Classification of events contributing to postneonatal cerebral palsy: Development, reliability, and recommendations for use.

AIM: This paper introduces the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) classification of events contributing to postneonatally acquired cerebral palsy, presents its interrater reliability, and describes the cases identified in the SCPE database. METHOD: The development of the classification, based on literature review and expert discussions, resulted in six main categories and 19 subcategories. The first chronological event designated as the primary event was mainly reported. Interrater reliability was assessed through online exercise providing 24 clinical vignettes representing single/complex pathways. Percent agreement and Gwet's AC1 index of reliability were estimated. Primary events were described using data of 221 children born between 2008 and 2012. RESULTS: Thirty-nine professionals (21 registries) participated in the reliability exercise. Substantial overall agreement was reached (0.75), with some contrast between complex (0.48, moderate agreement) and single events involved (0.89, almost perfect). The distribution of primary events showed that 32.1% were infections (category A), 23.1% head injuries (B), 15.4% related to surgery or medical interventions (C), 13.1% cerebrovascular accidents (D), 9.1% hypoxic brain damaging events of other origins (E), and 7.2% miscellaneous (F). INTERPRETATION: This classification allows all the events involved to be recorded while consistently reporting the primary event, and may be used in different settings. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: A standardized classification enables the description of the events contributing to postneonatal cerebral palsy (CP). The first chronological event in complex pathway leading to CP is coded. Category choice and coding of the primary event identify preventable situations. The detailed 2-level classification is easy to use in various settings. Substantial overall interrater reliability shows that main categories can be consistently differentiated.

Cerebral palsy in twins and higher multiple births: a Europe-Australia population-based study.

AIM: To describe the birth prevalence, temporal trends, and clinical outcomes of twins, triplets, or quadruplets with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study using data for twins, triplets, and quadruplets with prenatally or perinatally acquired CP and pooled from the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe network (born 1992-2009) and Australian Cerebral Palsy Register (born 1993-2009). Children were at least 4 years old at time of registration. Children born in regions with population ascertainment and available denominator data were included in prevalence calculations (n=1033 twins, 81 triplets, and 11 quadruplets). Clinical data from children registered in all participating registers were described, including 2163 twins (56% male), 187 triplets (59% male), and 20 quadruplets (45% male). RESULTS: The birth prevalence of CP was higher with increasing plurality (twins 6.5 per 1000 live births [95% confidence interval {CI} 6.1-6.9], triplets 17.1 [95% CI 13.6-21.2], quadruplets 50.7 [95% CI 25.6-88.9]); however, prevalence by gestational age was similar across all pluralities. Between 1992-1994 and 2007-2009, prevalence of CP among twins declined (p=0.001) but prevalence of CP among triplets did not change significantly over time (p=0.55). The distributions of Gross Motor Function Classification System, epilepsy, and impairments of intellect, vision, and hearing were similar regardless of plurality. INTERPRETATION: The data combined from two CP register networks indicated that triplets and quadruplets had increased risk of CP compared to twins. The higher prevalence of CP in triplets and quadruplets is due to their higher risk of preterm birth. Prevalence of CP among twins significantly declined in Europe and Australia. Clinical outcomes were similar for all multiple births.

European and Australian Cerebral Palsy Surveillance Networks Working Together for Collaborative Research.

AIMS: This study aims to describe and compare goals and methods, characteristics of children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to compare prevalence of CP in the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) and the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register (ACPR). METHODS: This study compares the objectives of the two networks and their working practices; key documents from both above-mentioned networks were used. Children included in the comparison of the descriptive profile and prevalence measures were born between 1993 and 2009 for Australian data and between 1980 and 2003 for SCPE. RESULTS: SCPE contributed 10,756 cases and ACPR 6,803. There were similar distributions of motor type, severity, and gestational age groups, except for the proportion of the lowest gestational age category (range, 20-27 weeks) which was twice higher in the ACPR (13 vs. 7%). Associated impairment proportions were also similar except for severe vision impairment which was more than twice as high in SCPE as in the ACPR (11 vs. 4%), but most likely due to a subtle difference in definitions. Prevalence rates were comparable at the same time point in the different groups of birth weight, and declined over time, except for the moderately low birth weight in ACPR. CONCLUSION: Two CP networks representing two continents have compared their major characteristics to facilitate the comparison across their study populations. These characteristics proved to be similar with only marginal differences. This gives additional strength to the observation in both networks that CP prevalence is decreasing which is of great importance for families and health care systems.

