bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterising ICU–ward handoffs at three academic medical centres: process and perceptions
Authors: Santhosh Lekshmi , Lyons Patrick G , Rojas Juan C , Ciesielski Thomas M , Beach Shire , Farnan Jeanne M , Arora Vineet 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThere is limited literature about physician handoffs between the intensive care unit (ICU) and the ward, and best practices have not been described. These patients are uniquely vulnerable given their medical complexity, diagnostic uncertainty and reduced monitoring intensity. We aimed to characterise the structure, perceptions and processes of ICU–ward handoffs across three teaching hospitals using multimodal methods: by identifying the handoff components involved in communication failures and describing common processes of patient transfer.MethodsWe conducted a study at three academic medical centres using two methods to characterise the structure, perceptions and processes of ICU–ward transfers: (1) an anonymous resident survey characterising handoff communication during ICU–ward transfer, and (2) comparison of process maps to identify similarities and differences between ICU–ward transfer processes across the three hospitals.ResultsOf the 295 internal medicine residents approached, 175 (59%) completed the survey. 87% of the respondents recalled at least one adverse event related to communication failure during ICU–ward transfer. 95% agreed that a well-structured handoff template would improve ICU–ward transfer. Rehabilitation needs, intravenous access/hardware and risk assessments for readmission to the ICU were the most frequently omitted or incorrectly communicated components of handoff notes. More than 60% of the respondents reported that notes omitted or miscommunicated pending results, active subspecialty consultants, nutrition and intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and healthcare decision-maker information at least twice per month. Despite variable process across the three sites, all process maps demonstrated flaws and potential for harm in critical steps of the ICU–ward transition.ConclusionIn this multisite study, despite significant process variation across sites, almost all resident physicians recalled an adverse event related to the ICU–ward handoff. Future work is needed to determine best practices for ICU–ward handoffs at academic medical centres.
Variation in the delivery of telephone advice by emergency medical services: a qualitative study in three services
Authors: O'Hara Rachel , Bishop-Edwards Lindsey , Knowles Emma , O'Cathain Alicia 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundAn emergency ambulance is not always the appropriate response for emergency medical service patients. Telephone advice aims to resolve low acuity calls over the phone, without sending an ambulance. In England, variation in rates of telephone advice and patient recontact between services raises concerns about inequities in care. To understand this variation, this study aimed to explore operational factors influencing the provision of telephone advice.MethodsThis is a multimethod qualitative study in three emergency medical services in England with different rates of telephone advice and recontact. Non-participant observation (120 hours) involved 20 call handlers and 27 clinicians (eg, paramedics). Interviews were conducted with call handlers, clinicians and clinician managers (n=20).ResultsServices varied in their views of the role of telephone advice, selection of their workforce, tasks clinicians were expected and permitted to do, and access to non-ambulance responses. Telephone advice was viewed either as an acceptable approach to managing demand or a way of managing risk. The workforce could be selected for their expertise or their inability to work ‘on-the-road’. Some services permitted proactive identification of calls for a lower priority response and provided access to a wider range of response options. The findings aligned with telephone advice rates for each service, particularly explaining why one service had lower rates.ConclusionSome of the variation observed can be explained by operational differences between services and some of it by access to alternative response options in the wider urgent and emergency care system. The findings indicate scope for greater consistency in the delivery of telephone advice to ensure the widest range of options to meet the needs of different populations, regardless of geographical location.
