scholarly journals Prevalence of Potentially Distracting Noncare Activities and Their Effects on Vigilance, Workload, and Nonroutine Events during Anesthesia Care

2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M. Slagle ◽  
Eric S. Porterfield ◽  
Amanda N. Lorinc ◽  
David Afshartous ◽  
Matthew S. Shotwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Nurse Anesthetists ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Anesthesia Providers ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Actual Care ◽  
Case Type ◽  
American Society ◽  
American Society Of Anesthesiologists

Abstract Background When workload is low, anesthesia providers may perform non–patient care activities of a clinical, educational, or personal nature. Data are limited on the incidence or impact of distractions on actual care. We examined the prevalence of self-initiated nonclinical distractions and their effects on anesthesia workload, vigilance, and the occurrence of nonroutine events. Methods In 319 qualifying cases in an academic medical center using a Web-based electronic medical chart, a trained observer recorded video and performed behavioral task analysis. Participant workload and response to a vigilance (alarm) light were randomly measured. Postoperatively, participants were interviewed to elicit possible nonroutine events. Two anesthesiologists reviewed each event to evaluate their association with distractions. Results At least one self-initiated distraction was observed in 171 cases (54%), largely during maintenance. Distractions accounted for 2% of case time and lasted 2.3 s (median). The most common distraction was personal internet use. Distractions were more common in longer cases but were not affected by case type or American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status. Workload ratings were significantly lower during distraction-containing case periods and vigilance latencies were significantly longer in cases without any distractions. Three distractions were temporally associated with, but did not cause, events. Conclusions Both nurse anesthetists and residents performed potentially distracting tasks of a personal and/or educational nature in a majority of cases. Self-initiated distractions were rarely associated with events. This study suggests that anesthesia professionals using sound judgment can self-manage nonclinical activities. Future efforts should focus on eliminating more cognitively absorbing and less escapable distractions, as well as training in distraction management.

Association of Overlapping Neurosurgery With Patient Outcomes at a Large Academic Medical Center

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. E1050-E1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prateek Agarwal ◽  
Ashwin G Ramayya ◽  
Benjamin Osiemo ◽  
Stephen Goodrich ◽  
Gregory Glauser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Reoperation Rate ◽  
Index Admission ◽  
Neurosurgical Procedures ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Prior Surgery ◽  
American Society ◽  
American Society Of Anesthesiologists

Abstract BACKGROUND Limited data exist on the safety of overlapping surgery, a practice that has recently received widespread attention. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of overlapping neurosurgery with patient outcomes. METHODS A total of 3038 routinely scheduled, elective neurosurgical procedures were retrospectively reviewed at a single, multihospital academic medical center. Procedures were categorized into any overlap or no overlap and further subcategorized into beginning overlap (first 50% of procedure only), end overlap (last 50% of procedure only), and middle overlap (overlap at the midpoint). RESULTS A total of 1030 (33.9%) procedures had any overlap, whereas 278 (9.2%) had beginning overlap, 190 (6.3%) had end overlap, and 476 (15.7%) had middle overlap. Compared with no overlap patients, patients with any overlap had lower American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (P = .0018), less prior surgery (P < .0001), and less prior neurosurgery (P < .0001), though they tended to be older (P < .0001) and more likely in-patients (P = .0038). Any-overlap patients had decreased overall mortality (2.8% vs 4.5%; P = .025), 30- to 90-d readmission rate (3.1% vs 5.5%; P = .0034), 30- to 90-d reoperation rate (1.0% vs 2.0%; P = .03), 30- to 90-d emergency room (ER) visit rate (2.1% vs 3.7%; P = .018), and future surgery on index admission (2.8% vs 7.3%; P < .0001). Multiple regression analysis validated noninferior outcomes for overlapping surgery, except for the association of increased future surgery on index admission with middle overlap (odds ratio 3.99; 95% confidence interval [1.91, 8.33]). CONCLUSION Overlapping neurosurgery is associated with noninferior patient outcomes that may be driven by surgeon selection of healthier patients, regardless of specific overlap timing.

scholarly journals An Ophthalmology Resident-Led Quality Improvement Initiative to Decrease the Incidence of Perioperative Corneal Injury

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
pp. e49-e53
Author(s):  
Amanda L. Ely ◽  
Mark Goerlitz-Jessen ◽  
Ingrid U. Scott ◽  
Erik Lehman ◽  
Tabassum Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Corneal Injury ◽  
Surgical Case ◽  
Anesthesia Providers ◽  
Academic Medical

