scholarly journals LO23: A brief educational session is effective for teaching emergency medicine residents resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography

CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S35
Author(s):  
J. Chenkin ◽  
E. Hockmann

Introduction: Resuscitative clinician-performed transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a relatively new ultrasound application that has the potential to guide the management of critically ill patients in the emergency department. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a brief training workshop for teaching a resuscitative TEE protocol to emergency medicine residents using a simulator. Methods: Emergency medicine residents with no prior TEE experience from a university-affiliated hospital were invited to participate in the study. Participants completed a questionnaire and baseline skill assessment using a high-fidelity simulator. The training session included a 20-minute lecture followed by 10 simulated repetitions of a 5-view TEE sequence with instructor feedback. Learning was evaluated by a skill assessment immediately after training and a transfer test 1-2 weeks after the training session. Ultrasound images and transducer motion metrics were captured by the simulator for blinded analysis. The primary outcome of this study was the percentage of successful views before and after training. Secondary outcomes included confidence level, image quality, percentage of correct diagnoses, and efficiency of movement. Assessment scores were compared using a two-tailed t-test. Results: 10 of 11 (91%) of invited residents agreed to participate in the study. Confidence level on a 10-point numeric rating scale (NRS) increased from a baseline of 1.0 (SD 0) to 7.0 (SD 1.9) after training (p<0.01). The mean duration between training and transfer test was 9.6 days (SD 1.9). The percentage of successful views increased from 44% at baseline to 100% after training, and 90% on the transfer test (p<0.01). The mean image quality on a 5-point scale was 2.2 (SD 1.0) at baseline, 3.8 (SD 0.7) after training (p<0.01), and 3.1 (SD 0.6) on the transfer test (p<0.01). The mean number of transducer accelerations were 524 (SD 202) at baseline, 219 (SD 54) after training (p<0.01), and 400 (SD 149) on the transfer test (p=0.13). Participants made the correct diagnosis in 70% of cases on the transfer test. Conclusion: After a brief training session using a simulator, emergency medicine residents were able to generate adequate TEE images on a delayed transfer test. Future studies are needed to determine effective strategies for maintaining motion efficiency and imaging quality.

CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S63-S63
Author(s):  
J. Chenkin ◽  
R. Brydges ◽  
T. Jelic ◽  
E. Hockmann

Introduction: Resuscitative clinician-performed transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a relatively new ultrasound application, however the optimal teaching methods have not been determined. Previous studies have demonstrated that random practice (RP), which increases the variability of training, may improve learning of procedural skills compared with blocked practice (BP). We compared RP and BP for teaching a resuscitative TEE protocol to emergency medicine residents using a simulator. Methods: We recruited emergency medicine residents with no prior TEE experience from a university-affiliated hospital. Participants completed a questionnaire and baseline skill assessment on a simulator, then were randomized to one of two groups. The BP group completed 10 repetitions of a fixed 5-view TEE sequence with instructor feedback, while the RP group completed 10 different random 5-view TEE sequences with feedback. Participants completed a simulation-based performance assessment immediately, and a transfer test consisting of a simulated patient encounter 1-2 weeks after training. Ultrasound images and transducer motion metrics were captured by the simulator for blinded analysis. Our primary outcome was the percentage of successful views on the transfer test, and secondary outcomes included participants confidence level, image quality, percentage of correct diagnoses, and efficiency of movement. We compared all scores using two-tailed, independent samples t-tests. Results: 22 participants completed the study (11 in the RP group, 11 in the BP group). There were no significant baseline differences between the groups. The BP group had a higher rate of successful views compared with the RP group on the transfer test (92.7% vs 80.9%, p=0.02). While not statistically significant, the BP group had higher image quality on a 5-point scale (3.2 vs 2.9, p=0.09), and fewer probe accelerations (297 vs 403, p=0.09). The groups did not differ in rate of correct diagnoses (77.3% vs 72.7%, p=0.73), confidence level on a 10-point scale (6.2 vs 6.2, p=1.0), or scan time (173 vs 199 seconds, p=0.28). Conclusion: Emergency medicine residents randomized to BP had a higher success rate on a transfer test, compared to RP when learning resuscitative TEE using a simulator. We consider this pilot work that can inform future studies in both simulation and real clinical settings.


CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S49-S50
Author(s):  
J. Chenkin ◽  
T. Jelic ◽  
E. Hockmann

Innovation Concet: Resuscitative clinician-performed transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a relatively new ultrasound application that has the potential to guide the management of critically ill patients in the emergency department. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a brief training workshop for teaching a resuscitative TEE protocol to emergency medicine residents using a high-fidelity simulator. Methods: Emergency medicine residents with no prior TEE experience that were rotating through a university-affiliated emergency department were invited to participate in the study. Participants completed a questionnaire and baseline skill assessment using a high-fidelity simulator. The training session included a 20 minute lecture followed by 10 simulated repetitions of a 5-view TEE sequence with instructor feedback. Learning was evaluated by a skill assessment immediately after training and a transfer test 1-2 weeks after the training session. Ultrasound images and transducer motion metrics were captured by the simulator for blinded analysis. The primary outcome of this study was the percentage of successful views before and after training as determined by two blinded reviewers using an anchored scoring tool. Secondary outcomes included time to scan completion and diagnostic accuracy on the transfer test. Assessment scores were compared using a two-tailed t-test. Curriculum, Tool or Material: 22 of 25 (88%) of invited residents agreed to participate in the study. Percentage of successful views increased from 44.5% (SD 27.9) at baseline to 98.6% (SD 3.5) after training (p < 0.001), and was 86.8% (SD 12.1) on transfer testing (p < 0.001). Time to complete the scan was 330 seconds at baseline, 125 seconds after training (p < 0.001), and 184 seconds (p < 0.001) in the transfer test. Participants made the correct diagnosis in 75% (SD 25.6) of the cases in the simulated patient encounter. The descending aorta view had the highest success rate (93.2%) and the midesophageal long axis view had the lowest success rate (75.0%). Conclusion: A brief simulation-based workshop was effective for teaching emergency medicine residents a five-view resuscitative TEE protocol. Future studies are needed to determine optimal methods for long-term skill retention.


CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 523-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Chenkin ◽  
Edgar Hockmann ◽  
Tomislav Jelic

ABSTRACTObjectivesTransesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a relatively new resuscitation tool in the emergency department. Recent studies have demonstrated that it can impact diagnosis and management of critically ill patients. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a simulation-based curriculum for teaching emergency medicine residents a five-view TEE protocol.MethodsEmergency medicine residents with previous ultrasound experience were invited to attend a 1-hour TEE training session. The training consisted of a didactic lecture followed by guided practice on a simulator. Performance was measured prior to training, after the training session, and by a transfer test 1 to 2 weeks after training. The primary outcome was the percentage of successful image generation using a scoring tool by two blinded reviewers.ResultsTwenty-two residents completed the study. The percentage of successful views increased from 44.5% (SD 27.9) at baseline to 98.6% (SD 3.5) after training (p < 0.001), and was 86.8% (SD 12.1) on transfer testing (p < 0.001).ConclusionA brief simulation-based teaching session was effective for teaching emergency medicine residents a five-view resuscitative TEE protocol. Future studies are needed to determine optimal methods for long-term skill retention.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (14) ◽  
pp. 1354-1360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping-Song Chou ◽  
Yi-Hui Kao ◽  
Meng-Ni Wu ◽  
Mei-Chuan Chou ◽  
Chun-Hung Chen ◽  
...  

Background: Cerebrovascular pathologies and hypertension could play a vital role in Alzheimer disease (AD) progression. However, whether cerebrovascular pathologies and hypertension accelerate the AD progression through an independent or interaction effect is unknown. Objective: To investigate the effect of the interactions of cerebrovascular pathologies and hypertension on AD progression. Method: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted to compare AD courses in patients with different severities of cerebral White Matter Changes (WMCs) in relation to hypertension. Annual comprehensive psychometrics were performed. WMCs were rated using a rating scale for Age-related WMCs (ARWMC). Results: In total, 278 patients with sporadic AD were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the patients was 76.6 ± 7.4 years, and 166 patients had hypertension. Among AD patients with hypertension, those with deterioration in clinical dementia rating-sum of box (CDR-SB) and CDR had significantly severe baseline ARWMC scales in total (CDR-SB: 5.8 vs. 3.6, adjusted P = 0.04; CDR: 6.4 vs. 4.4, adjusted P = 0.04) and frontal area (CDR-SB: 2.4 vs. 1.2, adjusted P = 0.01; CDR: 2.4 vs. 1.7, adjusted P < 0.01) compared with those with no deterioration in psychometrics after adjustment for confounders. By contrast, among AD patients without hypertension, no significant differences in ARWMC scales were observed between patients with and without deterioration. Conclusion: The effect of cerebrovascular pathologies on AD progression between those with and without hypertension might differ. An interaction but not independent effect of hypertension and WMCs on the progression of AD is possible.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aristeidis A. Villias ◽  
Stefanos G. Kourtis ◽  
Hercules C. Karkazis ◽  
Gregory L. Polyzois

