The TOronto ThromboProphylaxis Patient Safety Initiative (TOPPS): A cluster randomised trial

Methods of Capturing Process Outcomes in Quality Improvement Trials: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Healthcare quality can be measured by studying structure, processes, and outcomes. This study examines how trialists capture process outcomes in implementation trials to provide guidance for researchers and health professionals. Electronic databases were searched, and two researchers performed the title, abstract, and full-text selection. Only implementation studies involving nonpharmacological approaches were included. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy and completeness by a second reviewer. Study quality was independently assessed by two reviewers. Of the 3,186 articles screened, 24 studies matched our inclusion criteria. Most studies were cluster randomized control trials, followed by interrupted time series studies and stepped wedge studies. The population in the studies was diverse and settings included hospitals, community centers, residential aged care facilities, and primary care. The reporting of process measures across the included studies varied, and there was limited information about the mechanisms of data collection procedures. Nineteen studies extracted information about processes from electronic medical records, patient records, or chart reviews. The remaining five studies used staff surveys. Challenges remain in the practical aspect of data collection for measuring process outcomes, particularly outside of hospital settings or where processes are hard to capture in patient records.

NONSPECIFIC DYSPLASIA OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE – A FACTOR OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLIC COMPLICATIONS IN ENDOPROSTHETICS OF HIP JOINTS

Background. Important part of orthopedic surgery is endoprosthetics of hip joints, which eliminates pain syndrome, restores the amplitude of movement and the support ability of lower limbs. But some complications usually take place; venous thromboembolism is leading among them. Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate endothelial dysfunction and activity of the hemocoagulation system at different levels of VTEC risks and thus to work out the strategy of thromboprophylaxis in patients with osteoarthrosis of the hip joint and femoral neck fracture combined with non-specific dysplasia of the connective tissue. Methods. 219 patients of a mean age of 64.7±3.8 years old underwent surgery. In 137 (62.1%) cases, a total cement hip replacement was performed for osteoarthritis. 82 (37.4%) patients underwent total and unipolar cement hip replacement for cervical femoral neck fractures. Results. Clinical manifestations of non-specific connective tissue dysplasia were detected in 83 (37.9%) patients that was confirmed by the laboratory determination of the level of general, bound and free oxyproline. In the postoperative period, the thrombotic process in the venous system of the inferior vena cava was diagnosed in 23 (10.5%) cases. The level of indicators of endothelium status dysfunction was much more significant in the patients in cases of nonspecific dysplasia of connective tissue. Operative intervention on the hip joint in the patients with nonspecific dysplasia of connective tissue in 11 (13.3%) cases was complicated by development of venous thrombosis. In the patients without non-specific connective tissue dysplasia, postoperative thrombosis in the system of the inferior vena cava was diagnosed in 12 (8.8%) cases. Conclusions. Patients with osteoarthrosis of the hip joint and the femoral neck fracture accompanied by the non-specific dysplasia of the connective tissue are characterized by high levels of endothelial dysfunction and increased activity of the blood-coagulation system.