Significance of perioperative inter-departmental collaboration for obstetric emergency response: A mini-review

The Impact of Women-Led Academic Collaborations in Plastic Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Gender parity in overall academic productivity in plastic surgery has increased, likely driven by the greater proportion of women in plastic surgery residency. Given the crucial role of collaboration in research productivity and securing grant funding, it becomes imperative to investigate whether gender disparities affect collaboration for female authors in plastic surgery. In this study, we explore how gender influences academic collaboration among plastic surgeons, according to impact factor (IF), overall rates of collaboration, and the departments with which they collaborate.

METHODS

PubMed was queried for all articles from academic plastic surgery programs between 2018 and 2023. Collaborative articles were defined as a plastic surgery senior author with at least one author who was not from the same plastic surgery department. The senior author affiliation was used to select articles from academic plastic surgery departments. The first and senior author's gender were determined using Gender-API, a validated approach to assigning gender based on first name. Associations with gender and research impact variables were assessed, including publishing journals and their IF. Gender predominance in a collaborating specialty was determined by the AAMC 2021 Physician Specialty Data Report.

RESULTS

A total of 21,068 articles were initially retrieved, 14,590 articles were reviewed after removal of duplicates, and 6525 articles qualified for inclusion. Gender-API was able to identify 98% of authors as male or female. A total of 17.2% of publications were led by female authors and 38.3% had a female first author (χ2 = 691.21, P < 0.0001). The proportions engaging in collaboration were similar, 18.3% and 37.9%, respectively. While female senior authors in plastic surgery have fewer publications (3.83 ± 7.31 vs 5.88 ± 11.1, P < 0.001) we found that the average journal IF was significantly greater in female-led articles (3.84 ± 6.11 vs 3.35 ± 4.60, P = 0.009) than in male led articles.Female senior authors were more likely to publish collaborations with specialties that had a higher proportion of women (χ2 = 5.30, P = 0.021); for example, 2.86% (n = 1) of collaborations with cardiothoracic surgery were with women (odds ratio = 0.130, P = 0.0138) and 35.6% (n = 5) of collaborations with endocrinology were with women (odds ratio = 2.38, P = 0.155).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the nuanced effect of collaboration on research productivity for female authors in plastic surgery. In particular, female plastic surgery senior authorship and overall collaboration coincides with the gender proportions in the field. Furthermore, female senior authors in plastic surgery published in significantly higher IF journals. Lastly, our work implies that female in-group networks of academic collaborations may serve a vital role in the professional connections for women in the predominately male field of plastic surgery. Future studies may compare these data to the plastic surgery articles published in earlier years.

Integrating Simulation-Based Education Into Regional Clinical Clerkship for Future Doctors: A Narrative Review

Regional healthcare is vital for providing accessible, community-oriented services, addressing local health needs, and reducing disparities between urban and rural areas. It also supports local society and economies by enhancing healthcare facilities and related jobs. However, rural medical education in Japan faces significant challenges. There is a disparity in healthcare resources and personnel between urban and rural areas, leading to shortages in rural regions. Retention of physicians in rural areas is low, necessitating environments that encourage long-term commitment. Tailored educational programs to meet specific regional needs and improved clinical training environments are crucial. Addressing these challenges will elevate healthcare standards and reduce disparities.

Challenges, Innovations, and Training in Airway Management During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Narrative Review

Emergency airway management is a crucial procedure performed to secure the airway and ensure effective ventilation during respiratory distress or airway obstruction. In the context of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), this process is complicated by factors such as anatomical challenges, environmental conditions, and the urgency of the situation. Recent advancements in airway management devices, including videolaryngoscopes and supraglottic devices (SGDs), have proven beneficial in managing these challenges. SGDs, such as the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and i-gel®, provide an effective alternative when tracheal intubation is difficult or when continuous chest compressions are required. Furthermore, simulation-based education plays a critical role in training healthcare providers to handle complex airway scenarios during CPR. This review discusses the challenges of tracheal intubation during CPR, the usefulness of various devices including videolaryngoscopes and gum-elastic bougies (GEB), and the role of simulation training in improving outcomes. Ensuring proficiency in airway management techniques through hands-on practice and advanced simulation is essential for improving both survival rates and neurological outcomes in emergency settings.

Significance of perioperative inter-departmental collaboration for obstetric emergency response: A mini-review

This review underscores the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing obstetric emergencies such as crisis bleeding. Prompt clinical judgment and coordinated interventions involving various departments are emphasized for the well-being of both the mother and newborn. The review explores the importance of emergency response infrastructure in obstetric facilities and delves into the 2022 Obstetric Crisis Bleeding Guidelines, emphasizing the relevance of a DIC score for severity assessment. The collaborative efforts within the operating room, involving different healthcare professionals, are detailed, stressing meticulous coordination during emergencies like massive bleeding. The necessity of interprofessional collaboration for building a responsive perioperative management team is discussed, with a focus on leadership, followership, and effective communication. The abstract also proposes simulation-based education for inter-departmental training, emphasizing a modified non-technical skill evaluation tool tailored to the unique characteristics of obstetric crisis management in the operating room. Continuous formative assessment of these factors is deemed essential for effective training in various obstetric emergency situations.