Drivers of Moral Distress in Surgical Intensive Care Providers: A Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Moral distress is common among healthcare providers, leading to staff burnout and attrition. This study aimed to identify root causes of and potential solutions to moral distress experienced by surgical intensive care unit (SICU) providers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a mixed methods study of physicians and nurses from a single, academic SICU. We obtained quantitative data from the Measures of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP) survey and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews. The MMD-HP is a 27 question, validated survey on triggers of moral distress. Survey and interview data were analyzed to identify drivers of moral distress using a convergent design. RESULTS: 21 nurses and 25 physicians were surveyed and 17 providers interviewed. MMD-HP data demonstrated high levels of moral distress for nurses (mean total MMD-HP 132 ± 63.5) and physicians (121.7 ± 64.7), P = 0.68. The most frequent root cause of moral distress for all providers was participating in the delivery of aggressive care perceived to be futile. Nurses also reported caring for patients with unclear goals of care as a key driver of moral distress. Interview data supported these findings. Providers recommended improving access to palliative care to increase early communication on patient goals of care and end-of-life as a solution. Culture in the SICU often promotes supporting aggressive care however, acting as a potential barrier to increasing palliative resources. CONCLUSIONS: Providing aggressive care that is perceived as futile was the primary driver of moral distress in the SICU. Interventions to improve early communication and access to end-of-life care should be prioritized to decrease moral distress in staff.

Sex Disparities in Access to Surgical Care at a Single Institution in Malawi.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of data regarding sex-based disparities in surgical care delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study sought to determine whether sex disparities are present among patients presenting with surgical conditions in Malawi. Hypothesis compared to men, fewer women present to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) with peritonitis and have longer delays in presentation for definitive care. METHODS: This study performs a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all general surgery patients with peritonitis presenting to KCH in Lilongwe, Malawi, from September 2013 to April 2016. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were used to assess the effect of sex on mortality, length of stay, operative intervention, complications, and time to presentation. RESULTS: Of 462 patients presenting with general surgery conditions and peritonitis, 68.8% were men and 31.2% were women. After adjustments, women had significantly higher odds of non-operative management when compared to men (OR 2.17, 95%CI 1.30-3.62, P = 0.003), delays in presentation (adjusted mean difference 136 h, 95%CI 100-641, P = 0.05), delays to operation (adjusted mean difference 1.91 days, 95%CI 1.12-3.27, P = 0.02), and longer lengths of stay (adjusted mean difference 1.67 days, 95%CI 1.00-2.80, P = 0.05). There were no differences in complications or in-hospital or Emergency Department mortality. CONCLUSION: Sex disparities exist within the general surgery population at KCH in Lilongwe, Malawi. Fewer women present with surgical problems, and women experience delays in presentation, longer lengths of stay, and undergo fewer operations. Future studies to determine mortality in the community and driving factors of sex disparities will provide more insight.

A comparison of a homemade central line simulator to commercial models.

BACKGROUND: Simulation is quickly becoming vital to resident education, but commercially available central line models are costly and little information exists to evaluate their realism. This study compared an inexpensive homemade simulator to three commercially available simulators and rated model characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen physicians, all having placed >50 lines in their lifetime, completed blinded central line insertions on three commercial and one homemade model (made of silicone, tubing, and a pressurized pump system). Participants rated each model on the realism of its ultrasound image, cannulation feel, manometry, and overall. They then ranked the models based on the same variables. Rankings were assessed with Friedman's and post hoc Conover's tests, using alphas 0.05 and 0.008 (Bonferroni corrected), respectively. RESULTS: The models significantly differed (P < 0.0004) in rankings across all dimensions. The homemade model was ranked best on ultrasound image, manometry measurement, cannulation feel, and overall quality by 71%, 67%, 53%, and 77% of raters, respectively. It was found to be statistically superior to the second rated model in all (P < 0.003) except cannulation feel (P = 0.134). Ultrasound image and manometry measurement received the lowest ratings across all models, indicating less realistic simulation. The cost of the homemade model was $400 compared to $1000-$8000 for commercial models. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that an inexpensive, homemade central line model is as good or better than commercially available models. Areas for potential improvement within models include the ultrasound image and ability to appropriately measure manometry of accessed vessels.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TCM) After Uncomplicated Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: A Case Report and Review on Postoperative TCM.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a rare stress-induced condition that appears rarely in suspected acute myocardial infarction cases. It causes unexplained left ventricular failure, but most cases are reversible with supportive treatment. In this report, we present the case of a 70-year-old female who developed acute hypotension after a laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication on postoperative day one, requiring care in the surgical intensive care unit. Following consultation with the cardiology service and further imaging and tests, she was diagnosed with TCM. This report outlines the potential mechanisms and management of TCM in the intensive care unit, emphasizing the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality after pulmonary valve replacement in adult patients with previously corrected tetralogy of Fallot.

