Are Guidelines Important? Results of a Prospective Quality Improvement Lumbar Fusion Project

Neurosurgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Harrop ◽  
Alexandra Emes ◽  
Ameet Chitale ◽  
Chengyuan Wu ◽  
Fadi Al Saiegh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression ◽  
Surgical Indications ◽  
American Society ◽  
American Society Of Anesthesiologists ◽  
Based Medicine

Abstract BACKGROUND United States (U.S.) healthcare is a volume-based inefficient delivery system. Value requires the consideration of quality, which is lacking in most healthcare disciplines. OBJECTIVE To assess whether patients who met specific evidence-based medicine (EBM)-based criteria preoperatively for lumbar fusion would achieve higher rates of achieving the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) than those who did not meet the EBM indications. METHODS All elective lumbar fusion cases, March 2018 to August 2019, were prospectively evaluated and categorized based on EBM guidelines for surgical indications. The MCID was defined as a reduction of ≥5 points in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Multiple logistic regression identified multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of EBM concordance. RESULTS A total of 325 lumbar fusion patients were entered with 6-mo follow-up data available for 309 patients (95%). The median preoperative ODI score was 24.4 with median 6-mo improvement of 7.0 points (P < .0001). Based on ODI scores, 79.6% (246/309) improved, 3.8% (12/309) had no change, and 16% (51/309) worsened. A total of 191 patients had ODI improvement reaching the MCID. 93.2% (288/309) cases were EBM concordant, while 6.7% (21/309) were not. In multivariate analysis, EBM concordance (P = .0338), lower preoperative ODI (P < .001), lower ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) (P = .0056), and primary surgeries (P = .0004) were significantly associated with improved functional outcome. EBM concordance conferred a 3.04 (95% CI 1.10-8.40) times greater odds of achieving MCID in ODI at 6 mo (P = .0322), adjusting for other factors. CONCLUSION This analysis provides validation of EBM guideline criteria to establish optimal patient outcomes. The EBM concordant patients had a greater than 3 times improved outcome compared to those not meeting EBM fusion criteria.

scholarly journals Discordant American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Scoring between Anesthesiologists and Surgeons Is Correlated With Adverse Patient Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 46284 Elective Surgical Patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlene Xian Wen Kwa ◽  
Jiaqian Cui ◽  
Daniel Yan Zheng Lim ◽  
Yilin Eileen Sim ◽  
Yuhe Ke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Real World ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Clinical Factors ◽  
Physical Status ◽  
Asa Score ◽  
American Society ◽  
American Society Of Anesthesiologists

Abstract BackgroundThe American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (ASA) score is used for communication of patient health status, risk scoring, benchmarking and financial claims. Prior studies using hypothetical scenarios have shown poor concordance of ASA scoring among healthcare providers. However, there is a paucity of concordance studies using real-world data, as well as studies of clinical factors or patient outcomes associated with discordant scoring. The study aims to assess real-world ASA score concordance between surgeons and anesthesiologists, factors surrounding discordance and its impact on patient outcomes. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary academic medical center on 46284 consecutive patients undergoing elective surgery between January 2017 and December 2019. ASA scores entered by surgeons and anesthesiologists, patient demographics, and post-operative outcomes were collected. We assessed the concordance of preoperative ASA scoring between surgeons and anesthesiologists, clinical factors associated with score discordance, the impact of score discordance on clinically important outcomes, and the discriminative ability of the two scores for 30-day mortality, 1-year mortality, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Statistical tests used included Cohen’s weighted 𝜅 score, chi-square test, t-test, unadjusted odds ratios and logistic regression models. ResultsThe ASA score showed moderate concordance (weighted Cohen’s 𝜅 0.53) between surgeons and anesthesiologists. 15098 patients (32.6%) had discordant scores, of which 11985 (79.4%) were scored lower by surgeons. We found significant associations between discordant scores and anesthesiologist-assessed comorbidities, patient age and race. Patients with discordant scores had a higher risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.52-2.62, p<0.0001), 1-year mortality (odds ratio 1.53, 95% CI = 1.38-1.69, p < 0.0001), and ICU admission >24 hours (odds ratio 1.69, 95% CI = 1.47-1.94, p< 0.0001), and stratified analyses showed a trend towards higher risk when the surgeons’ ASA score was lower. ConclusionsThere is moderate concordance between surgeons and anesthesiologists in assigning the ASA classification. Discordant ASA scores are associated with adverse patient outcomes. Hence, there is a need for improved standardization of ASA scoring and cross-specialty review in ASA-discordant cases.