Severity of Cerebral Palsy-The Impact of Associated Impairments.

OBJECTIVE: This article describes associated impairments in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and its subtypes. METHOD: Children born between 1990 and 2006 recorded in the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe common database were studied. An "impairment index" characterized severity of impairments and their combinations. RESULTS: Amongst the 11,015 children analyzed, 56% (n = 5,968) could walk unaided, 54% (4,972) had normal or near-normal intellect (intelligence quotient ≥ 70). Except for ataxic CP, associated impairments were less frequent when walking ability was preserved. The impairment index was low (walking unaided and normal or near-normal intellect) in 30% of cases; 54% (n = 1,637) in unilateral spastic, 24% (n = 79) in ataxic, 18% (n = 913) in bilateral spastic, and 7% (n = 50) in dyskinetic CP. Around 40% had a high impairment index (inability to walk and/or severe intellectual impairment ± additional impairments)-highest in dyskinetic (77%, n = 549) and bilateral spastic CP (54%, n = 2,680). The impairment index varied little in birth weight and gestational age groups. However, significantly fewer cases in the birth weight group ≤ 1,000 g or gestational age group ≤ 27 weeks had a low impairment index compared to the other birth weight and gestational age groups (23 and 24% vs. between 27 and 32%). CONCLUSION: Thirty percent of the children with CP had a low impairment index (they were able to walk unaided and had a normal or near-normal intellect). Severity in CP was strongly associated to subtype, whereas the association was weak with birth weight or gestational age.

The Origin of the Cerebral Palsies: Contribution of Population-Based Neuroimaging Data.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of cerebral palsy in Europe (SCPE) presents the first population-based results on neuroimaging findings in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using a magnetic resonance imaging classification system (MRICS). METHOD: MRIs of children with CP born between 1999 and 2009 from 18 European countries were analyzed. MRICS identifies patterns of brain pathology according to timing during brain development which was analyzed with respect to CP subtypes and gestational age. RESULTS: MRIs or written reports from 3,818 children were available. The main clinical characteristics were similar to the 5,415 without such data. Most frequent was predominant white matter injury (49%), followed by predominant gray matter injury (21%). Maldevelopments were found in 11% of cases. Miscellaneous findings were present in 8.5% and normal findings in 10.6%. MRI patterns of children with unilateral spastic, bilateral spastic, and dyskinetic CP were mainly lesional (77, 71, and 59%, respectively), whereas children with ataxic CP had more maldevelopments, miscellaneous, and normal findings (25, 21, and 32%, respectively). In children born preterm, predominant white matter injury was most prevalent (80% in children born <32 weeks of gestation). CONCLUSION: Analysis of MRI in the European CP database identified CP as a mainly lesional condition on a large population basis, maldevelopments were relatively uncommon. An exception was ataxic CP. Children born preterm mostly presented with a lesion typical for their gestational age (GA) at birth. The decreasing prevalence of CP in this group suggests that progress in perinatal and neonatal medicine may lead to a reduction of these lesions.

Decreasing prevalence in cerebral palsy: a multi-site European population-based study, 1980 to 2003.

AIM: To monitor the trends in prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) by birthweight in Europe, 1980 to 2003. METHOD: Data were collated from 20 population-based registers contributing to the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe database. Trend analyses were conducted in four birthweight groups: <1000g (extremely low birthweight [ELBW]); 1000 to 1499g (very low birthweight [VLBW]); 1500 to 2499g (moderately low birthweight [MLBW]); and >2499g (normal birthweight [NBW]). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of CP decreased from 1.90 to 1.77 per 1000 live births, p<0.001, with a mean annual fall of 0.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.3% to -1.0%). Prevalence in NBW children showed a non-significant trend from 1.17 to 0.89 per 1000 live births (p=0.22). Prevalence in MLBW children decreased from 8.5 to 6.2 per 1000 live births (p<0.001), but not linearly. Prevalence in VLBW children also declined from 70.9 to 35.9 per 1000 live births (p<0.001) with a mean annual fall of 3.4% (95% CI -2.4% to -4.3%). Prevalence in ELBW children remained stable, at a mean rate of 42.4 per 1000 live births. INTERPRETATION: The decline in prevalence of CP in children of VLBW continues, and confirms that previously reported. For the first time, there is also a significant decline among those of MLBW, resulting in a significant overall decrease in the prevalence of CP.

