Bronze open access

Modification of hospital discharge summary software to improve Covid-19 documentation and safeguard community infection prevention (2021)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Lo N.

Citation:
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine. Conference: 19th European Congress in Internal Medicine Internal Medicine, ECIM 2021. Virtual. 8(Supplement 1) (pp 108), 2021. Date of Publication: 2021.

Abstract:
Background and Aims: Initial review of 50 discharge summaries at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in April 2020 revealed only 27% included the patient's COVID-19 test result and 2% outlined any recommended self-isolation advice. This had potential adverse implications for infection control as well as medicolegal sequalae for the Trust if exposed patients were discharged without self-isolation advice and subsequently spread COVID-19 in the community. The medical team worked with hospital IT to amend the existing discharge summary software, such that two tabs were added to make COVID-19 test result and self isolation documentation mandatory prior to sign off, in an early pilot version. We aimed to evaluate the impact of this software modification on COVID-19 discharge summary documentation. Method(s): Following the implementation of the modified software, 50 consecutive discharge summaries were retrospectively reviewed for: Documentation of COVID-19 result. Documentation of self-isolation advice for patient. Result(s): Following the software amendment, 91% of discharge summaries included COVID-19 test result (up from 27%) and 100% included documented self-isolation advice for the patient (up from 2%). Conclusion(s): Simple modification of the existing IT system greatly improved compliance with COVID-19 test result and self-isolation advice documentation on discharge summaries. A further software update since the study has added a tab awaiting results, to cater for patients discharged prior to COVID-19 test result becoming available. We propose all hospitals consider adopting similar measures in the interest of infection prevention, public safety and potential medico-legal sequalae.

Link to full-text [no password required]

A different perspective: using interactive virtual reality (IVR) for psychiatry training (2021)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Evans H.; Young S.; Whitehurst J.; *Madadi A.; Barton J.

Citation:
BJPsych Open. Conference: Royal College of Psychiatrists International Congress, RCPsych 2021. Virtual. 7(Supplement 1) (pp S22-S23), 2021. Date of Publication: June 2021.

Abstract:
Aims. To evaluate the potential of interactive virtual reality in teaching and training Postgraduate Psychiatry Trainees in the Keele Cluster Background. Face to face supervised clinical experience will always be the best way to train and learn, followed by using simulated patients in practice scenarios allowing a safe environment in which to practice and train without risk. However, the practicalities of a busy NHS often mean that the expense and time required for both of these are not possible and often PowerPoints and handouts in induction are used to prepare new starters in Psychiatry, which is clearly suboptimal. Interactive Virtual Reality (IVR) allows trainees to not only be immersed in a simulation but take control, choosing the direction of questioning for example. It also allows the training to be easily repeated and scaled to any number of students, anytime and anywhere there is an internet connection. Method. Following successful funding from the RCPsych General Adult Faculty we chose three common scenarios that a new started in Psychiatry would face. These included acute agitation/ rapid tranquilisation, a patient wishing to leave/section 5(2) and a patient with tachycardia following clozapine initiation. Using established guidelines and literature, in conjunction with feedback from subject matter experts and practicing clinicians, scenarios were written. We then researched the best hardware and software to make this possible, ensuring that the resources required were realistic to allow accessibility to as many trainees as possible. Result. Creating IVR is challenging but an engaging medium. Achieving consensus on the training material is time consuming yet paramount to a good training session. Producing high quality videos is extremely resource intensive requiring large amounts of computing power and storage. However, the outcome is an engaging and practical alternative to face to face training. Conclusion. The possibilities for IVR for are vast. For example, trainees can practice different methods of asking questions (e.g. open vs closed) and how this affects the outcome. Training could be produced centrally and then shared, allowing best practice to be disseminated. It could improve and standardise induction, especially considering the expanding workforce. It could also improve recruitment, allowing an immersive experience of Psychiatry to those who would otherwise be unable to obtain shadowing. It also has a role in patient safety – demonstrating common scenarios that the trainee may face allowing them to practice in a safe environment.