A Blueprint for Undergraduate Students to Work on Medical Cases (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alhad Mulkalwar
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Medical Literature ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Medical Progress ◽  
Based Medicine ◽  
Publishable Case Report

UNSTRUCTURED A case report is a detailed narrative that describes the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a medical problem of an individual patient. They usually describe an unusual or novel occurrence and although they lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of the Evidence Based Medicine Pyramid, they still remain one of the cornerstones of medical progress and provide key additions to the existing medical literature. Unfortunately, abysmally few physicians-in-training receive a formal education regarding what constitutes a publishable case report. The article throws light on this aspect of medical education

scholarly journals Sexual Dysfunction: Prevalence and Prognosis in Patients Operated for Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Kai-Hong Chan ◽  
Erica F Bisson ◽  
Kai-Ming G Fu ◽  
Paul Park ◽  
Leslie Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Quality Outcomes ◽  
Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
American Society ◽  
Lumbar Spondylolisthesis ◽  
American Society Of Anesthesiologists ◽  
The Impact

Abstract INTRODUCTION There is a paucity of investigation on the impact of spondylolisthesis surgery on back-pain related sexual inactivity. To this end, we utilized the prospective Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) registry to investigate factors predictive of improved sex life following surgery. METHODS This was an analysis of a prospective registry of 608 patients who underwent surgery for grade 1 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis at 12 high-enrolling sites. Of these, 218 patients were included who were sexually active and had both baseline and 24-mo sexual function follow-up. Baseline variables were collected. Outcomes were collected at 24 mo. Sexual function was assessed by the associated question in the Oswestry Disability Index, “With regards to pain, how would you say your sex life is?” Outcomes were dichotomized into patients who had improved sexual function and those who had same or worse sexual function. RESULTS Mean age was 58.0 ± 11.0 yr and 108 (49.5%) patients were women. At baseline, 178 patients (81.7%) had an impaired sex life. At final follow-up, 130 patients (73.0% of the 178 impaired) had an improved sex life. In univariate comparisons, those with improved sexual life had lower body mass index (BMI) (29.6 ± 5.5 vs 34.4 ± 6.0; P < .001) and a lower proportion of American Society of Anesthesiologists' grades 3 or 4 (33.1%% vs 54.2%; P = .01). Following surgery, those with improved sex lives noted higher satisfaction following surgery (84.5% vs 64.6% would undergo surgery again, P = .002). In adjusted analyses, lower BMI was associated with an improved sex life at 24 mo (OR = 1.14; 95% CI [1.05-1.20]; P < .001). CONCLUSION Over 80% of patients who present for surgery for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis report a negative effect of the disease on sex life. However, most patients (73%) report an improvement in sex life postoperatively. Improvement in sex life was associated with significantly greater satisfaction with surgery. Lower BMI was predictive of improved sex life postoperatively.

scholarly journals Risk Factors and Indications for 30-Day Readmission After Primary Surgery for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam AlHilli ◽  
Carrie Langstraat ◽  
Christine Tran ◽  
Janice Martin ◽  
Amy Weaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Primary Surgery ◽  
American Society ◽  
American Society Of Anesthesiologists

