951 More Than A Checkbox: Importance of Role-Modelling and Visibility Initiatives in Improving Perceptions of Diversity in Surgical Leadership

Introduction

The Royal College of Surgeons of England have committed themselves to championing diversity in surgery in light of recent socio-political events. Although there are now more trainees from underrepresented backgrounds entering the profession, this is not reflected in leadership roles which are key in establishing attitudes and cultures. This study evaluated whether an event showcasing surgeons from underrepresented groups holding leadership positions could improve student perceptions of diversity in surgical leadership.

Method

Participants attended an online event hosted by a student surgical society, where speakers with surgical leadership experience from a range of marginalised backgrounds highlighted topics of diversity and discrimination in surgery. Pre- and post-event questionnaires comprising Likert scales were completed to evaluate student perceptions of surgeons holding a leadership role from the following underrepresented groups: women (or gender non-conforming), BAME, LGBTQ+ and individuals with disabilities. Statistical significance was assessed using a Mann-Whitney U test with p < 0.05 denoting significance throughout.

Results

The event significantly increased attendee confidence in the idea of a surgeon being seen in a leadership role from all underrepresented groups evaluated: 9.3% for female/gender non-conforming individuals (p < 0.01), 12.3% for BAME individuals (p < 0.01), 7.5% for non-heterosexual individuals (p = 0.04) and 16.0% for individuals with a disability (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Attendees felt significantly more confident in the belief that surgeons from underrepresented backgrounds could hold leadership positions following the event, indicating the benefit of such role-modelling initiatives. More investment is necessary in exploring factors dissuading specific underrepresented groups from pursuing surgical careers and for novel strategies to support these communities accordingly.

1526 Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Documentation: Do Our Operation Notes Follow New GIRFT/BOA Guidelines? A Closed Loop Audit

Aim

Operation notes provide essential information about the techniques and implants used in surgery. Accurate documentation is important to improve patient outcomes and reduce rising litigation costs within the NHS. The aim of this audit was to assess compliance to recent guidance for hip and knee arthroplasty documentation, issued by the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme in 2019.

Method

Data was collected retrospectively from operation notes of all primary total/unicompartmental knee and hip arthroplasties during August 2019 and again in October 2019 at a DGH. Documentation was audited against data items from the GIRFT knee and hip arthroplasty ‘best practice’ guidelines. Interventions between timeframes included clinician education and a discussion of the guidelines between local surgeons.

Results

In audit rounds 1 and 2 twenty-six and 34 patients had THRs and 23 and 28 had knee arthroplasties respectively. 100% compliance was seen in 5/23 THR criteria and 9/27 knee criteria. Average compliance for knee documentation rose from 71% to 74% but no improvement was seen for THR (68% vs 64%). Those with least improvement related to assessment of range of movement and vascular status at the end of surgery.

Conclusions

Although compliance was good against the majority of data points there was minimal change following a local education intervention. The development and use of fully compliant departmental operation note templates would provide further clarity about steps performed and surgeon rationale should patient care later be scrutinised. The template would also act as an invaluable educational tool for trainees reflecting on the case.

Challenges in LTBI care in the United States identified using a nationwide TB medical consultation database

BACKGROUND

Identifying and treating individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI) represents a critical and challenging component of national TB elimination. Medical consultations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded TB Centers of Excellence (COEs) are an important resource for healthcare professionals (HCPs) caring for individuals with LTBI. This study aimed to identify the most common clinical concerns regarding LTBI care and to describe epidemiologic and clinical features of patients discussed in these consultations.

METHODS

This mixed-methods study randomly sampled 125 consultation inquiries related to LTBI from the COEs' medical consultation database in 2018. Text from consultation records were reviewed and coded to identify reasons for the inquiries and common epidemiologic and clinical patient characteristics.

RESULTS

The most common topics of inquiry for consultation included accurate LTBI diagnosis (36%), management of LTBI treatment-related issues (22%), and choice of appropriate LTBI treatment regimen (17%). Patients for whom consultations were requested commonly had another medical condition (34%), were non-U.S. born (31%), were children (25%), and had a history of travel to TB-endemic areas (18%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasize the challenge of managing patients with either suspected or confirmed LTBI, highlighting the need for ongoing medical consultation support for nuanced clinical and epidemiologic scenarios.

