Real-time x-ray abnormality alerts for emergency departments using a radiographer comment model - a multisite pilot study

INTRODUCTION

The timely communication of clinically significant image appearances to Emergency Department (ED) referrers is necessary for optimum patient care. Australian reliance on verbal communication only is time-limited, open to misinterpretation and lacks transparency. A combined radiographer alert and comment model was designed to reliably communicate image abnormalities to ED referrers in real-time.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary steering group designed the model for all ED general imaging. Protocols were developed to document radiographer comments (critical, urgent and clinically significant) in patients' medical records. Critical findings were communicated directly to ED. Five NSW hospitals varying in size, complexity and population demographics piloted the model between three to twelve months during 2021-2022. Site auditors compared comments with the radiology report and designated each as True Positive (TP), False Positive (FP), indeterminate and clinically significant. Indeterminate cases were analysed by an external radiologist. Inter-observer consensus was obtained for all classifications via two independent auditors. The Positive Predictive Value (PPV), or precision of the comment, was calculated for each site.

RESULTS

Radiographers (n = 69) provided comments for 1102 cases. The pooled average PPV for TP was 0.96; (0.947-0.971; 95% CI). The weighted mean error (FP comments) was 3.9%; (2.9% - 5.3%.; 95% CI).

CONCLUSION

The Radiographer Comment model provided consistent levels of commenting precision and reproducibility across a range of sites with a pooled average PPV (0.96). The False Positive rate or weighted mean error (FP) of 3.9% (2.9% - 5.3%.; 95% CI) was low.

IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE PRACTICE

A strategic, interprofessional approach in the implementation of an image alert combined with a Radiographer Comment can be adapted across a variety of hospital settings for ED and other departments.

Australian radiographer roles in the emergency department; evidence of regulatory compliance to improve patient safety - A narrative review

OBJECTIVES

Using a narrative approach, this paper aims to determine the extent of Australian radiographers' regulatory compliance to improve patient safety when performing appendicular X-ray and non-contrast brain computed tomography (CT) in the Emergency Department (ED).

KEY FINDINGS

A narrative review explored relevant literature and key regulatory policy. Ten documents were identified, three main themes were developed related to the radiographer roles in X-ray request justification, dose optimisation and preliminary image evaluation (PIE). Radiographers were equally aware of justification and optimisation pre and post the introduction of a Medical Code of Practice. The collective PIE accuracy of radiographers remained unaffected by changes in mode of PIE delivery and regulatory factors but varied based on the anatomical region.

CONCLUSION

While current Australian regulations mandate radiographer request justification, dose optimisation and PIE, the degree of compliance by Australian radiographers remains uncertain. Current literature provides evidence that radiographers can improve patient care and safety through justification, optimisation, and PIE delivery. Change in workplace practice, supported by key stakeholders including radiologists, is essential to integrate radiographers' functions into routine ED clinical practice. Further research is required to audit radiographers' regulatory compliance to improve patient safety.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Patient safety in ED can be improved with timely and accurate diagnosis provided by radiographers. Radiographers have a professional obligation to adhere to the capabilities and standards for safe medical radiation practice defined by Australian regulations. Therefore, radiographers must justify the X-ray request, optimise the radiation dose where appropriate and communicate urgent or unexpected findings to the referrer.

Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA) Gel Marker vs. Surgical Clips for Tumor Bed Delineation in Breast Cancer Using MR-Simulation

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Consistent delineation of the tumor bed (TB) after breast conserving surgery (BCS) is critical and remains a challenge with increasing prevalence of oncoplastic surgeries. Clips are generally used to help TB identification on CT-simulation but they are not well identified on MR-simulation. The aim of this study is to assess whether the use of NASHA gel with MR-simulation yields similar interobserver variability (inter-OV) compared to clips with CT-simulation.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This prospective single arm feasibility study included patients eligible for BCS. After lumpectomy, the surgeon placed both clips (>5) and NASHA gel drops as markers to define the TB. Patients underwent CT and MRI simulation scans. Five radiation oncologists and one radiologist delineated the TB aided by clips on CT, and gel on MRI. The observers also assessed the visibility and utility of the gel (scale from 1 to 10), as well as the cavity visualization score (CVS, scale from 1 to 5). The primary endpoint was the inter-OV of the delineated TB using the overlap difference of contours using clips and CT versus gel and MRI, with the conformity index measured according to the pair definition of the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC).

