Training and teaching of vagus nerve stimulation surgery: Worldwide survey and future perspectives

ObjectiveVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy has been used for more than two decades to treat drug resistant epilepsy and depression and most recently received FDA approval for stroke rehabilitation. Expanding indications will renew the interest in the technique and increase the number of surgeons to be trained. The aim of this study was to survey surgeons with substantial expertise on optimal teaching and training approaches.MethodsAnonymous forms comprising 16 questions were sent by e-mail to surgeons with substantial expertise. Statistical analyses were used to compare the answers of the most experienced surgeons (>5 years) with the less experienced ones (<5 years).ResultsFully-completed forms were collected from 57 experts from 20 countries. The placement of the helical coils was deemed to be the most difficult step by 36 (63.2%) experts, and the use of optical magnification during this step was deemed necessary by 39 (68.4%) experts. Vocal cord palsy should be largely avoidable with proper surgical technique according to 44 (77.2%) experts. The teaching tool considered the most useful was mentoring (38, 66.7%). The future of VNS surgery teaching was deemed to be in anatomical workshops (29, 50.9%) and surgical simulation (26, 45.6%). Overall, answers did not vary significantly according to experience.ConclusionsVNS surgery should be mastered by actively participating in dedicated practical training courses and by individual mentoring during actual surgery, which is still the best way to learn. This study highlights the need for a formal training course and possible specific accreditation.     

我国三级医疗机构营养科专业人才队伍情况调查

目的调查分析我国三级医疗机构营养科专业人才队伍情况，提出针对性建议。方法从国家医疗质量管理与控制信息网选取1 283家三级医疗机构调研临床营养专业技术人员数据，应用频数、构成比等进行描述性统计分析。 结果三级医疗机构营养科专业技术人员数量不足且分布不均衡，高层次人才比例偏低。医床比1:556.91，技床比1:841.30，医技比1.51:1，护床比1:1 031.31，均未达到文件标准，营养科医师严重缺编。结论应加强营养科专业人员教育和高层次人才培养，建立规范化培养体系，明确营养科职称评定和岗位技能考核制度，不断扩增专业人才数量，提升临床营养诊疗能力。     

«Omepralith»: un modelo de simulación novedoso para el entrenamiento en sialoendoscopia

IntroductionThere are no previously described training models for learning or teaching how to remove lithiasis from the salivary ducts. Therefore, we present a new simulation model to enable us to faithfully represent the process of endoscopic lithiasis extraction by sialoendoscopy.Materials and methodsA simulation model was developed using a pig's head, omeprazole spheres were used to simulate lithiasis in the various ducts of each salivary gland and a Dormia basket was used to train in extraction of the lithiasis model.ResultsTwenty-seven residents in training and/or young specialists were successfully trained in this technique using this model. Twenty-six (96.3%) considered the model useful for training in the use of baskets; all of them were able to capture the omeprazole sphere in the salivary duct. A satisfaction rate of 92.25 out of 100 points was obtained through an anonymous survey.ConclusionWe describe a novel simulation model using omeprazole spheres, which allows the surgeon to practice how to diagnose and treat obstructive pathology of the salivary glands in a risk-free environment guaranteeing the reproducibility of the technique in conditions similar to those of normal practice.     

Impact of training on use of inhalational techniques of different inhaler devices: A single institutional cross sectional observation study

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of training on use of inhalational techniques of different inhaler devices in spirometry proved cases of COPD and Bronchial Asthma in a tertiary care centre.MethodsA total of 128 spirometry proved cases of Asthma and COPD were enrolled. They were equally distributed in four groups comprising of 32 patients each according to their inhalation devices namely pMDI, Rotahaler, Accuhaler and Turbohaler. Patients were asked to demonstrate their inhalation technique and errors were noted according to their inhaler specific checklist. Patients were also interviewed regarding their knowledge about inhalation devices. Training about proper inhalation techniques was given to every participant. Rechecking of inhalation technique was again done at the second visit after 2 wks in the similar manner. Correct and incorrect steps of inhalation technique again evaluated by filling the checklist of the individual device to see post training improvement.ResultIn our study, out of total cases more than one third of the patients were >60 yrs of age (41.4%) and most of the patients were males (62.5%). During the interview at first visit, almost 92% patients claimed to know how to use the inhalation device correctly but in reality most of the patients (around 96.1%) had committed at least one mistakes in their inhalation technique among all the inhalation steps. Errors were noted in different steps of inhalation including the essential steps among all the four devices. Statistically significant improvement in inhalation techniques including the essential steps were found among all the four devices after educational intervention and demonstration of sequential steps involved in particular inhaler.ConclusionOur study confirmed a significant increase in the percentage of improvement in inhalation technique after proper demonstration and training about the inhalation devices. Inhalation technique including essential steps of inhalation significantly improved in all the four devices used.     

Is training in obstetric critical care adequate? An international comparison

Obstetric critical care is an emerging discipline which cuts across speciality boundaries. We have analysed the training curricula in the three major specialities (obstetrics, anaesthesia and intensive care medicine) likely to be involved in the care of the critically-ill obstetric patient, to assess whether it is adequate to ensure effective training on this subject.     