Abstract Background The replica technique with its modifications (negative replica) has been used for the assessment of marginal fit (MF). However, identification of the boundaries between prosthesis, cement, and abutment is challenging. The recently developed Digital Image Analysis Sequence (DIAS) addresses this limitation. Although DIAS is applicable, its reliability has not yet been proven. The purpose of this study was to verify the DIAS as an acceptable method for the quantitative assessment of MF at cemented crowns, by conducting statistical tests of agreement between different examiners. Methods One hundred fifty-one implant-supported experimental crowns were cemented. Equal negative replicas were produced from the assemblies. Each replica was sectioned in six parts, which were photographed under an optical microscope. From the 906 standardized digital photomicrographs (0.65 μm/pixel), 130 were randomly selected for analysis. DIAS included tracing the profile of the crown and the abutment and marking the margin definition points before cementation. Next, the traced and marked outlines were superimposed on each digital image, highlighting the components’ boundaries and enabling MF measurements. One researcher ran the analysis twice and three others once, independently. Five groups of 130 measurements were formed. Intra- and interobserver reliability was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Agreement was estimated with the standard error of measurement (SEM), the smallest detectable change at the 95% confidence level (SDC95%), and the Bland and Altman method of limits of agreement (LoA). Results Measured MF ranged between 22.83 and 286.58 pixels. Both the intra- and interobserver reliability were excellent, ICC = 1 at 95% confidence level. The intra- and interobserver SEM and SDC95% were less than 1 and 3 pixels, respectively. The Bland–Altman analysis presented graphically high level of agreement between the mean measurement of the first observer and each of the three other observers’ measurements. Differences between observers were normally distributed. In all three cases, the mean difference was less than 1 pixel and within ± 3 pixels LoA laid at least 95% of differences. T tests of the differences did not reveal any fixed bias (P > .05, not significant). Conclusion The DIAS is an objective and reliable method able to detect and quantify MF at ranges observed in clinical practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Wdowiak-Okrojek ◽  
P Wejner-Mik ◽  
Z Bednarkiewicz ◽  
P Lipiec ◽  
J D Kasprzak

Abstract Background Stress echocardiography (SE) plays an important role among methods of noninvasive diagnosis of ischemic disease. Despite the advantages of physical exercise as the most physiologic stressor, it is difficult (bicycle ergometer) or impossible (treadmill) to obtain and maintain the acoustic window during the exercise. Recently, an innovative probe fixation device was introduced and a research plan was developed to assess the feasibility of external probe fixation during exercise echocardiography on a supine bicycle and upright treadmill exercise for the first time. Methods 37 subjects (36 men, mean age 39 ± 16 years, 21 healthy volunteers, 16 patients with suspected coronary artery disease) were included in this study. This preliminary testing stage included mostly men due to more problematic probe fixation in women. All subjects underwent a submaximal exercise stress test on a treadmill (17/37) or bicycle ergometer (11/37). Both sector and matrix probes were used. We assessed semi-quantitatively the quality of acquired apical views at each stage – the four-point grading system was used (0-no view, 1-suboptimal quality, 2-optimal quality, 3-very good quality), 2-3 sufficient for diagnosis. Results The mean time required for careful positioning of the probe and image optimization was 12 ± 3 min and shortened from 13,7 to 11,1 minutes (mean) in first vs second half of the cohort documenting learning curve. At baseline, 9 patients had at least one apical view of quality precluding reliable analysis. Those patients were excluded from further assessment. During stress, 17 patients maintained the optimal or very good quality of all apical views, whereas in 11 patients the quality significantly decreased during the stress test and required probe repositioning. The mean image quality score at baseline was 2,61 ± 0,48 and 2,25 ± 0,6 after exercise. Expectedly, good image quality was easier to obtain and maintain in the supine position (score 2,74 ± 0,44) points as compared with upright position (score 2,25 ± 0,57). Conclusion This preliminary, unique experience with external probe fixation device indicates that continuous acquisition and monitoring of echocardiographic images is feasible during physical exercise, and for the first time ever - also on the treadmill. This feasibility data stem from almost exclusively male patients and the estimated rate of sufficient image quality throughout the entire test is currently around 60%. We are hoping, that gaining more experience with the product could increase the success rate on exercise tests. Abstract P1398 Figure. Treadmill and ergometer stress test