RESULTS

Of the 35 patients recruited, 30 were eligible for inter-OV analysis of TB delineation and 5 patients required further breast surgery for positive margins. One third of the eligible patients underwent an oncoplastic procedure. There were no significant differences between inter-OV of delineated TB using clips and CT versus gel and T2-weighted MRI with the mean DSC (0.60 vs 0.62, p = 0.364). The observers reported higher usefulness of gel in patients with an oncoplastic procedure than not (median US 8.2 vs 6.6, p = 0.024), and higher visibility of gel in patients who had their scans within 6 weeks than beyond post-op (median VS 8.1 vs 6.1, p = 0.013). When the CVS was higher (3-5), the median US of gel was lower (5.9 vs 7.8, p = 0.004), and the conformity index of clip and CT delineated TB was higher (median DSC 0.72 vs 0.53, p <0.001). Interestingly, a higher CVS did not lead to significantly higher conformity index of gel and T2-weighted MR delineated TB (mean DSC 0.67 vs 0.58, p = 0.073). NASHA gel injection added a median of 3 minutes to the operating theatre (OT) time and was rated as 'easy' in 89% of cases by surgeons. There were no immediate adverse events (AE) in OT, while 2 of 35 patients later experienced a grade 3 AE - hematoma which required evacuation in OT day 1 post-BCS, and infected seroma which required drainage and washout in OT 2 months post-BCS and axillary dissection. These reflect common risks with standard BCS and are not clearly attributed to gel injection alone.

CONCLUSION

Use of NASHA gel leads to similar inter-OV of BC TB delineation compared to >5 clips. NASHA gel is hence a reliable alternative to clips when MR-simulation is used.

TMED3 Complex Mediates ER Stress-Associated Secretion of CFTR, Pendrin, and SARS-CoV-2 Spike

Under ER stress conditions, the ER form of transmembrane proteins can reach the plasma membrane via a Golgi-independent unconventional protein secretion (UPS) pathway. However, the targeting mechanisms of membrane proteins for UPS are unknown. Here, this study reports that TMED proteins play a critical role in the ER stress-associated UPS of transmembrane proteins. The gene silencing results reveal that TMED2, TMED3, TMED9 and TMED10 are involved in the UPS of transmembrane proteins, such as CFTR, pendrin and SARS-CoV-2 Spike. Subsequent mechanistic analyses indicate that TMED3 recognizes the ER core-glycosylated protein cargos and that the heteromeric TMED2/3/9/10 complex mediates their UPS. Co-expression of all four TMEDs improves, while each single expression reduces, the UPS and ion transport function of trafficking-deficient ΔF508-CFTR and p.H723R-pendrin, which cause cystic fibrosis and Pendred syndrome, respectively. In contrast, TMED2/3/9/10 silencing reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral release. These results provide evidence for a common role of TMED3 and related TMEDs in the ER stress-associated, Golgi-independent secretion of transmembrane proteins.

COVID-19 vaccination acceptability in the UK at the start of the vaccination programme: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey (CoVAccS - wave 2)

Objectives

Investigate factors associated with the intention to have the COVID-19 vaccination following initiation of the UK national vaccination programme.

Study design

An online cross-sectional survey completed by 1500 adults (13th–15th January 2021).

Methods

Linear regression analyses were used to investigate associations between intention to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and sociodemographic factors, previous influenza vaccination, attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination in general. Participants’ main reasons for likely vaccination (non-)uptake were also solicited.

Results

73.5% of participants (95% CI 71.2%, 75.7%) reported being likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, 17.3% (95% CI 15.4%, 19.3%) were unsure, and 9.3% (95% CI 7.9%, 10.8%) reported being unlikely to be vaccinated. The full regression model explained 69.8% of the variance in intention. Intention was associated with: having been/intending to be vaccinated for influenza last winter/this winter; stronger beliefs about social acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine; the perceived need for vaccination; adequacy of information about the vaccine; and weaker beliefs that the vaccine is unsafe. Beliefs that only those at serious risk of illness should be vaccinated and that the vaccines are just a means for manufacturers to make money were negatively associated with vaccination intention.