Getting better all the time? Facilitating accurate team self-assessments through simulation
Authors: Gardner Aimee K , Abdelfattah Kareem 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionOur study explores the extent to which teams are accurate assessors of their own performance and teamwork, and how simulation can help this critical skill develop over time.MethodsSurgery residents in teams of three completed five daily simulations. After each scenario, each team reviewed their performance and jointly completed a scenario-specific team performance evaluation and a 17-item Communication and Teamwork Skills tool. Videos were rated to obtain discrepancy values. Paired-samples t-tests and mean comparisons were used to examine changes in team self-assessment accuracy and comparisons between high-performing and low-performing teams.ResultsResident (n=30) teams rated team performance higher than faculty across the first 3 days (p<0.01), but provided similar ratings thereafter. Agreement of team performance from day 1 to 5 significantly improved (p<0.001). Teams rated their teamwork higher than faculty across all days (p<0.01). Top performing teams provided more accurate self-assessments for both teamwork (average discrepancy 8% vs 39%) and team performance (average discrepancy 12% vs 23%).ConclusionTeams that continue to work together over time may become more accurate judges of their own performance, but do not become more accurate assessors of teamwork competencies.
Individual preferences on the balancing of good and harm of cardiovascular disease screening
Authors: Hansen Tina Birgitte , Lindholt Jes Sanddal , Diederichsen Axel Cosmus Pyndt , Bliemer Michiel C J , Lambrechtsen Jess , Steffensen Flemming Hald , Søgaard Rikke 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveTransition towards value-based healthcare requires insight into what makes value to the individual. The aim was to elicit individual preferences for cardiovascular disease screening with respect to the difficult balancing of good and harm as well as mode of delivery.MethodsA discrete choice experiment was conducted as a cross-sectional survey among 1231 male screening participants at three Danish hospitals between June and December 2017. Participants chose between hypothetical screening programmes characterised by varying levels of mortality risk reduction, avoidance of overtreatment, avoidance of regretting participation, screening duration and location. A multinomial mixed logit model was used to model the preferences and the willingness to trade mortality risk reduction for improvements on other characteristics.ResultsRespondents expressed preferences for improvements on all programme characteristics. They were willing to give up 0.09 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.09) lives saved per 1000 screened to avoid one individual being over treated. Similarly, respondents were willing to give up 1.22 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.55) or 5.21 (95% CI 4.78 to 5.67) lives saved per 1000 screened to upgrade the location from general practice to a hospital or to a high-tech hospital, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed important preference heterogeneity with respect to smoking status, level of health literacy and self-perceived risk of cardiovascular disease.ConclusionsIndividuals are able to express clear preferences about what makes value to them. Not only health benefit but also time with health professionals and access to specialised facilities were important. This information could guide the optimal programme design in search of value-based healthcare.
Qualitative study of cardiologists’ perceptions of factors influencing clinical practice decisions
Authors: Manja Veena , Guyatt Gordon , You John , Monteiro Sandra , Jack Susan 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundHealthcare costs are increasing in the USA and Canada and a substantial portion of health spending is devoted to services that do not improve health outcomes. Efforts to reduce waste by adopting evidence-based clinical practice guideline recommendations have had limited success. We sought insight into improving health system efficiency through understanding cardiologists’ perceptions of factors that influence clinical decision-making.MethodsIn this descriptive qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 18 American and 3 Canadian cardiologists. We used conventional content analysis including inductive and deductive approaches for data analysis and mapped findings to the ecological systems framework.ResultsPhysicians reported that major determinants of practice included interpersonal interactions with peers, patients and administrators; financial incentives and system factors. Patients’ insurance status represented an important consideration for some cardiologists. Other major influences included time constraints, fear of litigation (less prominent in Canada), a sense that their obligation was never to miss any underlying pathology, and patient demands. The need to bring income into their health system influenced American cardiologists’ practice; personal income implications influenced Canadian cardiologists’ practice. Cardiologists reported that knowledge limitations and logistical challenges limit their ability to assist patients with cost considerations. All these considerations were more influential than guidelines; some cardiologists expressed a high level of scepticism regarding guidelines.ConclusionsClinical decision-making by cardiologists is shaped by individual, interpersonal, organisational, environmental, financial and sociopolitical influences and only to a limited extent by guideline recommendations. Successful strategies to achieve efficient, evidence-based care will require addressing socioecological influences on decision-making.
