Does Resident Involvement Impact Post-Operative Complications Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty? An Analysis of 24,529 Cases

Little is known about the impact of resident involvement on complication rates following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The goal of our study was to determine the impact of resident involvement on complications following primary TKA. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005–2012) we identified 24,529 patients who underwent primary TKA. Of these, 5960 (24.3%) had a resident involved in a primary TKA. Using a multivariate logistic regression which incorporated propensity score adjustment, no differences were seen in morbidity and mortality following those cases with resident involvement (OR: 1.15, P = 0.129). In the first large scale, comprehensive analysis of resident impact on short-term morbidity and mortality, no increase in complications was observed with resident involvement in primary TKA.     

Occupational violence and assault in mental health nursing: a scoping project for a Victorian Mental Health Service

The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of occupational assault against nurses at a Victorian Mental Health Service, including inpatient units and community teams. The results of this study will assist in developing strategies to minimize the occurrence of occupational assault and, more importantly, its impact for nursing staff. A survey methodology was used. All nurses from two adult acute psychiatric inpatient units as well as those from the community-based teams were invited to participate in a single survey (n = 90). The sample group for this research included all nursing staff from both inpatient units and community services. High levels of occupational violence against nurses overall and in the past year, underreporting of incidents, and high levels of staff fear are prominent findings of this study. There needs to be a total review of all policy relating to occupational violence with special focus given to the results of this study. The areas of risk management, training, sanctioning, and incident reporting should head the list, as well as addressing staff culture. Universally adopting a zero tolerance approach to occupational violence suggests that it is far from being part of the job. Further, management should consider a comprehensive orientation package that informs patients and their significant others about the role of the treating team. Communicating adequately with patients and their significant others is needed to clarify expectations and to avoid frustration and angry outbursts.     

Effect of a hospital-associated urinary tract infection reduction policy on general surgery patients

Background

Hospital-associated UTI rates in surgery patients have not improved despite recommendations for reducing indwelling catheter days.

Editorial Commentary: Bone Loss in Shoulder Instability Occurs in 3 Dimensions

The continued debate regarding the appropriate threshold to consider performing bony stabilization procedures in the treatment of shoulder instability has contributed to a recent boom of new research in this area. The contribution of both glenoid bone loss and version in predicting potential clinical failure after soft tissue stabilization is one of those topics. The authors of the featured study demonstrate the relationship between measured glenoid version and bone loss, which can assist us in our clinical decision making. To date, most measures of glenoid version have been reported based on analysis of 2 dimensions. However, with 2-dimensional analysis, bone loss may result in potentially errant measurement of version and require subsequent correction. Moreover, 3-dimensional analysis could result in a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of glenoid pathologic study in patients with shoulder instability.