Pre- and Post-Operative Pain Intensity and Physical Activity Levels in Individuals with Acetabular Dysplasia Undergoing Periacetabular Osteotomy: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Acetabular dysplasia (AD) causes pain, limited function, and development of early hip osteoarthritis. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a surgical treatment for AD that aims to reposition the acetabulum to reduce pain and improve function.

Purpose

To examine pain recovery and physical activity (PA) before and during the six months after PAO.

Study Design

Case series, prospective.

Methods

Individuals with AD scheduled for PAO were enrolled. Pain intensity was evaluated before PAO and at one week and one, three, and six months following PAO. PA levels was evaluated before and six months following PAO using accelerometers (time spent in sedentary behavior, light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], and daily steps) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ; time spent in walking and in MVPA). Pain improvements was examined over time following PAO using a repeated-measures one-way ANOVA as well as improvements in PA levels before and six months after PAO using paired-sample t tests. In addition, time spent in MVPA was qualitatively summarized at each time point (before and six months after PAO) measured by both the accelerometers and IPAQ.

Results

Out of 49 screened participants, 28 were enrolled, and 23 individuals (22 females; age=23.1±7.9 years) completed both study visits. Compared to pre-PAO pain, participants reported significant improvements in pain at one month and onward following PAO (p\<0.011). However, PA levels at six months following PAO did not differ from pre-PAO PA levels (p>0.05). Qualitatively, participants reported spending more time in MVPA recorded by the IPAQ (pre-PAO=73.3±150.2 mins/day; six-months after PAO=121.2±192.2 mins/day), compared with MVPA recorded by accelerometers (pre-PAO=22.6±25.2 mins/day; six-months after PAO=25.0±21.4 mins/day).

Conclusions

Individuals with AD reported significant pain reduction at one month and up to six months after PAO, but PA levels did not change six months after PAO compared to baseline testing. Future studies should consider examining longitudinal pain recovery and PA improvements over longer periods of time with larger samples of individuals with AD undergoing PAO and identifying modifiable factors to minimize pain and increase PA participation.

Level of Evidence

III.

Clinic-based perspectives on the integration of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in a tertiary cancer center

PURPOSE

This study examines providers' and clinic staff's perspectives on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) implementation at an academic medical center.

METHODS

An anonymous and voluntary survey was administered to Henry Ford Cancer providers and clinic staff 18 months after PROs program implementation in September 2020, to obtain their feedback on perceived barriers, impact on workflows, and PROs administration frequency in routine cancer care.

RESULTS

A total of 180 providers and 40 clinic staff were invited to complete the survey; 31% and 63% completed the survey, respectively. Approximately 68% of providers reported that electronically integrated PROs scores were either beneficial or somewhat beneficial to their patients, while only 28% of the clinic staff reported that PROs were beneficial or somewhat beneficial to patients. According to the clinic staff, the most common barriers to PROs completion included lack of patients' awareness of the utility of the program with respect to their care, patients' health status at check-in, and PROs being offered too frequently.

CONCLUSION

There is favorable acceptance of the PROs program by providers, but clinic staff found it less favorable. Interventions to address barriers and improve program engagement are needed to ensure broad adoption of PROs in oncology practice.

Limited Access to Aortic Valve Procedures in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Areas