BackgroundTo identify patients at risk for postoperative morbidities, we evaluated indications and factors associated with 30-day readmission after epithelial ovarian cancer surgery.MethodsPatients undergoing primary surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer between January 2, 2003, and December 29, 2008, were evaluated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fit to identify factors associated with 30-day readmission. A parsimonious multivariable model was identified using backward and stepwise variable selection.ResultsIn total, 324 (60.2%) patients were stage III and 91 (16.9%) were stage IV. Of all 538 eligible patients, 104 (19.3%) were readmitted within 30 days. Cytoreduction to no residual disease was achieved in 300 (55.8%) patients, and 167 (31.0%) had measurable disease (≤1 cm residual disease). The most common indications for readmission were surgical site infection (SSI; 21.2%), pleural effusion/ascites management (14.4%), and thromboembolic events (12.5%). Multivariate analysis identified American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or higher (odds ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–2.89;P= 0.007), ascites [1.76 (1.11–2.81);P= 0.02], and postoperative complications during initial admission [grade 3–5 vs none, 2.47 (1.19–5.16); grade 1 vs none, 2.19 (0.98–4.85); grade 2 vs none, 1.28 (0.74–2.21);P= 0.048] to be independently associated with 30-day readmission (c-index = 0.625). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the sole predictor of readmission for SSI (odds ratio, 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–4.33;P= 0.04).ConclusionsClinically significant risk factors for 30-day readmission include American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or higher, ascites and postoperative complications at initial admission. The SSI and pleural effusions/ascites are common indications for readmission. Systems can be developed to predict patients needing outpatient management, improve care, and reduce costs.

A Train-the-Trainer Model for Integrating Evidence-Based Medicine Training into Podiatric Medical Education

2005 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 497-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Green
Keyword(s):  
Faculty Development ◽  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Evidence Based Medicine ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Faculty Development Program ◽  
Train The Trainer ◽  
Implementation Planning ◽  
Based Medicine

This article presents the development, implementation, and evaluation of a national evidence-based medicine faculty-development program for podiatric medical educators. Ten faculty members representing six accredited colleges of podiatric medicine, one podiatric medical residency program, and a Veterans Affairs podiatry service participated in a 2-day workshop, which included facilitated discussions, minilectures, hands-on exercises, implementation planning, and support after the workshop. Participants’ evidence-based medicine skills were measured by retrospective self-reported ratings before and after the workshop. Participants also reported their implementation of “commitments to change” on follow-up surveys at 3 and 12 months. Participants’ evidence-based medicine practice and teaching skills improved after the intervention. They listed a total of 84 commitments to change, most of which related to the program objectives. By 12 months after the workshop, participants as a group had fully implemented 24 commitments (32%), partially implemented 36 (48%), and failed to implement 15 (20%) of a total of 75 commitments with follow-up data. The most common barriers to change at 12 months were insufficient resources, systems problems, and short patient visit times. A train-the-trainer faculty-development program can improve self-reported evidence-based medicine skills and behaviors and affect curriculum reform at podiatric medical educational institutions. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(5): 497–504, 2005)

scholarly journals Current Status of Cell-Based Therapy in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 8999
Author(s):  
Frantisek Jaluvka ◽  
Peter Ihnat ◽  
Juraj Madaric ◽  
Adela Vrtkova ◽  
Jaroslav Janosek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Critical Limb Ischemia ◽  
Evidence Based Medicine ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Limb Ischemia ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cell Based Therapy ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Based Medicine

(1) Background: The treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is focused on improving perfusion and oxygenation in the affected limb. Standard revascularization methods include bypass surgery, endovascular interventional procedures, or hybrid revascularization. Cell-based therapy can be an alternative strategy for patients with no-option critical limb ischemia who are not eligible for endovascular or surgical procedures. (2) Aims: The aim of this narrative review was to provide an up-to-date critical overview of the knowledge and evidence-based medicine data on the position of cell therapy in the treatment of PAD. The current evidence on the cell-based therapy is summarized and future perspectives outlined, emphasizing the potential of exosomal cell-free approaches in patients with critical limb ischemia. (3) Methods: Cochrane and PubMed databases were searched for keywords “critical limb ischemia and cell therapy”. In total, 589 papers were identified, 11 of which were reviews and 11 were meta-analyses. These were used as the primary source of information, using cross-referencing for identification of additional papers. (4) Results: Meta-analyses focusing on cell therapy in PAD treatment confirm significantly greater odds of limb salvage in the first year after the cell therapy administration. Reported odds ratio estimates of preventing amputation being mostly in the region 1.6–3, although with a prolonged observation period, it seems that the odds ratio can grow even further. The odds of wound healing were at least two times higher when compared with the standard conservative therapy. Secondary endpoints of the available meta-analyses are also included in this review. Improvement of perfusion and oxygenation parameters in the affected limb, pain regression, and claudication interval prolongation are discussed. (5) Conclusions: The available evidence-based medicine data show that this technique is safe, associated with minimum complications or adverse events, and effective.