Conclusions

Most participants reported being likely to get the COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and beliefs are a crucial factor underpinning vaccine intention. Continued engagement with the public with a focus on the importance and safety of vaccination is recommended.

Ethnography and medicine: the utility of positivist methods in research

This commentary discusses the methodological utility of ethnography within the medical space. Whilst a general consensus affirms that ethnography aligns with qualitative approaches, as identified within the existing medical literature, here, we demonstrate how quantitative [positivist] methods can also be incorporated. This paper begins by contextualising ethnographic approaches within medical contexts by demonstrating its empirical value within the existing literature. Next, we discuss the interconnection between the practice of 'doctoring' and ethnographic research, whereby doctors themselves use forms of inductive and deductive reasoning to treat and manage patients in their everyday context. This philosophical discussion not only links to the everyday practice of medical practitioners, but also critically reflects on the role of the first author, as a diagnostic radiographer. Lastly, this paper identifies the virtues of ethnographic research for medical students and/or medical doctors whereby the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods (within an ethnographic methodology) can lead to new empirical and methodological insights, enabling the creation of alternate research strategies and evidence. This methodological strategy may be best considered amongst medical students and/or early career medical researchers, but we also anticipate it to resonate and open further discussion with experienced medical practitioners and researchers transnationally.

POS0161-HPR BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS RELATED TO SELF-MANAGEMENT OF SHOULDER PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND QUALITATIVE SYNTHESIS

Background:

Shoulder pain is a significant cause of pain and disability in the general population.1 Current research suggests that shoulder pain can be resistant to treatment and is often recurrent.2 Systematic review-level evidence shows modest short-term benefits for most current treatments.3 Effective self-management strategies that equip patients with the necessary tools to self-manage their condition are urgently required. However, engagement with self-management is poor, potentially compromising treatment outcomes and contributing to ongoing disability.4

Objectives:

The objectives of this review were to:

•Systematically identify and appraise relevant qualitative evidence on barriers and facilitators relating to self-management from the perspectives of people with shoulder pain and healthcare professionals.

•Collate and synthesise this evidence, to gain an understanding of factors that influence self-management of shoulder pain.

•Develop evidence-based recommendations to inform the implementation and delivery of self-management programmes for shoulder pain.

Methods:

A meta-aggregative approach to the synthesis of qualitative evidence was used. Twelve databases were searched, from inception to 13 July 2020, to identify studies exploring barriers and facilitators related to self-management of shoulder pain from the perspectives of people with shoulder pain and clinicians involved in the care of such patients. Two independent reviewers identified eligible articles, extracted the data and conducted critical appraisal. Two reviewers independently identified and developed categories, with validation by two further researchers. Categories were discussed among the wider research team and a comprehensive set of synthesized findings was derived.

Results:

Sixteen studies were included in the review, exploring several shoulder conditions: shoulder instability; rotator cuff-related pain; dysfunction post rotator cuff surgery; and degenerative rotator cuff tears. From the perspective of patients, three synthesized findings were identified that influenced self-management: (1) support for self-management, including subthemes related to patient-centred support, knowledge, time, access to equipment, and patient digital literacy; (2) personal factors, including patient beliefs, patient expectations, patient motivation, pain, and therapeutic response; and (3) external factors, including influence of the clinician and therapeutic approach. From the perspective of clinicians, two synthesized findings were identified that influenced adherence to self-management: (1) support for self-management, including education, patient-centred support, patient empowerment, time, and clinician digital literacy; and (2) preferred management approach, including clinician beliefs, expectations, motivation, therapeutic approach, and therapeutic response.

Conclusion:

Patients and clinicians identified several barriers and facilitators that influenced self-management of shoulder pain. Clinicians’ awareness of these factors could positively influence patient management, enhance patients’ ability to self-manage, and improve treatment outcomes.

References:

[1]Walker-Bone K, Palmer KT, Reading I, Coggon D, Cooper C. Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb in the general population. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2004;51(4): 642-651.

