Setting a direction for continuing professional development in anesthesiology: A synthesis of the outcome from an Utstein style meeting.

BACKGROUND: An Utstein style meeting of key stakeholders from the existing collaboration surrounding post-graduate training was arranged to set a direction for continuing professional development (CPD) of anesthesiologists in Denmark. A 2-day meeting was planned to guide discussions about competencies in anesthesiology, facilitate the development of a blueprint for a portfolio-based CPD program and provide examples of how a portfolio can be used in practice. METHODS: The meeting agenda was based on an adaptation of Kern's six-step approach to curriculum development. Twenty-four participants from the university hospitals in Denmark were invited. Prior to the meeting participants were informed of the objectives and the Utstein style process. RESULTS: Participants acknowledged a need for a more structured approach to CPD, preferably within the current organizational set up at the departmental level, and with a portfolio-based, individualized curriculum. It was recognized that CPD should contain an array of possibilities to accommodate needs and wants of both the individual and the department. It was emphasized that, while anesthesiologists are used to give feedback to trainees, many are less familiar in providing the same to peers, and psychological safety was identified as a prerequisite to support a culture where specialists can reflect openly on each other's performance. CONCLUSION: The results provide an insight into the attitudes, opportunities, and challenges of anesthesiologists in relation to continuing professional development in Denmark. Generally, participant suggestions are in line with the shift in medical education toward workplace-based learning, feedback and lifelong learning.

Modifications of the National Early Warning Score for patients with chronic respiratory disease.

BACKGROUND: The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) uses physiological variables to detect deterioration in hospitalized patients. However, patients with chronic respiratory disease may have abnormal variables not requiring interventions. We studied how the Capital Region of Denmark NEWS Override System (CROS), the Chronic Respiratory Early Warning Score (CREWS) and the Salford NEWS (S-NEWS) affected NEWS total scores and NEWS performance. METHODS: In an observational study, we included patients with chronic respiratory disease. The frequency of use of CROS and the NEWS total score changes caused by CROS, CREWS and S-NEWS were described. NEWS, CROS, CREWS and S-NEWS were compared using 48-h mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission within 48 h as outcomes. RESULTS: We studied 11,266 patients during 25,978 admissions; the use of CROS lowered NEWS total scores in 40% of included patients. CROS, CREWS and S-NEWS had lower sensitivities than NEWS for 48-h mortality and ICU admission. Specificities and PPV were higher. CROS, CREWS and S-NEWS downgraded, respectively, 51.5%, 44.9% and 32.8% of the NEWS total scores from the 'mandatory doctor presence' and 'immediate doctor presence and specialist consultation' total score intervals to lower intervals. CONCLUSION: Capital Region of Denmark NEWS Override System was frequently used in patients with chronic respiratory disease. CROS, CREWS and S-NEWS reduced sensitivity for 48-h mortality and ICU admission. Using the methodology prevalent in the NEWS literature, we cannot conclude on the safety of these systems. Future prospective studies should investigate the balance between detection rate and alarm fatigue of different systems, or use controlled designs and patient-centred outcomes.

Long-term experiences of being a simulation-educator: A multinational interview study.

The long-term reactions, experiences and reflections of simulation educators have not been explored. In a semistructured, exploratory interview study, the experiences of simulation educators in either Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Crisis Resource Management (CRM) courses in Denmark, Norway and the USA were analyzed. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) general reflections on simulation-based teaching, (2) transfer of knowledge and skills from the simulation setting to clinical settings and (3) more overarching transformations in simulation educators, simulation participants, and the healthcare system. Where ALS was deemed as high on the efficiency dimension of learning, CRM courses were described as high on the innovation dimension. General reflections, transfer and transformations described were related to differences in course principles. The results are relevant for career planning, faculty development and understanding simulation as social practice.

Exploring the relationship between anaesthesiologists' non-technical and technical skills.