Application of Pilates-based exercises in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain: state of the art
Authors: Eliks Małgorzata , Zgorzalewicz-Stachowiak Małgorzata , Zeńczak-Praga Krystyna 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAccording to the current recommendations on the management of chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP), the intervention in this group of patients should include a programme of exercises. Pilates is a system of exercises widely used in patients with low back pain. The practices based on this method have promoted the restoration of the function of muscles involved in lumbopelvic stabilisation, that is, transversus abdominis, multifidus, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles. During each exercise, specific principles of this method should be followed to restore or sustain the motor control of the lumbar spine and proper body posture. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge concerning the application of Pilates method in the management of CNLBP as well as to define factors (eg, duration, frequency, exercises performed on a mat or specific equipment) influencing the effectiveness of Pilates in these individuals.
Perioperative impact of sleep apnea in a high-volume specialty practice with a strong focus on regional anesthesia: a database analysis
Authors: Pichler Lukas , Weinstein Sarah M , Cozowicz Crispiana , Poeran Jashvant , Liu Jiabin , Poultsides Lazaros A , Saleh Jawad N , Memtsoudis Stavros G 
Published: January 2019

Background and objectivesObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for adverse postoperative outcome and perioperative professional societies recommend the use of regional anesthesia to minimize perioperative detriment. We studied the impact of OSA on postoperative complications in a high-volume orthopedic surgery practice, with a strong focus on regional anesthesia.MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board approval, 41 766 cases of primary total hip and knee arthroplasties (THAs/TKAs) from 2005 to 2014 were extracted from institutional data of the Hospital for Special Surgery (approximately 5000 THAs and 5000 TKAs annually, of which around 90% under neuraxial anesthesia).The main effect was OSA (identified by the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision codes); outcomes of interest were cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal/genitourinary, thromboembolic complications, delirium, and prolonged length of stay (LOS). Multivariable logistic regression models provided ORs, corresponding 95% CIs, and p values.ResultsOverall, OSA was seen in 6.3% (n=1332) of patients with THA and 9.1% (n=1896) of patients with TKA. After adjustment for relevant covariates, OSA was significantly associated with 87% (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.30), 52% (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.04), and 44% (OR 1.44,95% CI 1.31 to 1.57) increased odds for pulmonary gastrointestinal complications, and prolonged LOS, respectively. The odds for other outcomes remained unaltered by OSA diagnosis.ConclusionWe showed that, even in a setting with almost universal regional anesthesia use, OSA was associated with increased odds for prolonged LOS, and pulmonary and gastrointestinal complications. This puts forward the question of how effective regional anesthesia is in mitigating postoperative complications in patients with OSA.
Serum ropivacaine levels after local infiltration analgesia during total knee arthroplasty with and without adductor canal block
Authors: Koniuch Katherine L , Buys Michael Jay , Campbell Blake , Gililland Jeremy M , Pelt Christopher E , Pace Nathan L , Johnson Ken B 
Published: January 2019

Background and objectivesA common analgesic technique for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is to inject local anesthetic into the periarticular tissue during surgery, known as local infiltration analgesia (LIA). Since the solution used typically contains a large amount of local anesthetic, concerns arise about exceeding the maximum dosage when adding a peripheral nerve block. Little research exists that addresses serum ropivacaine concentrations following LIA combined with peripheral nerve block. We hypothesized that after combining LIA and adductor canal blockade (ACB), serum ropivacaine concentrations would remain below levels associated with local anesthetic toxicity.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study that included 14 subjects undergoing TKA with intraoperative LIA containing 270 mg ropivacaine with epinephrine. Patients weighing less than 80 kg were excluded due to standardized dosing by our pharmacy. Seven patients were assigned consecutively to receive LIA alone (Group LIA) and seven were assigned to receive LIA plus ACB with 100 mg ropivacaine with epinephrine (Group LIA+ACB). Venous serum ropivacaine concentrations were measured over 24 hours.ResultsPeak serum concentrations (Cmax) in Group LIA ranged from 0.23 to 0.75 µg/mL and occurred at times from 4 to 24 hours. Cmax in Group LIA+ACB ranged from 0.46 to 1.00 µg/mL and occurred at times from 4 to 8 hours. No participants demonstrated signs or symptoms of local anesthetic toxicity.ConclusionsTotal serum concentration of ropivacaine after LIA using 270 mg ropivacaine with and without an additional 100 mg perineural ropivacaine remained well below the toxicity threshold of 3.0 µg/mL at all time points. Additional studies are needed to ascertain the safety of combining LIA with peripheral nerve blockade.