Prematurity and postnatal alterations in intermittent hypoxaemia

Intermittent hypoxaemia (IH) events are well described in extremely preterm infants, but the occurrence of IH patterns in more mature preterm infants remains unclear. The objective of this study was to characterise the effect of gestational age on early postnatal patterns of IH in extremely (<28 weeks), very (28-<32 weeks) and moderately (32-<34 weeks) preterm infants. As expected, extremely preterm infants had a significantly higher frequency of IH events of longer durations and greater time with hypoxaemia versus very and moderately preterm infants. In addition, the postnatal decrease in IH duration was comparable in the very and moderately preterm infants. This progression of IH events should assist clinicians and families in managing expectations for resolution of IH events during early postnatal life.

Les inhibiteurs sélectifs de la recapture de la sérotonine ou de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline pendant la grossesse : les effets cliniques chez les nourrissons et les enfants

Le présent document de principes fournit des conseils sur la surveillance, les soins et le suivi des nouveau-nés exposés in utero à des inhibiteurs sélectifs de la recapture de la sérotonine ou de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline. La dépression et l’anxiété sont courantes pendant la grossesse et la période postnatale. Bien qu’il y ait des risques à prendre des médicaments pendant la grossesse, la dépression et l’anxiété non traitées ou traitées insuffisamment comportent aussi des risques pour le nouveau-né. Le tiers des nouveau-nés exposés in utero à des inhibiteurs sélectifs de la recapture de la sérotonine ou de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline présente un syndrome d’inadaptation néonatale, mais il est généralement léger et autorésolutif. Les faibles taux de ces médicaments excrétés dans le lait maternel n’empêchent pas l’allaitement. Dans de rares cas, l’hypertension artérielle pulmonaire persistante du nouveau-né et les cardiopathies congénitales sont associées à l’exposition à ces médicaments in utero. Les publications scientifiques ne s’entendent pas toutes sur l’évolution neurodéveloppementale de ces enfants, notamment pour ce qui est du trouble du spectre de l’autisme et du trouble de déficit de l’attention/hyperactivité. Ces incohérences découlent probablement d’autres facteurs (génétique, dépression de la mère, mode de vie, autres problèmes de santé), plutôt que de l’exposition in utero à des inhibiteurs sélectifs de la recapture de la sérotonine ou de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline. Les professionnels de la santé et les parents devraient être rassurés : en général, des mesures non pharmacologiques suffisent pour traiter le syndrome d’inadaptation néonatale, et le risque de graves effets indésirables découlant de l’exposition à ces médicaments in utero est faible.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in pregnancy: Infant and childhood outcomes

This position statement provides guidance for the monitoring, care, and follow-up of newborns exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in utero. Depression and anxiety are common during pregnancy and postpartum. While there are risks to taking medications during pregnancy, untreated or incompletely managed depression and anxiety also carry risks for the newborn. Poor neonatal adaptation syndrome (PNAS) occurs in one-third of newborns exposed to SSRIs or SNRIs in utero, and is generally mild and self-limiting. The low levels of SSRIs and SNRIs excreted in breast milk are compatible with breastfeeding. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and congenital heart defects are rare associations of exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs in utero. There are inconsistencies in the literature regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes, specifically autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The inconsistencies likely relate to other factors (i.e., genetics, maternal depression, lifestyle, and comorbidities), rather than exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs in utero. Health care providers and parents should be reassured that PNAS is generally treatable with nonpharmacological measures, and that the risk of serious adverse effects from exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs in utero is low.

Neonatal Golden Hour: A survey of Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network units' early stabilisation practices for very preterm infants

AIM

To identify current 'Golden Hour' practices for initial stabilisation of very preterm infants <32 weeks' gestational age (GA) within tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN).

METHODS

A 76-question survey regarding delivery room (DR) and NICU stabilisation practices was distributed electronically to directors of tertiary perinatal NICUs in the ANZNN in January 2019. Responses were categorised into GA subgroups: 23-24, 25-27 and 28-31 weeks' GA.

