Evidence-informed healthcare through integration of health research

A foundational element of modern healthcare is an evidence-based practice. However, the conduct of research to generate evidence and the subsequent application of research findings are viewed by many Canadian healthcare organizations as separate from healthcare delivery. This mindset impedes effective translation of knowledge into practice. In this article, underlying issues that enable this disintegrated model to persist are described, and strategies to help healthcare organizations achieve integration of research are summarized.

Clinical evaluation of the Unfolder

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical acceptability of the Unfolder for implantation of AMO PhacoFlex II (model SI-30NB or SI-40NB) intraocular lenses (IOLs).

SETTING

Six investigational sites in five states in the United States: Utah, Texas, Missouri, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.

METHODS

One hundred one patients from six investigational sites had implantation of an SI-30NB or SI-40NB IOL. Investigators evaluated the clinical acceptability of the Unfolder by comparing their experience with the injector with that using other implantation systems. Internal incision size (dimensions) was measured three times during surgery using a calibrated instrument. Data on safety and efficacy were collected.

RESULTS

The investigators rated the Unfolder as clinically acceptable. Mean internal incision size after phacoemulsification but before IOL implantation was 3.0 mm +/- 0.1 (SD) (range 2.7 to 3.2 mm). Average internal incision size after IOL implantation was 3.1 +/- 0.1 mm. There were no reports of haptic deformation, lens optic damage, or postoperative complications related to the Unfolder. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigators found the Unfolder easy to use. It provided controlled lens implantation through incisions 2.7 to 3.2 mm, with post-IOL implantation incisions ranging from 2.9 to 3.3 mm.

Topical diclofenac in the treatment of ocular pain after excimer photorefractive keratectomy

BACKGROUND

Following excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy, patients experience significant ocular pain until corneal reepithelialization. Despite the use of cold compresses, bandage soft contact lenses, cycloplegics, narcotics, and topical corticosteroids, the pain has not been adequately controlled in many patients.

METHODS

A randomized, double-masked, parallel-group study of diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution and its placebo vehicle was evaluated. Patients undergoing excimer myopic photorefractive keratectomy on their second eye were admitted overnight. Postoperative procedures included two drops of diclofenac or placebo immediately after surgery and then qid until reepithelialization, topical tobramycin (qid), 0.1% fluorometholone (q2h), cycloplegics, and a disposable soft contact lens. Thirty-two patients (diclofenac = 16, placebo = 16) were evaluated from +30 minutes to +96 hours by several types of questionnaires.

RESULTS

Most patients who received placebo experienced pain, starting within 1 hour, peaking at 4 to 6 hours and lasting 36 to 48 hours. The diclofenac-treated patients rarely experienced the early peak in pain, had less pain overall until 72 hours postoperatively, and experienced significantly less photophobia and burning/stinging. Significantly fewer patients on diclofenac required oral narcotics. Three patients (diclofenac = 2, placebo = 1) developed corneal infiltrates, the etiology of which is not known. In a separate study we conducted, there was no difference in epithelial healing times between the diclofenac-treated eyes and those not receiving the drug.

CONCLUSIONS

Diclofenac appears to significantly reduce the ocular pain following excimer photorefractive keratectomy.

Accuracy and reproducibility of KeraScanner analysis in PERK corneal topography. PERK Study Group

The measurement of the corneal radius of curvature centrally and in the corneal periphery is exceedingly difficult because of variables in photography and data acquisition. We present a technique of Automated image scanning of corneal photographs which provides a more accurate and reproducible analysis of the paracentral corneal contour. We analyzed the sources of error of corneal topography measurement. CorneaScope photographs of calibration balls were generated by each Prospective Evaluation of Radial Keratotomy (PERK) Surgical Center. The 90% confidence intervals for individual ring-radial positions on the 8.00 and 10.00 mm balls were 7.91 to 8.09 mm and 9.89 to 10.11 mm respectively. Our isopter method of analysis for clinical comparison averages all eight radii of curvature for each CorneaScopef ring. This isopter technique reduces the corresponding 90% confidence intervals to 7.96 to 8.03 and 9.95 to 10.06 mm. The measurement variability of a 10 mm calibration ball decreased in the following order: calibration ball positioning, scanner personnel, photograph movement between scans, and nonrepositioned scanning. Photographs of calibration balls demonstrate +/- 4 microns of measurement resolution and patient corneal photographs may be evaluated to +/- 40 microns. This automated scanning system provides consistent data when digitizing keratographs.

Ultrasonic visualization of the non-opacified gallbladder: response of the normal and obstructed canine gallbladder to C8CCK

In vitro studies of a simulated gallbladder show that B-scan ultrasonography is as reliable as radiography in measuring changes in volume of the organ. The width or planimetric area of the sonogram correlates with the change in balloon volume and with similar radiographic measurements. In vivo measurements of the normal canine gallbladder stimulated by a carefully prescribed infusion of C8CCK in the dose range of 2.2 to 5.5 ng/kg/min over an 8 to 10 minute interval, showed a clearly defined decrease in gallbladder width. In ligation and division of the common bile duct no change in gallbladder size was demonstrated. We conclude that sonography alone can be used to measure a change in gallbladder size to better differentiate complete obstruction of the common bile duct from medical causes in the jaundiced patient.

Thigh emphysema and hip pain secondary to gastrointestinal perforation

A patient presenting with thigh emphysema and hip pain may suggest intra-abdominal pathology. Three new and 19 previously reported cases of thigh emphysema secondary to bowel disease are reviewed. The thigh and hip manifestations can obscure the primary intra-abdominal process either due to the obvious emphysema or to the obtunded abdominal signs secondary to associated neuropathy. Only one of 22 patients with thigh emphysema secondary to bowel perforation had gas gangrene. Early diagnosis of this clinical association is essential since eight of the 11 deaths occurred within a few days after admission. Right-sided thigh emphysema suggests appendicitis, whereas left-sided emphysema is more likely to be secondary to left colonic diverticulitis or carcinoma.

Ultrastructure of human organ-cultured cornea. II. Stroma and epithelium

The stroma and epithelium of human corneas that had been stored in organ culture medium for 10 to 22 days at 37 C were examined by light and electron microscopy. Total corneal thickness was found to be doubled at ten days and there was no further increase even at 22 days. The posterior portion of the stroma was more hydrated than the anterior region. Stromal cells were reduced in number and normal-appearing cells were present only in superficial stroma. The epithelial basement membrane was irregular and thickened. Although the epithelium was reduced to three or four cells in thickness and the intercellular spaces were dilated, the epithelial cells contained normal subcellular organelles and appeared to be viable.

Endothelium of the human organ cultured cornea: an electron microscopic study

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