Randomized comparison between interscalene and costoclavicular blocks for arthroscopic shoulder surgery
Authors: Aliste Julián , Bravo Daniela , Layera Sebastián , Fernández Diego , Jara Álvaro , Maccioni Cristóbal , Infante Carlos , Finlayson Roderick J , Tran De Q 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThis randomized trial compared ultrasound-guided interscalene block (ISB) and costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CCB) for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. We hypothesized that CCB would provide equivalent analgesia to ISB 30 min after surgery without the risk of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis.MethodsAll 44 patients received an ultrasound-guided block of the intermediate cervical plexus. Subsequently, they were randomized to ISB or CCB. The local anesthetic agent (20 mL of levobupivacaine 0.5% and epinephrine 5 µg/mL) and pharmacological block adjunct (4 mg of intravenous dexamethasone) were identical for all study participants. After the block performance, a blinded investigator assessed ISBs and CCBs every 5 min until 30 min using a composite scale that encompassed the sensory function of the supraclavicular nerves, the sensorimotor function of the axillary nerve and the motor function of the suprascapular nerve. A complete block was defined as one displaying a minimal score of six points (out of a maximum of eight points) at 30 min. Onset time was defined as the time required to reach the six-point minimal composite score. The blinded investigator also assessed the presence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis at 30 min with ultrasonography.Subsequently, all patients underwent general anesthesia. Postoperatively, a blinded investigator recorded pain scores at rest at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Patient satisfaction at 24 hours, consumption of intraoperative and postoperative narcotics, and opioid-related side effects (eg, nausea/vomiting, pruritus) were also tabulated.ResultsBoth groups displayed equivalent postoperative pain scores at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. ISB resulted in a higher incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (100% vs 0%; P < 0.001) as well as a shorter onset time (14.0 (5.0) vs 21.6 (6.4) minutes; p<0.001). However, no intergroup differences were found in terms of proportion of patients with minimal composite scores of 6 points at 30 min, intraoperative/postoperative opioid consumption, side effects, and patient satisfaction at 24 hours.ConclusionCompared to ISB, CCB results in equivalent postoperative analgesia while circumventing the risk of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. Further confirmatory trials are required. Future studies should also investigate if CCB can provide surgical anesthesia for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.Clinical Trials RegistrationNCT03411343.
Bilateral distribution of anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES): are clinical features and outcomes comparable to unilateral ACNES?
Authors: Maatman Robbert C , Werner Mads U , Scheltinga Marc R M , Roumen Rudi M H 
Published: January 2019

Background and objectivesMirror-image pain may occur in the presence of a one-sided peripheral nerve lesion leading to a similar distribution of pain on the contralateral side of the body (“mirrored”). Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a neuropathic pain syndrome due to entrapment of terminal branches of intercostal nerves T7–12 in the abdominal wall and sometimes presents bilaterally. This study aims to address specifics of bilateral ACNES and to determine potential differences in clinical presentation and treatment outcomes when compared with the unilateral form of ACNES.MethodsElectronic patient files and questionnaires of a case series of patients who were evaluated for chronic abdominal wall pain in a single center were analyzed using standard statistical methods.ResultsBetween June 1, 2011 and September 1, 2016, 1116 patients were diagnosed with ACNES, of which a total of 146 (13%) with bilateral ACNES were identified (female, n = 114, 78 %; median (range) age 36 (1181) years). Average NRS (Numeric Rating Scale; 0–10) scores were similar (median (range) NRS scores 6 (0–10) although peak NRS scores were significantly higher in the bilateral group (9 (5–10) vs 8 (2–10); p=0.02). After a median of 26 months (1–68), the proportion of patients with bilateral ACNES reporting treatment success was 61%.ConclusionsOne in eight patients with ACNES has bilateral abdominal wall pain. Characteristics are similar to unilateral ACNES cases. Further studies aimed at underlying mechanisms in mirror image pain pathogenesis could provide a more targeted approach in the management of this neuropathic pain.