Patients with palliated tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) often require pulmonary valve replacement in adulthood, yet the data regarding their outcomes are scarce. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with postoperative complications in these patients and to establish long-term survival data for this patient group. A retrospective cohort study investigated 153 consecutive patients with a history of TOF repair who underwent pulmonary valve replacement at a single large academic center between March 1996 and March 2010. In part 1 of the study, logistic models were constructed to assess demographic, medical, and surgical risk factors for operative mortality; occurrence of a major adverse event (stroke, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, deep sternal infection, reoperation, or operative mortality); and prolonged hospital stay (>7 days). Risk factors with a p value less than 0.10 by univariate analysis were included in the subsequent multivariate analysis. In part 2 of the study, long-term, all-cause mortality was determined by construction of a Kaplan-Meier curve for the cohort. Seven patients died (4.5%). Significant risk factors for mortality in the multivariable analysis included age older than 40 years (odds ratio (OR) 9.89) and concomitant surgery (OR 6.65). A major adverse event occurred for 22 patients (14.4%). The only significant risk factor in the multivariable analysis for an adverse event was concomitant surgery (OR 6.42). The hospital stay was longer than 7 days for 31 patients (20.3%). The significant risk factors for a prolonged hospital stay included the presence of preoperative arrhythmias (OR 4.17), New York Heart Association class 3 (OR 4.35), and again, concomitant surgery (OR 4.2). Among the 146 hospital survivors, only 5 patients died in the intervening period. The predicted survival rates were 98.5% at 1 year, 96.7% at 5 years, and 93.5% at 10 years. Pulmonary valve replacement in adults with palliated TOF is a safe procedure with excellent long-term survival, but there remain important risk factors for postoperative mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and major adverse events. Awareness and modification of important risk factors may help to improve outcomes.

Family Perceptions of Palliative Care and Communication in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

Few data exist on palliative care for trauma and acute care surgery patients. This pilot study evaluated family perceptions and experiences around palliative care in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) via mixed methods interviews conducted from February 1, 2020, to March 5, 2020, with 5 families of patients in the SICU. Families emphasized the importance of clear, honest communication, and inclusiveness in decision-making. Many interviewees were unable to recall whether goals-of-care discussions had occurred, and most lacked understanding of the patients' illnesses. This study highlights the significance of frequent communication and goals-of-care discussions in the SICU.

Characteristics and outcomes of traumatic spinal cord injury in a low-resource setting.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is relatively rare and affects an estimated 15-40 per 1 million people globally. All patients admitted from October 2016 to June 2017 at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi with a spinal column injury were retrospectively studied. Out of 1442 patients, 46 had vertebral column injury, and half of these had neurological deficit. The most common mechanism of injury was road traffic crash (45.7%), and cervical SCIs were the most common (41.3%). The overall mortality was 15.2%, thus demonstrating devastating morbidity and mortality. Owing to the latter, and the relative lack of operative facilities, primary prevention remains the most effective way to attenuate the tragedy of SCIs.

Etiology of major limb amputations at a tertiary care centre in Malawi.