BACKGROUND: A combination of non-technical skills (NTS) and technical skills (TS) is crucial for anaesthetic patient management. However, a deeper understanding of the relationship between these two skills remains to be explored. We investigated the characteristics of trainee anaesthesiologists' NTS and TS in a simulated unexpected difficult airway management scenario. METHODS: A mixed-method approach was used to explore the relationship between NTS and TS in 25 videos of 2nd year trainee anaesthesiologists managing a simulated difficult airway scenario. The videos were assessed using the customised version of the Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills System, ANTSdk, and an adapted TS checklist for calculating the correlation between NTS and TS. Written descriptions of the observed NTS were analysed using directed content analysis. RESULTS: The correlation between the NTS and the TS ratings was 0.106 (two-tailed significance of 0.613). Inter-rater reliability was substantial. Themes characterising good NTS included a systematic approach, planning and communicating decisions as well as responding to the evolving situation. A list of desirable, concrete NTS for the specific airway management situation was generated. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates that anaesthesiologist trainees' NTS and TS were not correlated in this setting, but rather intertwined and how the interplay of NTS and TS can impact patient management. Themes describing the characteristics of NTS and a list of desirable, concrete NTS were developed to aid the understanding, training and use of NTS.

Evaluating structured assessment of anaesthesiologists' non-technical skills.

BACKGROUND: Non-technical skills (NTS) are essential for safe and efficient anaesthesia. Assessment instruments with appropriate validity evidence can be used to ensure that anaesthesiologists possess the NTS necessary to deliver high-standard patient care. The aims were to collect validity evidence using a contemporary validity framework for the assessment instrument Anaesthesiologists' Non-Technical Skills in Denmark (ANTSdk) regarding response process and internal structure (including reliability), and to investigate the effect of rater training on these properties. METHODS: An explorative study was undertaken at the Danish Institute for Medical Simulation, Copenhagen, Denmark. In a 1-day session, using ANTSdk, a convenience sample of 19 anaesthesiologists rated trainee anaesthesiologists' NTS in nine video-recorded simulation scenarios before and after a 3-h training session. RESULTS: Response process evidence: participants considered ANTSdk useful and feasible for NTS assessment. Internal structure evidence: inter-rater reliability (single measures) largely expressed substantial agreement (ICC ≥ 0.55 and ICC ≥ 0.60 for pre- and post-training ratings respectively). Strong internal consistency of ratings was found (Spearman's correlation coefficient ≥ 0.82). Accuracy of participants' ratings compared with reference ratings (± 1 scale point) was notable (76% and 78% for pre- and post-training ratings, respectively). The results indicate that the elements 'Demonstrating self-awareness', 'Reassessing decisions', 'Assessing competencies', and 'Supporting others' need more attention in future rater training. CONCLUSION: The validity evidence collected on content, response process, and internal structure, suggests that ANTSdk is easy to use on video-recorded simulation scenarios, indicating that ANTSdk is a feasible instrument for NTS assessment during anaesthesia training.

Multidisciplinary team training reduces the decision-to-delivery interval for emergency Caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Emergency Caesarean section is performed when the life of the pregnant woman and/or the foetus is considered at risk. A 30-min standard for the decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) is a common practice and is supported by national organisations including The Danish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Danish obstetric departments report the DDI to a national database. A national arbitrarily set standard recommends that 95% of ECSs should be achieved within the 30-min DDI standard. In 2011, 34.4% of ECSs, performed at our hospital, were achieved within the 30-min time frame. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a simulation-based team training programme on the proportion of ECSs achieved within a 30-min time frame. METHOD: We performed an interventional before-and-after study. We evaluated a total of one hundred 30-min ECSs before and after the intervention. The primary outcome of interest was the proportion of 30-min ECSs achieved within a 30-min time frame. RESULTS: A total of 20 team training courses were held during May/June 2013. These courses trained 239 of 252 team members (comprised of: 36 obstetricians, 45 scrub nurses, 83 midwives, 38 anaesthesiologists, 37 nurse anaesthetists) in handling of 30-min ECS. This corresponds to 95% of staff. The proportion of 30-min ECSs achieved within a 30-min time frame was higher after team training (87.5%, 95% CI 79.2-93.4%) compared with before training (74.0%, 95% CI 64.0-82.4%) (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Team training may contribute positively to an increase in the proportion of ECSs achieved within a 30-min time frame.

