children, moderate certainty evidence) in the enteral tube fluid therapy group. Adverse events were uncommon in both trials, with likely little to no differences between groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based on two RCTs, enteral tube feeding likely results in little to no difference in length of hospital stay compared with the IV fluid group. However, enteral tube fluid therapy likely results in a large increase in the success of insertion of fluid modality at first attempt, and a large reduction in change in modality of fluid therapy. It also probably reduces local complications compared to the IV fluid group. Despite bronchiolitis being one of the most prevalent childhood conditions, we identified only two studies with under 1000 participants in total, which highlights the need for multicentre trials. Future studies should explore type of fluid administered, parent-reported outcomes and preferences, and the role of shared decision-making.

Corticosteroids for periorbital and orbital cellulitis.

BACKGROUND: Periorbital and orbital cellulitis are infections of the tissue anterior and posterior to the orbital septum, respectively, and can be difficult to differentiate clinically. Periorbital cellulitis can also progress to become orbital cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis has a relatively high incidence in children and adults, and potentially serious consequences including vision loss, meningitis, and death. Complications occur in part due to inflammatory swelling from the infection creating a compartment syndrome within the bony orbit, leading to elevated ocular pressure and compression of vasculature and the optic nerve. Corticosteroids are used in other infections to reduce this inflammation and edema, but they can lead to immune suppression and worsening infection. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of adjunctive corticosteroids for periorbital and orbital cellulitis, and to assess their effectiveness and safety in children and in adults separately. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2020, Issue 3); Ovid MEDLINE; Embase.com; PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS); ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 2 March 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies of participants diagnosed with periorbital or orbital cellulitis. We excluded studies that focused exclusively on participants who were undergoing elective endoscopic surgery, including management of infections postsurgery as well as studies conducted solely on trauma patients. Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. Any study that administered corticosteroids was eligible regardless of type of steroid, route of administration, length of therapy, or timing of treatment. Comparators could include placebo, another corticosteroid, no treatment control, or another intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: The search yielded 7998 records, of which 13 were selected for full-text screening. We identified one trial for inclusion. No other eligible ongoing or completed trials were identified. The included study compared the use of corticosteroids in addition to antibiotics to the use of antibiotics alone for the treatment of orbital cellulitis. The study included a total of 21 participants aged 10 years and older, of which 14 participants were randomized to corticosteroids and antibiotics and 7 participants to antibiotics alone. Participants randomized to corticosteroids and antibiotics received adjunctive corticosteroids after initial antibiotic response (mean 5.13 days), at an initial dose of 1.5 mg/kg for three days followed by 1 mg/kg for another three days before being tapered over a one- to two-week period. We assessed the included study as having an unclear risk of bias for allocation concealment, masking (blinding), selective outcome reporting, and other sources of bias. Risk of bias from sequence generation and incomplete outcome data were low. The certainty of evidence for all outcomes was very low, downgraded for risk of bias (-1) and imprecision (-2). Length of hospital stay was compared between the group receiving antibiotics alone compared to the group receiving antibiotics and corticosteroids (mean difference (MD) 4.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.48 to 9.08; 21 participants). There was no observed difference in duration of antibiotics between treatment groups (MD 3.00, 95% CI -0.48 to 6.48; 21 participants). Likewise, preservation of visual acuity at 12 weeks of follow-up between group was also assessed (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.22; 21 participants). Pain scores were compared between groups on day 3 (MD -0.20, 95% CI -1.02 to 0.62; 22 eyes) along with the need for surgical intervention (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.11 to 9.23; 21 participants). Exposure keratopathy was reported in five participants who received corticosteroids and antibiotics and three participants who received antibiotic alone (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.40 to 3.63; 21 participants). No major complications of orbital cellulitis were seen in either the intervention or the control group. No side effects of corticosteroids were reported, although it is unclear which side effects were assessed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of periorbital and orbital cellulitis. Since there is significant variation in how corticosteroids are used in clinical practice, additional high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials is needed to inform decision making. Future studies should explore the effects of corticosteroids in children and adults separately, and evaluate different dosing and timing of corticosteroid therapy.