BACKGROUND

To explore how differences in local socioeconomic deprivation impact access to aortic valve procedures and the treatment of aortic valve disease, in comparison to other open and minimally invasive surgical procedures.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Procedure volume data were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 18 states from 2016 to 2019 and merged with area deprivation index data, an index of zip code-level socioeconomic distress. We estimate the relationship between local deprivation ranking and differences in volumes of aortic valve replacement, which include transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery and laparoscopic colectomy (LC). All regressions control for state and year fixed effects and an array of zip code-level characteristics. TAVR procedures have increased over time across all zip codes. The rate of increase is negatively correlated with deprivation ranking, regardless of the higher share of hospitalizations per population in high deprivation areas. Distributional analysis further supports these findings, showing that lower area deprivation index areas account for a disproportionately large share of SAVR, TAVR, and LC procedures in our sample relative to their share of all hospitalizations in our sample. By comparison, the cumulative distribution of coronary artery bypass graft procedures was nearly identical to that of total hospitalizations, suggesting that this procedure is equitably distributed. Regressions show high area deprivation index areas have lower prevalence of SAVR (β=-15.1%, [95% CI, -26.8 to -3.5]), TAVR (β=-9.1%, [95% CI, -18.0 to -0.2]), and LC (β=-19.9%, [95% CI, -35.4 to -4.4]), with no statistical difference in the prevalence of coronary artery bypass graft (β=-2.5%, [95% CI, -12.7 to 7.6]), a widespread and commonly performed procedure. In the population aged ≥80 years, results show high area deprivation index areas have a lower prevalence of TAVR (β=-11.9%, [95% CI, -18.7 to -5.2]) but not SAVR (β=-0.8%, [95% CI, 8.1 to 6.3]), LC (β=-3.5%, [95% CI, -13.4 to -6.4]), or coronary artery bypass graft (β=5.2%, [95% CI, -1.1 to 1.1]).

CONCLUSIONS

People living in high deprivation areas have less access to life-saving technologies, such as SAVR, and even moreso to device-intensive minimally invasive procedures such as TAVR and LC.

Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic in selected countries to inform strengthening of public health systems: a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted governments internationally to consider strengthening their public health systems. To support the work of Ireland's Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group, the Health Information and Quality Authority, an independent governmental agency, was asked to describe the lessons learnt regarding the public health response to COVID-19 internationally and the applicability of this response for future pandemic preparedness.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with key public health representatives from nine countries were conducted. Interviews were conducted in March and April 2022 remotely via Zoom and were recorded. Notes were taken by two researchers, and a thematic analysis undertaken.

RESULTS

Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic related to three main themes: 1) setting policy; 2) delivering public health interventions; and 3) providing effective communication. Real-time surveillance, evidence synthesis, and cross-sectoral collaboration were reported as essential for policy setting; it was noted that having these functions established prior to the pandemic would lead to a more efficient implementation in a health emergency. Delivering public health interventions such as testing, contact tracing, and vaccination were key to limiting and or mitigating the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, a number of challenges were highlighted such as staff capacity and burnout, delays in vaccination procurement, and reduced delivery of regular healthcare services. Clear, consistent, and regular communication of the scientific evidence was key to engaging citizens with mitigation strategies. However, these communication strategies had to compete with an infodemic of information being circulated, particularly through social media.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, functions relating to policy setting, public health interventions, and communication are key to pandemic response. Ideally, these should be established in the preparedness phase so that they can be rapidly scaled-up during a pandemic.

Real-Time Suicide Surveillance: Comparison of International Surveillance Systems and Recommended Best Practice

OBJECTIVE

Some countries have implemented systems to monitor suicides in real-time. These systems differ because of the various ways in which suicides are identified and recorded. The main objective of this study was to conduct an international comparison of major real-time suicide mortality surveillance systems to identify joint strengths, challenges, and differences, and thereby inform best-practice criteria at local, national, and international levels.

METHODS

Five major real-time suicide mortality surveillance systems of various coverage levels were identified and selected for review via an internet-based scoping exercise and prior knowledge of existing systems. Key information including the system components and practices was collated from those organizations that developed and operate each system using a structured template. The information was narratively and critically synthesized to determine similarities and differences between the systems.

RESULTS

The comparative review of the five established real-time suicide surveillance systems revealed more commonalities than differences overall. Commonalities included rapid, routine surveillance based on minimal, provisional data to facilitate timely intervention and postvention efforts. Identified differences include the timeliness of case submission and system infrastructure.

CONCLUSION

The recommended criteria could promote replicable components and practices in real-time suicide surveillance while offering flexibility in adapting to regional/local circumstances and resource availability.HIGHLIGHTSEvidence-informed recommendations for current best practice in real-time suicide surveillance.Proposed comprehensive framework can be adapted based on available resources and capacity.Real-time suicide mortality data facilitates rapid data-driven decision-making in suicide prevention.