Abstract Objective This article evaluates the effectiveness of an ophthalmology resident-led quality improvement (QI) initiative to decrease the incidence of perioperative corneal injury at an academic medical center Design Retrospective chart review. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of all surgical cases performed 6 months prior to, and 6 months after, implementation of an ophthalmology resident-led QI initiative at an academic medical center. The QI initiative (which focused on perioperative corneal injury awareness, understanding of risk factors, and presentation of an algorithm designed to prevent perioperative corneal injury) consisted of a lecture and distribution of educational materials to anesthesia providers. Data collected through the chart review included type of surgical case, presence of diabetes mellitus or thyroid disease, patient age and gender, patient positioning (supine, prone, or lateral), level of anesthesia provider training, length of surgical case, surgical service, type of anesthesia, and type (if any) of perioperative eye injury. The rates of perioperative corneal injury pre- versus post-initiative were compared. Results The rates of perioperative corneal injury pre- and post-initiative were 3.7 and 1.9 per 1,000, respectively (p = 0.012). Significant risk factors for perioperative corneal injury include longer duration of surgery (odds ratio [OR] 90–180 vs. < 90 minutes = 4.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43–12.18; OR > 180 vs. < 90 minutes = 8.56, 95% CI 3.01–24.32; OR > 180 vs. 90–180 = 2.05, 95% CI 1.17–3.58), patient position lateral > prone > supine (OR prone vs. lateral = 0.25, 95% CI 0.09–0.67; OR supine vs. lateral = 0.13, 95% CI 0.07–0.23), nonhead and neck surgeries (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.11–0.87), and surgery performed under the general surgery service (OR general surgery service vs. other subspecialty services = 6.50, 95% CI 2.39–24.76). Conclusions An ophthalmology resident-led QI initiative consisting of educating anesthesia providers was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of perioperative corneal injury.

Impact of an innovative partnership in patient care between an academic medical center department of pharmacy and a school of pharmacy

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (24) ◽  
pp. 2070-2076
Author(s):  
Mary-Haston Vest ◽  
Mary G Petrovskis ◽  
Scott W Savage ◽  
Nicole R Pinelli ◽  
Ashley L Pappas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
Pharmacy Department ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
American Society ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Purpose Pharmacy departments and schools of pharmacy have long held professional affiliations. However, the success of each entity is often not interdependent and aligned. In 2010, our institutions found ourselves in a position where the complementary motivations of each aligned to support a more meaningful and committed engagement, leading to the development of the Partnership in Patient Care. The impact of the partnership was evaluated 7 years postimplementation, and both the successes realized and the lessons learned are described. Summary The partnership provided many advantages to our pharmacy department and the school of pharmacy. This initial iteration of the partnership was a strong proof of concept that an intentional approach to the relationship between a school of pharmacy and a pharmacy department can lead to substantive improvements in a wide array of meaningful outcomes. We experienced an increase in the number of student rotation months completed, growth in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists–accredited residency programs, and enhanced clinical services. However, the partnership was not without challenges. For instance, lack of a formalized tracking method made certain outcomes difficult to track. Conclusion The purposeful establishment of the Partnership in Patient Care, built on the needs of a school of pharmacy and an academic medical center pharmacy department, allowed our institutions to develop an intertwined mission and vision. Over the initial years of the partnership, many successes were realized and lessons were learned. Both the successes and the challenges are serving as the foundation for future iterations of the partnership.

Impact of Changes in EHR Use during COVID-19 on Physician Trainee Mental Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (03) ◽  
pp. 507-517
Author(s):  
Katherine J. Holzer ◽  
Sunny S. Lou ◽  
Charles W. Goss ◽  
Jaime Strickland ◽  
Bradley A. Evanoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Multivariable Models ◽  
Physician Trainee

Abstract Objectives This article investigates the association between changes in electronic health record (EHR) use during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the rate of burnout, stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety among physician trainees (residents and fellows). Methods A total of 222 (of 1,375, 16.2%) physician trainees from an academic medical center responded to a Web-based survey. We compared the physician trainees who reported that their EHR use increased versus those whose EHR use stayed the same or decreased on outcomes related to depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and burnout using univariable and multivariable models. We examined whether self-reported exposure to COVID-19 patients moderated these relationships. Results Physician trainees who reported increased use of EHR had higher burnout (adjusted mean, 1.48 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24, 1.71] vs. 1.05 [95% CI 0.93, 1.17]; p = 0.001) and were more likely to exhibit symptoms of PTSD (adjusted mean = 15.09 [95% CI 9.12, 21.05] vs. 9.36 [95% CI 7.38, 11.28]; p = 0.035). Physician trainees reporting increased EHR use outside of work were more likely to experience depression (adjusted mean, 8.37 [95% CI 5.68, 11.05] vs. 5.50 [95% CI 4.28, 6.72]; p = 0.035). Among physician trainees with increased EHR use, those exposed to COVID-19 patients had significantly higher burnout (2.04, p < 0.001) and depression scores (14.13, p = 0.003). Conclusion Increased EHR use was associated with higher burnout, depression, and PTSD outcomes among physician trainees. Although preliminary, these findings have implications for creating systemic changes to manage the wellness and well-being of trainees.