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 747-753
Author(s):  
Olav Rohof ◽  
Chee Kean Chen

AbstractBackground and aimsThe evidence for interventional treatment of thoracic facet joint pain remains limited. This is partly due to inconsistency of the path of thoracic medial branches and a lower incidence of thoracic facet pain among spine pain patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy of medial branches for treating chronic thoracic facet joint pain.MethodsThis is a retrospective record review of all patients diagnosed to have thoracic facet pain with diagnostic block and subsequently treated with bipolar RF neurotomy of medial branch between January 2012 and December 2015. The outcome measures were mean changes in Numeral Rating Scale (NRS) and Pain Disability Index (PDI).ResultsThere were 71 patients with complete data available for analysis. The mean age of the patients was 57.9±11.2 years. The mean duration of pain was 23±10.5 months. The majority of patients (82%) had pain reduction of more than 50% at 12 months after bipolar RF neurotomy. The NRS decreased significantly from baseline of 7.75±1.25 to 2.86±1.53 at 3 months and 2.82±1.29 at 12 months post-procedure (p<0.001.p<0.001, respectively). The PDI improved significantly from 40.92±12.22 to 24.15±9.79,p<0.05). There were no serious adverse effects or complications of the procedure reported in this study.ConclusionsBipolar RF neurotomy of thoracic medial branch is associated with a significant reduction in thoracic facet joint pain. The promising findings from this case series merit further assessment with prospective, randomized controlled trial which will produce a more reliable and accurate finding for its clinical applications.


2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 249-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spela Golubovic ◽  
Tatjana Tubic

Introduction The study analyzes the accuracy and agreeability in evaluating hyperactivity in children. Material and methods The study sample was made of 139 children of pre-school age who participated in organized forms of physical activity. The mean age in the sample was 6.38, with a standard deviation of 1.00 years. Conner's Rating Scale was used to measure hyperactivity, and tests were also conducted to evaluate attention levels. Four independent reviewers observed each child's behavior by completing the scale. Results and discussion Eighteen children, or 13.5 percent of the sample, were identified as hyperactive in the analysis. These children also scored lower in the attention level tests. The results of the study show a correlation between the evaluators to be relatively high, bearing in mind the sources' independence. Conclusion It can be concluded that there is a mid to high-level correlation between certain reviewers' evaluations. However, even with a clearly defined view on categorizing certain behaviors as problematic, category labels still differ among evaluators.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 374-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Martignon ◽  
Andrea Cortes ◽  
Soledad Isabel Gómez ◽  
Gina Alejandra Castiblanco ◽  
Ximena Baquero ◽  
...  

Abstract A caries-epidemiological study using the ICDASepi-merged system was conducted in Colombian young children. This study aimed at associating the time needed for the clinical examination of caries and caries risk in 1 to 5-year-old children according to age and caries risk, and to assess behavior and child pain self-perception during examination according to age. After IRB approval and given parents/caregivers’ informed consent, seven trained examiners assessed 1 to 5-year olds in kindergartens under local field conditions. ICDASepi-merged caries experience (depiMEmf) was assessed as follows: Initial-depi (ICDAS 1/2 without air-drying); Moderate-dM (ICDAS 3,4); Extensive-dE (ICDAS 5,6) lesions; due-to-caries fillings-f and missing-m surfaces/teeth. Caries risk was assessed with Cariogram®. Child’s behavior (Frankl-Behavior-Rating-Scale) and self-perceived pain (Visual-Analogue-Scale-of-Faces) during examination were evaluated. Clinical examination time was recorded with a stopwatch. A total of 592 children participated (1-yr.: n=31; 2-yrs.: n=96; 3-yrs.: n=155; 4-yrs.: n=209, 5-yrs.: n=101). The depiMEmfs prevalence was of 79.9% and the mean 8.4±10.4. Most were high-caries-risk children (68.9%). The majority (58.9%) showed ≥ positive-behavior and ≤ light-pain self-perception (88.4%). Mean clinical examination time was around 3.5 minutes (216.9±133.9 seconds). For 5-yr. olds it corresponded to 4 minutes (240.4±145.0 seconds) vs. 2 minutes (122.8±80.1 seconds) for 1-yr. olds (Kruskal-Wallis; p=0.00). For high- and low-caries risk children it was around 4.3 minutes (255.7±118.5 seconds) and 3.3 minutes (201.3±129.4 seconds), respectively (ANOVA; p=0.01). This study demonstrates using the ICDAS system in young children is feasible, taking less than 4 minutes for the clinical examination without children behavior/pain self-perception issues.


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