Introduction: Amputations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) represent an important cause of disability and economic hardship. LMIC patients are young and suffer from preventable causes, such as trauma and trauma-related infections. We herein studied the etiology in amputations in a Malawian tertiary care hospital over a 9-year period. Methods: Operative and anaesthesia logs at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi, were reviewed for 2008-2016. Baseline demographic and clinical variables and type of amputation performed were collected. Only major limb amputations, defined as above or below the knee, above or below the elbow, and above the wrist, were included in this study. Results: A total of 610 patients underwent 630 major amputations during the study period. Of these, 170 (27%) patients were female, and the median age of the cohort was 39 (interquartile range [IQR] 25-55). Of these patients, 345 (54.8%) had infection or gangrene recorded among the indications for amputation, 203 (32.2%) had trauma, 94 (14.9%) had cancer and 67 (10.6%) had documented diabetes. Women underwent diabetes-related amputations more often than men (37 out of 67, or 56.1%), and were significantly younger when their amputations were due to diabetes (median age 48 vs 53 years old, P=0.004) or trauma (median age 21 vs 30 years old, P=0.02). The commonest operative procedures were below the knee amputations, at 271 (43%), and above the knee amputations, at 213 (33.8%). Conclusion: Amputations in Malawi affect primarily the young, in the most economically productive time of their lives, in contrast to amputees in high-income countries. Preventable causes, such as infection and trauma, lead to the majority of amputations. These etiologies represent an important primary prevention target for public health efforts in LMICs.

Complications and 3-month outcomes of children with hydrocephalus treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunts in Malawi.

OBJECTIVE: Hydrocephalus is the most common pediatric neurosurgical condition, with a high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. Untreated, hydrocephalus leads to neurological disability or death. The epidemiology and outcomes of hydrocephalus treated by ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts in Sub-Saharan Africa are not well defined and vary by region. The aim of the present study was to examine the mortality and morbidity rates and predictors of mortality in children treated by VP shunt placement for hydrocephalus at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 100 consecutive children presenting with hydrocephalus who were treated with VP shunt placement from January 2015 to August 2017. Demographics, nutritional status, maternal characteristics, developmental delay, shunt complications, readmissions, and in-hospital and 3-month mortality data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of death within 3 months of surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 46% of participants were female, with an average age of 5.4 ± 3.7 months at the time of surgery. The majority of patients were term deliveries (87.8%) and were not malnourished (72.9%). Only 10.8% of children were diagnosed with meningitis before admission. In-hospital and 3-month mortality rates were 5.5% and 32.1%, respectively. The only significant association with mortality was maternal age, with older maternal age demonstrating decreased odds of 3-month mortality (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-1.0, p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of hydrocephalus with VP shunts portends a high mortality rate in Malawi. The association of younger maternal age with mortality is likely a proxy for social determinants, which appear to contribute as much to mortality as patient factors. VP shunting is inadequate as a sole surgical management of hydrocephalus in resource-limited settings.

Paediatric road traffic injuries in Lilongwe, Malawi: an analysis of 4776 consecutive cases.

This was a retrospective review of all children aged ≤16 who were treated in the casualty department at the central hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015. A total of 4776 children were treated for road traffic injuries (RTIs) in the study period. There was an increase in incidence from 428 RTIs in 2009 to a maximum of 834 in 2014. Child pedestrians represented 53.8% of the injuries, but 78% of deaths and 71% of those with moderate to severe head injuries. Pedestrians were mostly injured by cars (36%) and by large trucks, buses and lorries (36%). Eighty-four (1.8%) children were brought in dead, while 40 (0.8%) children died in the casualty department or during their hospital stay. There has been a drastic increase of RTIs in children in Lilongwe, Malawi. Child pedestrians were most affected, both in terms of incidence and severity.

Epidemiology, Management, and Functional Outcomes of Traumatic Brain Injury in Sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: Trauma accounts for 4.7 million deaths each year, with an estimated 90% of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Approximately half of trauma-related deaths are caused by central nervous system injury. Because a thorough understanding of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in LMICs is essential to mitigate TBI-related mortality, we established a clinical and radiographic database to characterize TBI in our low-income setting. METHODS: This is a review of prospectively collected data from Kamuzu Central Hospital, a tertiary care center in the capital of Malawi. All patients admitted from October 2016 through May 2017 with a history of head trauma, altered consciousness, and/or radiographic evidence TBI were included. We performed descriptive statistics, a Cox regression analysis, and a survival analysis. RESULTS: There were 280 patients who met inclusion criteria; of these, 80.5% were men. The mean age was 28.8 ± 16.3 years. Median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 12 (interquartile range, 8-15). Road traffic crashes constituted the most common injury mechanism (60.7%). There were 148 (52.3%) patients who received a computed tomography scan, with the most common findings being contusions (26.1%). Of the patients, 88 (33.0%) had severe TBI, defined as a GCS score ≤8, of whom 27.6% were intubated and 10.3% received tracheostomies. Overall mortality was 30.9%. Of patients who survived, 80.1% made a good recovery. Female sex was protective, and the only significant predictor of poor functional outcome was presence of severe TBI (hazard ratio, 2.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-4.95). CONCLUSIONS: TBI represents a significant part of the global neurosurgical burden of disease. Implementation of proven in-hospital interventions for these patients is critical to attenuate TBI-related morbidity and mortality.