Impact and implementation of active case finding for tuberculosis in homeless populations: a systematic review

BackgroundIdentifying tuberculosis in homeless populations through active case finding (ACF) is recommended to address health inequalities and contribute to wider control strategies for tuberculosis. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of ACF.MethodsThis systematic review assessed studies on ACF done in countries with low or medium burden of tuberculosis across Europe, the USA, and Australia. We systematically searched EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, ASSIA, Pro-Quest, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library and grey literature for English language publications up to Jan 5, 2019 (no earlier date limit). We used concepts of “ACF”, “tuberculosis”, and “homeless person”. We identified studies that analysed ACF and reported on our outcome measures, in homeless populations, in low-burden and medium-burden countries. ACF screening included testing for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or active tuberculosis affecting any site. Studies into outbreak control or other populations were excluded. Primary study outcomes were the effectiveness of ACF (using population measures of tuberculosis prevalence or incidence) and interventions to improve ACF uptake and completion of the diagnostic pathway. Secondary outcomes were yield of ACF, cost-effectiveness, and characteristics of participants.Findings21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Three time-trend analyses produced some evidence that ACF was effective, because it was associated with reductions in tuberculosis incidence, prevalence, or clustering. A modelling study also showed that ACF was more effective than passive case finding in reducing population tuberculosis burden. Material incentives have the strongest evidence for improving uptake of ACF, with mixed evidence for peer educators. Observational evidence shows professional support and mandatory screening might also enhance uptake, and additional community-based support improves completion of the diagnostic pathway. Across all studies, the yield of screening (defined as the proportion of screened individuals who test positive) ranged from 1·5% to 57% for LTBI (total 41 684 individuals screened), and 0–3·1% for active tuberculosis (total 91 771 individuals screened). ACF can be cost-effective; population prevalence and screening modalities are determinants of cost-effectiveness. Considering ACF participants, subgroups most likely to be diagnosed with tuberculosis appeared less likely to accept screening.InterpretationACF should be considered in both tuberculosis and homelessness strategies, with evidence-based interventions to improve implementation. Outcomes varied widely, meaning programmes must be tailored to local populations. Strengths of our study include generalisable results to homeless populations from diverse settings. Limitations include restriction to the English language, the fairly low grade of the evidence identified, and the low number of studies screening for LTBI or using newer screening tests.FundingThe South West Public Health Training Programme.     

ICU患者身体约束替代措施的证据总结

目的检索、评价和总结ICU患者身体约束替代措施的最佳证据,为护士减少约束使用提供参考。方法计算机检索国内外数据库、相关网站,检索时限均从建库截至2019年1月,纳入已发布的ICU相关身体约束指南、证据总结、最佳实践信息册、专家共识、推荐实践、系统评价。结果最终纳入6篇文献,其中4篇指南,1篇最佳实践信息册,1篇专家共识。汇总了患者因素管理、治疗设施管理、坠床预防、环境控制、护患关系建立5个大类证据,最终总结出13项最佳证据。结论身体约束替代措施对减少身体约束使用有着重要作用。建议护士在应用证据时,结合多学科团队建议,考虑患者文化背景、临床情景以及国内政策,为患者提供个性化约束护理,达到最大化减少约束,保护患者安全的目的。     

Improving knowledge and trust in vaccines: A survey-based assessment of the potential of the European Union Clinical Trial Regulation No 536/2014 plain language summary to increase health literacy

The European Clinical Trial Regulation No 536/2014 is the first mandate for a non-technical, publicly disclosed, plain language summary (PLS) of clinical trial results. This easy-to-understand summary has the potential to inform the public about clinical trial results and thereby improve health literacy in vaccines.To investigate the utility of the PLS, we undertook 2 online surveys (July/October 2020) in the United Kingdom, the United States and India. Participants were selected by quota sampling to ensure representation of gender, age and parental status. Those lacking interest in vaccine clinical research were excluded. In survey 1, participants were questioned about their interest in and expectations of vaccine trial results. In survey 2, the perceptions of participants to a range of written communication styles used in publicly available PLSs were evaluated.A total of 66 (13%) and 122 (29%) individuals were excluded solely due to lack of interest in vaccine clinical research in surveys 1 and 2, respectively; 450 respondents (150/country) completed survey 1 and 300 (100/country) completed survey 2. In survey 1, there was a correlation (p < 0.01) between claimed knowledge of and trust in vaccines. Healthcare professionals were the most trusted source for vaccine information, while vaccine companies were ranked relatively low. In survey 2, infographic PLS formats were considered easiest to understand, most engaging and the strongest communicators. Emphasizing the main points of the infographics in the text did not improve comprehension or recall. Most respondents (86%) indicated that they would like to see this type of communication in the future.Overall, this research suggests that the PLS, by optimizing content and format, has a potential to increase health literacy, and thereby, as part of a wider integrated communication strategy, build vaccine knowledge and confidence.     

Training in temporal bone drilling

Acquiring surgical experience in the operating room is increasingly difficult. Simulation of temporal bone drilling is therefore essential, and more and more widely used. The aim of this review is to clarify the limitations of classical surgical training, and to describe the different types of simulation available for temporal bone drilling. Systematic Medline search used the terms: “temporal bone” and training and surgery; “temporal bone” and training and drilling. Seventy-one of the 467 articles identified were relevant for this review. Various temporal bone simulators have been created to get around the limitations (ethical, financial, cultural, working time) of temporal bone drilling. They can be classified as cadaver, animal, physical or virtual models. The main advantages of physical and virtual prototyping are their ease of access, the possibility of repeating gestures on a standardised model, and the absence of ethical issues. Validation is essential before these simulators can be included in the curriculum, to ensure efficacy and thus improve patient safety in the operating room.