The power of effective study design in animal Experimentation: Exploring the statistical and ethical implications of asking multiple questions of a data set

One of the chief advantages of using highly standardised biological models including model organisms is that multiple variables can be precisely controlled so that the variable of interest is more easily studied. However, such an approach often obscures effects in sub-populations resulting from natural population heterogeneity. Efforts to expand our fundamental understanding of multiple sub-populations are in progress. However, such stratified or personalised approaches require fundamental modifications of our usual study designs that should be implemented in Brain, Behavior and Immunity (BBI) research going forward. Here we explore the statistical feasibility of asking multiple questions (including incorporating sex) within the same experimental cohort using statistical simulations of real data. We illustrate and discuss the large explosion in sample numbers necessary to detect effects with appropriate power for every additional question posed using the same data set. This exploration highlights the strong likelihood of type II errors (false negatives) for standard data and type I errors when dealing with complex genomic data, where studies are too under-powered to appropriately test these interactions. We show this power may differ for males and females in high throughput data sets such as RNA sequencing. We offer a rationale for the use of alternative experimental and statistical strategies based on interdisciplinary insights and discuss the real-world implications of increasing the complexities of our experimental designs, and the implications of not attempting to alter our experimental designs going forward.

Sonographic Diagnosis and Management With Delayed Hysterectomy of Two Cesarean Scar Pregnancies That Developed Into Placenta Percreta: Two Case Reports

Approximately two-thirds of the patients with a cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) will develop placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). PAS occurs when the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall, and sometimes, the placenta can extend beyond the uterus, invading surrounding organs. PAS is commonly managed with a cesarean hysterectomy, and these deliveries are often complicated by maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. However, delaying hysterectomy and using chemotherapeutic agents may be a safe and beneficial alternative. We describe the case of a 32 -year-old G3P2002 with a history of two prior cesarean sections (CS) who was referred to our Maternal Fetal Medicine department due to the concern of a gestational sac embedded in the anterior uterine wall in the cesarean scar. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at 33 weeks confirmed that the patient had developed placenta percreta extending into the sigmoid colon. We also describe the case of a 30-year-old G6P4104 with a history of four prior CS who was referred to our department for concern of a pregnancy complicated by CSP. This patient had an MRI performed at 23 weeks that showed placenta percreta invading the bladder. Patients one and two were managed with a staged procedure, with CS followed by a delayed laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy, respectively, to minimize bowel and bladder injury. After the CS, the patients subsequently received a five-day course of intravenous (IV) etoposide 100mg/m2, and at six weeks postpartum, the patients had a hysterectomy, both showing resolution of the placenta invasion into the surrounding organs on postpartum MRI and confirmed by tissue pathology reports. Our cases present the challenge in diagnosis and management of the most severe presentation of PAS that varies from the generally accepted management recommendations. Delayed hysterectomy with chemotherapy can be a reasonable, conservative surgical approach in the most severe types of PAS. As in our cases, this management could improve maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Primary and secondary focal choroidal excavation morphologic phenotypes, associated ocular disorders and prognostic implications

AIMS

To characterise and classify the morphological, clinical and tomographic characteristics of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) lesions to determine their prognostic implications.

METHODS

36 eyes with FCE (32 patients) underwent multimodal imaging, including spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence. FCE lesions were classified into three subtypes: (1) type 1: myopic (central choroidal thickness: <100 µm), (2) type 2: suspected congenital (central choroidal thickness: 100-200 µm, without associated chorioretinal pathology) and (3) type 3: secondary or acquired (central choroidal thickness: >200 µm, with associated chorioretinal pathology).