Assessment of the contribution of morbidity and mortality conferences to quality and safety improvement: a survey of participants' perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for the effectiveness of the morbidity and mortality conferences in improving patient safety is lacking. The aim of this survey was to assess the opinion of participants concerning the benefits and the functioning of morbidity and mortality conferences, according to their organizational characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a survey of professionals involved in a morbidity and mortality conference using a self-administered questionnaire in three French teaching hospitals in 2012. The questionnaire focused on the functioning of morbidity and mortality conferences, the perceived benefits, the motivations of participants, and how morbidity and mortality conferences could be improved. The perception of participants was analysed according to the characteristics of morbidity and mortality conferences. RESULTS: A total of 698 participants in 54 morbidity and mortality conferences completed the questionnaire. Most of them (91 %) were satisfied with how the morbidity and mortality conference they attended was conducted. The improvements in healthcare quality and patient safety were the main benefits perceived by participants. Effectiveness in improving safety was mainly perceived when cases were thoroughly analysed (adjusted odds ratio [a0R] =2.31 [1.14-4.66]). The existence of a written charter (p = 0.05), the use of a standardized case presentation (p = 0.049), and prior dissemination of the meeting agenda (p = 0.02) were also associated with the perception of morbidity and mortality conference effectiveness. The development and achievement of improvement initiatives were associated with morbidity and mortality conferences perceived as being more effective (p < 0.01). Participants suggested improving the attendance of medical and paramedical professionals to enhance the effectiveness of morbidity and mortality conferences. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity and mortality conferences were positively perceived. These results suggest that a structured framework and thoroughly analyzing cases improve their effectiveness.

Characteristics of morbidity and mortality conferences associated with the implementation of patient safety improvement initiatives, an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs) associated with the implementation of patient health-care quality and safety improvement initiatives. METHODS: We conducted an observational study of MMCs and followed up improvement initiatives for 1 year. Data on MMC baseline characteristics were abstracted using document analysis and observation of a meeting in three university hospitals in France (Grenoble, Nice, and Cochin [Paris] hospitals). Fifty-nine MMCs were included in medical (n = 24), surgical (n = 21), and anesthesiology and/or intensive care (n = 14) departments. An effectiveness index was computed by summing a composite score for each initiative pertaining to the MMC. RESULTS: Overall, 282 initiatives were identified in 42 MMCs. During the follow-up period, 215 initiatives (76%) were totally or partially implemented and the impact was evaluated for 73 (26%). An effectiveness index higher than the median (i.e., ≥10) was associated with a standardized presentation of cases (81% versus 29%, p <0.001), recording of improvement initiatives (94 versus 57, p = 0.001), the existence of an annual activity report (94% versus 68%, p = 0.01), the prior dissemination of a meeting agenda (71% versus 36%, p = 0.007), longer meeting duration (109 versus 80 min, p = 0.005), anesthesiology and/or intensive care specialty (39% versus 7%, p = 0.02), a theme-focused MMC (29% versus 4 %, p = 0.01), and a thorough analysis of failures (58% versus 25%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the implementation of improvement initiatives relates to MCC characteristics. Recommendations for developing more effective patient safety-oriented MMCs can be proposed.

Experience feedback committee in emergency medicine: a tool for security management.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency departments are high-risk structures. The objective was to analyse the functioning of an experience feedback committee (EFC), a security management tool for the analysis of incidents in a medical department. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive study based on the analysis of the written documents produced by the EFC between November 2009 and May 2012. We performed a double analysis of all incident reports, meeting minutes and analysis reports. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 22 meetings attended by 15 professionals. 471 reported incidents were transmitted to the EFC. Most of them (95%) had no consequence for the patients. Only one reported incident led to the patient's death. 12 incidents were analysed thoroughly and the committee decided to set up 14 corrective actions, including eight guideline writing actions, two staff trainings, two resource materials provisions and two organisational changes. CONCLUSIONS: The staff took part actively in the EFC. Following the analysis of incidents, the EFC was able to set up actions at the departmental level. Thus, an EFC seems to be an appropriate security management tool for an emergency department.