RESULTS

The response rate was 100% (24/24 units). Delayed cord clamping (DCC) was practised 'always' or 'often' by 21 units (88%). All units used oximetry to target oxygen saturations, and 23/24 (96%) commenced resuscitation in <40% oxygen. Ten units (42%) routinely used DR electrocardiography monitoring. CPAP was preferred as primary respiratory support in one-third of units for infants born 23-24 weeks' GA, compared with 19 units (79%) at 25-27 weeks' GA and 23 units (96%) at 28-31 weeks' GA. DR skin-to-skin care was uncommon, particularly at lower GAs. Five units (21%) used minimally invasive surfactant therapy for non-intubated infants at 23-24 weeks' GA, 13 units (54%) at 25-27 weeks' GA and 16 units (67%) at 28-31 weeks' GA.

CONCLUSIONS

Most Golden Hour stabilisation practices align with international guidelines. Consistency exists with respect to DCC, oxygen saturation targeting and primary CPAP use for infants 25 weeks' GA and above. Where evidence is less certain, practices vary across ANZNN NICUs. Time targets for stabilisation measures may help standardise practice for this population.

Automated movement recognition to predict motor impairment in high-risk infants: a systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy and meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the sensitivity and specificity of automated movement recognition in predicting motor impairment in high-risk infants.

METHOD

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and identified additional studies from the references of relevant studies. We included studies that evaluated automated movement recognition in high-risk infants to predict motor impairment, including cerebral palsy (CP) and non-CP motor impairments. Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Meta-analyses were performed using hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic models.

RESULTS

Of 6536 articles, 13 articles assessing 59 movement variables in 1248 infants under 5 months corrected age were included. Of these, 143 infants had CP. The overall sensitivity and specificity for motor impairment were 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-0.77) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.65-0.75) respectively. Comparatively, clinical General Movements Assessment (GMA) was found to have sensitivity and specificity of 98% (95% CI 74-100) and 91% (95% CI 83-93) respectively. Sensor-based technologies had higher specificity (0.88, 95% CI 0.80-0.93).

INTERPRETATION

Automated movement recognition technology remains inferior to clinical GMA. The strength of this study is its meta-analysis to summarize performance, although generalizability of these results is limited by study heterogeneity.

Maternal age and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants < 29 weeks gestational age

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of maternal age on neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes of infants < 29 weeks gestational age (GA) at 18-24 months.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of preterm infants < 29 weeks GA admitted to Canadian tertiary NICUs was performed. The primary outcome was a composite of death or ND impairment (NDI)/significant NDI (sNDI) at 18-24 months. Association between maternal age and outcome was assessed across maternal age groups (15-19, 20-34, 35-39 and ≥40 years) using logistic regression after adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Of 3691 eligible infants, 2652 with complete data were included in the analysis. Significant differences in maternal characteristics existed across age groups. The only difference in neonatal characteristics was the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p < 0.01). There was no association between maternal age and death or NDI/sNDI after controlling for confounders.

CONCLUSION

Maternal age is not associated with differences in NDI/sNDI rates among Canadian preterm infants < 29 weeks GA.

925 Is Routine Bloods Group and Save Required for Emergency Appendicectomy?

Introduction

Appendicectomy is commonly a safe and low bleeding risk procedure. However, some hospital guidelines stipulate a requirement for routine pre-operative blood group and save (G&S).We aim to determine if pre-operative G&S is required for appendicectomies by looking at the number of tests vs transfusion conducted.The cost of G&S is £4.14 per sample in our trust.

Method

A retrospective review was conducted over a 3-month period. Patient data and demographics were identified using the hospital coding, theatre records and transfusion departments.

Results

118 consecutive appendicectomies were identified. Of which, 99 laparoscopic vs 19 open (13 started open vs 6 converted to open) operations were performed. No patients required a blood transfusion during their admission. There was a total of 219 G&S conducted. Cross matching tests for these procedures cost a total of £906. We estimate a cost projection of £3624 for G&S tests over a year and £18120 over 3 years.

Conclusions

Bleeding complications requiring transfusion following appendicectomies are very uncommon. In our unit, 0% of patients identified required a transfusion during their admission. We suggest stopping routine pre-operative G&S for these patients would be clinically safe and would lead to financial savings and reduce pre-operative waiting time.

