Remote Symptom Monitoring With Ecological Momentary Computerized Adaptive Testing: Pilot Cohort Study of a Platform for Frequent, Low-Burden, and Personalized Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

BACKGROUND

Remote patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) data capture can provide useful insights into research and clinical practice and deeper insights can be gained by administering assessments more frequently, for example, in ecological momentary assessment. However, frequent data collection can be limited by the burden of multiple, lengthy questionnaires. This burden can be reduced with computerized adaptive testing (CAT) algorithms that select only the most relevant items from a PROM for an individual respondent. In this paper, we propose "ecological momentary computerized adaptive testing" (EMCAT): the use of CAT algorithms to reduce PROM response burden and facilitate high-frequency data capture via a smartphone app. We develop and pilot a smartphone app for performing EMCAT using a popular hand surgery PROM.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of EMCAT as a system for remote PROM administration.

METHODS

We built the EMCAT web app using Concerto, an open-source CAT platform maintained by the Psychometrics Centre, University of Cambridge, and hosted it on an Amazon Web Service cloud server. The platform is compatible with any questionnaire that has been parameterized with item response theory or Rasch measurement theory. For this study, the PROM we chose was the patient evaluation measure, which is commonly used in hand surgery. CAT algorithms were built using item response theory models derived from UK Hand Registry data. In the pilot study, we enrolled 40 patients with hand trauma or thumb-base arthritis, across 2 sites, between July 13, 2022, and September 14, 2022. We monitored their symptoms with the patient evaluation measure, via EMCAT, over a 12-week period. Patients were assessed thrice weekly, once daily, or thrice daily. We additionally administered full-length PROM assessments at 0, 6, and 12 weeks, and the User Engagement Scale at 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The use of EMCAT significantly reduced the length of the PROM (median 2 vs 11 items) and the time taken to complete it (median 8.8 seconds vs 1 minute 14 seconds). Very similar scores were obtained when EMCAT was administered concurrently with the full-length PROM, with a mean error of <0.01 on a logit (z score) scale. The median response rate in the daily assessment group was 93%. The median perceived usability score of the User Engagement Scale was 4.0 (maximum possible score 5.0).

CONCLUSIONS

EMCAT reduces the burden of PROM assessments, enabling acceptable high-frequency, remote PROM data capture. This has potential applications in both research and clinical practice. In research, EMCAT could be used to study temporal variations in symptom severity, for example, recovery trajectories after surgery. In clinical practice, EMCAT could be used to monitor patients remotely, prompting early intervention if a patient's symptom trajectory causes clinical concern.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN 19841416; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN19841416.

276 Safety of Maintaining Elective and Emergency Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic with the Introduction of an Innovative Protected Elective Surgical Unit (PESU): A Cross-Specialty Evaluation of 30-Day Outcomes in 9925 Patients Undergoing Surgery in a University Health Board

Aim

High quality mobile health applications (mhealth apps) have the potential to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of burns. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether the quality of mhealth apps for burns care is being adequately assessed. The secondary aim was to determine whether these apps meet UK regulatory standards.

Method

We searched AMED, BNI, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Embase, Emcare, Medline and PsychInfo to identify studies assessing mhealth app quality for burns. The PRISMA reporting guideline was adhered to. Two independent reviewers screened s to identify relevant studies. We analysed whether seven established domains of mhealth app quality were assessed: design, information/content, usability, functionality, ethical issues, security/privacy, and user-perceived value.

Results

Of the 28 included studies, none assessed all seven domains of quality. Design was assessed in 4/28 studies; information/content in 26/28 studies; usability in 12/28 studies; functionality in 10/28 studies; ethical issues were never assessed in any studies; security/privacy was not assessed; subjective assessment was made in 9/28 studies. 17/28 studies included apps that met the definition of ‘medical device’ according to MHRA guidance, yet only one app was appropriately certified with the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark.

Conclusions

The quality of mHealth apps for burns are not being adequately assessed. The majority of apps should be considered medical devices according to UK standards, but only one was appropriately certified. Regulatory bodies should support mhealth app developers, so as to improve quality control whilst simultaneously fostering innovation.

Growth Factor and Intense Pulse Light in Flexor Tendon Repair: A Biomechanical Study at Strength and Gap Resistance

BACKGROUND

Flexor tendon injuries are extremely common and they are usually the result of incised traumatic glass or knife injury. The process of tendon healing is a complicated and exceptionally-regimented mechanism that is originated and monitored by a vast number of diverse molecules. One of the most pivotal groups of mediators that are crucial to the healing process are growth factors (GF). Intense pulse light (IPL) can lead to evidence of new collagen formation with associated clinical improvement in tissue healing. The biological benefit of Intense pulse light (IPL) relies on judicious photothermolysis, where heat driven radiation is dissipated and focused at the cellular level. The aims of this study is to set out the effect of growth factor and IPL on healing following a tendon repair.