The effect of pre-existing malnutrition on pediatric burn mortality in a sub-Saharan African burn unit.

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional status predicts burn outcomes in the developed world, but its effect on burn mortality in the developing world has not been widely studied. In sub Saharan Africa, burn is primarily a disease of children, and the majority of children in sub-Saharan Africa are malnourished. We therefore sought to determine the prevalence and effect of malnutrition on burn mortality at our institution. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of children aged 0-5, with anthropomorphic measurements available, who were admitted to our burn unit from July 2011 to May 2016. Age-adjusted Z scores were calculated for height, weight, weight for height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Following bivariate analysis, we used logistic regression to construct a fully adjusted model of predictors of mortality. RESULTS: Of the 1357 admitted patients, 839 (61.2%) were aged 0-5. Of those, 512 (62.9%) had one or more anthropomorphic measurements available, and were included in the analysis. 54% were male, and the median age was 28 months. The median TBSA was 15%, with a majority of burns caused by scalds (77%). Mortality was 16%. Average Z-score for any of the indicators of malnutrition was -1.45±1.66. TBSA (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.11), decreasing Z-score (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.41), and flame burn (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.49) were associated with an increase in mortality. CONCLUSION: Preexisting malnutrition in burn patients in sub-Saharan Africa increases odds of mortality after controlling for significant covariates. Survival of burn patients in this region will not reach that of the developed world until a strategy of aggressive nutritional support is implemented in this population.

The effect of anatomic location of injury on mortality risk in a resource-poor setting.

INTRODUCTION: Injury is a significant cause of death, with approximately 4.7 million people mortalities each year. By 2030, injury is predicted to be among the top 20 causes of death worldwide. We sought to characterize and compare the mortality probability in trauma patients in a resource-poor setting based on anatomic location of injury. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data using the trauma database at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi. We included all adult trauma patients (≥16years) admitted between 2011 and 2015. We stratified patients according to anatomic location of injury, and used descriptive statistics to compare characteristics and management of each group. Bivariate analysis by mortality was done to determine covariates for our adjusted model. A Cox proportional hazard model was performed, using upper extremity injury as the baseline comparator. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the trend in incidence and mortality of head and spine injuries over five years. RESULTS: Of the 76,984 trauma patients who presented to KCH from 2011 to 2015, 49,126 (63.8%) were adults, and 8569 (17.4%) were admitted. The most common injury was to the head or spine, seen in 3712 patients (43.6%). The highest unadjusted hazard ratio for mortality was in head and spine injury patients, at 3.685 (95% CI=2.50-5.44), which increased to 4.501 (95% CI=2.78-7.30) when adjusted for age, sex, injury severity, transfer status, injury mechanism, and surgical intervention. Abdominal trauma had the second highest adjusted hazard of mortality, at 3.62 (95% CI=1.92-6.84) followed by thoracic trauma (HR=1.3621, 95% CI=0.49-3.56). CONCLUSION: In our setting, head or spine injury significantly increases the hazard of mortality significantly compared to all other anatomic injury locations. The prioritization of timely operative and non-operative head injury management is imperative. The development of head injury units may help attenuate trauma- related mortality in resource poor settings.

Standardized, Interdepartmental, Simulation-Based Central Line Insertion Course Closes an Educational Gap and Improves Intern Comfort with the Procedure.

Central line placement is a common procedure, routinely performed by junior residents in medical and surgical departments. Before this project, no standardized instructional course on the insertion of central lines existed at our institution, and few interns had received formal ultrasound training. Interns from five departments participated in a simulation-based central line insertion course. Intern familiarity with the procedure and with ultrasound, as well as their prior experience with line placement and their level of comfort, was assessed. Of the 99 interns in participating departments, 45 per cent had been trained as of October 2015. Forty-one per cent were female. The majority (59.5%) had no prior formal ultrasound training, and 46.0 per cent had never placed a line as primary operator. Scores increased significantly, from a precourse score mean of 13.7 to a postcourse score mean of 16.1, P < 0.001. All three of the self-reported measures of comfort with ultrasound also improved significantly. All interns reported the course was "very much" helpful, and 100 per cent reported they felt "somewhat" or "much" more comfortable with the procedure after attendance. To our knowledge, this is the first hospital-wide, standardized, simulation-based central line insertion course in the United States. Preliminary results indicate overwhelming satisfaction with the course, better ultrasound preparedness, and improved comfort with central line insertion.