Health Outcomes of Parents of Children with Chronic Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess health outcomes of parents caring for children with chronic illnesses compared with parents of healthy children. STUDY DESIGN: We searched OvidSP MEDLINE, EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and EBSCOHost CINAHL through September 2019. Included were English-language studies reporting health conditions or mortality of parents of affected children compared with healthy controls. RESULTS: Of 12 181 screened publications, 26 met inclusion criteria. Eight studies reported on anxiety, 23 on depression, 1 on mortality, and 1 on cardiovascular disease. Parents of chronically ill children had greater anxiety (standardized mean difference 0.42; 95% CI 0.24-0.60; P < .001) and depression scores (standardized mean difference 0.35; 95% CI 0.26-0.45; P < .001) than parents of healthy children. Thirty-five percent of parents of affected children met cut-offs for clinical depression, compared with 19% in the control (relative risk 1.75; 95% CI 1.55-1.97). Fifty-seven percent of such parents met cut-offs for anxiety, compared with 38% in the control (relative risk 1.40; 95% CI 1.18-1.67). One study of mothers of children with congenital anomalies reported a greater mortality risk than a comparison (adjusted hazard ratio 1.22; 95% CI 1.15-1.29), and another reported that these mothers experience an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (adjusted hazard ratio 1.15; 95% CI 1.07-1.23). CONCLUSIONS: Parents of chronically ill children experience poorer mental health (more anxiety and depression), and mothers of those with congenital anomalies may have greater risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality than parents of unaffected children. Our findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to attenuate adverse parental caregiver health outcomes. PRIOR REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018094657 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=94657).

Core outcome set for children with neurological impairment and tube feeding.

AIM: To develop a core outcome set (COS) for evaluating gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy tube impact in children with neurological impairment. METHOD: Healthcare providers/researchers and caregivers rated the importance of candidate outcomes on a 5-point Likert scale. Outcomes rated 'somewhat important' or 'very important' by most (≥85%) respondents were voted on during a consensus meeting. Outcomes that reached consensus for inclusion were ratified and assigned to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology filter core areas. The COS was validated in a separate group of caregivers. RESULTS: Twelve outcomes were selected from 120 candidate outcomes to form the COS. These included five 'Life Impact' outcomes, three 'Pathophysiological Manifestations' outcomes, two 'Resource Use' outcomes, one 'Growth and Development' outcome, and one 'Death' outcome. INTERPRETATION: We developed an evidence-informed and consensus-based COS for use in studies of gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy tube feeding in children with neurological impairment. Implementation of this COS will help reduce heterogeneity between studies and facilitate evidence-based decision-making. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS: Caregivers, healthcare providers, and researchers ranked the importance of 120 outcomes. Twelve core outcomes were identified as essential to measure in future clinical research studies.

CONJUNTO BÁSICO DE RESULTADOS PARA NIÑOS CON DETERIORO NEUROLÓGICO Y SONDA DE ALIMENTACIÓN: OBJETIVO: Desarrollar un conjunto básico de resultados (COS) para evaluar el impacto de la sonda de gastrostomía/gastro-yeyunostomía en niños con discapacidad neurológica. MÉTODO: Los proveedores/investigadores y cuidadores de salud calificaron la importancia de los resultados de los candidatos en una escala Likert de 5 puntos. Los resultados fueron calificados como "algo importantes" o "muy importantes" por la mayoría de los encuestados (85%) quienes votaron durante una reunión de consenso. Los resultados que llegaron a un consenso para la inclusión fueron ratificados y asignados a las medidas de resultado en las áreas centrales del filtro de reumatología. El COS fue validado en un grupo separado de cuidadores. RESULTADOS: Doce resultados fueron seleccionados de 120 candidatos para formar el COS. Estos incluyeron cinco resultados de "Impacto en la vida", tres resultados de "Manifestaciones patológicas", dos resultados de "uso de recursos", un resultado de "Crecimiento y desarrollo" y un resultado de "Muerte". INTERPRETACIÓN: Desarrollamos un COS basado en evidencia y basado en el consenso para su uso en estudios de sonda de alimentación por gastrostomía/gastro yeyunostomía en niños con discapacidad neurológica. La implementación de este COS ayudará a reducir la heterogeneidad entre los estudios y facilitará la toma de decisiones basadas en la evidencia.