Trends in patient perception of hospital care quality.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to investigate trends in patient hospital quality perceptions between 1999 and 2010. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Original data from 11 cross-sectional surveys carried out in a French single university hospital were analyzed. Based on responses to a 29-item survey instrument, overall and subscale perception scores (range 0-10) were computed covering six key hospital care quality dimensions. FINDINGS: Of 16,516 surveyed patients, 10,704 (64.8 percent) participated in the study. The median overall patient perception score decreased from 7.86 (25th-75th percentiles, 6.67-8.85) in 1999 to 7.82 (25th-75th percentiles, 6.67-8.74) in 2010 (p for trend < 0.001). A decreasing trend was observed for the living arrangement subscale score (from 7.78 in 1999 to 7.50 in 2010, p for trend < 0.001). Food service and room comfort perceptions deteriorated over the study period while patients increasingly reported better explanations before being examined. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patient perception scores may disguise divergent judgments on different care aspect while individual items highlight specific areas with room for improvement. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Despite growing pressure on healthcare expenditure, this single-center study showed only modest reduction in patients' hospital-care perceptions in the 2000s.

Medical record-keeping and patient perception of hospital care quality.

PURPOSE: Medical record represents the main information support used by healthcare providers. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether patient perception of hospital care quality related to compliance with medical-record keeping. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The authors merged the original data collected as part of a nationwide audit of medical records with overall and subscale perception scores (range 0-100, with higher scores denoting better rating) computed for 191 respondents to a cross-sectional survey of patients discharged from a university hospital. FINDINGS: The median overall patient perception score was 77 (25th-75th percentiles, 68-87) and differed according to the presence of discharge summary completed within eight days of discharge (81 v. 75, p = 0.03 after adjusting for baseline patient and hospital stay characteristics). No independent associations were found between patient perception scores and the documentation of pain assessment and nutritional disorder screening. Yet, medical record-keeping quality was independently associated with higher patient perception scores for the nurses' interpersonal and technical skills component. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: First, this was a single-center study conducted in a large full-teaching hospital and the findings may not apply to other facilities. Second, the analysis might be underpowered to detect small but clinically significant differences in patient perception scores according to compliance with recording standards. Third, the authors could not investigate whether electronic medical record contributed to better compliance with recording standards and eventually higher patient perception scores. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Because of the potential consequences of poor recording for patient safety, further efforts are warranted to improve the accuracy and completeness of documentation in medical records. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: A modest relationship exists between the quality of medical-record keeping and patient perception of hospital care.

Prevalence, Clinical Features, Neuroimaging, and Genetic Findings in Children With Ataxic Cerebral Palsy in Europe.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To report on prevalence, associated impairments, severity, and neuroimaging findings in children with ataxic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: In children coded as having ataxic CP in the Central database of Joint Research Center-Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (JRC-SCPE) and born during 1980-2010, birth characteristics, severity profiles including associated impairments, neuroimaging patterns, and the presence of syndromes were analyzed. Definitions were according to validated SCPE guidelines. Prevalence over time was estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: In total, 679 children with ataxic CP were identified in 20 European CP registers. The proportion with ataxic CP was 3.8% and varied from 0% to 12.9%. Prevalence over time showed no significant trend. Approximately 70% of children with ataxic CP were able to walk, and 40% had severe intellectual impairment and a high impairment index. Children with ataxic CP were mostly born at term (79%) and with normal birth weight (77%). Neuroimaging patterns revealed normal findings in 29%, brain maldevelopments in 28.5%, miscellaneous findings in 23.5%, and brain injuries in 19%, according to the SCPE classification. Genetic syndromes were described in 9%. DISCUSSION: This register-based multicenter study on children with ataxic CP provides a large sample size for the analysis of prevalence, severity, and origin of this rare CP subtype. Even with strict inclusion and classification criteria, there is variation between registers on how to deal with this subtype, and diagnosis of ataxic CP remains a challenge. Ataxic cerebral palsy differs from other CP subtypes: children with ataxic CP have a disability profile that is more pronounced in terms of cognitive than gross motor dysfunction. They are mostly term born and the origin rarely suggests acquired injuries. In addition to neuroimaging, a comprehensive genetic workup is particularly recommended for children with this CP type.

Interrater reliability study of cerebral palsy diagnosis, neurological subtype, and gross motor function.

AIM: To evaluate the interrater reliability of the inclusion in registries and classification of children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Two studies were conducted. In study 1, 12 paediatricians from 11 countries viewed video sequences of 12 children with or without CP (nine males, three females; median age 6y; range 2-16). In study 2, 19 professionals from eight countries participated in an online exercise. They had to classify the same children but based on written vignettes. All participants had to evaluate whether the child had CP, the neurological subtype (Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe classification system), and gross motor function level (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS]). Kappa (κ) coefficients were calculated for categorical variables and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for ordinal data. RESULTS: Reliability was excellent in assessing whether or not a child had CP in study 1 (κ=1.00) and substantial in study 2 (κ=0.73); 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.87). For the neurological subtype, overall κ between paediatricians was 0.85 (95% CI 0.68-0.98), with full agreement observed for eight children. In study 2, overall κ was 0.78 (95% CI 0.61-0.91) with full agreement seen for five children. For the GMFCS, the ICC was 0.88 (95% CI 0.78-0.95) in study 1 and 0.80 (95% CI 0.64-0.91) in study 2. INTERPRETATION: Reliability was excellent for all characteristics classified by paediatricians viewing the videos and substantial for professionals reading vignettes.

Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging: comparison of semiologic characteristics in first-pass perfusion of brain tumors at 1.5 and 3 Tesla.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether using 3 Tesla (T) instead of 1.5T modifies the data obtained from first-pass perfusion in relation to the quantitative values of cerebral blood volume (CBV) and estimation of micro-vascular leakage (MVL). To describe the differences in data in the setting of neuro-oncology cases and propose explanations based on the discrepancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 21 patients presenting an intracranial intra-axial space-occupying lesion underwent two MRI explorations, one at 1.5T and another at 3T, including a first-pass perfusion sequence using sequence parameters, defined by the manufacturer Philips. Using a gamma variate analysis, the ratio of cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in tumor, peritumoral, and normal appearing areas was first assessed. After a global analysis, a subgroup analysis was conducted according to the rCBV value measured at 1.5T. Lastly, MVL was assessed based on the signal intensity recorded above baseline after the passage of the contrast medium. RESULTS: At 3T, compared to 1.5T data that are currently the reference, rCBV was constantly and significantly over-evaluated (P=0.0041 for all tumors), while MVL was constantly and significantly under-evaluated (P<0.0001 for all tumors). DISCUSSION: The increase in magnetic field strength along with the associated modifications in sequence parameters led to variations in rCBV and MVL when measured using first-pass perfusion. In some cases, such as lymphomas, there was a loss of diagnostic information. It therefore appears necessary to optimize the acquisition parameters to allow for radiologic semiology to become relevant again.

Morbidity and mortality conferences: their place in quality assessments.

PURPOSE: This article aims to analyze morbidity and mortality conferences (M&MCs) in a university-affiliated hospital, notably their format and progression since the 1990s. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A cross-sectional study was conducted and M&MC characteristics were collected using three methods: a questionnaire to all department heads to identify past M&MCs; semi-structured interviews with each M&MC leader; and when available, meeting reports were analyzed. FINDINGS: Of 189 questionnaires sent to department heads, 105 were completed and returned (55.6 per cent). A total of 27 M&MCs were identified; five times more than in 1994. The M&MC format varied greatly between departments. In surgical units, cases per conference tended to be higher than in intensive care or medical units and paramedical staff were invited less often. Compared with 1998, head nurses (70.4 vs 27.3 percent, p = 0.03) and paramedical staff (63.0 vs 18.2 percent, p = 0.03) attendance increased significantly. Physicians considered M&MCs important for improving service quality, patient safety and enhancing team cohesion. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Patient outcomes were not assessed. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although undefined formats allowed leaders to conduct M&MCs according to their objectives, how these conferences are conducted should impact healthcare quality and safety. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Results indicate that M&MCs have evolved over the past 20 years, showing them to be valuable quality and safety improvement methods.

Incidence of Avoidable 30-Day Readmissions Following Hospitalization for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in France.

Importance: Rates of 30-day readmissions following hospitalization for pneumonia are used to publicly report on hospital performance and to set financial penalties for the worst-performing hospitals. However, the rate of avoidable readmission following hospitalization for pneumonia is undefined. Objective: To assess how often 30-day readmissions following hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are avoidable. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study analyzed the results of an independent review of readmissions following hospitalization for CAP within 30 days among patients discharged from 2 large hospitals in France in 2014. Structured clinical records including clinical information (ie, baseline characteristics, physical examination, laboratory findings, x-ray or computed tomography scan findings, discharge plan, and treatments) for both index and readmission stays were independently reviewed by 4 certified board physicians. All consecutive adult patients hospitalized in 2014 with a diagnosis of CAP in our 2 eligible hospitals were eligible. All analyses presented were performed in March 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: Avoidable readmission within 30 days of discharge from index hospitalization. The likelihood that a readmission was avoidable was quantified using latent class analysis based on the independent reviews. A readmission was considered avoidable if Bayes posterior probability exceeded 50%. Results: The total analytical sample consisted of 1150 index hospital stays with a diagnosis of CAP, which included 651 (56.6%) male patients. The median (IQR) age for all patients was 77.8 (IQR, 62.7-86.4) years. Out of the 1150 index hospital stays, 98 patients (8.5%) died in hospital, and 108 (9.4%) unplanned readmissions were found. Overall, 15 readmissions had a posterior probability of avoidability exceeding 0.50 (13.9% of the 108 unplanned readmissions; 95% CI, 8.0%-21.9%). The median (IQR) delay between the hospital discharge index and readmission was considerably shorter when readmission was deemed avoidable (4 [6-21] days vs 12 [2-18] days; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: Only a small number of readmissions following hospitalization for CAP were deemed avoidable, comprising less than 10% of all readmissions. Shorter time interval between hospitalization discharge and readmission was associated with avoidability.