[2]Croft P, Pope D, Silman A. The clinical course of shoulder pain: prospective cohort study in primary care. Primary Care Rheumatology Society Shoulder Study Group. British Medical Journal. 1996;313(7057): 601-602.

[3]Littlewood C, May S, Walters S. A review of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of conservative interventions for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Shoulder & Elbow. 2013;5(3): 151-167.

[4]Littlewood C, Malliaras P, Mawson S, May S, Walters S. Patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy can successfully self-manage, but with certain caveats: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy. 2014;100(1): 80-85.

Disclosure of Interests:

Aidan O’Shea: None declared, Jonathan Drennan: None declared, Chris Littlewood: None declared, Helen Slater Speakers bureau: AbbVie PTY LTD 2018, Julius Sim: None declared, Joseph McVeigh: None declared

An analysis of the continuing professional development needs of radiographers and radiation therapists in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

Continuing Professional development (CPD) is deemed essential for the Radiographers (DR) and Radiation Therapists (RT) after Singapore commenced state registration. Diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy treatment services are constantly revolutionizing and those working in this field requires sufficient knowledge of the uptrends for training and development. The purpose of this survey is to identify the current training needs of the registered DR and RT in Singapore, and to understand their views about CPD activities.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was disseminated by the Singapore Society of Radiographers (SSR) to all registered DR and RT in Singapore, and all practicing in restructured and private hospitals were included. Data collection took place from January 2018 to April 2018.

RESULTS

102 responses were analysed, where 89 were DR and 13 were RT. CPD was provided in 72.5% (n = 74) of the participants' institutions, and 69.6% (n = 71) of participants were aware of CPD. Interestingly, participants were significantly more likely to be unaware of CPD when working in an institution which do not offer CPD. Training programme objective was the most important factor for selecting a programme. 93.1% (n = 95) preferred SSR to support them for CPD. There were a few constraints to CPD engagements identified such as financial factors, lack of time, and institution availability.

CONCLUSION

There was significant intrinsic motivation in a quality CPD activity. CPD activities should be current, accessible and relevant for the healthcare professionals to increase participation, which directly contributes to high standards of clinical care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Local healthcare institutions should be aware and address needs, gaps and aspirations of the local DR and RT community to ensure adequate preparation has been made upon initiation of mandatory CPD.

A194 A POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SECUKINUMAB AND NEW-ONSET INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A CASE SERIES

Background

Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-17A and is commonly used for managing autoimmune diseases such as, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Prior studies have suggested that anti-IL17 therapy may worsen symptoms in patients with pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it remains unclear if secukinumab is associated with new-onset IBD or in provoking a flare of previously quiescent IBD.

Aims

We evaluated patients referred to our IBD clinic who developed intestinal inflammation after starting secukinumab for the management of autoimmune diseases.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, observational study at a single tertiary care center between 2017 and 2020. Patients referred to our IBD clinic who developed intestinal inflammation after starting secukinumab were included. We excluded patients with an established pre-existing diagnosis of IBD and patients who had positive stool testing for infectious organisms. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, distribution of intestinal inflammation and clinical outcomes were assessed. The pathology slides were reinterpreted by a single pathologist with a specialty in gastroenterology to determine the histologic characteristics of the inflammation.

Results

A total of 8 patients developed gastrointestinal symptoms after starting secukinumab: 4 (50%) males with a median age of 42.5 (IQR: 35–50 years old). Secukinumab was initiated for psoriasis in 3 (37.5%) patients, psoriatic arthritis in 2 (25%) patients, ankylosing spondylitis in 2 (25%) patients and juvenile idiopathic arthritis in 1 (12.5%) patient. The median time of onset for gastrointestinal symptoms after starting secukinumab was 7 months (IQR: 4–15 months). Of the patients who underwent testing for inflammatory biomarkers, the median CRP was 25.5 (IQR 25.4–34.2). Endoscopic disease distribution involved the colon in 5 (62.5%) patients and the ileum and colon in 3 (37.5%) patients. In this series of patients, the histologic characteristics demonstrated three patterns of colitis: IBD-like (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) in 6 (75%) patients based on mucosal granulomas and/or chronic inflammatory changes, MMF-like histology in 1 (12.5%) patient, characterized by an abundance of intraepithelial eosinophils in the lamina propria and numerous crypt apoptotic bodies, and finally active colitis in 1 (12.5%) patient characterized by an absence of chronic mucosal injury or granulomas. The treatment for these patients was cessation of secukinumab and initiating alternative therapies with close clinical monitoring.

