scholarly journals Improved team communication in endoscopic procedures by digital enhanced telecommunication during the COVID-19 pandemic

2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (01) ◽  
pp. E3-E8
Author(s):  
Niklas Sturm ◽  
Lukas Perkhofer ◽  
Lucas Schulte ◽  
Benjamin Mayer ◽  
Thomas Seufferlein ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and study aims Unbiased communication is crucial for excellent teamwork in high-quality endoscopy. Personal protective equipment (PPE) (FFP-masks and face-shields) worn by endoscopists that are ubiquitous in the current COVID-19 pandemic strikingly impair communication. Digital enhancement approaches to maintain team communication, especially during complex endoscopic procedures, are urgently warranted. Materials and methods A prospective, two-armed interventional study was performed at an endoscopy unit at a tertiary center in Germany. Two hundred and three endoscopic procedures with PPE se according to pandemic risk level were randomly assigned (1:1) to a group performed by an endoscopy team equipped with digital enhanced cordless telecommunication (DECT) or one without digital-enhanced communication. The primary outcome was the team-reported number of communication-associated events (CAEs) defined as misunderstandings that impaired workflow during endoscopic examination. Secondary outcomes included perceived voice and headphone quality and overall comfort with DECT during endoscopic work. Results The use of DECT was associated with a significant reduction in communication-associated events in endoscopic procedures and overall, was perceived positively. Conclusions Digital enhancement of communication is a promising and easy-to- establish tool for improving team communication quality in endoscopy.

Author(s):  
Nikitin A.E. ◽  
Znamenskiy I.А ◽  
Shikhova Yu.A. ◽  
Kuzmina I.V. ◽  
Melchenko D.S. ◽  
...  

This study provides a retrospective analysis of work to ensure high quality of medical care in an unfavorable epidemic situation. The consequence of COVID-19 was the implementation of a program to prevent the spread of infection, the re-profiling of medical institu-tions, and the introduction of restrictive and anti-epidemic measures. The experience of our work has shown the effectiveness of changing the order of med-ical care, the organization of the functioning of de-partments and patient routing. The study reflects the measures implemented in the hospital departments, the Department of clinical and laboratory diagnostics, radiation diagnostics and pathology Department. To ensure the safety of patients, it was decided to place patients on a single bed according to the type of infec-tious boxes. The safety of employees was ensured by the use of personal protective equipment, minimiza-tion of contact time with patients, and preventive weekly examination of staff for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The organized and well-coordinated work of the en-tire staff of the institution made it possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among employees, to detect cases of infection in a timely manner, and to carry out appropriate isolation and monitoring measures. At the time of completion of infectious diseases departments, the mortality rate among patients was less than 9%. Our experience in reorganizing a multi-specialty facil-ity can be used in the future when working with pa-tients who have undergone COVID-19, as well as in the context of a worsening epidemic situation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Alshdaifat ◽  
Amer Sindiani ◽  
Wasim Khasawneh ◽  
Omar Abu-Azzam ◽  
Aref Qarqash ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Residency programs have been impacted by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study we aim to investigate and evaluate the impact of the pandemic on residents as well as residency training programs. Methods This was a cross-sectional study including a survey of 43 questions prepared on Google forms and electronically distributed among a convenience sample of residents training at a tertiary center in North Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected in the period between October 30th and November 8th of 2020. The survey included questions that addressed the impact of the pandemic on residents’ health as well as training programs. The study participants included residents in training at KAUH in 2020 and were stratified according to the type of residency program (surgical residents (SRs) and non-surgical residents (NSRs)). Statistical methods included descriptive analysis, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, Mann Whitney U test, and Cramer’s V and r statistics as measures of effect sizes. Results Of all 430 residents, 255 (59%) responded to the survey. A total of 17 (7%) of residents reported being infected with COVID-19 and a significant difference was reported between SRs and NSRs (10% vs 4%, V = .124 “small effect” (95% CI; .017–.229), p = 0.048). Approximately, 106 (42%) reported a decrease in the number of staff working at the clinic and 164 (64%) reported limited access to personal protective equipment during the pandemic. On a 4-point Likert scale for the feeling of anxiety, the median was 2 (2–3 IQR) in the NSRs group, vs 2 (1–2 IQR) in the SRs groups, with the NSRs being more likely to feel anxious (r = 0.13 “small effect” (95% CI; 0.007–0.249), p = .044). Similarly, the proportion of residents who reported feeling anxious about an inadequacy of protective equipment in the work area was significantly greater in the NSRs group (90.3% vs 75.2%; V = .201 “small effect” (95% CI; .078–.313), p = .001), as well as the proportion of residents who reported feeling increased stress and anxiety between colleagues being also significantly higher in the NSRs group (88.1% vs 76%; V = .158 “small effect” (95% CI; .032–.279), p = .012). Conclusion The burden of the ongoing pandemic on the mental health status of residents is very alarming and so providing residents with psychological counseling and support is needed. Also, critical implications on the flow of residency training programs have been noticed. This necessitates adapting and adopting smart educational techniques to compensate for such limitations.