scholarly journals The Paisley Pattern Breast Reduction

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-194
Author(s):  
Devra B. Becker
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Breast Reduction ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Flap Necrosis ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
American Society ◽  
American Society Of Anesthesiologists ◽  
Wise Pattern

Background: Skin resection patterns inform the shape and scars after breast reduction. The 2 most commonly performed skin resection patterns, the Wise pattern and vertical pattern, each have limitations. The most common challenge is addressing excess lateral skin while avoiding medial scars. The Paisley Pattern breast reduction addresses this by incorporating lateral dogear excision in the skin resection design. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients received a Paisley Pattern breast reduction. After institutional review board approval, a chart review was performed to evaluate resection weight, operative time, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, flap necrosis, and seroma. Results: Operative times were comparable to published times for the Wise and vertical pattern techniques. No patients had lateral flap necrosis, and no patients required a return to the operating room during the follow-up period. One patient developed a unilateral seroma that was drained by interventional radiology. Conclusions: This report of a novel skin resection design demonstrates a proof of concept that the skin resection pattern can be performed safely in a wide variety of patients. Although there is a learning curve to the technique to prevent over-resection laterally, it provides efficient and aesthetically acceptable alternative to the Wise and vertical skin resection patterns for both large and small reductions.

Anesthesia-related Cardiac Arrest in Children

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey P. Morray ◽  
Jeremy M. Geiduschek ◽  
Chandra Ramamoorthy ◽  
Charles M. Haberkern ◽  
Alvin Hackel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Physical Status ◽  
Severe Underlying Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Depression ◽  
American Society ◽  
American Society Of Anesthesiologists

Background The Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest (POCA) Registry was formed in 1994 in an attempt to determine the clinical factors and outcomes associated with cardiac arrest in anesthetized children. Methods Institutions that provide anesthesia for children are voluntarily enrolled in the POCA Registry. A representative from each institution provides annual institutional demographic information and submits anonymously a standardized data form for each cardiac arrest (defined as the need for chest compressions or as death) in anesthetized children 18 yr of age or younger. Causes and factors associated with cardiac arrest are analyzed. Results In the first 4 yr of the POCA Registry, 63 institutions enrolled and submitted 289 cases of cardiac arrest. Of these, 150 arrests were judged to be related to anesthesia. Cardiac arrest related to anesthesia had an incidence of 1.4 +/- 0.45 (mean +/- SD) per 10,000 instances of anesthesia and a mortality rate of 26%. Medication-related (37%) and cardiovascular (32%) causes of cardiac arrest were most common, together accounting for 69% of all arrests. Cardiovascular depression from halothane, alone or in combination with other drugs, was responsible for two thirds of all medication-related arrests. Thirty-three percent of the patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1-2; in this group, 64% of arrests were medication-related, compared with 23% in American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 3-5 patients (P &lt; 0.01). Infants younger than 1 yr of age accounted for 55% of all anesthesia-related arrests. Multivariate analysis demonstrated two predictors of mortality: American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 3-5 (odds ratio, 12.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-57.7), and emergency status (odds ratio, 3. 88; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-9.6). Conclusions Anesthesia-related cardiac arrest occurred most often in patients younger than 1 yr of age and in patients with severe underlying disease. Patients in the latter group, as well as patients having emergency surgery, were most likely to have a fatal outcome. The identification of medication-related problems as the most frequent cause of anesthesia-related cardiac arrest has important implications for preventive strategies.

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