Conclusions

In this small case series, Secukinumab was temporally associated with the development of gastrointestinal inflammation. Further larger studies are required to confirm this association and to determine if IL-17 contributes to the pathogenesis of IBD.

Funding Agencies

None

Health status, late effects and long-term survivorship of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Survival after allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has improved because of advancements in allo-HSCT. Allo-HSCT has been performed in Australia since the late 1970s. However, there are few published data about health problems of allo-HSCT survivors in Australia.

AIMS

Identify health issues in long-term survivors of allo-HSCT in an Australian centre to manage better and prevent long-term complications.

METHODS

The health records of all patients of allo-HSCT in a single centre from January 2000 to December 2007 and survived beyond 2 years were assessed.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine of the 200 allo-HSCT patients survived beyond 2 years, and the median time from allo-HSCT was 74 months. Twenty-eight per cent died at a median of 37 months after allo-HSCT because of relapsed malignancy (12%), stroke (1%), infection (3%), chronic graft versus host disease (9%), secondary malignancy (2%) and unknown cause (1%). Ninety-one per cent reported one or more chronic health conditions. Health issues were chronic graft versus host disease (70%); respiratory (66%), ophthalmic (40%), bone (33%), and renal (26%) problems; and malignancies (14% skin, 3% solid organ). Seventy-nine per cent resumed vocation at full or reduced capacity 2 years after allo-HSCT. Clinicians identified 40% with quality of life (QOL) issues, but survivors' self-reported QOL was comparable with the general Australian population.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that allo-HSCT patients are living with high burdens of chronic diseases that warrant lifelong surveillance and engagement with healthcare. Structured, multi-disciplinary care as recommended by published guidelines for allo-HSCT survivors may reduce long-term effects and improve their outcomes.

Effects of single-dose dexmedetomidine on the quality of recovery after modified radical mastectomy: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2 agonist with analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the effect of a single dose of dexmedetomidine on patient-perceived quality of recovery and clinical recovery variables after modified radical mastectomy under general anesthesia in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval, ninety two female patients were randomly allocated to receive intravenously either saline (Group C, N.=46) or 0.5 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (Group D, N.=46) five min before the end of surgery. The quality of recovery was assessed using a 40-item quality-of-recovery scoring system (QoR-40) preoperatively and 24 h after surgery. Pain intensity, rescue analgesics, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were assessed at postanesthesia care unit (PACU), 1-6 h, and 6-24 h after surgery.

RESULTS

Postoperative global QoR-40 scores were higher in Group D compared with Group C (181 [175-187] vs. 174 [154.5-181.5], P=0.004); postoperative QoR-40 scores were improved in the dimensions of emotional state, physical comfort, and psychological support. Total amount of tramadol during 24 h after surgery was significantly lower in Group D than in Group C (54 vs. 76 mg, P=0.006). The incidence of PONV was lower in Group D than in Group C in PACU (21% vs. 43%, P=0.026) and 6-24 h period after surgery (10% vs. 41%, P=0.012). Heart rate and mean blood pressure were significantly lower in Group D as compared with Group C at 5 min after administration of dexmedetomidine, 1 min after extubation, and 20 min after arrival in PACU.

CONCLUSION

The use of a single dose dexmedetomidine improved the quality of recovery and reduced analgesic requirements and the incidence of PONV in the early postoperative period after modified radical mastectomy.

Evaluation of acid-base status in brain dead donors and the impact of metabolic acidosis on organ retrieval

BACKGROUND

Pathophysiologic changes after brain death can lead to acid-base disturbances. The primary aim of this study was to clarify the acid-base state and its source in brain dead donors using Stewart's approach. Additionally, we investigated whether the presence of metabolic acidosis affected the number of organs retrieved from donors.

METHODS

A retrospective review of electronic medical records was performed for brain dead donors who had undergone organ harvesting during the past 5 years in a tertiary medical center. The parameters related to acid-base disturbance and the number of organs retrieved from the donors was assessed.