Requesting physicians' experiences regarding infectious disease consultations.

BACKGROUND: Solicited consultations constitute a substantial workload for infectious disease (ID) specialists in the hospital setting. The objectives of this survey were to describe requesting physicians' experiences regarding ID consultations. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a university-affiliated hospital in France in 2009. All physicians were eligible (n = 530) and received a self-administered questionnaire. The main outcomes were reasons for request and opinion. Secondary outcomes were frequency of request and declared adherence to recommendations. RESULTS: The participation rate was 44.7% (237/530). Among the responders, 187 (79%) had solicited the ID consultation service within the previous year. Ninety-three percent of the responders (173/187) were satisfied with the ID consultation. The main reasons for requesting consultations were the need for therapeutic advice (93%), quality of care improvement (73%) and the rapidity of access (61%). ID consultations were requested several times a month by 52% (72/138) of senior physicians and by 73% (36/49) of residents (p = 0.01). Self-reported adherence to diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations was 83% and 79%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The respondent requesting physicians expressed great satisfaction regarding ID consultations that they requested principally to improve patient care and to assist in medical decision making.

Infectious disease specialist telephone consultations requested by general practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Infectious diseases (ID) make up a substantial part of a general practitioner's (GP's) workload. GPs frequently solicit ID specialists requesting advice on managing their patients with ID. The objectives of this study were to examine GP reasons for soliciting ID consultations and to assess the GPs' and specialists' opinions of the ID consultation service. METHODS: This was a prospective study of consecutive solicited ID consultations requested by GPs from the ID specialists of a 2200-bed university-affiliated hospital, conducted between October 2008 and March 2009. Data related to GP characteristics, their reasons for requesting the consultation, the recommendations given by the specialists, and the specialists' perceptions of the exchange were collected. GPs were asked to report their adherence to recommendations and their perceptions of the consultations. RESULTS: A mean of 57 telephone consultations per month were requested by GPs during the study period. ID specialist recommendations were related to antibiotic treatment (66.2%), diagnostic or monitoring tests (46.5%), and a subsequent formal consultation or hospitalization (29.6%). The reasons reported for GPs requesting an ID consultation were related to patient management (96.5%), rapidity of access (86.3%), and quality of care improvement (84.2%). GPs were satisfied with the telephone consultations in 97.9% of cases and ID specialists in 94.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Telephone consultations with ID specialists were widely appreciated by GPs, probably due to the accessibility of these specialists. Further study is needed to assess the effects of these telephone consultations on quality of care.

Cerebral palsy among children born moderately preterm or at moderately low birthweight between 1980 and 1998: a European register-based study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe trends in prevalence, subtypes, and severity among children with cerebral palsy (CP) born moderately preterm (MPT; (gestational age 32-36 wks) or at moderately low birthweight (MLBW; 1500-2499 g) in Europe. METHOD: We conducted trend analyses of data from 903 children with CP born between 1980 and 1998 who were MPT (gestational age 32-36 wks), taken from 11 registers in the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe database and from 1835 children with CP who were born at moderately low birthweight (1500-2499 g), taken from 14 registers in the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe database. RESULTS: The overall annual prevalence of CP in children born MPT varied between 12.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.5-17.1) per 1000 live births in 1983 and 4.5 (95% CI 3.2-6.3) per 1000 in 1997. There was a significant decrease in the prevalence over time adjusted for register, with an annual change in prevalence of -3% (95% CI -5 to -2%). This was due to a decrease in the prevalence of bilateral spastic CP (annual change -5%; 95% CI -7 to -3%). INTERPRETATION: There was a trend towards a decrease in the prevalence of CP among children born MPT, but no difference in prevalence among children born at MLBW. Both results may represent an improvement in perinatal and neonatal care.