Association of inotrope use with neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants <29 weeks gestation: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to compare neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes at 18-24 months in preterm infants <29 weeks gestational age (GA) who received versus those who did not receive inotropes in the first week of life. The secondary objective was to assess ND outcomes according to the duration of inotropic support in the first week of life (≤3 or >3 days).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective population-based cohort study of preterm infants <29 weeks GA admitted to participating neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) from January 2010 to September 2011 with follow-up data available at 18-24 months. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (BSID-III). Long-term outcomes were categorized as neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) and significant neurodevelopmental impairment (sNDI), and effect modification due to other neonatal morbidities including receipt of antenatal steroids, GA, small for gestational age (SGA) status, sex, score for neonatal acute physiology (SNAP-II) >20, postnatal steroids, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade ≥3/periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), early- and late-onset sepsis, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was assessed. Maternal and infant demographic characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes were compared using Pearson's Chi-square test for categorical variables and Student's t-test or the Wilcoxon rank test for continuous variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 491 (18.7%) eligible preterm infants who received inotropes during the first week of life, 314 (64%) survived to NICU discharge and 245 (78%) had ND outcome data available. A total of 1775 eligible preterm infants did not receive inotropes in the first week of life; 1647 (92.7%) survived to NICU discharge and 1149 (70%) had ND outcome data. Maternal and infant characteristics associated with infants receiving inotropes included: younger maternal age, clinical chorioamnionitis, no antenatal steroids, outborn, lower GA, BW and Apgar scores at both one and five minutes; and higher SNAP-II scores (p < .05). Infants who received inotropes in the first week of life were more likely to be require postnatal steroids, had higher rates of BPD, IVH grade ≥3/PVL, early- and late-onset sepsis, ROP, NEC and mortality (p < .05). Infants who received inotropes in the first week of life also had higher rates of sensorineural or mixed hearing loss with an AOR (95% CI) of 1.99 (1.13, 3.49). After adjusting for confounding variables, there was no difference in the risk of NDI or sNDI between infants who did and did not receive inotropes in the first week of life. Of the infants with neurodevelopmental outcome data available, 186 received inotropes for ≤3 days and 59 for >3 days. After adjusting for confounding variables there was no difference in the risk of NDI or sNDI. Infants who received inotropes for >3 days were more likely to have lower BSID-III cognitive [AOR 2.43 95% CI (1.03, 5.76)] and motor scores <85 [AOR 2.38 95% CI (1.07, 5.30)] respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, population-based cohort, infants who received inotropes in the first week of life were at increased risk for sensorineural or mixed hearing loss. There was no difference in NDI or sNDI after adjusting for confounding variables. A longer duration of inotrope use in the first week of life was associated with lower BSID-III cognitive and motor scores, but no difference in overall NDI or sNDI.

Feasibility of implementation of CARD™ for school-based immunizations in Calgary, Alberta: a cluster trial

Background

Negative experiences with school-based immunizations can contribute to vaccine hesitancy in youth and adulthood. We developed an evidence-based, multifaceted and customizable intervention to improve the immunization experience at school called the CARD™ (C-Comfort, A-Ask, R-Relax, D-Distract) system. We evaluated the feasibility of CARD™ implementation for school-based immunizations in Calgary, Canada.

Methods

In a mixed methods study, two Community Health Centres providing immunization services, including 5 schools each with grade 9 students (aged approximately 14 years), were randomized to CARD™ or control (usual care). In the CARD™ group, public health staff and students were educated about coping strategies prior to immunization clinics. Clinics were organized to reduce fear and to support student’s choices for coping strategies. Public health staff in the CARD™ group participated in a focus group discussion afterwards. We sought a recruitment rate of 80% for eligible schools, an external stakeholder focus group (e.g., school staff) with 6 or more individuals, 85% of individual injection-related data acquisition (student and immunizer surveys), and 80% absolute agreement between raters for a subset of data that were double-coded. Across focus groups, we examined perceptions of acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and fidelity of CARD™.

Results

Nine (90%) of eligible schools participated. Of 219 students immunized, injection-related student and immunizer data forms were acquired for 195 (89.0%) and 196 (89.5%), respectively. Reliability of data collection was high. Fifteen public health and 5 school staff participated in separate focus groups. Overall, attitudes towards CARD™ were positive and compliance with individual components of CARD™ was high. Public health staff expressed skepticism regarding the value of student participation in the CARD™ system. Suggestions were made regarding processes to refine implementation.

Conclusion

While most outcome criteria were satisfied and overall perceptions of implementation outcomes were positive, some important challenges and opportunities were identified. Feedback is being used to inform a large cluster trial that will evaluate the impact of CARD™ during school-based immunizations.

Trial registration

The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03948633); Submitted April 24, 2019.