scholarly journals Physicians' Attitudes Toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Their Knowledge of Specific Therapies: A Survey at an Academic Medical Center

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 495-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dietlind L. Wahner-Roedler ◽  
Ann Vincent ◽  
Peter L. Elkin ◽  
Laura L. Loehrer ◽  
Stephen S. Cha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of physicians at an academic medical center toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies and the physicians' knowledge base regarding common CAM therapies. A link to a Web-based survey was e-mailed to 660 internists at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, USA. Physicians were asked about their attitudes toward CAM in general and their knowledge regarding specific CAM therapies. The level of evidence a physician would require before incorporating such therapies into clinical care was also assessed. Of the 233 physicians responding to the survey, 76% had never referred a patient to a CAM practitioner. However, 44% stated that they would refer a patient if a CAM practitioner were available at their institution. Fifty-seven percent of physicians thought that incorporating CAM therapies would have a positive effect on patient satisfaction, and 48% believed that offering CAM would attract more patients. Most physicians agreed that some CAM therapies hold promise for the treatment of symptoms or diseases, but most of them were not comfortable in counseling their patients about most CAM treatments. Prospective, randomized controlled trials were considered the level of evidence required for most physicians to consider incorporating a CAM therapy into their practice. The results of this survey provide insight into the attitudes of physicians toward CAM at an academic medical center. This study highlights the need for educational interventions and the importance of providing physicians ready access to evidence-based information regarding CAM.

Curtailing Unnecessary Waste Among Operating Room Personnel: Evaluating the Cost Awareness of Commonly Used Surgical Items

2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482199507
Author(s):  
Adee J. Heiman ◽  
Lauren Camargo ◽  
Deepa Bhat ◽  
Vilok Desai ◽  
Ashit Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Education ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Operating Room Personnel ◽  
Knowledge Deficit ◽  
Anesthesia Providers ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Ancillary Staff ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cost Awareness

Background Operating rooms (ORs) generate 70% of hospital waste, leading to increased costs for the hospital, patient, and the environment. The lack of cost awareness among physicians has been well documented; however, there is little information on anesthesiologists or ancillary OR staff. This study aimed to evaluate the cost awareness of commonly used items at an academic medical center among OR personnel. Methods Anonymous surveys were distributed to OR personnel (nurses, surgical technicians (STs), nurse anesthetists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, and residents), asking for the estimated costs of ten commonly used items. These costs were then compared against actual costs to evaluate the accuracy of participants’ estimates. Responders were clustered by job, highest level of education, and years of experience for comparison. Results 167 surveys were collected, and overall only 16.4% of estimates were accurate within 50% of actual price. No significant differences in accuracy between groups were identified overall ( P = .2), but both surgical and anesthesia attendings had significantly higher rates of correct responses than their respective residents. No difference was seen in accuracy when all attendings (surgeons and anesthesiologists) were compared with either nurses or STs. Linear regression demonstrated no correlation between number of years at current position or years at institution and number of correct responses ( R2 = .0025 and R2 = .005, respectively). Discussion Addressing the knowledge deficit around item costs via global education of all OR personnel (surgeons, anesthesia providers, and ancillary staff) could be a viable pathway to reduce waste, and thus cost, for our healthcare system.

scholarly journals Effects of Intraoperative Reading on Vigilance and Workload during Anesthesia Care in an Academic Medical Center

2009 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M. Slagle ◽  
Matthew B. Weinger
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
General Anesthetic ◽  
Task Distribution ◽  
Anesthesia Providers ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Random Intervals ◽  
Manual Tasks

Background During routine cases, anesthesia providers may divert their attention away from direct patient care to read clinical (e.g., medical records) and/or nonclinical materials. The authors sought to ascertain the incidence of intraoperative reading and measure its effects on clinicians' workload and vigilance. Methods In 172 selected general anesthetic cases in an academic medical center, a trained observer categorized the anesthesia provider's activities into 37 possible tasks. Vigilance was assessed by the response time to a randomly illuminated alarm light. Observer- and subject-reported workload were scored at random intervals. Data from Reading and Non-Reading Periods of the same cases were compared to each other and to matched cases that contained no observed reading. The cases were matched before data analysis on the basis of case complexity and anesthesia type. Results Reading was observed in 35% of cases. In these 60 cases, providers read during 25 +/- 3% of maintenance but not during induction or emergence. While Non-Reading Cases (n = 112) and Non-Reading Periods of Reading Cases did not differ in workload, vigilance, or task distribution, they both had significantly higher workload than Reading Periods. Vigilance was not different among the three groups. When reading, clinicians spent less time performing manual tasks, conversing with others, and recordkeeping. Conclusions Anesthesia providers, even when being observed, read during a significant percentage of the maintenance period in many cases. However, reading occurred when workload was low and did not appear to affect a measure of vigilance.

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