Author(s):  
Sharon A. Simpson ◽  
Elinor Coulman ◽  
Dunla Gallagher ◽  
Karen Jewell ◽  
David Cohen ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To assess whether a weight management intervention for pregnant women with obesity was effective in reducing body mass index (BMI) 12 months after giving birth. Methods Pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) with embedded cost-effectiveness analysis. 598 women with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 (between 12 and 20 weeks gestation) were recruited from 20 secondary care maternity units in England and Wales. BMI at 12 months postpartum was the primary outcome. A range of clinical and behavioural secondary outcomes were examined. Interventions Women attending maternity units randomised to intervention were invited to a weekly weight management group, which combined expertise from a commercial weight loss programme with clinical advice from midwives. Both intervention and control participants received usual care and leaflets on diet and physical activity in pregnancy. Results Mean (SD) BMI at 12 months postpartum was 36.0 kg/m2 (5.2) in the control group, and 37.5 kg/m2 (6.7) in the intervention group. After adjustment for baseline BMI, the intervention effect was −0.02 (95% CI −0.04 to 0.01). The intervention group had an improved healthy eating score (3.08, 95% CI 0.16 to 6.00, p < 0.04), improved fibre score (3.22, 1.07 to 5.37, p < 0.01) and lower levels of risky drinking at 12 months postpartum compared to the control group (OR 0.45, 0.27 to 0.74, p < 0.002). The net incremental monetary benefit was not statistically significantly different between arms, although the probability of the intervention being cost-effective was above 60%, at policy-relevant thresholds. Conclusions There was no significant difference between groups on the primary outcome of BMI at 12 months. Analyses of secondary outcomes indicated improved healthy eating and lower levels of risky drinking. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN25260464.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 92-93
Author(s):  
M Sey ◽  
O Siddiqi ◽  
C McDonald ◽  
S cocco ◽  
Z Hindi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Performing a minimum number of colonoscopies annually has been proposed by some jurisdictions as a requirement for maintaining privileges. However, this practice is supported by limited evidence. Aims The objective of this study was to determine if annual colonoscopy volume was associated with colonoscopy quality metrics. Methods A population-based study was performed using the Southwest Ontario Colonoscopy cohort, which consists of all adult patients who underwent colonoscopy between April 2017 and Oct 2018 at 21 academic and community hospitals within the health region. Data were collected through a mandatory quality assurance form completed after each procedure and pathology reports were manually reviewed. Physician annualized colonoscopy volumes were compared by correlation analysis to each quality-related outcome, by means of the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC), and logistic regression. The prognostic value of colonoscopy volume was also adjusted for case-mix and potential confounders in separate regression analyses for each outcome. The primary outcome was ADR. Secondary outcomes were polyp detection rate (PDR), sessile serrated polyp detection rate (SSPDR), and cecal intubation. Results A total of 47,195 colonoscopies were performed by 75 physicians (37.5% by gastroenterologists, 60% by general surgeons, 2.5% others). There were no clear relationships between annual colonoscopy volumes and study outcomes. Colonoscopy volume was not associated with ADR (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.96–1.10, p=0.48) and corresponded to an AUROC not significantly different from the null (AUROC 0.52, 95% CI 0.43–0.61, p=0.65). Multi-variable regression adjusting for case-mix also demonstrated no predictive value of annual colonoscopy volume for the primary outcome (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.94–1.12, p=0.55). Similarly, analyses of secondary outcomes failed to find an association between colonoscopy volume and PDR, SSPDR, or cecal intubation (Table 1). Conclusions Annual colonoscopy volumes do not predict ADR, PDR, SSPDR, or cecal intubation rate. Results of unconditional and conditional approaches for examining the predictive value of annual colonoscopy volume for quality related outcomes. Funding Agencies None


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e047993
Author(s):  
Nirosen Vijiaratnam ◽  
Christine Girges ◽  
Grace Auld ◽  
Marisa Chau ◽  
Kate Maclagan ◽  
...  

IntroductionParkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with substantial morbidity. No disease-modifying treatments currently exist. The glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist exenatide has been associated in single-centre studies with reduced motor deterioration over 1 year. The aim of this multicentre UK trial is to confirm whether these previous positive results are maintained in a larger number of participants over 2 years and if effects accumulate with prolonged drug exposure.Methods and analysisThis is a phase 3, multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of exenatide at a dose of 2 mg weekly in 200 participants with mild to moderate PD. Treatment duration is 96 weeks. Randomisation is 1:1, drug to placebo. Assessments are performed at baseline, week 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84 and 96 weeks.The primary outcome is the comparison of Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part 3 motor subscore in the practically defined OFF medication state at 96 weeks between participants according to treatment allocation. Secondary outcomes will compare the change between groups among other motor, non-motor and cognitive scores. The primary outcome will be reported using descriptive statistics and comparisons between treatment groups using a mixed model, adjusting for baseline scores. Secondary outcomes will be summarised between treatment groups using summary statistics and appropriate statistical tests to assess for significant differences.Ethics and disseminationThis trial has been approved by the South Central-Berkshire Research Ethics Committee and the Health Research Authority. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, presented at scientific meetings and to patients in lay-summary format.Trial registration numbersNCT04232969, ISRCTN14552789.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Lorenzo-Almoros ◽  
A Pello ◽  
A Acena ◽  
J Martinez-Milla ◽  
N Tarin ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with early and severe atherosclerosis. However, few biomarkers can predict cardiovascular events in this population. Methods We followed 964 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), assessing at baseline galectin-3, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels. Secondary outcomes were acute ischemia and heart failure or death. Primary outcome was the combination of the secondary outcomes. Results Male patients were 75.0% in T2DM and 76.6% in the non-T2DM subgroup (p=0.609). Age was 61.0 (54–72) and 60.0 (51–71) years, respectively (p=0.092). 232 patients had T2DM. Patients with T2DM showed higher MCP-1 [144 (113–195) vs. 133 (105–173) pg/ml, p=0.006] and galectin-3 [8.3 (6.5–10.5) vs. 7.8 (5.9–9.8) ng/ml, p=0.049] levels. Median follow-up was 5.39 years (2.81- 6.92). Galectin-3 levels were associated with increased risk of the primary outcome in T2DM patients [HR 1.57 (1.07–2.30); p=0.022], along with a history of cerebrovascular events. Treatment with clopidogrel was associated with lower risk. In contrast, NT-proBNP and MCP-1, but not galectin-3, were related to increased risk of the event in non-diabetic patients [HR 1.21 (1.04–1.42); p=0.017 and HR 1.23 (1.05–1.44); p=0.012, respectively], along with male sex and age. Galectin-3 was also the only biomarker that predicted the development of acute ischemic events and heart failure or death in T2DM patients, while in non-diabetics MCP-1 and NT-proBNP, respectively, predicted these events. Conclusion In CAD patients, cardiovascular events are predicted by galectin-3 plasma levels in patients with T2DM, and by MCP-1 and NT-proBNP in those without T2DM. Effect of Gal-3 on the primary endpoint Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Insituto de Salud Carlos III


Author(s):  
Yi-Rong Chen ◽  
Chi-Jiang Liao ◽  
Han-Chun Huang ◽  
Cheng-Han Tsai ◽  
Yao-Sing Su ◽  
...  

High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key element in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) resuscitation. Mechanical CPR devices have been developed to provide uninterrupted and high-quality CPR. Although human studies have shown controversial results in favor of mechanical CPR devices, their application in pre-hospital settings continues to increase. There remains scant data on the pre-hospital use of mechanical CPR devices in Asia. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study between September 2018 and August 2020 in an urban city of Taiwan to analyze the effects of mechanical CPR devices on the outcomes of OHCA; the primary outcome was attainment of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Of 552 patients with OHCA, 279 received mechanical CPR and 273 received manual CPR, before being transferred to the hospital. After multivariate adjustment for the influencing factors, mechanical CPR was independently associated with achievement of any ROSC (OR = 1.871; 95%CI:1.195–2.930) and sustained (≥24 h) ROSC (OR = 2.353; 95%CI:1.427–3.879). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that mechanical CPR is beneficial in shorter emergency medical service response time (≤4 min), witnessed cardiac arrest, and non-shockable cardiac rhythm. These findings support the importance of early EMS activation and high-quality CPR in OHCA resuscitation.


2021 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2020-017193
Author(s):  
Ching-Jen Chen ◽  
Reda Chalhoub ◽  
Dale Ding ◽  
Jeyan S Kumar ◽  
Natasha Ironside ◽  
...  