Guidelines for surfactant replacement therapy in neonates

Surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) plays a pivotal role in the management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) because it improves survival and reduces respiratory morbidities. With the increasing use of noninvasive ventilation as the primary mode of respiratory support for preterm infants at delivery, prophylactic surfactant is no longer beneficial. For infants with worsening RDS, early rescue surfactant should be provided. While the strategy to intubate, give surfactant, and extubate (INSURE) has been widely accepted in clinical practice, newer methods of noninvasive surfactant administration, using thin catheter, laryngeal mask airway, or nebulization, are being adopted or investigated. Use of SRT as an adjunct for conditions other than RDS, such as meconium aspiration syndrome, may be effective based on limited evidence.

Les directives pour le traitement par surfactant exogène chez le nouveau-né

Le traitement par surfactant exogène joue un rôle essentiel dans la prise en charge des nouveau-nés atteints du syndrome de détresse respiratoire (maladie des membranes hyalines) parce qu’il améliore la survie et limite les troubles respiratoires. Puisque la ventilation non invasive est de plus en plus utilisée comme principal mode d’assistance respiratoire chez le nouveau-né prématuré à la naissance, l’administration prophylactique de surfactant n’est plus bénéfique. L’administration précoce de surfactant sous forme de traitement de rattrapage est préconisée chez les nouveau-nés dont le syndrome de détresse respiratoire s’aggrave. La stratégie qui consiste à intuber, administrer du surfactant, puis extuber (INSURE) est largement acceptée en pratique clinique, mais des méthodes non invasives plus récentes à l’aide d’un cathéter fin, d’un masque laryngé ou d’un nébuliseur sont en cours d’adoption ou d’exploration. Selon des données limitées, un traitement d’appoint par surfactant exogène pourrait être efficace pour traiter d’autres affections que le syndrome de détresse respiratoire, telles que le syndrome d’aspiration méconiale.

Transcutaneous versus Total Serum Bilirubin Measurements in Preterm Infants

INTRODUCTION

Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement offers a noninvasive approach for bilirubin screening; however, its accuracy in preterm infants is unclear. This study determined the agreement between TcB and total serum bilirubin (TSB) among preterm infants.

METHODS

A multisite prospective cohort study was conducted at 3 NICUs in Ontario, Canada, September 2016 to June 2018. Among 296 preterm infants born at 240/7 to 356/7 weeks, 856 TcB levels were taken at the forehead, sternum, and before and after the initiation of phototherapy with TSB measurements. Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) expressed agreement between TcB and TSB.

RESULTS

The overall mean TcB-TSB difference was -24.5 μmol/L (95% LOA -103.3 to 54.3), 1.6 μmol/L (95% LOA -73.4 to 76.5) before phototherapy, and -31.1 μmol/L (95% LOA -105.5 to 43.4) after the initiation of phototherapy. The overall mean TcB-TSB difference was -15.2 μmol/L (95% LOA -86.8 to 56.3) at the forehead and -24.4 μmol/L (95% LOA -112.9 to 64.0) at the sternum. The mean TcB-TSB difference was -31.4 μmol/L (95% LOA -95.3 to 32.4) among infants born 24-28 weeks, -25.5 μmol/L (95% LOA -102.7 to 51.8) at 29-32 weeks, and -15.9 μmol/L (95% LOA -107.4 to 75.6) at 33-35 weeks. Measures did not differ by maternal ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

Among preterm infants, TcB may offer a noninvasive, immediate approach to screening for hyperbilirubinemia with more careful use in preterm infants born at <33 weeks' gestation, as TcB approaches treatment thresholds. Its underestimation of TSB after the initiation of phototherapy warrants the use of TSB for clinical decision-making after the initiation of phototherapy.

Hour-Specific Total Serum Bilirubin Percentiles for Infants Born at 29-35 Weeks' Gestation

INTRODUCTION

As preterm infants are susceptible to hyperbilirubinemia, they require frequent close monitoring. Prior to initiation of phototherapy, hour-specific total serum bilirubin (TSB) percentile cut-points are lacking in these infants, which led to the current study.

METHODS

A multi-site retrospective cohort study of preterm infants born between January 2013 and June 2017 was completed at 3 NICUs in Ontario, Canada. A total of 2,549 infants born at 290/7-356/7 weeks' gestation contributed 6,143 pre-treatment TSB levels. Hour-specific TSB percentiles were generated using quantile regression, further described by degree of prematurity, and among those who subsequently received phototherapy.