RESULTS

Sixty one brain dead donors were evaluated in this study. Twenty three (37.7%) of these patients had metabolic acidosis at the initial diagnosis of brain death. Metabolic acidosis resulted from hyperchloremia and a large strong ion gap. The severity of metabolic acidosis was masked by hypernatremia and hypoalbuminemia. In addition, donors without metabolic acidosis also showed mixed acid-base disturbances in which metabolic acidosis induced by significant hyperchloremia was combined with metabolic alkalosis caused by hypoalbuminemia and hypernatremia. Although more organs were retrieved from the donors without metabolic acidosis than those with metabolic acidosis (P=0.012), serum albumin level (P=0.010) and donor age (P<0.001), rather than metabolic acid-base disturbances, significantly correlated with the number of organs retrieved in multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Most brain dead donors exhibited metabolic acid-base disturbances. However, rather than metabolic acidosis, serum albumin level and donor age were well correlated with the number of organs retrieved.

Distinctiveness of long-term pain that does not interfere with life: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Reporting of pain that does not interfere with life is common in the older population but little is known about people with such long-term non-interfering pain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether non-interfering pain can be a long-term state, and to compare this group with those who continuously report no pain, and with those with chronic pain that interferes with life.

METHODS

This was a prospective general population cohort study set within the North Staffordshire Osteoarthritis Project (NorStOP). People aged 50 plus were sent baseline, 3-year and 6-year questionnaires. Those who reported the same pain status (no pain, non-interfering pain, interfering pain) at each time point were compared on pain intensity, widespread pain and medication, and on sociodemographic and co-morbid characteristics at 6 years.

RESULTS

Forty percent of responders reported the same pain status at each time point; 12% reported long-term non-interfering pain. Fifty-nine percent of those with non-interfering pain reported at least one site of high pain intensity, 33% reported widespread pain, and 90% had used pain medication in the past 4 weeks. This group was similar to the no-pain group but distinct on sociodemographic and co-morbid measures from those with pain that interfered.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term non-interfering pain is common, but despite often suffering from high pain intensity and widespread pain, those within this group seem to be able to control their pain without allowing it to affect their everyday lives. Future work is needed to assess how people with long-term pain ensure it does not cause interference with life.

Obstetric Care of New European Migrants in Scotland: an audit of antenatal care, obstetric outcomes and communication

Background and Aims

There has been a twelve-fold increase in the number of New European migrants giving birth in Lothian between 2004 and 2007. The objective of this study was to audit obstetric care standards in Lothian for new migrants and recommend service improvements.

Methods

A retrospective audit of 114/136 (84%) obstetric case records of new European migrants giving birth in Lothian hospitals in 2006 was conducted. Assessment was against care standards for antenatal booking, antenatal attendance and interpretation. Obstetric outcomes were audited against the general population.

Results

Eighty percent were primiparous. Fifty five percent had booked by the end of week 14. Mean birth weights and lengths of stay were similar to the general population. Intervention rates were 23% for Caesarean Sections (C/S) and 17% for instrumental deliveries (versus 27% and 19% respectively in the general population). Epidural or spinal anaesthesia was used for 57% compared to 50% of the general population. The interpretation services (ITS) were used infrequently.

Conclusions

Full compliance with antenatal and interpretation standards was not achieved for this population. ITS was most commonly used to meet the needs of healthcare professionals, rather than as a routine. While there were no significant differences in maternity outcomes, poor communication did affect care.

A study to compare chest X-ray reports on overseas nursing recruits

This study was carried out to assess if there was a difference in the Chest X- ray (CXR) report on recruited nurses carried out overseas and later repeated in Ireland. This study was carried out in two Irish teaching hospitals. The subjects of this study comprised all overseas nurses recruited in each of the two hospitals within the defined period. The total number of subjects recruited from the 2 two centres was 84. Only nurses that had a repeat CXR were included in this study. 6/84 (7%) of the CXR that were initially reported as normal were subsequently reported as abnormal and were later diagnosed as Latent TB. 2/84(2%) of the CXR that were reported as abnormal were subsequently reported as normal. The data collected in this study has demonstrated that there was a significant difference in the CXR report from overseas and the CXR report in Ireland.