RESULTS

80.6% of eyes were followed longitudinally (26.8±18.8 months). There were 9 type 1 FCEs (myopic), 8 type 2 FCEs (U-shaped, congenital) and 19 type 3 FCEs (V-shaped, secondary). Type 2 FCEs trended towards larger maximum widths (p=0.0563). Type 3 FCEs were associated with central serous chorioretinopathy or pachyvessels (47.4%), but were also seen in pattern dystrophy, geographic atrophy, inactive choroiditis, torpedo maculopathy and adult-onset vitelliform dystrophy. Choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) were more prevalent in type 3 FCE (41.2% compared with 11.1% for type 1 FCE, p=0.251, and 0% for type 2 FCE, p=0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

The FCE types, stratified by central choroidal thickness, demonstrated distinct morphological characteristics and associated findings. The classification scheme held prognostic implications as type 3 FCE with V shapes were associated with other chorioretinal conditions and were more likely to develop CNVM.

Gender-specific effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on scientific publishing productivity: Impact and resilience

RATIONALE

The SARS-CoV2 pandemic led to drastic social restrictions globally. Early data suggest that women in science have been more adversely affected by these lockdowns than men, with relatively fewer scientific articles authored by women. However, these observations test broad populations with many potential causes of disparity. Australia presents a natural experimental condition where several states of similar demographics and disease impact had differing approaches in their social isolation strategies. The state of Victoria experienced 280 days of lockdowns from 2020 to 2021, whereas the comparable state of New South Wales experienced 107 days, most of these in 2021, and other states even fewer restrictions.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

To assess how the gender balance changed in Australian biomedical publishing with the lockdowns, we created a custom workflow to analyse PubMed data from more than 120,000 published articles submitted in 2019-2021 from Australian authors.

RESULTS

Broadly, Australian women have been incredibly resilient to the challenges faced by the lockdowns. There was an increase in the number of published articles submitted in 2020 that was equally due to women as men, including from Victoria. On the other hand, articles specifically addressing COVID-19 were significantly less likely to be authored by women than those on other topics, a finding not likely due to particular gender imbalance in virology or viral epidemiology, since publications on HIV followed similar patterns to previous years. By 2021, this imbalance had reversed, with more COVID-19-related papers authored by women than men.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest women from Victoria were less able to rapidly transition to new research early in the pandemic but had accommodated to the new conditions by 2021. This work indicates we need strategies to support women in science as the pandemic continues and to continue to monitor the situation for its impact on vulnerable groups.

Association of intermittent vs continuous androgen deprivation therapy with cardiovascular disease and endocrine/metabolic disorders in patients with metastatic prostate cancer

82

Background: There is mixed evidence on the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and endocrine/metabolic disorders associated with long-term intermittent and continuous androgen deprivation therapy (iADT and cADT, respectively) for metastatic prostate cancer (mPC). This study examined these risks in patients (pts) with mPC receiving iADT vs cADT in the US. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of SEER-Medicare pts with mPC initiating ADT (2010–2017), with ≥36 months of continuous insurance coverage, unless death occurred, who did not receive chemotherapy or a second-generation anti-androgen during follow-up. iADT and cADT cohorts were defined by treatment patterns and gaps in therapy. Comorbidities and clinical events were identified using ICD-9/10-CM codes. Outcomes examined were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE [myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, cardiomyopathy/heart failure (HF), pulmonary embolism (PE), ischemic heart disease (IHD), or all-cause mortality]) and endocrine/metabolic events (diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, bone fractures, or osteoporosis). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust for differences between cohorts; weighted Cox models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of the outcomes. Subgroup analyses examined pts by CVD history; a sensitivity analysis was performed restricting the definition of MACE to include CVD-related mortality as a component, i.e., MACESA (MI, stroke, cardiomyopathy/HF, PE, IHD, or CVD-related mortality). Results: 2234 pts with mPC were included; 478 (21%) received iADT and 1756 (79%) cADT. Median follow-up time was 27 and 13 months, and time on ADT (excluding gaps for iADT pts) was 24 and 19 months for the iADT and cADT cohorts, respectively. Deaths occurred in 39% of iADT pts vs 55% of cADT pts; PC was the most common cause of death in both cohorts. In adjusted analyses, pts receiving cADT had a higher risk of MACE vs iADT. No differences in risk of endocrine/metabolic events were observed. Subgroup analysis showed that baseline history of CVD did not alter the results for MACE. Sensitivity analysis results showed no difference in risk of MACESA between pts receiving cADT vs iADT. Conclusions: Pts with mPC receiving cADT had a higher risk of MACE (including all-cause mortality), and no difference in risk of endocrine/metabolic events, compared with those receiving iADT. When MACE was restricted to include CVD-related mortality, there was no difference in risk between cohorts. [Table: see text]