Split-thickness cartilage grafts for chest wall reconstruction in pentalogy of Cantrell.

We describe a simple technique for chest wall reconstruction in pentalogy of Cantrell using split-thickness cartilage grafts. This technique provides a robust reconstruction, gives immediate and excellent cosmetic results, allows for skeletal and tissue growth, and avoids the use of synthetic material.

Tricuspid valve replacement through a left atriotomy and transseptal approach in a congenitally malformed heart.

More and more children with congenital heart disease are surviving into adulthood. These patients are forcing adult congenital cardiac surgeons to develop innovative approaches to correct their complex anatomy and physiology. This report describes a patient with a congenitally malformed heart necessitating a novel approach to access the tricuspid valve--a left atriotomy and transseptal incision. Three-dimensional preoperative imaging allowed for successful surgical planning.

Surgery in adults with congenital heart disease: risk factors for morbidity and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Patients with congenital heart disease are frequently surviving into adulthood, and many of them will require surgery. Unfortunately, outcome data in this patient population are limited. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with adverse events in adults with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery and establish long-term survival data. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 458 adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease between 2000 and 2010. We constructed logistic models to assess risk factors for mortality, major adverse event (stroke, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, prolonged coma, deep sternal infection, reoperation, and operative mortality), and prolonged length of stay (>7 days). Long-term, all-cause mortality was also measured. RESULTS: Sixteen patients died (3.49%). Risk factors for mortality included a history of cerebrovascular disease (odds ratio [OR]: 4.51), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 3 or 4 (OR: 8.88), and surgery on the aorta or the aortic valve (OR: 5.74). Ninety-four patients suffered a major adverse event (20.5%). Significant risk factors were male gender (OR: 2.28), NYHA class of 3 or 4 (OR 2.58), 2 concomitant major operations (OR: 2.15), and cardiopulmonary bypass time of greater than 100 minutes (OR: 3.18). Last, 90 patients (19.7%) remained in the hospital longer than 7 days. Significant risk factors for a prolonged length of stay included chronic lung disease (OR: 3.05), NYHA class of 3 or 4 (OR: 3.69), surgery by an adult cardiac surgeon (OR 2.58), 2 concomitant major operations (OR: 3.28), and cardiopulmonary bypass time of greater than 100 minutes (OR: 2.41). Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 97.6%, 95.2%, and 93.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery in adults with congenital heart disease can be performed with low morbidity and mortality. Nonetheless, there remain important risk factors for adverse events. Awareness and modification of risk factors may help improve outcomes.

Antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance and postprandial hormonal dysregulation independent of weight gain or psychiatric disease.

Atypical antipsychotic (AAP) medications that have revolutionized the treatment of mental illness have become stigmatized by metabolic side effects, including obesity and diabetes. It remains controversial whether the defects are treatment induced or disease related. Although the mechanisms underlying these metabolic defects are not understood, it is assumed that the initiating pathophysiology is weight gain, secondary to centrally mediated increases in appetite. To determine if the AAPs have detrimental metabolic effects independent of weight gain or psychiatric disease, we administered olanzapine, aripiprazole, or placebo for 9 days to healthy subjects (n = 10, each group) under controlled in-patient conditions while maintaining activity levels. Prior to and after the interventions, we conducted a meal challenge and a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp to evaluate insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal. We found that olanzapine, an AAP highly associated with weight gain, causes significant elevations in postprandial insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and glucagon coincident with insulin resistance compared with placebo. Aripiprazole, an AAP considered metabolically sparing, induces insulin resistance but has no effect on postprandial hormones. Importantly, the metabolic changes occur in the absence of weight gain, increases in food intake and hunger, or psychiatric disease, suggesting that AAPs exert direct effects on tissues independent of mechanisms regulating eating behavior.