Link to full-text [no password required]

Randomised controlled trial of antibiotic/ hydroxychloroquine combination versus standard budesonide in active Crohn's disease (Apricot) (2021)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Rhodes J.; Subramanian S.; Martin K.; Probert C.; Flanagan P.; Horgan G.; Mansfield J.; Parkes M.; Hart A.; Dallal H.; Iqbal T.; *Butterworth J.; Culshaw K.

Citation:
Gut; Jan 2021; vol. 70

Abstract:
Introduction Mucosal E. coli are increased in Crohn's disease (CD). They replicate within macrophages and are then inaccessible to penicillins and gentamicin. Hydroxychloroquine is used with doxycycline to treat Whipple's disease. It raises macrophage intra-vesicular pH and inhibits replication of bacteria that require acidic pH. Ciprofloxacin and doxycycline are also effective against E. coli within macrophages. Methods Adult patients with active CD (CDAI>220 plus CRP>=5 mg/l and/or faecal calprotectin >250 ugram/g) were randomised to receive (open label) either oral budesonide (Entocort CR 9 mg/day 8 weeks, then 6 mg/day 2 weeks and 3 mg/day 2 weeks) or antibiotics/hydroxychloroquine (AB/ HCQ) – oral ciprofloxacin 500 mg bd, doxycycline 100 mg bd, hydroxychloroquine 200 mgs tds for 4 weeks, followed by doxycycline 100 mg bd and hydroxychloroquine 200 mgs tds for 20 weeks. Use of anti-TNF in the previous 3 months was an exclusion. Primary endpoints were remission (CDAI

Link to full-text [no password required]

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as a ceiling of care treatment for hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 (2021)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Patrick Bradley , *Jennifer Nixon , James Wilson , James Redfern , Tarek Saba , Emily Nuttall, Thomas Bongers

Citation:
Journal of the Intensive Care Society 2021, Vol. 0(0), 1–3 [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:
Among patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in the UK, 10% develop severe hypoxemic respiratory failure managed with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Much interest has focused on non-invasive strategies to avert progression to IMV. UK guidelines recommend the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), including in patients for whom IMV is not appropriate. However, other nations have recommended against the use of CPAP, and within the UK, CPAP use has varied widely (personal communication). The greatest burden of COVID-19 disease is carried by older patients with comorbidities, many of whom are deemed unsuitable for IMV and critical care. However, it is unclear whether they might benefit from CPAP. The RECOVERY-RS trial is investigating the efficacy of CPAP and high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) in severely hypoxic patients with COVID-19, but will not complete until late 2021, and excludes patients unsuitable for IMV. Current evidence is limited to cohort studies of heterogeneous patient groups, with no published data focussing on patients for whom CPAP is the ceiling-of-care. Physicians caring for such patients, and those involved in planning the delivery of CPAP services, must balance any potential benefits of CPAP against its burden on patients, families, staff, and services. Therefore data in this patient population are urgently needed.

Link to full-text [no password required]

Boat propeller transection of hemithorax-successful multidisciplinary surgical reconstruction (2020)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Cheruvu S.; Oo K.T.M.; Erel E.; Satur C.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery; Jun 2020; vol. 107 ; p. 37

Abstract:
A 69 year old man fell into canal and was drawn into the propeller of his canal boat that resulted in transection of the right thoracic cavity and the right upper arm. Emergency helicopter transfer was made to our major trauma centre for multidisciplinary surgical care. Injuries included a full thickness antero-posterior transection from the sternum to beyond the tip of the scapula, and an open right midshaft humeral fracture with wound extending obliquely into the axilla. The entire thoracic cavity was contaminated by canal water. There was severe haemodynamic and cardiorespiratory compromise requiring level 3 intensive care. Following emergency resuscitative management, multidisciplinary surgical care was provided by the cardiothoracic, plastic and orthopaedic surgery teams utilising innovative operative techniques. Multistage operative management of chest wall required initial damage control surgery with debridement and negative pressure therapy. After 4 days of intensive care physiological stabilisation, reconstruction of the thoracic defect was undertaken with specialist thoracic titanium implants and the chest wall was reconstructed. This was a major thoracic trauma case treated successfully using revolutionary surgical techniques at the Royal Stoke Hospital. The subsequent impact on practice for thoracic polytrauma has led to improved survival rates by 75%.