BackgroundThe benefit of complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 3) over near-complete reperfusion (≥90%, mTICI 2c) remains unclear. The goal of this study is to compare clinical outcomes between mechanical thrombectomy (MT)-treated stroke patients with mTICI 2c versus 3.MethodsThis is a retrospective study from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) comprising 33 centers. Adults with anterior circulation arterial vessel occlusion who underwent MT yielding mTICI 2c or mTICI 3 reperfusion were included. Patients were categorized based on reperfusion grade achieved. Primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were mRS scores at discharge and 90 days, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge, procedure-related complications, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.ResultsThe unmatched mTICI 2c and mTICI 3 cohorts comprised 519 and 1923 patients, respectively. There was no difference in primary (42.4% vs 45.1%; p=0.264) or secondary outcomes between the unmatched cohorts. Reperfusion status (mTICI 2c vs 3) was also not predictive of the primary outcome in non-imputed and imputed multivariable models. The matched cohorts each comprised 191 patients. Primary (39.8% vs 47.6%; p=0.122) and secondary outcomes were also similar between the matched cohorts, except the 90-day mRS which was lower in the matched mTICI 3 cohort (p=0.049). There were increased odds of the primary outcome with mTICI 3 in patients with baseline mRS ≥2 (36% vs 7.7%; p=0.011; pinteraction=0.014) and a history of stroke (42.3% vs 15.4%; p=0.027; pinteraction=0.041).ConclusionsComplete and near-complete reperfusion after MT appear to confer comparable outcomes in patients with acute stroke.


2021 ◽  
pp. annrheumdis-2020-219091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary J Macfarlane ◽  
Marcus Beasley ◽  
Neil Scott ◽  
Huey Chong ◽  
Paul McNamee ◽  
...  

ObjectiveCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in the management of chronic widespread pain (CWP); we now test whether it can prevent onset among adults at high risk.MethodsA population-based randomised controlled prevention trial, with recruitment through UK general practices. A mailed screening questionnaire identified adults at high risk of CWP. Participants received either usual care (UC) or a short course of telephone CBT (tCBT). The primary outcome was CWP onset at 12 months assessed by mailed questionnaire. There were seven secondary outcomes including quality of life (EuroQol Questionnaire-five dimensions-five levels/EQ-5D-5L) used as part of a health economic assessment.Results996 participants were randomised and included in the intention-to-treat analysis of which 825 provided primary outcome data. The median age of participants was 59 years; 59% were women. At 12 months there was no difference in the onset of CWP (tCBT: 18.0% vs UC: 17.5%; OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.48). Participants who received tCBT were more likely to report better quality of life (EQ-5D-5L utility score mean difference 0.024 (95% CI 0.009 to 0.040)); and had 0.023 (95% CI 0.007 to 0.039) more quality-adjusted life-years at an additional cost of £42.30 (95% CI −£451.19 to £597.90), yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £1828. Most secondary outcomes showed significant benefit for the intervention.ConclusionsA short course of tCBT did not prevent onset of CWP in adults at high risk, but improved quality of life and was cost-effective. A low-cost, short-duration intervention benefits persons at risk of CWP.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT02668003).


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S799-S800
Author(s):  
Nerea Irusta ◽  
Ana Vega ◽  
Yoichiro Natori ◽  
Lilian M Abbo ◽  
Lilian M Abbo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In-vitro studies have shown synergistic bactericidal activity with daptomycin (DAP) plus β-lactam antimicrobials against vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE). There is a paucity of data regarding clinical outcomes with this combination in VRE bloodstream infections (BSI). The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of DAP plus a β-lactam with in-vitro activity vs. other therapies for treatment of VRE BSI. Methods IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective study of patients with VRE BSI from 01/2018-09/2019. Patients were excluded if &lt; 18 years old, pregnant, or incarcerated. The primary outcome was time-to-microbiological clearance. Secondary outcomes included infection-related mortality, 30-day all-cause mortality, and incidence of recurrent BSI within 30 days of index culture. Targeted DAP doses were ≥ 8mg/kg and based on MIC. Factors associated with significance for outcomes, via univariate analysis, were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression (MLR), removed in a backward-step approach. Results A total of 85 patients were included, 23 of which received DAP plus a β-lactam. The comparator arm included linezolid or DAP monotherapy. Patients with combination therapy had significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (p=0.013) and numerically higher Pitt Bacteremia scores (PBS) (p=0.087) (Table 1). There was no difference seen in the primary outcome (Table 2). Secondary outcomes are provided in Table 2. The presence of polymicrobial infection and higher PBS were significantly associated with infection-related mortality (p=0.008 and p=0.005, respectively) by MLR. A Mann Whitney U test indicated that presence of infection-related mortality was greater for patients with higher MICS (U=20.5, p=0.06). The presence of an underlying source may be related to recurrence of BSI (p=0.075). Table 1: Patient Characteristics Table 2. Primary and Secondary Outcomes Conclusion We did not find a significant difference in time-to-microbiological clearance, although patients treated with DAP and a β-lactam had higher CCI and PBS. These results are limited by retrospective design, small sample size, and potential selection bias. Prospective randomized studies are needed to further validate these findings. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


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