Efficacy of simulation-based trauma team training of non-technical skills. A systematic review.

Trauma resuscitation is a complex situation, and most organisations have multi-professional trauma teams. Non-technical skills are challenged during trauma resuscitation, and they play an important role in the prevention of critical incidents. Simulation-based training of these is recommended. Our research question was: Does simulation-based trauma team training of non-technical skills have effect on reaction, learning, behaviour or patient outcome? The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library and found 13 studies eligible for analysis. We described and compared the educational interventions and the evaluations of effect according to the four Kirkpatrick levels: reaction, learning (knowledge, skills, attitudes), behaviour (in a clinical setting) and patient outcome. No studies were randomised, controlled and blinded, resulting in a moderate to high risk of bias. The multi-professional trauma teams had positive reactions to simulation-based training of non-technical skills. Knowledge and skills improved in all studies evaluating the effect on learning. Three studies found improvements in team performance (behaviour) in the clinical setting. One of these found difficulties in maintaining these skills. Two studies evaluated on patient outcome, of which none showed improvements in mortality, complication rate or duration of hospitalisation. A significant effect on learning was found after simulation-based training of the multi-professional trauma team in non-technical skills. Three studies demonstrated significantly increased clinical team performance. No effect on patient outcome was found. All studies had a moderate to high risk of bias. More comprehensive randomised studies are needed to evaluate the effect on patient outcome.

Assessing Nurse Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills in the operating room.

BACKGROUND: Incident reporting and fieldwork in operating rooms have shown that some of the errors that arise in anaesthesia relate to inadequate use of non-technical skills. To provide a tool for training and feedback on nurse anaesthetists' non-technical skills, this study aimed to adapt the Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) as a behavioural marker system for the formative assessment of nurse anaesthetists' non-technical skills in the operating room. METHODS: A qualitative approach with focus group interviews was used to identify the non-technical skills of nurse anaesthetists in the operating room. The interview data were transcribed verbatim. Directed content analysis was used to code and sort data deductively into the ANTS categories: task management, team working, situation awareness and decision making. The prototype named Nurse Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (N-ANTS) was presented and discussed in a group of subject matter experts to ensure face validity. RESULTS: The N-ANTS system consists of the same four categories as ANTS and 15 underlying elements. Three to five good and poor behavioural markers for each element were identified. The headings and definitions of the categories and elements were adjusted to encompass the behavioural markers in N-ANTS. The differences that emerged mainly reflected statements regarding the establishment of role, competence, and task delegation. CONCLUSION: A behavioural marker system, N-ANTS, for nurse anaesthetists was adapted from a behavioural marker system, ANTS, for anaesthesiologists.

Handover of patients: a topical review of ambulance crew to emergency department handover.

Handover has major implications for patient care. The handover process between ambulance and emergency department (ED) staff has been sparsely investigated. The purpose of this paper is, based on a literature review, to identify and elaborate on the major factors influencing the ambulance to ED handover, and to bring suggestions on how to optimize this process. A literature search on handovers to EDs was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases. A total of 18 papers were included. Issues regarding transfer of information are highlighted. Newer studies suggest that implementing a structured handover format holds the possibilities for improving the process. Electronic equipment could play a part in reducing problems. Cultural and organizational factors impact the process in different ways. The professions perceive the value and quality of information given differently. Giving and taking over responsibility is an important issue. The handover of patients to the ED has the potential to be improved. Cultural issues and a lack of professional recognition of handover importance need to be approached. Multidisciplinary training in combination with a structured tool may have a potential for changing the culture and improving handover.

The role of patient simulation and incident reporting in the development and evaluation of medical devices and the training of their users.

We describe how simulation and incident reporting can be used in combination to make the interaction between people, (medical) technology and organisation safer for patients and users. We provide the background rationale for our conceptual ideas and apply the concepts to the analysis of an actual incident report. Simulation can serve as a laboratory to analyse such cases and to create relevant and effective training scenarios based on such analyses. We will describe a methodological framework for analysing simulation scenarios in a way that allows discovering and discussing mismatches between conceptual models of the device design and mental models users hold about the device and its use. We further describe how incident reporting systems can be used as one source of data to conduct the necessary needs analyses - both for training and further needs for closer analysis of specific devices or some of their special features or modes during usability analyses.