Link to full-text [no password required]

Assessing the adequacy of radiographs for hip fractures (2020)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Mulrain J.; *Omar N.; *Burston B.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery; Jun 2020; vol. 107 ; p. 138

Abstract:
Aim: Radiographs for the assessment of femoral neck fractures are frequently inadequate for the visualisation of the proximal femur. A low centred radiograph of both hips offers enough information but is rarely achieved.We sought to determine the proportion of hip fractures where initial radiographs adequately visualised the femur to encompass the proposed surgical management.We also sought to find the proportion of patients who required repeat radiographs and whether this was affected by time of presentation. Method(s): A retrospective review of the radiographs of hip fractures presenting to our institution, over a three-month period was undertaken. The timings, number and adequacy of radiographs was assessed. Result(s): Radiographs of 89 patients were reviewed. Most radiographs were taken between 8am and 5pm. Radiographs of 58 patients were centred on the pelvis rather than the hips. Patients presenting overnight were more likely to have adequate radiographs. Despite a duplicate x-ray rate of 48%, most patients (55%) had inadequate visualisation of the proximal femur. The average excess radiation exposure by duplicate radiographs was 2.31mSv per patient. Conclusion(s): The majority of patients had inadequate visualisation of the fractured proximal femur on their radiographs.Many had excessive radiographs performed. This was not improved by increased staffing levels during daylight hours.

Link to full-text [no password required]

Acute appendicitis-can we shorten the length of hospital stay? (2020)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
British Journal of Surgery; Jun 2020; vol. 107 ; p. 197

Citation:
*Jones G.; *Bura K.; *Rink J.

Abstract:
Introduction: Appendicectomy is the most commonly performed emergency general surgical operation in the UK. Hospital episode data revealed that our unit had longer than average length of stay (LOS). We designed a study to examine our length of stay and management of acute appendicitis. Method(s): We performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing appendicectomy from January to March 2019. Cases were identified from theatre logbooks. Data collection included demographics, pre and post-operative LOS, CT imaging and histology. The data was then examined to see what factors were associated with length of stay and where improvements might be realised. Result(s): 71 patients were identified. Mean LOS was 81 hours, mean time to theatre from admission was 22 hours withmean post-operative LOS at 58 hours. There was a difference between females vs males LOS 95 vs 67 hours. CT scan was obtained in 26 patients and the mean time to theatre in these patients was longer at 27 hours compared to 20 hours in the non- CT group. Patients who took longer to get to theatre had increased LOS. Conclusion(s): Rapid access to CT could shorten time to theatre. Getting patients to theatre quicker might shorten post-operative length of stay.

Link to full-text [no password required]

The annual usage of anaesthetic gases at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust: the environmental impact and potential solutions (2020)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Thompson T.; *Passey S.; *Mowatt C.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery; 2020; vol. 107 ; p. 74-75

Abstract:
Aims: The NHS is responsible for 5.5% of the UK's net emissions, with anaesthetic gases comprising of 5% of hospital emissions. Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals (SaTH) are DGH's with 18 combined theatres, 9 at each site. The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental impact of anaesthetic gases used by the trust and suggest possible improvements.
Method(s): Figures from October 2018-2019 supplied by the hospital pharmacy and compared using the RCoA Anaesthetic Impact Calculator. Costs obtained from pharmacy relating to the available anaesthetic gases and drugs.
Result(s): Over the past year SaTH has emitted the equivalent of 4,819,050kg of CO2 through its anaesthetic gases alone (these gases being sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane and nitrous oxide). Of these gases, sevoflurane is the greenest, while nitrous oxide is the worst offender. To give this an idea of scale, to offset, this would require the planting of 10915 trees, which would take up an area of 4-10 hectares of land.
Conclusion(s): We are recommending that SaTH stops using Nitrous oxide and Isoflurane, which is currently under consideration by the consultant body. We would discourage the use of desflurane, and where possible sevoflurane. Encourage the use of total intravenous anaesthetic (TIVA). We postulate this would save the trust aminimum of 5000 per year or 15000 per year with a 10% reduction in sevoflurane use. This would reduce our CO2 equivalent production by over 4.6 million kg.