ITENS PRINCIPAIS PARA CRIANÇAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA NEUROLÓGICA E TUBO DE ALIMENTAÇÃO: OBJETIVO: Desenvolver um conjunto de itens principais (CIP) para avaliar o impacto do tubo de gastrostomia/gastrojejunostomia em crianças com deficiência neurológica. MÉTODO: Pesquisadores, profissionais da saúde, e cuidadores pontuaram a importância dos desfechos candidatos em uma escala Likert de 5 pontos. Os desfechos pontuados como "algo importante"ou "muito importante" pela maioria '(≥85%) dos respondentes foram votados durante um encontro para consenso. Os desfechos que obtiveram consenso foram ratificados e incluídos no filtro de itens principais das Medidas de Resultados em Reumatologia. O CIP foi validado em um grupo separado de cuidadores. RESULTADOS: Doze resultados foram selecionados a partir de 120 resultados candidatos para formar o CIP. Estes incluíram cinco resultados de "Impacto na vida", três de Manifestações Patofisiológicas, um de "Crescimento e Desenvolvimento", e um sobre "Morte". INTERPRETAÇÃO: Desenvolvemos um CIP baseado em evidência e baseado em consenso para uso em estudos de alimentação por tubo de gastrostomia/gastrojejunostomia em crianças com deficiência neurológica. A implementation deste CIP irá ajudar a reduzir a heterogeneidade entre estudos e facilitar a tomada de decisões baseada em evidências.

Adenovirus-Associated Central Nervous System Disease in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the spectrum and salient clinical features of adenovirus-associated neurologic disease in immunocompetent children. STUDY DESIGN: Previously healthy children (aged 1 month-18 years) with central nervous system (CNS) disease associated with adenovirus infection were identified via the Encephalitis Registry (1996-2016) and Microbiology Database (2000-2016) at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, and by systematic review of the literature. The data were pooled and analyzed to identify the spectrum of illness, clinical outcome, and risk factors for death or neurologic impairment. RESULTS: Neurologic complications associated with adenovirus infection in our institution included febrile seizures, encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and aseptic meningitis. A total of 48 immunocompetent children with adenovirus-associated CNS disease were included in the pooled analysis-38 from the literature and 10 from our institution. In 85% of cases, the virus was detected in the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, but not the cerebrospinal fluid. Eighteen of the 48 (38%) patients either died or suffered permanent neurologic sequelae. Predictors of adverse outcome included younger age, coagulopathy, the absence of meningismus, serotype 2 virus, and the presence of seizures. After multivariable adjustment, only seizures remained a significant risk factor. CONCLUSION: Adenovirus is a rare cause of CNS disease in immunocompetent children. Disease spectrum is variable, ranging from mild aspetic meningitis and fully reversible encephalopathy to severe, potentially fatal, acute necrotizing encephalopathy.

"All the ward's a stage": a qualitative study of the experience of direct observation of handoffs.

Direct observation of clinical skills is central to assessment in a competency-based medical education model, yet little is known about how direct observation is experienced by trainees and observers. The objective of the study is to explore how direct observation was experienced by residents and faculty in the context of the I-PASS Handoff Study. In this multi-center qualitative study, we conducted focus groups and semi-structured interviews of residents and faculty members at eight tertiary pediatric centers in North America that implemented the I-PASS Handoff Bundle. We employed qualitative thematic analysis to interpret the data. Barriers to and strategies for direct observation were described relating to the observer, trainee, and clinical environment. Residents and faculty described a mutual awareness that residents change their performance of handoffs when observed, in contrast to their usual behavior in a clinical setting. Changes in handoff performance may depend on the nature of the observer or 'audience'. Direct observation also highlighted the importance of handoffs to participants, recognized as a clinical activity that warrants feedback and assessment. Dramaturgical theory can be used to understand our finding of 'front-stage' (observed) versus 'backstage' (unobserved) handoffs as distinct performances, tailored to an "audience". Educators must be cognizant of changes in performance of routine clinical activities when using direct observation to assess clinical competence.

Evaluation of implanted venous port-a-caths in children with medical complexity and neurologic impairment.