METHODS

Bovine common digital extensor tendons (CDET) were used as an ex vivo model. 44 tendon repairs were performed by the lead author using 2.5 × magnification loupes and standard instruments. Clamped tendons were assigned into the following groups; control, IPL, GF, IPL and GF. After culturing, biomechanical testing was carried out using monotonic tensile testing with displacement-controlled uniaxial tension to failure.

RESULTS

The mean values for ultimate tensile stress (UTS) for the control group was 53.51 N, for IPL it was 51.15 N, for growth factor was 70.10 N and for combined growth factor and IPL it was 75.16 N.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed significant improvement in UTS when repaired tendons were cultured with growth factor compared to control and IPL. This would suggest a biomechanical advantage for tendon healing.

Should We Resect Hoffa's Fat Pad during Total Knee Replacement?

Resection of Hoffa's fat pad during total knee arthroplasty is sometimes performed to improve access and view. Opponents of this technique argue that sacrificing the fat pad potentially compromises blood supply to the patellar tendon and it can subsequently shorten. Our objective was to identify any difference in the Insall-Salvati ratio of knees undergoing total knee arthroplasty between a cohort that had Hoffa's fat pad preserved and the one that had Hoffa's fat pad completely excised. The total knee arthroplasties by two surgeons at our institution were reviewed over a 3-year period. Surgeon A routinely preserves the fat pad and surgeon B routinely excises the fat pad. Radiographs preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at a minimum of 1-year follow up were analyzed for the Insall-Salvati ratio. A total of 161 knees were reviewed, 65 in the preserved group and 96 in the excised group with a mean age of 67 and 70 years, respectively. The mean preoperative Insall-Salvati ratio for the preserved group was 1.12 (±0.145) and excised group 1.16 (±0.168) (p = 0.094). The mean immediate postoperative Insall-Salvati ratio for the preserved group was 1.10 (±0.154) and for excised group 1.18 (±0.194). The difference in Insall-Salvati ratio from preoperative to the immediate postoperative period in the preserved group compared with the excised group demonstrated a significant difference (p = 0.010). However, the change of Insall-Salvati ratio at 1 year did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.059). There does not appear to be any difference in the Insall-Salvati ratios of both groups at 1 year's follow up; therefore, this study radiologically at least supports the use of either technique.

Prophylactic proton pump inhibitors in femoral neck fracture patients - A life - and cost-saving intervention

Introduction Acute gastrointestinal stress ulceration is a common and serious complication of trauma. Prophylactic proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine receptor antagonists have been used in poly-trauma, burns and head and spinal injuries, as well as on intensive care units, for the prevention of acute gastric stress ulcers. Methods We prospectively studied the use of prophylactic PPIs in with femoral neck fracture patients, gathering data on all acute gastric ulcer complications, including coffee-ground vomiting, malena and haematemesis. We then implemented a treatment protocol in which all patients were given prophylactic PPIs, again prospectively collecting all data. Results Five hundred and fifteen patients were included. Prior to prophylactic PPI, 15% of patients developed gastric stress ulcer complications, with 3% requiring acute intervention with oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), 5% requiring transfusions and 4% experiencing surgical delays. All patients had delayed discharges. Following PPI implementation, no patients developed gastric stress ulcer complications. Conclusions Femoral neck fracture patients create a substantial workload for orthopaedic units. The increasingly elderly population often have comorbidities, and concomitantly use medications with gastrointestinal side effects. This, combined with the stress of a fracture and preoperative starvation periods increases the risk of gastric ulcers. Here, the use of prophylactic PPIs statistically reduced the incidence of gastric stress ulcers in patients with femoral neck fractures, resulting in fewer surgical delays, reduced length of hospital stay and reduced stress ulcer-related mortality.

Early versus late surgery for closed ankle fractures

PURPOSE

To compare the outcome after early versus late surgery for closed ankle fractures in terms of the length of hospital stay and infection rate.

METHODS

Records of 95 men and 119 women aged 14 to 92 (mean, 46) years who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for ankle fractures during three 6-month periods in 2004, 2007, and 2010 were reviewed. 82 and 132 patients underwent surgery <24 hours and >24 hours after presentation, respectively. The most common reason for delayed surgery was unavailability of the operation theatre, followed by delayed admission to the fracture clinic and excess soft tissue swelling.

RESULTS

Patient and injury characteristics of the 3 study periods were comparable (p=0.399). The early and late surgery groups were comparable in proportions of various fracture patterns but not in patient age (40 vs. 49 years, p=0.002). The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was shorter in the early surgery group (2.9 vs. 5.5 days, p=0.009). The 2 groups did not differ significantly in the infection rate (7% vs. 11%, p=0.589) or the need for additional surgery (3.7% vs. 5.3%, p=0.63).

CONCLUSION

Patients with delayed surgery for ankle fracture had a longer postoperative length of hospital stay. Surgery should be performed within 24 hours of injury to minimise the length of hospital stay.