RESULTS

Among all infants, at birth, hour-specific pre-treatment, TSB percentiles were 36.1 µmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.3-39.3) at the 40th, 52.3 µmol/L (49.4-55.1) at the 75th, and 79.5 µmol/L (72.1-89.6) at the 95th percentiles. The corresponding percentiles were 39.3 μmol/L (35.9-43.2), 55.4 μmol/L (52.1-60.2), and 87.1 μmol/L (CI 70.5-102.4) prior to initiating phototherapy and 24.4 μmol/L (20.4-28.8), 35.3 μmol/L (31.1-41.5), and 52.0 μmol/L (46.1-62.4) among those who did not receive phototherapy. Among infants born at 29-32 weeks, pre-treatment TSB percentiles were 53.9 µmol/L (49.4-61.0) and 95.5 µmol/L (77.5-105.0) at the 75th and 95th percentiles, with respective values of 48.7 µmol/L (43.0-52.3), and 74.1 µmol/L (64.8-83.2) for those born at 33-35 weeks' gestation.

CONCLUSION

Hour-specific TSB percentiles, derived from a novel nomogram, may inform how bilirubin is described in preterm newborns. Further research of pre-treatment TSB levels is required before clinical consideration.

Development of a national neonatal intensive care unit-specific antimicrobial stewardship programme in Canada: protocol for a cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Early empiric treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobials is common in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) due to the non-specific clinical presentation of infection. However, excessive and inappropriate antimicrobial use can lead to the emergence of drug-resistant organisms and adverse neonatal outcomes. This study aims to develop and implement a nationwide NICU-specific antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) to promote judicious antimicrobial use and control the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in Canada.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Our study population will include all very low-birth-weight neonates admitted to participating tertiary NICU in Canada. Based on the existing limited literature, we will develop consensus on NICU antimicrobial stewardship interventions to enhance best practices. Using an expanded Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) platform, we will collect data on antimicrobial use and the susceptibility of organisms identified in clinical samples from blood and cerebrospinal fluid over a period of 2 years. These data will be used to provide all NICU stakeholders with benchmarked centre-adjusted antimicrobial use and MDRO prevalence reports. An ASP plan will be developed at both individual unit and national levels in the subsequent years. Knowledge translation strategies will be implemented through the well-established Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality methodology.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics for the study has been granted by the University of British Columbia Children's & Women's Research Ethics Board (H19-02490) and supported by CNN Executive Committee. The study results will be disseminated through national organisations and open access peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04388293.

Effectiveness of Alberta Family Integrated Care on infant length of stay in level II neonatal intensive care units: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Background

Parents of infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are often unintentionally marginalized in pursuit of optimal clinical care. Family Integrated Care (FICare) was developed to support families as part of their infants’ care team in level III NICUs. We adapted the model for level II NICUs in Alberta, Canada, and evaluated whether the new Alberta FICare™ model decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) in preterm infants without concomitant increases in readmissions and emergency department visits.

Methods

In this pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial conducted between December 15, 2015 and July 28, 2018, 10 level II NICUs were randomized to provide Alberta FICare™ (n = 5) or standard care (n = 5). Alberta FICare™ is a psychoeducational intervention with 3 components: Relational Communication, Parent Education, and Parent Support. We enrolled mothers and their singleton or twin infants born between 32 ^0/7 and 34 ^6/7 weeks gestation. The primary outcome was infant hospital LOS. We used a linear regression model to conduct weighted site-level analysis comparing adjusted mean LOS between groups, accounting for site geographic area (urban/regional) and infant risk factors. Secondary outcomes included proportions of infants with readmissions and emergency department visits to 2 months corrected age, type of feeding at discharge, and maternal psychosocial distress and parenting self-efficacy at discharge.

Results

We enrolled 654 mothers and 765 infants (543 singletons/111 twin cases). Intention to treat analysis included 353 infants/308 mothers in the Alberta FICare™ group and 365 infants/306 mothers in the standard care group. The unadjusted difference between groups in infant hospital LOS (1.96 days) was not statistically significant. Accounting for site geographic area and infant risk factors, infant hospital LOS was 2.55 days shorter (95% CI, − 4.44 to − 0.66) in the Alberta FICare™ group than standard care group, P = .02. Secondary outcomes were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

Alberta FICare™ is effective in reducing preterm infant LOS in level II NICUs, without concomitant increases in readmissions or emergency department visits. A small number of sites in a single jurisdiction and select group infants limit generalizability of findings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02879799, retrospectively registered August 26, 2016.