BACKGROUND: Children with medical complexity and associated neurologic impairment frequently face difficulties with venous access. Intermittently they require urgent intravenous administration of fluids and medication. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of implanted port-a-caths in children with medical complexity who have neurologic impairment and difficult venous access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single-center observational study of port-a-caths placed by interventional radiologists in children with medical complexity with neurologic impairment. We analyzed peripheral intravenous access attempts, peripheral intravenous starts, peripheral intravenous complications, alternative temporary central venous access devices, port-a-cath insertions, catheter days, access days, port-a-cath-related complications, hospital admissions and emergency department visits. We compared the year pre port-a-cath to the year post port-a-cath. RESULTS: Twenty-one children with medical complexity with neurologic impairment (10 boys, 11 girls; median age 4.1 years; median weight 13.7 kg) underwent 26 port-a-cath insertions (median catheter days 787). In the year post port-a-cath compared to pre port-a-cath there was a highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in numbers of peripheral intravenous attempts, peripheral intravenous starts and skin punctures; and a significant reduction (P<0.05) in need for other devices, number of emergency department visits, emergency department visits resulting in hospital admissions, and total admissions. Adverse events were graded as mild (n=18), moderate (n=6) and severe (n=0). CONCLUSION: Port-a-cath placement in children with medical complexity with neurologic impairment significantly reduced all peripheral intravenous attempts, peripheral intravenous starts, skin punctures, total number of emergency department visits, visits culminating in admission, and total number of inpatient admissions. Advantages must be considered against potential port-a-cath-related adverse events.

Care maps and care plans for children with medical complexity.

INTRODUCTION: The support of families in the care of children with medical complexity (CMC) requires the integration of health care providers' (HCPs') medical knowledge and family experience. Care plans largely represent HCP information, and care maps demonstrate the family experience. Understanding the intersection between a care plan and a care map is critical, as it may provide solutions to the widely recognized tension between HCP-directed care and patient- and family-centered care (PFCC). METHOD: This study used qualitative methods to explore the experience and usefulness of care maps. Parents of CMC who already had a care plan, created care maps (n = 15). Subsequent interviews with parents (n = 15) and HCPs (n = 30) of CMC regarding both care maps and care plans were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Data analysis exploring the relationship and utility of care plans and care maps revealed six primary themes related to using care plans and care maps that were grouped into two primary categories: (a) utility of care plans and maps; and (b) intersection of care plans and care maps. DISCUSSION: Care plans and care maps were identified as valuable complementary documents. Their integration offers context about family experience and respects the parents' experiential wisdom in a standard patient care document, thus promoting improved understanding and integration of the family experience into care decision making.

Effectiveness of Pediatric Asthma Pathways for Hospitalized Children: A Multicenter, National Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if clinical pathways affect care and outcomes for children hospitalized with asthma using a multicenter study. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective, multicenter cohort study using an administrative database, the Pediatric Health Information System. We evaluated the impact of inpatient pediatric asthma pathways on children age 2-17 years admitted for asthma from 2006 to 2015 in 42 children's hospitals. Date of pathway implementation for each hospital was collected via survey. Using generalized estimating equations with an interrupted time series approach (to account for secular trends), we determined the association of pathway implementation with length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, chest radiograph utilization, ipratropium administration >24 hours, and administration of bronchodilators, systemic steroids, and antibiotics. All analyses were risk-adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Clinical pathway implementation was associated with an 8.8% decrease in LOS (95% CI 6.7%-10.9%), 3.1% decrease in hospital costs (95% CI 1.9%-4.3%), increased odds of bronchodilator administration (OR 1.53[1.21-1.95]) and decreased odds of antibiotic administration (OR 0.93[0.87-0.99]) (n = 189 331). We found no associations between pathway implementation and systemic steroid administration, ipratropium administration for >24 hours, chest radiograph utilization, or 30-day readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical pathways can decrease LOS, costs, and unnecessary antibiotic use without increasing rates of readmissions, leading to higher value care.