Pitfalls in the diagnosis of infection around the shoulder joint--report of three cases

Infection around the shoulder joint is rare. Clinical suspicion and diagnostic imaging are required for accurate diagnosis. We present three cases that emphasise particular diagnostic challenges when dealing with infection around the shoulder joint. Discussion includes the role of ultrasound as a screening tool and the importance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the accurate diagnosis and localisation of infections around the shoulder.

Laser-assisted end-to-end BioWeld anastomosis in an ovine model

The BioWeld tube, an albumin-based exovascular stent, has been used for microsurgical anastomoses and compared to conventional sutures. The study presented investigated the potential of the BioWeld tube for vascular anastomosis in larger vessels. Laser-assisted BioWeld anastomoses were compared to conventional-sutured anatomoses of the carotid artery of Merino-x ewes. The BioWeld procedure resulted in 100% survival and 100% patency at 1 and 6 week post-operative periods, with no noticeable foreign body response. Sutured animals showed 100% survival and patency. The ischemic time for BioWeld anastomosis averaged 15 minutes compared with 10 minutes for sutures. This study indicates that the BioWeld tube is an easy to use anastomotic technique with equivalent success rates and comparable anastomotic times.

Angiokeratoma of the scrotum: a case of scrotal bleeding

A 26-year-old man presented to the emergency department after a spontaneous 30 min bleed from his scrotal skin. He showed no other symptoms and denied any past medical history. He was exclusively sexually active, systemically well and haemodynamically stable. There were numerous (>50) 1-2 mm dark red, erythematous papules over the scrotum, sparing the shaft of penis, inner thigh and abdomen. A small area of blood marked the bleeding spot as a single papule. A diagnosis of angiokeratoma of the scrotum (Fordyce) was made and potential precipitants such as intra-abdominal masses, urinary tract tumours, varicoceles, hernias and angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry syndrome) were excluded. He was discharged with dermatology follow-up with a view to local laser treatment. The important differential diagnoses are angiokeratoma corporis diffusum and malignant melanoma (nodular type). In females, Fordyce angiokeratoma are distributed on labia majora.

Assessment of nerve ultrastructure by fibre-optic confocal microscopy

Fibre-optic technology combined with confocality produces a microscope capable of optical thin sectioning. In this original study, tibial nerves have been stained in a rat model with a vital dye, 4-(4-diethylaminostyryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide, and analysed by fibre-optic confocal microscopy to produce detailed images of nerve ultrastructure. Schwann cells, nodes of Ranvier and longitudinal myelinated sheaths enclosing axons were clearly visible. Single axons appeared as brightly staining longitudinal structures. This allowed easy tracing of multiple signal axons within the nerve tissue. An accurate measurement of internodal lengths was easily accomplished. This technique is comparable to current histological techniques, but does not require biopsy, thin sectioning or tissue fixing. This study offers a standard for further in vivo microscopy, including the possibility of monitoring the progression of nerve regeneration following microsurgical neurorraphy.

Laser-activated solid protein bands for peripheral nerve repair: an vivo study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Severed tibial nerves in rats were repaired using a novel technique, utilizing a semiconductor diode-laser-activated protein solder applied longitudinally across the join. Welding was produced by selective laser denaturation of solid solder bands containing the dye indocyanine green.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

An in vivo study, using 48 adult male Wistar rats, compared conventional microsuture-repaired tibial nerves with laser solder-repaired nerves. Nerve repairs were characterised immediately after surgery and after 3 months.

RESULTS

Successful regeneration with average compound muscle action potentials of 2.5 +/- 0.5 mV and 2.7 +/- 0.3 mV (mean and standard deviation) was demonstrated for the laser-soldered nerves and the sutured nerves, respectively. Histopathology confirmed comparable regeneration of axons in laser- and suture-operated nerves.

CONCLUSION

The laser-based nerve repair technique was easier and faster than microsuture repair, minimising manipulation damage to the nerve.

Preliminary study of microsurgical repairs of the inferior alveolar nerve in rats using primary suturing and laser weld techniques

A comparison of primary suturing and a new laser weld technique is described for the microsurgical repair of the inferior alveolar nerve in Wistar rats. A reliable method of exposure of the inferior alveolar nerve has been developed in order to allow intraosseous repairs of the nerve involving suturing with 10:0 nylon and a laser weld technique using an albumin-based solder, containing indocynine cardiogreen, plus an infrared (810 nm wavelength) diode laser. Seven cases of microsuture and laser weld repairs were performed with a 29.4% reduction in total operating time in the laser weld group. Histochemical analysis showed comparable mean neuron counts and mean tracer uptake by neurons for the microsuture and laser weld groups. Giant cell reactions were identified in two of the primary suture cases and axon deflection in three cases demonstrating possible advantages of the laser weld technique which showed no adverse reactions by axons or epineurium to the coagulative repair with the solder. The technique of laser weld repair, on initial analysis, therefore appears comparable with traditional suture repairs and indeed may possess several advantages. Further studies are recommended.