Association of intermittent or continuous androgen deprivation therapy with cardiovascular disease and endocrine/metabolic disorders in patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer

83

Background: Evidence on risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and endocrine/metabolic disorders associated with long-term intermittent and continuous androgen deprivation therapy (iADT and cADT, respectively) in patients (pts) with nonmetastatic prostate cancer (nmPC) is mixed. This real-world study examined these risks in pts with nmPC receiving iADT or cADT in the US. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of SEER-Medicare pts with nmPC initiating ADT (2010–2017), with ≥36 months of continuous insurance coverage, unless death occurred, and who did not receive chemotherapy or a second-generation anti-androgen during follow-up. iADT and cADT cohorts were defined by treatment patterns and gaps in therapy. Comorbidities and clinical events were identified using ICD-9/10-CM codes. Outcomes examined were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE [myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, cardiomyopathy/heart failure (HF), pulmonary embolism (PE), ischemic heart disease (IHD), or all-cause mortality]) and endocrine/metabolic events (diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, bone fractures, or osteoporosis). Inverse probability of treatment-weighted Cox regression models estimated the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of the outcomes. Subgroup analyses examined pts by CVD history. A sensitivity analysis restricted the definition of MACE to include CVD-related mortality as a component, i.e., MACESA (MI, stroke, cardiomyopathy/HF, PE, IHD, or CVD-related mortality). Results: 10,655 pts were included; 2095 (20%) received iADT and 8560 (80%) cADT; 63% of iADT pts and 66% of cADT pts had baseline CVD history. Median follow-up was 44 and 48 months and time on ADT (excluding gaps for iADT pts) was 23 and 17 months for the iADT and cADT cohorts, respectively. In adjusted analyses, pts receiving cADT had a lower risk of MACE vs iADT. No difference in risk of endocrine/metabolic events was observed. Results for MACE were similar in pts with prior CVD history; however, there was no difference in risk of MACE in those without CVD history. Sensitivity analysis results for MACESA were similar to the main results. Conclusions: Pts with nmPC receiving cADT had a lower risk of MACE, and no difference in risk of endocrine/metabolic events, compared with iADT. There was no difference in risk of MACE in pts without a prior history of CVD. [Table: see text]

251 PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF SWALLOWING/COMMUNICATION IMPAIRMENTS IN FRAIL OLDER ADULTS ATTENDING THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background

The presentation of frail older adults to the Emergency Department (ED) may be complicated by swallowing and/or communication impairment. Adults with communication impairment may experience difficulty accessing healthcare. Dysphagia is associated with frailty irrespective of age and/or number of chronic diseases [1]. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of swallowing and/or communication impairments among frail older adults attending the ED.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive ED attendees aged ≥ 75 years assessed by an interdisciplinary Gerontological ED team between October 2021 – February 2022 was conducted. A swallow/communication screening tool determined requirement for Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) referral. Data related to demographics and SLT interventions was extracted. Data analysis was completed using STATA Version 12. Ethical approval was obtained.

Results

Among 518 patients, 118 (23%) (mean age 82.4 (+/-6.4) years, 54% male) required SLT assessment. These patients had high rates of frailty (Median CFS= 6 (IQR 5-7), suspected delirium (4AT ≥ 4 in 45%), suspected malnutrition (MNA score 0-11 in 75%), and probable sarcopenia (SARC-F= ≥ 4 in 75%). Therapy Outcome Measurement Scales and the Functional Oral Intake Scale were used in this first episode of SLT care. Oropharyngeal dysphagia was identified for 43% (27% mild, 10% moderate, 3% moderate-severe, 3% severe), with 6% presenting with signs/symptoms of oesophageal dysphagia. Changes in baseline communication was identified for 57%; cognitive communication difficulties (38%), dysarthria (11%), dysphonia (8%). SLT intervention and management approaches were initiated in the ED.

Conclusion

Findings indicate a high prevalence of swallowing/communication impairment in frail older adults attending the ED. Future research should explore SLT outcomes at point of discharge to refine these swallowing/communication presentations.

Reference

1. Bahat G et al. Association between dysphagia and frailty in community-dwelling older adults. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Ageing. 2019:23, 571–577.

204 DEDICATED NURSING HOME SERVICE IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL: EFFECT ON ADMISSION NUMBERS AND LENGTH OF STAY

Background

In 2019 a dedicated Nursing Home (NH) in-patient service was established in a tertiary hospital, comprising a Consultant Geriatrician, clinical nurse specialist, NCHD and administrative support. All NH residents over 65 with medical diagnoses were admitted by the NH team who also provide a consult service for NH residents under other specialties.

Methods

Data were sourced from the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry system on length of stay of patients identified as admitted from a nursing home compared to those admitted under the NH team and their average lengths of stay over 2019-2021.

Results

In 2019, 749 NH residents were admitted to hospital with an average length of stay (ALOS) of 7.93 days, the NH inpatient service was established in July 2019 and showed a reduction of ALOS from 9.25 to 6.6 days in the 6 months following its establishment (29% difference.) In 2020, 707 NH residents were admitted with 352 admitted under the NH team. The ALOS of NH residents admitted under the NH team was 5.66 days in 2020 compared to 8.65 overall (35% difference.) In 2021, 765 NH residents were admitted with 402 under the NH team. ALOS of NH residents admitted under the NH team was 5.33 days in 2021 compared to 8.28 overall (36% difference.)

Conclusion

Within six months of its commencement the dedicated NH service had decreased length of stay by 29%. The average length of stay across all services has decreased year on year from 6.6 to 5.3 days from 2019 to 2021. The ALOS in the total cohort (including residents admitted surgically and those under 65) was 29-36% higher. Though difficult to accurately compare these cohorts due to different presenting diagnoses and medical backgrounds in those admitted surgically or those under 65, the overall reduction in length of stay over the three years does highlight the benefit from this dedicated service.

High level review of configuration and reform of Public Health systems in selected countries

Background

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted governments internationally to consider reform and strengthening of their Public Health systems. To support this work in Ireland, we undertook a review Public Health systems internationally (research question [RQ] 1), and identified lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic (RQ2).

Methods

Data relating to Public Health systems (RQ1), and lessons learned (RQ2) for a select group of 12 countries were identified from organisations’ websites, an electronic database and grey literature search and representatives from key national-level organisations. Data for RQ1 were extracted, mapped to the 12 Essential Public Health functions (EPHFs) at national, regional and local levels, and verified by participating representatives. For RQ2, thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with participating representatives was undertaken and.

Results

Typically, across all included countries, there is national strategic oversight of all EPHFs and, for certain functions, there is regional and local level implementation. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic broadly related to the themes of legislation and decision making; data collection, surveillance, evidence synthesis and collaboration; public health interventions; public participation, public messaging and communication; continuation of healthcare services; and workforce capacity and resilience.

Conclusions

When structuring Public Health systems, there is a need to identify which functions, and or which elements of a function, should be delivered at a national, regional or local level to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive Public Health system. Appropriate IT infrastructure, strong communication and an established evidence synthesis function are key to timely and informed decision making. Ideally, these functions should be established during periods of relative stability to permit a faster response during a pandemic or emergency situation.

Organisational perspectives on Public Health delivery in Ireland: Lessons learned from COVID-19

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed healthcare systems worldwide under unprecedented pressure, with the Irish Public Health system no different. To strengthen delivery of Essential Public Health Functions (EPHFs) and increase future pandemic preparedness, Public Health leaders are now focused on identifying learnings from the pandemic. Within Ireland, given their experience, organisations situated within the Public Health system may be in a unique position to provide valuable information around the delivery of EPHFs, both prior to and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this can be improved in the future.

Methods

An online survey was distributed by the Department of Health, from 2 March 2022 to 25 March 2022, amongst organisations situated within the Public Health domain in Ireland. The survey consisted of six open-ended questions around the delivery of EPHFs prior to and in light of the pandemic, success stories that could provide scalable solutions to EPHF delivery and current health system barriers, key areas in the public health system that require strengthening, and barriers to achieving these actions. Thematic analysis to identify key themes was conducted on survey responses.

Results

Twenty-eight organisational responses were received. Themes around the workforce were apparent throughout, with staff training, staff diversity and staff morale, identified as areas for strengthening EPHF delivery. Themes around ICT, data collection and research were frequently identified with a lack of adequate ICT identified as a key lesson from the pandemic, while the Public Health ICT strategy was identified as key to strengthening future EPHF delivery.

Conclusions

In general, themes around the workforce; leadership, management and governance and ICT, data collection and research were reoccurring across organisational responses and therefore may be key areas for consideration when strengthening delivery of the EPHFs in Ireland.

Speakers/Panelist

Louise Hendricks

Department of Health, Ireland

Sohel Saikat

WHO, Geneva, Switzerland

Coronary wave energy to predict functional recovery in patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction

Background

Invasive coronary angiography and non-invasive viability testing are the cornerstones of diagnosing and managing ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. At present there is no single test which serves both needs but, if developed, could revolutionise investigation of this condition. Coronary wave intensity analysis (cWIA) interrogates both contractility and microvascular physiology of the subtended myocardium [1,2] and therefore has the potential to fulfil this goal.

Objectives

We hypothesized that cWIA measured during coronary angiography would predict functional recovery with a similar accuracy to late gadolinium enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-CMR).

Methods

Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% and extensive coronary disease were enrolled. cWIA, fractional flow reserve and microvascular resistance were assessed with a simultaneous coronary Doppler and pressure-sensing guidewire during cardiac catheterization at rest, during hyperaemia and during low-dose dobutamine stress. Viability was assessed using LGE-CMR. Regional left ventricular function was assessed at baseline and 6-month follow up after optimization of medical therapy +/− revascularization, using transthoracic echocardiography. The primary outcome was regional functional recovery.

Results

Forty participants underwent baseline physiology, LGE-CMR and thirty had echocardiography at baseline and 6 months; 21/42 territories demonstrated functional recovery. Resting backward compression wave energy was significantly greater in recovering than non-recovering territories (−5240±3772 vs. −1873±1605 W m–2 s–1, p=0.099, Figure 1), and had comparable diagnostic accuracy to CMR (area under the curve 0.812 vs. 0.757, p=0.649, Figure 2); a threshold of −2500 W mm–2 s–1 had 86% sensitivity and 76% specificity at predicting recovery. Backward expansion wave energy did not predict recovery. FFR was numerically higher in recovering territories (0.81±0.17 vs. 0.71±0.16, p=0.058), whilst hyperaemic microvascular resistance did not differentiate recovering from non-recovering territories (1.97±0.73 vs. 2.29±1.00, p=0.287). The likelihood of functional recovery was similar in revascularised and non-revascularised territories (15/29 vs. 6/13 respectively, p=0.739). Low-dose dobutamine stress increased the energy of all waves, but did not improve the accuracy of cWIA in predicting recovery. In a regression model, resting backward compression wave energy and optimization of medical therapy predicted functional recovery; fractional flow reserve and hyperemic microvascular resistance did not.

Conclusions

Backward compression wave energy has similar accuracy to LGE-CMR in the prediction of functional recovery. cWIA has the potential to revolutionise the management of ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction, in a manner analogous to the effect of fractional flow reserve on the management of stable angina.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Training Fellowship