Rising utilization of inpatient pediatric asthma pathways.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical pathways are detailed care plans that operationalize evidence-based guidelines into an accessible format for health providers. Their goal is to link evidence to practice to optimize patient outcomes and delivery efficiency. It is unknown to what extent inpatient pediatric asthma pathways are being utilized nationally. OBJECTIVES: (1) Describe inpatient pediatric asthma pathway design and implementation across a large hospital network. (2) Compare characteristics of hospitals with and without pathways. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, survey study of hospitals in the Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings Network (75% children's hospitals, 25% community hospitals). Our survey determined if each hospital used a pathway and pathway characteristics (e.g. pathway elements, implementation methods). Hospitals with and without pathways were compared using Chi-square tests (categorical variables) and Student's t-tests (continuous variables). RESULTS: Surveys were distributed to 3-5 potential participants from each hospital and 302 (74%) participants responded, representing 86% (106/123) of surveyed hospitals. From 2005-2015, the proportion of hospitals utilizing inpatient asthma pathways increased from 27% to 86%. We found variation in pathway elements, implementation strategies, electronic medical record integration, and compliance monitoring across hospitals. Hospitals with pathways had larger inpatient pediatric programs [mean 12.1 versus 6.1 full-time equivalents, p = 0.04] and were more commonly free-standing children's hospitals (52% versus 23%, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: From 2005-2015, there was a dramatic rise in implementation of inpatient pediatric asthma pathways. We found variation in many aspects of pathway design and implementation. Future studies should determine optimal implementation strategies to better support hospital-level efforts in improving pediatric asthma care and outcomes.

Decision-making around gastrostomy tube feeding in children with neurologic impairment: Engaging effectively with families.

Children with neurologic impairment may not be able to feed safely or sufficiently by mouth to maintain an adequate nutritional state. Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) feeding is an important, often essential, intervention in such situations. However, many parents and families struggle with the decision to proceed with G-tube feeding. This practice point reviews common reasons for decisional conflict in parents and explores key aspects of life with G-tube feeding. A framework for shared decision-making and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) approach are highlighted. Practical recommendations for clinicians on engaging with families for decision-making around this life-changing intervention are provided.

Changes in medical errors after implementation of a handoff program.

BACKGROUND: Miscommunications are a leading cause of serious medical errors. Data from multicenter studies assessing programs designed to improve handoff of information about patient care are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a prospective intervention study of a resident handoff-improvement program in nine hospitals, measuring rates of medical errors, preventable adverse events, and miscommunications, as well as resident workflow. The intervention included a mnemonic to standardize oral and written handoffs, handoff and communication training, a faculty development and observation program, and a sustainability campaign. Error rates were measured through active surveillance. Handoffs were assessed by means of evaluation of printed handoff documents and audio recordings. Workflow was assessed through time-motion observations. The primary outcome had two components: medical errors and preventable adverse events. RESULTS: In 10,740 patient admissions, the medical-error rate decreased by 23% from the preintervention period to the postintervention period (24.5 vs. 18.8 per 100 admissions, P<0.001), and the rate of preventable adverse events decreased by 30% (4.7 vs. 3.3 events per 100 admissions, P<0.001). The rate of nonpreventable adverse events did not change significantly (3.0 and 2.8 events per 100 admissions, P=0.79). Site-level analyses showed significant error reductions at six of nine sites. Across sites, significant increases were observed in the inclusion of all prespecified key elements in written documents and oral communication during handoff (nine written and five oral elements; P<0.001 for all 14 comparisons). There were no significant changes from the preintervention period to the postintervention period in the duration of oral handoffs (2.4 and 2.5 minutes per patient, respectively; P=0.55) or in resident workflow, including patient-family contact and computer time. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the handoff program was associated with reductions in medical errors and in preventable adverse events and with improvements in communication, without a negative effect on workflow. (Funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and others.).

Care maps for children with medical complexity.

AIM: Children with medical complexity require multiple providers and services to keep them well and at home. A care map is a patient/family-created diagram that pictorially maps out this complex web of services. This study explored what care maps mean for families and healthcare providers to inform potential for clinical use. METHOD: Parents (n=15) created care maps (hand drawn n=10 and computer-generated n=5) and participated in semi-structured interviews about the process of developing care maps and their perceived impact. Healthcare providers (n=30) reviewed the parent-created care maps and participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed for themes and emerging theory using a grounded theory analytical approach. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed 13 overarching themes that were further categorized into three domains: features (characteristics of care maps), functions (what care maps do), and emerging outcomes (benefits of care map use). These domains further informed a definition and a theoretical model of how care maps work. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that care maps may be a way of supporting patient- and family-centred care by graphically identifying and integrating experiences of the family as well as priorities for moving forward. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Care maps were endorsed as a useful tool by families and providers. They help healthcare providers better understand parental priorities for care. Parents can create care maps to demonstrate the complex burden of care. They are a unique visual way to incorporate narrative medicine into practice.