An economic evaluation of three physiotherapy treatments for non-specific neck disorders alongside a randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses were conducted to compare advice and exercise plus manual therapy (MT) and advice and exercise plus pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) with advice and exercise alone (A&E) in the treatment of non-specific neck disorders by experienced physiotherapists.

METHODS

Between July 2000 and June 2002, 350 participants with neck disorders from 15 physiotherapy departments were randomized to: A&E (n = 115); MT (n = 114) and PSWD (n = 121). Outcome and resource-use data were collected using physiotherapist case report forms and participant self-complete questionnaires. Outcome measures were the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) and EuroQoL EQ-5D [used to derive quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) utility scores]. Two economic viewpoints were considered (health care and societal). Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were used to assess the probabilities of the interventions being cost-effective at different willingness-to-pay threshold values.

RESULTS

Mean improvement in NPQ at 6 months was 11.5 in the A&E group, 10.2 in the MT group and 10.3 in the PSWD group; mean QALY scores were 0.362, 0.342 and 0.360, respectively. Mean health care costs were pound sterling105, pound sterling119 and pound sterling123 in the A&E, MT and PSWD groups, respectively. Mean societal costs were pound sterling373, pound sterling303 and pound sterling 338 in each group, respectively. Depending on the viewpoint and the outcome measure, A&E or MT were most likely to be the cost-effective interventions. PSWD was consistently the least cost-effective intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The cost-effective intervention is likely to be A&E or MT, depending on the economic perspective and preferred outcome, but not PSWD.

Tender point count and total myalgic score in fibromyalgia: changes over a 28-day period

Tender point count (TPC) is central to fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and with total myalgic score (TMS) is often used to monitor the patient's condition. This study aimed to determine the stability of TPC and TMS over time, and to examine how well these measures reflected patients' perceptions of their condition. Twenty-four patients with FMS completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) measuring well-being, at entrance into the study, and 7 and 28 days later. There was no significant change in TPC (P = 0.074), FIQ score (P = 0.291) or VAS (P = 0.079) of well-being with time. However, mean TMS score did change over time (P = 0.021). There was no correlation between total FIQ score and the other measures (all P-values > 0.05). The significant change in TMS over time may reflect the natural fluctuation in the clinical presentation of FMS.

A systematic review on the efficacy of repeat hepatectomy for recurrent liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma

14506

Background: Liver recurrence after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is common and associated with a reduced survival if not treated aggressively. The objectives of this systematic were to critically appraise the quantity and quality of current clinical evidence and demonstrate the efficacy of repeat hepatectomy for CRLM. Methods: Electronic searches for relevant studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals on repeat hepatectomy for recurrent CRLM prior to September 2006 were performed on six databases. The reference lists of all retrieved articles were manually searched for further identification of potentially relevant studies. All relevant articles identified were assessed with application of selection criteria. The quality of each included study was assessed. Clinical effectiveness was synthesized through a narrative review with full tabulation of results of all included studies. Results: Seventeen studies with more than 20 patients were included for quality appraisal and data extraction. These 17 studies consisted of two multi- institutional, one bi-institutional and 14 single-center observational studies. The overall perioperative morbidity rate ranged from 7–30% and mortality rate varied from 0–5%. The rates of intra-abdominal abscess, wound infection, bile leak, hepatic failure and pleural effusion ranged from 2.4–23%, 2.4–11%, 0.8–10%, 0–4.5% and 2.4–9.5%, respectively. The overall median survival since initial hepatectomy was 26 to 73 months. The overall median survival since the repeat hepatectomy ranged from 23 to 56 months, with 3- and 5-year survival of 24–68% and 21–49%, respectively. The median disease-free survival ranged from 9 to 52 months, with 3- and 5-year disease-free survival of 16–68% and 16–48%, respectively. After repeat hepatectomy the rates of disease recurrence in the liver and at an extra-hepatic site were 15–67% and 27–64%, respectively. Conclusions: The current literature suggests that repeat hepatectomy is associated with a prolonged survival for recurrent CRLM. Although all studies were observational case series, repeat hepatectomy is justified in selected patients, as there is a lack of evidence for alternative treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.