Implementation of team training in medical education in Denmark.

In the field of medicine, team training aiming at improving team skills such as leadership, communication, co-operation, and followership at the individual and the team level seems to reduce risk of serious events and therefore increase patient safety. The preferred educational method for this type of training is simulation. Team training is not, however, used routinely in the hospital. In this paper, we describe a framework for the development of a team training course based on need assessment, learning objectives, educational methods including full-scale simulation and evaluations strategies. The use of this framework is illustrated by the present multiprofessional team training in advanced cardiac life support, trauma team training and neonatal resuscitation in Denmark. The challenges of addressing all aspects of team skills, the education of the facilitators, and establishment of evaluation strategies to document the effect of the different types of training on patient safety are discussed.

Implementation of team training in medical education in Denmark.

In the field of medicine, team training aiming at improving team skills such as leadership, communication, co-operation, and followership at the individual and the team level seems to reduce risk of serious events and therefore increase patient safety. The preferred educational method for this type of training is simulation. Team training is not, however, used routinely in the hospital. In this paper, we describe a framework for the development of a team training course based on need assessment, learning objectives, educational methods including full-scale simulation and evaluations strategies. The use of this framework is illustrated by the present multiprofessional team training in advanced cardiac life support, trauma team training and neonatal resuscitation in Denmark. The challenges of addressing all aspects of team skills, the education of the facilitators, and establishment of evaluation strategies to document the effect of the different types of training on patient safety are discussed.

Results of the 1994 National Resident Matching Program: family practice.

The 1994 National Resident Matching Program results reveal a 14% increase in positions filled in family practice residencies, compared with 1993 (2,293 vs 2,002) and a 13% increase in positions filled by US seniors (1,850 vs 1,636). Similarly, 9% more positions were filled on July 1, 1994, than 1993 (3,040 vs 2,798). For the first time, in 1994 more than 3,000 first-year residency positions were filled in family practice. One hundred more US seniors matched in internal medicine, and 74 more US seniors matched in pediatrics. Given the anticipated career choices of students entering residency training in the generalist disciplines, it is expected that 31% of the class of 1994 (Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)-accredited medical schools) will practice as generalists. An 8% increase in first-year positions offered, and the development of 10% new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited family practice residency programs could accommodate 20% of the nation's graduates of LCME- and American Osteopathic Association-accredited medical schools. With increasing interest in family practice careers, increased support for the nation's family practice residency programs is critical.

Twenty years of consulting for excellence: the Residency Assistance Program.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Residency Assistance Program (RAP) in family practice was established in 1975 to provide consultative assistance to family practice residency program directors interested in enhancing the quality of their training programs. Since its inception, RAP activities have been monitored and policies approved by a project board, with representation from all the national family medicine/practice organizations. The voluntary, confidential, nonpunitive, collaborative problem-solving process has provided more than 800 RAP consultations in RAP's 20 years of operation. This paper reviews the historical development, current status, and future directions of the program.

Results of the 1992 National Resident Matching Program.

After 4 years of declining fill rates through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), 74 more positions in family practice residencies were filled in 1992 than in 1991, including 24 more filled with US seniors. The March fill rate (67.5%) increased for the first time since 1987, while the July fill rate (90.7%) increased for the first time since 1984. The Mountain and Pacific regions had the highest fill rates (89.1% and 88.5%, respectively) through the NRMP. Community-based, unaffiliated and university-affiliated programs filled 71.0% and 70.3% of positions offered through the NRMP. University-based and community-based, university administered programs filled 63.8% and 61.0% of positions offered through the NRMP. The other commonly defined primary care specialties of internal medicine and pediatrics also filled increased numbers of positions offered through the NRMP. This is the first year since 1984 in which all three primary care specialties matched more positions than in the previous year. The demand for family physicians in the United States is increasing. Evidence presented here suggests that 1992 may mark the beginning of a new trend toward increased interest in careers in family practice.

Results of the 1997 National Resident Matching Program: family practice.

The 1997 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) results reveal all-time highs for the number of positions filled in family practice residencies (2,905) and the number of positions filled with US seniors (2,340). This is the largest number of US seniors choosing family practice in the history of the NRMP. Of the 65 additional positions filled through the NRMP, compared with 1996 (2,905 versus 2,840), 64 were filled with additional US seniors (2,340 versus 2,276). Continuing a trend begun in 1992, the 1997 results showed more positions filled in family practice residencies on July 1 than in the previous year, with 3,570 in 1997, compared with 3,494 in 1996. Internal medicine residencies matched 128 more US seniors in 1997, and pediatric residencies matched 63 more US seniors. Of the US seniors matching through the NRMP, only 37.5% are predicted to practice as generalists. In the past 5 years, family practice has been the choice of 71.5% of additional US seniors choosing primary care. The continued record increased interest in family practice as a career, coupled with the nation's need for more family physicians, demands increased support for the nation's family practice residency programs.

Results of the 1996 National Resident Matching Program: family practice.

The results of the 1996 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) set records in the number of positions filled in family practice residencies, with a 10.8% increase over 1995 (2,840 vs 2,563) and a 9.4% increase in positions filled with US seniors (2,276 vs 2,081). This is the largest number of US seniors choosing family practice in the history of the NRMP. A total of 196 (6.7%) more positions were offered in family practice through the NRMP, compared with 1995 (3,137 vs 2,941). Thus, 195 of these additional 196 positions were filled with US seniors. In keeping with the trend begun in 1992, 242 more positions were filled on July 1, 1996, than 1995 (3,494 vs 3,252), for a fill rate of 97.8%. Internal medicine residencies matched 67 fewer US seniors in 1996, while pediatric residencies matched 85 more US seniors. During the past 4 years, family practice has been the choice of 82.6% of the additional US seniors choosing a primary care residency. With continued record increased interest in family practice as a career choice and the need for more family physicians, priority support for the nation's family practice residency programs continues to be of critical importance.

Results of the 1998 National Resident Matching Program: family practice.

The 1998 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) results reflect a change in the perceptions and choices of physicians entering graduate medical education in the United States. Ninety-one fewer positions were filled in family practice residency programs in 1998, as well as 21 fewer in primary care internal medicine, 12 fewer in primary care pediatrics, and 13 fewer in internal medicine-pediatric programs. In contrast, 49 more positions were filled in anesthesiology, and 12 more US seniors chose diagnostic radiology, two "marker" disciplines that have recently been market sensitive. Thirty-four more positions were also filled in each of categorical internal medicine and pediatrics programs, where trainees are "pluripotential" with perceived options for practicing as generalists or entering subspecialty fellowships, depending on the market. While the demands of managed care and the needs of rural and underserved populations continue to offer a market for family physicians, family practice may have experienced a "primary care backlash" though the 1998 NRMP.

Results of the 1995 National Resident Matching Program: family practice.

The 1995 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) results broke records in the number of positions filled in family practice residencies, with an increase of 11.8% over 1994 figures (2,563 vs 2,293) and an increase of 12.5% in positions filled with US seniors (2,081 vs 1,850). This is the largest number of US seniors choosing family practice in the NRMP's history. In keeping with the trend that began in 1992, 7% more positions were filled on July 1, 1995, than were filled at the same time in 1994 (3,252 vs 3,040). Internal medicine residencies matched 74 more US seniors in 1995, and pediatric residencies matched 84 more US seniors. Given the anticipated career choices of students entering residency training in the generalist disciplines (95% of students matching in family practice, 60% of students matching in pediatrics, and 45% of students matching in internal medicine), it is expected that 33.5% of the class of 1995 (Liaison Committee on Medical Education-accredited medical schools) will practice as generalists. First-year positions offered in family practice through the NRMP increased 6%, and the number of Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education-accredited family practice residency programs increased 3% (421 vs 410). With continued increased interest in family practice as a career choice and the need for more family physicians, support for the nation's family practice residency programs continues to be of critical importance.