Surgical cardiac sympathetic denervation in patients with VT storm: long term follow-up data

Background

Surgical Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation (CSD) is a procedure which involves surgical removal of terminal cervical and thoracic sympathetic ganglion for reducing sympathetic discharge to the heart. CSD is usually performed as a last desperate measure in treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT). We report here the clinical profile and long-term follow-up of all our patients who underwent CSD (unilateral or bilateral) predominantly upfront prior to considering catheter ablation of VT for VT storm.

Material and methods

We retrospectively collected data of all patients who underwent CSD for VT storm between year 2010 till 2019. Success of CSD was defined as successful discharge of patient from the hospital after the procedure more than 75% decrease in the frequency of VT after two weeks of surgical procedure.

Results

A total of 65 patients underwent CSD in the above-mentioned period and the average duration of follow-up was 28 months. The clinical parameters, demographic data and outcome analysis is provided in details in table 1. Only 14 (21.5%) patients underwent attempt of catheter ablation of VT prior to considering CSD. CSD was successful in 53 (81.5%) of patients. There was a significant decline in the incidence of number of ICD or external shocks before and after CSD (25.2±39.4 vs 1.09±2.9) respectively. There was no significant effect of CSD on ejection fraction. None of the available clinical parameters predicted the success of CSD.

Discussion and conclusion

The current retrospective analysis reemphasize the role of surgical CSD in treatment of patients with VT storm. As in predominant patient's CSD was performed even before the attempting catheter-based ablation, it brings in a new dimension in the treatment of VT. Efficacy of CSD (81.5%) in experienced hand is equivalent or even better than catheter-based ablation in patients with VT storm.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Tackling The Challenge Of Opioid Use And Abuse And Treatment Of Chronic Pain Management

Introduction/Objective

Deaths from opioid overdose increased 12% from 2016 to 2017. This major economic burden cost roughly $78.5 billion in the US. This steep increase in drug overdose deaths can be attributed to increased synthetic opioid abuse. To better understand and reduce opioid abuse amongst patients at Henry Ford Health System, Detroit MI, we sought to collaborate with physicians to manage prescribing, interpret test results, improve patient care, and deliver more value.

Primary Aim: To create a directed pain panel for ordering and interpreting pain management drugs to help providers to better manage patients and to assess compliance from test ordering history to serve patients safely and effectively.

Secondary Aim: To streamline the process of prescribing pain medications and to create a patient centered approach to treat chronic non-cancer patients who actually need opioids, to minimize the risk of abuse, diversion and addiction among patients.

Methods

Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) cycles of process improvement were used to achieve our two aims. In the first cycle, a drug screen-ordering guide was developed to facilitate screening (qualitative) and confirmation (quantitative) ordering practices. As part of this, providers prescribing for chronic pain patients were advised to use drugs of abuse panel rather than our emergency drug screen. In the second cycle, a directed pain panel (DPP) was introduced with reflex to confirmation testing. The DPP led to discovery of unexpected fentanyl positives, which were further investigated.

Results

A survey was conducted to investigate provider-ordering practices, which showed that use of the new drugs of abuse panel rose from 57% to 77%. The DPP was accepted by ~60% of physicians and was frequently reordered in follow-up. Analysis of unexpected fentanyl positivity revealed 30% true positivity, thus identifying unknown patient use. A future PDCA cycle is focused on developing, implementing, and measuring the customer value of a laboratory generated interpretive opioid results report at 5 similar organizations with a goal to assist with test selection and simplify provider interpretation of results.

Conclusion

A future PDCA cycle is focused on developing, implementing, and measuring the customer value of a laboratory generated interpretive opioid results report at 5 similar organizations with a goal to assist with test selection and simplify provider interpretation of results.

Pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects in Ontario, Canada: a cost-effectiveness analysis

OBJECTIVE

Previously conducted cost-effectiveness analyses of pulse oximetry screening (POS) for critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) have shown it to be a cost-effective endeavour, but the geographical setting of Ontario in relation to its vast yet sparsely populated regions presents unique challenges. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of POS for CCHD in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

A cost-effectiveness analysis, comparing POS to no POS, was conducted from the Ontario healthcare payer perspective using a Markov model. The base case was defined as a well-appearing newborn at 24 h of age. Outcome measures, including quality-adjusted life months (QALMs), lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) [ΔCost/ΔQALMs], were calculated over a lifetime horizon. All outcomes were discounted at 1.5% per year. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using an a priori ICER threshold of CAD$4166.67 per QALM (equivalent to CAD$50,000 per quality-adjusted life year). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess parameter uncertainty.

RESULTS

Implementation of POS is expected to lead to timely diagnosis of 51 CCHD cases annually. The incremental cost of performing POS was estimated to be $27.27 per screened individual, with a gain of 0.02455 QALMs. This yielded an ICER of CAD$1110.79 per QALM, well below the pre-determined threshold. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis estimated a 92.3% chance of routine implementation of POS being cost-effective.

CONCLUSION

Routine implementation of POS for CCHD in Ontario is expected to be cost-effective.

Performance of Pediatric Mortality Prediction Models in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the performance of prognostic models for mortality or clinical deterioration events among hospitalized children developed or validated in low- and middle-income countries.

STUDY DESIGN

A medical librarian systematically searched EMBASE, Ovid Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EBSCO Global Health, LILACS, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online, African Healthline, Med-Carib, and Global Index Medicus (from 2000 to October 2019). We included citations that described the development or validation of a pediatric prognostic model for hospital mortality or clinical deterioration events in low- and middle-income countries. In duplicate and independently, we extracted data on included populations and model prognostic performance and evaluated risk of bias using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool.

RESULTS

Of 41 279 unique citations, we included 15 studies describing 15 prognostic models for mortality and 3 models for clinical deterioration events. Six models were validated in >1 external cohort. The Lambarene Organ Dysfunction Score (0.85 [0.77-0.92]) and Signs of Inflammation in Children that Kill (0.85 [0.82-0.88]) had the highest summary C-statistics (95% CI) for discrimination. Calibration and classification measures were poorly reported. All models were at high risk of bias owing to inappropriate selection of predictor variables and handling of missing data and incomplete performance measure reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

Several prognostic models for mortality and clinical deterioration events have been validated in single cohorts, with good discrimination. Rigorous validation that conforms to current standards for prediction model studies and updating of existing models are needed before clinical implementation.

Student Feedback to Tailor the CARD™ System for Improving the Immunization Experience at School

Increasing the comfort of vaccine delivery at school is needed to improve the immunization experience for students. We created the CARD™ (C-Comfort, A-Ask, R-Relax and D-Distract) system to address this clinical care gap. Originally designed for grade 7 students, this study examined the perceptions of grade 9 students of CARD™. Grade 9 students who had experience with school-based immunizations, either as recipients or onlookers (n = 7; 100% females 14 years old) participated. Students answered pre-post surveys, reviewed CARD™ educational materials and participated in a semi-structured focus group discussion. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used as the framework for analysis of qualitative data. Participants reported positive perceptions of CARD™ educational materials and that CARD™ could fit into the school immunization process. CARD™ improved knowledge about effective coping interventions and was recommended for education of both nurses and students. The results provide preliminary evidence that CARD™ is acceptable and appropriate for implementation in grade 9 school-based immunizations.

Fetal Macrocephaly: A Novel Sonographic Finding in Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy

Objective  Sonographic clues to the diagnosis of congenital myotonic dystrophy (CDM) are limited, particularly in the absence of family history of myotonic dystrophy (DM). We reviewed cases of CDM for unique prenatal findings. Study Design  A single-center case series of fetuses with CMD with characteristic prenatal findings confirmed postnatally. Results  Four fetuses with pre- or postnatally diagnosed CDM presented with macrocephaly in utero. While head measurements were appropriate for gestational age until midgestation, third-trimester head circumference and biparietal diameter were both >2 standard deviation (SD) above the mean in all. Abdominal and femur measurements were otherwise appropriate for gestation. Postnatally, the occipitofrontal circumference was >2 SD above the mean in all, confirming the diagnosis of macrocephaly. Conclusion  CDM should be included in the differential diagnosis of third-trimester macrocephaly, especially in the presence of additional sonographic clues and when maternal medical history and physical examination are suggestive of DM.