RNA expression preoperatively and postoperatively following total knee replacement: a pilot study in patients with and without chronic postsurgical pain
Authors: Buvanendran Asokumar , Wang Dan , Kim Hyungsuk , Kroin Jeffrey S , McCarthy Robert J 
Published: January 2019

Background and objectiveDifferences in gene expression may provide insight into the biological pathways involved in chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). We compared blood RNA microarrays preoperatively and postoperatively following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with and without CPSP.MethodsPatients scheduled for primary TKA had whole blood samples obtained preoperatively and at 48 hours and 6 months postsurgery. RNA expression (54 613 transcripts) were assayed using the “Affymetrix HG-U133 plus 2.0” microarray. Genes that met the threshold criteria of ±1.5-fold differential change in expression (CPSP vs non-CPSP), with p<0.0125, were considered for pathway analysis. WikiPathways was used to identify biological pathways that were affected (p<0.01) by differentially regulated genes.ResultsFour of 16 (25%) patients had CPSP at 6 months. Preoperatively, 325 (0.6%) genes met the criteria, with 292 (89.9%) having greater expression in the CPSP group. Twelve biological pathways were affected, with the mitogen-activated kinase, phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase–protein kinase B–mammalian target of rapamycin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathways having known association with pain. At 48 hours, 26 genes met the criteria; 7 pathways were affected, including transforming growth factor-β with known association with pain. At 6 months 55 genes met the criteria, with 49 increased in the CPSP group. Four biological pathways were affected, with only the chemokine signaling pathway having known association with pain.ConclusionsDespite a lack of clinical differences, patients who develop CPSP have upregulated pain pathways preoperatively; however, only the chemokine pathway remained differentially upregulated at 6 months postsurgery.
Anatomical study of the innervation of glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint capsules: implications for image-guided intervention
Authors: Tran John , Peng Philip W H , Agur Anne M R 
Published: January 2019

Background and objectivesIn 2011, chronic shoulder joint pain was reported by 18.7 million Americans. Image-guided radiofrequency ablation has emerged as an alternative intervention to manage chronic shoulder joint pain. To optimize the effectiveness of shoulder denervation, it requires a detailed understanding of the nerve supply to the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints relative to landmarks visible with image guidance. The purpose of this cadaveric study was to determine the origin, course, relationships to bony landmarks, and frequency of articular branches innervating the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints.MethodsFifteen cadaveric specimens were meticulously dissected. The origin, course, and termination of articular branches supplying the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints were documented. The frequency of each branch was determined and used to generate a frequency map that included their relationships to bony and soft tissue landmarks.ResultsIn all specimens, the posterosuperior quadrant of the glenohumeral joint was supplied by suprascapular nerve; posteroinferior by posterior division of axillary nerve; anterosuperior by superior nerve to subscapularis; and anteroinferior by main trunk of axillary nerve. Less frequent innervation was found from lateral pectoral nerve and posterior cord. The acromioclavicular joint was found to be innervated by the lateral pectoral and acromial branch of suprascapular nerves in all specimens. Bony and soft tissue landmarks were identified to localize each nerve.ConclusionsThe frequency map of the articular branches supplying the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints, as well as their relationship to bony and soft tissue landmarks, provide an anatomical foundation to develop novel shoulder denervation and perioperative pain management protocols.