Link to full-text [no password required]

The benefits of multidisciplinary human factors training in theatre (2020)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Jones R.; *Branfield L.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery; 2020; vol. 107 ; p. 75

Abstract:
Aims: The awareness of Human Factors (HF) and their role in patient safety is vital in the theatre environment.
The aim of this audit was therefore to assess the awareness of human factors within our theatre team during a Human Factors Training Course at a District General Hospital.
Method(s): The Human Factors Training Course started with a questionnaire assessing roles, experience, and awareness of HF. It also looked at staff morale. The course involved a presentation and 2 simulation scenarios in theatre. After completion, there was a post course questionnaire looking at awareness of human factors, effects on staff morale and impact on patient care.
Result(s): Of the respondents, experience varied from 1 to 10+ years. The pre-course awareness of HF averaged 6.1 out of 10. The opinions on morale averaged at 6.7 out of 10, and the effect of HF training on morale averaged 8.4 out of 10. All respondents believed that the course could improve patient care. Post course awareness of HF increased and staff morale also increased as a consequence of the course.
Conclusion(s): From the results we can see that the awareness of human factors within the cohort prior to training was relatively low. Post course, we can see an increase in terms of awareness of human factors. As well as providing a training opportunity, this course had a positive effect on staff morale, and vitally, it was thought that the course would have positive impact on patient care.

Link to full-text [no password required]

Supratentorial vs infratentorial posterior calvarial distraction osteogenesis for the increase of ICV in children with syndromic or multi-suture craniosynostosis: a retrospective cohort study (2021)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Sharman J.; Rodrigues D.; McGuirk S.; *Panikkar M.; Nishikawa H.; Dover S.; Evans M.; White N.

Citation:
Child's Nervous System; 2021 [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:
Purpose: Craniosynostosis is the premature and pathological fusion of calvarial sutures. One modality of surgical treatment of syndromic craniosynostosis is posterior calvarial distraction (PCD). This can be either supratentorial or infratentorial. Currently, supratentorial PCD may be regarded as safer but produces a smaller increase in calvarial volume compared to infratentorial PCD. This study quantifies and compares the effectiveness of supratentorial and infratentorial PCD to help guide surgical decision-making. Method(s): The CT and/or MRI scans of 47 cases of craniosynostosis who underwent PCD from the Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH) were converted to sagittal series multi-planar reformatted (MPR) scans for the manual calculation of ICV. The 47 cases were classified as having undergone either supratentorial or infratentorial PCD using lateral plain film radiographs, with 28 and 32 pairs of pre- and post-operative CT/MRI scans reviewed respectively. Result(s): A statistically significant difference between supratentorial and infratentorial PCD was observed for the increase in supratentorial volume (STV) (P = 0.0458) and total intracranial volume (TICV) (P = 0.0437), but not for the increase in infratentorial volume (ITV) (P = 0.0697). The relationship for each volume trended towards convergence but was not achieved before the physical limit of 30 mm distraction had been reached. Intraclass correlation coefficient values for agreement of MRI and CT scans for STV, ITV and total ICV were 0.852, 0.864 and 0.854 respectively. Conclusion(s): Our evidence suggests that supratentorial PCD is more effective for increasing ICV in a clinical setting. CT and MRI imaging modalities are acceptably clinically interchangeable for calculating ICV in craniosynostosis.

Link to full-text [no password required]

Altmetrics: