Civilian Settings Research Articles

Chemical Agent Use in Terrorist Events: A Gathering Storm Requiring Enhanced Civilian Preparedness.

The use of chemical weapons in terrorist attacks, though rare, remains a significant challenge and concern due to their ability to inflict mass casualties. Chemical attacks remain a topic of interest for Disaster Medicine (DM) and Counter-Terrorism Medicine (CTM) specialists and are clearly an area in need of enhanced preparedness. This study aims to provide an epidemiological description of all terrorism-related attacks using chemical agents as a primary weapon, sustained from 1970 - 2019. These data will be useful in the development of education programs in CTM and provide an insight into how best to prepare for potential attacks in the future. Data collection was performed using a retrospective database search through the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). The GTD was searched using the internal database search functions for all events using chemical weapons as a primary attack method from January 1, 1970 - December 31, 2019. Years 2020 and 2021 were not yet available at the time of the study. The GTD also details the specific chemical used, when known, in the summary of incidents. Results were exported into an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Corp.; Redmond, Washington USA) for analysis. A total of 292 terrorist attacks involving chemical agents as a primary attack method were recorded from 1970 - 2019, registering 284 deaths and 13,267 injuries. Acid (52) was the most commonly used chemical agent, followed by "unspecified poison" (43), "unknown chemical agents" (29), "unspecified gas" (27), tear gas (27), chlorine gas (24), cyanide (21), mercury (9), pepper spray or mace (9), mustard gas (8), insecticide or 1080 (8), diphenylamine chloroarsine (7), phosphate or phosphorous (3), sodium hydroxide or corrosive liquid (3), sarin (2), "unspecified drugs" (2), VX nerve gas and other nerve gas (2), pesticides (2), cleaning chemicals/paint thinner (2), ammonia (2), anesthesia agent (1), arsenic (1), chlorine and mustard gas mix (1), phenarsazine chloride (1), rat poison (1), unknown irritative gas (1), hydrochloric acid and sodium cyanide mix (1), unknown white powder (1), antiseptic dye (1), and chlorine gas and white phosphorous mix (1). The use of chemical weapons in warfare, though prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), remains a rare but concerning terrorist attack methodology. In recent years, there have been more instances where potentially deadly chemicals have been used in civilian settings. Dual use industrial chemicals, in particular, pose a significant concern. Acid was the most commonly used chemical weapon in 52 attacks. Tear gas, chlorine, and cyanide were each used in over 20 attacks. Both DM and CTM specialists advocate for better preparedness and response training for intentional events in civilian settings.

Guest Editorial: 5G-Enabled Intelligent Application for Distributed Industrial Internet-of-Thing System

As a novel network infrastructure that realizes the interconnection of humans, machines, and things, 5G enables a large number of devices with communication and sensing capabilities to securely, quickly, and reliably connect to the Internet and facilitates Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications such as smart cities, smart homes, and smart grids. The 5G technique has potential applications in various military and civilian settings such as radar anomaly detection, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) data storage sharing [A1], [A2], and traffic data analysis.

Pro-Con Debate: Prehospital Blood Transfusion-Should It Be Adopted for Civilian Trauma?

Exsanguination is the leading cause of death in severely injured patients; nevertheless, prehospital blood transfusion (PHT) remains a controversial topic. Here, we review the pros and cons of PHT, which is now routine in treatment of military trauma patients in the civilian setting. While PHT may improve survival in those who suffer blunt injury or require prolonged transport from the site of injury, PHT for civilian trauma generally is not supported by high-quality evidence. This article was originally presented as a pro-con debate at the 2020 meeting of the European Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Prehospital Blood Transfusion for Severe Trauma: Translating Experience From the Military to the Civilian Setting Is Not Always Straightforward

Prehospital Blood Transfusion for Severe Trauma: Translating Experience From the Military to the Civilian Setting Is Not Always Straightforward

Total section of the lower humeral artery and median nerve in a girl during a suicide attempt: A case report

Ballistic trauma is as much a pathology in wartime as it is in peacetime [1]. The pathophysiology of ballistic trauma is based on the behavior of the projectile in the body. High-velocity firearm wounds are the preserve of the military. Low-velocity firearm wounds are more often encountered in civilian settings. If hemorrhage is the first cause of early death, infection is the second from the twenty-fourth hour. The management of a patient with ballistic trauma is an infrequent reason for referral in emergency medicine and more particularly in extra hospital settings [1]. Secondary complications, particularly septic, and the severity of associated lesions such as bleeding processes require evaluation and prioritization involving teams from mobile emergency and resuscitation structures. The aim of this work is to report a case of total section of the lower humeral artery and the median nerve with loss of substance in a young girl during a suicide attempt. Keywords: Ballistic trauma; Total section; Humeral artery; Median nerve; Surgery

The Role of Prehospital REBOA for Hemorrhage Control in Civilian and Military Austere Settings: A Systematic Review

Despite the success of prehospital resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in combat and civilian settings, the prevalence of complications and the lack of conclusive evidence has led to uncertainty and controversy. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the role of prehospital REBOA for hemorrhage control in trauma populations. We systematically searched Cochrane, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar for all relevant studies that investigated the efficacy of prehospital REBOA on trauma patients with massive hemorrhage. Primary outcome was evaluated by blood pressure elevation and secondary outcome was measured by 30-day mortality and complications. Our search identified 546 studies, but only six studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies were low to moderate quality due to limitations within the studies. However, all of the studies reported significant elevation of blood pressure and survival, demonstrating the potential benefits of REBOA. For example, the 30-day mortality rate reduced significantly after REBOA, but studies lacked long-term outcome assessments across the continuum of care. Due to the heterogeneity of the results, a meta-analysis was not possible. We conclude that prehospital REBOA is a feasible and effective resuscitative adjunct for shock patients with lethal non-compressible torso hemorrhage. However, due to the unclear causes of complications and the lack of high quality and homogeneous data, the effects of prehospital REBOA were not truly reflected and comparison between groups was not feasible. Thus, further high-quality studies are required to attest the causality between prehospital REBOA and outcomes.

Moonshots to Nowhere? The Metroliner and Failed High-Speed Rail in the United States, 1962–1977

In September 1962, President John F. Kennedy challenged Americans to send and return astronauts to the Moon by the close of the decade. So-called “moon shots” like the Apollo Program of the 1960s became emblematic of a new paradigm in federally-funded research and development: large in scale, ambitious in scope, technologically challenging, and most importantly public facing. The success of the moon landings, in turn, inspired federal policymakers to seek similarly ambitious moon shots in other domains including communications, energy, housing, and transportation. The moonshot paradigm, however, proved to be a poor fit when applied in civilian settings. Drawing upon original archival research, this paper details government-led efforts to implement high-speed passenger rail along the Northeast Corridor. The moonshot paradigm saddled this program in no-win scenarios, encouraging implementing agencies to overstate program benefits, underestimate their costs, and ignore technological complexity and risk.

Moral Injury and Suicide Ideation Among Combat Veterans.

Background: Modern warfare in a civilian setting may expose combatants to severe moral challenges. Whereas most of these challenges are handled effectively, some potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) may have deleterious psychological effects on the combatants, such as suicide ideation (SI). Self-disclosure, which includes sharing distressing thoughts and emotions, has been recognized as a protective factor against SI in the aftermath of stressful events. The current study is the first to examine the moderating role of self-disclosure in the relationship between PMIE exposure and SI among combat veterans. Method: A sample of 190 recently discharged Israeli combat veterans completed validated self-report questionnaires measuring combat exposure, PMIEs, depressive symptoms, SI, and self-disclosure in a cross-sectional design study. Results: PMIE dimensions and self-disclosure significantly contributed to current SI. Notably, the moderating model indicated that self-disclosure moderated the link between PMIE-Self and current SI, as PMIE-Self and current SI demonstrated a stronger association among veterans with low self-disclosure than among those with high self-disclosure. Limitations: Cross-sectional design of volunteers, the findings may not be directly generalizable to veterans' population. Conclusion: Self-disclosure, as a factor promoting a sense of belongingness, interpersonal bonding, and support, might diminish SI risk following PMIE exposure. Various mechanisms accounting for these associations are suggested, and the clinical implications of these interactions are discussed.

Prehospital low titer group O whole blood is feasible and safe: Results of a prospective randomized pilot trial.

Low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) resuscitation is increasingly common in both military and civilian settings. Data regarding the safety and efficacy of prehospital LTOWB remain limited. We performed a single-center, prospective, cluster randomized, prehospital through in-hospital whole blood pilot trial for injured air medical patients. We compared standard prehospital air medical care including red cell transfusion and crystalloids followed by in-hospital component transfusion to prehospital and in-hospital LTOWB resuscitation. Prehospital vital signs were used as inclusion criteria (systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg and heart rate ≥108 beats per minute or systolic blood pressure ≤70 mm Hg for patients at risk of hemorrhage). Primary outcome was feasibility. Secondary outcomes included 28-day and 24-hour mortality, multiple organ failure, nosocomial infection, 24-hour transfusion requirements, and arrival coagulation parameters. Between November 2018 and October 2020, 86 injured patients were cluster randomized by helicopter base. The trial has halted early at 77% enrollment. Overall, 28-day mortality for the cohort was 26%. Injured patients randomized to prehospital LTOWB (n = 40) relative to standard care (n = 46) were similar in demographics and injury characteristics. Intent-to-treat Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated no statistical mortality benefit at 28 days (25.0% vs. 26.1%, p = 0.85). Patients randomized to prehospital LTOWB relative to standard care had lower red cell transfusion requirements at 24 hours (p < 0.01) and a lower incidence of abnormal thromboelastographic measurements. No transfusion reactions during the prehospital or in-hospital phase of care were documented. Prehospital through in-hospital LTOWB resuscitation is safe and may be associated with hemostatic benefits. A large-scale clinical trial is feasible with protocol adjustment and would allow the effects of prehospital LTOWB on survival and other pertinent clinical outcomes to be appropriately characterized. Therapeutic/Care Management, Level II.

Intravenous ketamine as an analgesia in prehospital adult trauma patients

Background: Prehospital traumatic pain is common, but the quality of pain management in these patients is poor. Current practice recommends morphine as the first-line analgesia in major trauma but this carries high risks and is often contraindicated. Alternative paramedic-administered analgesia does not provide adequate pain relief or may be contraindicated. As a result, many patients remain in pain. Analgesic ketamine is used safely and effectively in international civilian and military settings and by paramedics with additional training, education and qualifications. Aim: The study had two aims. Namely, these were to find out whether intravenous ketamine: provides effective relief of prehospital traumatic pain in adults; and is safe for prehospital administration by non-specialist paramedics. Method: Three databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE and AMED, were searched to identify articles published between 2009 and 2021. Exclusion criteria were applied and results subjected to critical appraisal and evaluation. Findings: Four studies were included in the review. Two themes were identified for thematic analysis: therapeutic effectiveness; and the safety of IV ketamine administration by paramedics. The evidence drew predominantly homogenous conclusions, but was substandard regarding external validity, which limited the quality of these conclusions. Conclusion: Ketamine provides effective pain relief in line with morphine and is safe for paramedics to administer. However, clear gaps in the evidence mean the research questions are not fully answered, so changes to current paramedic practice cannot be recommended.

Prospective Observational Study of an Integrated Therapeutic Initiative for Extremities (POSITIVE): Implementation of an Integrated Orthotic and Rehabilitation Program in the Civilian Setting

Category:Trauma; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:The Return to Run (RTR) pathway currently utilized in the military have been demonstrated to facilitate return to duty, recreation and physical activity and decrease pain in high functioning patients who have sustained high energy lower extremity trauma. A recent study also demonstrated that the processes and outcomes are translatable across military settings, however, to date there is no evidence on implementation of this pathway in the civilian setting. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of implementation of a similar, Return to Performance (RTP), pathway at a high volume, level I civilian trauma center. RTP combines a custom Variable Cadence Ankle-Foot Orthosis (VCAFO) with an 8-week exercise program designed to improve performance and reduce pain.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted to enroll all patients eligible for the VCAFO. Patients were followed from initial referral through one year. A large, national prosthetic and orthotic company was utilized for brace manufacture and fitting. Physical therapy services were provided in the outpatient setting.Results:The RTP pathway has been fully operational for five years. There was an initial two year run in period for initial training of therapists and prosthetists and logistic implementation at our institution. 58 patients participated in the full RTP pathway, and 21 received RTP via remote rehabilitation delivered through a manual. An additional 6 patients met with the lead PT for at least 1 visit. All expenses for prostheses as well as therapy sessions have been covered by insurance. 32 prosthetists have been trained locally in the fabrication of the brace with an additional 70 trained at the brace manufacturers most recent national meeting. 13 physical therapists have been trained to perform functional rehabilitation through the RTP pathway.Conclusion:Implementation of the Return to Performance pathway can be translated and scaled to the civilian setting. The study has successfully replicated the brace fabrication necessary for optimal outcome in the RTR pathway, although there are remaining questions about scaling of physical therapy. This provides evidence that the process can be de-centralized and the benefits of dynamic bracing in high functioning patients following lower extremity trauma can be translated to the civilian population.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Prehospital Tourniquet Use for Trauma in the United States

Introduction The use of the extremity tourniquet in military environments has reduced preventable deaths due to exsanguinating hemorrhage, leading to increased use in civilian settings. However, the outcomes of contemporary prehospital tourniquet use in civilian settings are not well-described nationally. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes following prehospital tourniquet use by emergency medical services (EMS) in the United States. Methods All trauma activations reported to the National EMS Information System 2019 (NEMSIS) were included. Patients who had ≥1 tourniquet applied were identified. Descriptive analyses were used to compare characteristics between tourniquet and no-tourniquet cohorts. Coarsened exact matching was performed to generate a k2k match (on age, sex, lowest-systolic blood pressure, initial patient acuity, provider’s initial impression, injury mechanism, and presence of upper/lower extremity injuries) and used to compare outcomes. Trauma patients who may have potentially benefited from tourniquet application (extremity injury, shock index ≥1 and no documented tourniquet application) were identified. Results A total of 7,161 tourniquets were applied among 4,571,379 trauma activations (1.6/1000 activations). Patients in the tourniquet cohort were younger (40 ± 18 vs 52 ± 26 mean ± SD years), more hypotensive (16.1% vs. 2.5%) and had higher initial acuity (65.0% critical/emergent vs. 20.6%) [p < 0.01 for all]. A total of 7,074 patients in the tourniquet cohort were matched with 7,074 patients in the non-tourniquet cohort. Post-match analysis revealed that the patients in tourniquet cohort had a higher final acuity (80.8% vs. 75.0%, p < 0.01), lower scene-time (15.4 ± 13.6 vs. 17.0 ± 14.2 mean ± SD minutes, p < 0.01), and higher survival-to-hospital (83.6% vs. 75.1%, p < 0.01). A total of 141,471 trauma patients who may have potentially benefited from tourniquet application were identified. Conclusion Prehospital tourniquet use by EMS in the United States is associated with lower scene-time and improved survivability to hospital. Results indicate that patients might benefit from wider tourniquet use in the civilian prehospital setting.

Veteran Competencies in Nursing Textbooks: Implications for Educators.

The aim of this study was to examine the adequacy of military/veteran-related content in nursing textbooks used in prelicensure programs. With increased numbers of veterans receiving care in civilian settings, nurses may lack essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes outlined in competencies required to provide culturally sensitive veteran-centered care. One explanation for this may be inadequate preparation during prelicensure nursing education. A quantitative, descriptive study guided the analysis and rating of 32 key words in 24 textbooks across eight content areas. Key words were included in most textbooks but frequently not connected to military service or veterans. The key word with the highest mean rating was posttraumatic stress disorder; the highest rated content area was psychiatric/mental health. With limited textbook resources, nurse faculty must engage in deliberate efforts to include veteran content in nursing curricula. As competency-based education trends evolve, these findings are relevant and should be considered in curricular design and revision.

Assessment of needle stick injuries among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study from Kakiri military and SOS hospitals, Uganda

The Ugandan military medical services work together with the civilian public health system to deliver quality healthcare. This Partnership is the mainstay of health service delivery in Uganda. The burden of needle stick injuries (NSIs) is increasing in Uganda’s larger health industry; however, data on needle stick injury in military and public health facilities is lacking. No published data exist on comparative studies for a mix of facilities both military and civilian health settings. This study represents the first time this issue has been studied in a military or public health hospital in Uganda. A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2018 to September 2019 in Kakiri Military and SOS Hospitals in Uganda using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were purposively selected based on the objectives of study, occupation status and department (N = 310). The overall prevalence of NSIs among respondents was 27.2% and prevalence rates for the two facilities was nearly identical. The largest percentage of NSIs occurred during drawing venous blood samples (49.4%). Significant predictors of NSI were gender, occupational status, age, poor knowledge on prevention and post exposure of NSI, and less professional experience. Infection control practices were lacking in both selected health facilities. Over a quarter of HCWs in Uganda reported NSIs, which places them at significant health risk. Fostering the practice of universal precautions, best infection control practices and training of healthcare workers on bio-safety measures can reduce the prevalence of NSIs.

Fabrication, characterization and evaluation of the efficacy of gelatin/hyaluronic acid microporous scaffolds suffused with aloe-vera in a rat burn model.

Burn induced injuries are commonly encountered in civilian and military settings, leading to severe morbidity and mortality. Objective of this study was to construct microporous bioactive scaffolds of gelatin-hyaluronic acid suffused with aloe-vera gel (Gela/HA/AvG), and to evaluate their efficacy in healing partial-thickness burn wounds. Scaffolds were characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, and Thermo-gravimetric analysis to understand intermolecular interactions and morphological characteristics. In-vitro fluid uptake ability and hemolytic index of test scaffolds were also determined. In-vitro collagenase digestion was done to assess biodegradability of scaffolds. Wound retraction studies were carried out in Sprague Dawley rats inflicted with partial-thickness burn wounds to assess and compare efficacy of optimized scaffolds with respect to negative and positive control groups. In-vivo gamma scintigraphy using Technetium-99m labeled Immunoglobulin-G (99mTc-IgG) as imaging agent was also performed to validate efficacy results. Histological and immunohistochemical comparison between groups was also made. Scaffolds exhibited mircoporous structure, with pore size getting reduced from 41.3 ± 4.3µm to 30.49 ± 5.7µm when gelatin conc. was varied from 1% to 5%. Optimized test scaffolds showed sustained in-vitro swelling behavior, were biodegradable and showed hemolytic index in range of 2.4-4.3%. Wound retraction study along with in-vivo gamma scintigraphy indicated that Gela/HA/AvG scaffolds were not only able to reduce local inflammation faster but also accelerated dermis regeneration. Immunohistochemical analysis, in terms of expression levels of epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2 also corroborated in-vivo efficacy findings. Gela/HA/AvG scaffolds, therefore, can potentially be developed into an effective dermal regeneration template for partial-thickness burn wounds.

Hydrogel-Based Biomaterials Engineered from Natural-Derived Polysaccharides and Proteins for Hemostasis and Wound Healing.

Rapid and effective hemostasis is of great importance to improve the quality of treatment and save lives in emergency, surgical practice, civilian, and military settings. Traditional hemostatic materials such as tourniquets, gauze, bandages, and sponges have shown limited efficacy in the management of uncontrollable bleeding, resulting in widespread interest in the development of novel hemostatic materials and techniques. Benefiting from biocompatibility, degradability, injectability, tunable mechanical properties, and potential abilities to promote coagulation, wound healing, and anti-infection, hydrogel-based biomaterials, especially those on the basis of natural polysaccharides and proteins, have been increasingly explored in preclinical studies over the past few years. Despite the exciting research progress and initial commercial development of several hemostatic hydrogels, there is still a significant distance from the desired hemostatic effect applicable to clinical treatment. In this review, after elucidating the process of biological hemostasis, the latest progress of hydrogel biomaterials engineered from natural polysaccharides and proteins for hemostasis is discussed on the basis of comprehensive literature review. We have focused on the preparation strategies, physicochemical properties, hemostatic and wound-healing abilities of these novel biomaterials, and highlighted the challenges that needed to be addressed to achieve the transformation of laboratory research into clinical practice, and finally presented future research directions in this area.

Relational Coordination as a Predictor of Job Satisfaction and Intent to Stay Among Nurses and Physicians in the Military Health System.

Job satisfaction and retention of military and civilian nurses and physicians who work in military treatment facilities (MTFs) are critical to maintaining quality of care and operational readiness. Civilian nurses and physicians working in MTFs supplement staffing for active duty military nurses and physicians and support operational readiness when military nurses and physicians deploy in wartime crises or humanitarian efforts. Decreased retention of military and civilian nurses and physicians can negatively impact operational readiness and patient care outcomes. Although several factors (e.g., burnout, pay, and leadership) influence job satisfaction and retention among nurses and physicians in both military and civilian healthcare settings, high-quality communication and relationships between nurses and physicians are associated with better job satisfaction and retention. However, little is known about how high-quality communication and relationships affect job satisfaction and retention among nurses and physicians in MTFs. Relational coordination (RC) is a process of high-quality communication supported by relationships of shared knowledge, shared goals, and mutual respect among members of the healthcare team. By strengthening RC, hospital leaders can more effectively achieve desired outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore how RC influences job satisfaction and intent to stay among nurses, residents, and physicians in an Army hospital, and whether job satisfaction mediated the relationship between RC and intent to stay. We conducted an exploratory, cross-sectional study in a 138-bed MTF in the southeastern USA and invited a convenience sample of military and civilian nurses, residents, and physicians to complete a 47-item survey on RC, job satisfaction, and intent to stay. We used Pearson's correlation to explore relationships between RC, job satisfaction, and intent to stay and then employed multiple regression to explore whether RC predicts job satisfaction and intent to stay, after controlling for professional role, demographic characteristics, and other covariates. Furthermore, we explored whether job satisfaction mediates the relationship between RC and intent to stay. Two hundred and eighty-nine participants completed the survey. Seventy percentage of respondents were civilian, were Caucasian (61%), and had a mean age of 40 years old. The RCs within roles (β = 0.76, P < .001) and between roles (β = 0.46, P < .001) were both positively associated with job satisfaction. RCs within roles was associated with higher intent to stay (β = 0.38, P = .005). Civilian nurses and physicians reported higher intent to stay, followed by officers and enlisted service members. Job satisfaction mediated the relationship between RC within roles and intent to stay. Our findings suggest that RC is a powerful workplace dynamic that influences job satisfaction and intent to stay, for nurses, residents, and physicians in MTFs. Specifically, we found that RC was positively associated with job satisfaction and intent to stay and that job satisfaction mediates the relationship between RC and intent to stay. We recommend that hospital leaders in MTFs explore interventions to strengthen RC among health professionals by including relational, work process and structural interventions as part of their strategy for retaining military healthcare professionals.

Volume as an Indicator for Outcomes for Severe Maternal Morbidity in the Military Health System.

Maternal obstetric morbidity is a growing concern in the USA, where rates of maternal morbidity exceed Europe and most developed countries. Prior studies have found that obstetric case volume affects maternal morbidity, with low-volume facilities having higher rates of morbidity. However, these studies were done in civilian healthcare systems that are different from the Military Health System (MHS). This study evaluates whether obstetric case volume impacts severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in military hospitals located in the continental United States. This cross-sectional study included all military treatment facilities (MTFs) (n = 35) that performed obstetric deliveries (n = 102,959) from October 2015 to September 2018. Data were collected from the MHS Data Repository and identified all deliveries for the study time period. Severe maternal morbidity was defined by the Centers for Disease Control. The 30-day readmission rates were also included in analysis. Military treatment facilities were separated into volume quartiles for analysis. Univariate logistic regressions were performed to determine the impact of MTF delivery volume on the probability of SMM and 30-day maternal readmissions. The results for all regression models indicate that the MTF delivery volume had no significant impact on the probability of SMM. With regard to 30-day maternal readmissions, using the upper middle quartile as the comparison group due to the largest number of deliveries, MTFs in the lower middle quartile and in the highest quartile had a statistically significant higher likelihood of 30-day maternal readmissions. This study shows no difference in SMM rates in the MHS based on obstetric case volume. This is consistent with previous studies showing differences in MHS patient outcomes compared to civilian healthcare systems. The MHS is unique in that it provides families with universal healthcare coverage and access and provides care for approximately 40,000 deliveries annually. There may be unique lessons on volume and outcomes in the MHS that can be shared with healthcare planners and decision makers to improve care in the civilian setting.

Analysis of Surgical Volume in Military Medical Treatment Facilities and Clinical Combat Readiness of US Military Surgeons

Low surgical volume in the US Military Health System (MHS) has been identified as a challenge to military surgeon readiness. The Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, in partnership with the American College of Surgeons, developed the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) Clinical Readiness Program that includes a tool for quantifying the clinical readiness value of surgeon workload, known as the KSA metric. To describe changes in US military general surgeon procedural volume and readiness using the KSA metric. This cohort study analyzed general surgery workload performed across the MHS, including military and civilian facilities, between fiscal year 2015 and 2019 and the calculated KSA metric value. The surgeon-level readiness among military general surgeons was calculated based on the KSA metric readiness threshold. Data were obtained from TRICARE, the US Department of Defense health insurance product. The main outcomes were general surgery procedural volumes and the KSA metric point value of those procedures across the MHS as well as the number of military general surgeons meeting the KSA metric readiness threshold. Aggregate facility and regional market-level claims data were used to calculate the procedural volumes and KSA metric readiness value of those procedures. Annual adjusted KSA metric points earned were used to determine the number of individual US military general surgeons meeting the readiness threshold. The number of general surgery procedures generating KSAs in military hospitals decreased 25.6%, from 128 377 in 2015 to 95 461 in 2019, with a 19.1% decrease in the number of general surgeon KSA points (from 7 155 563 to 5 790 001). From 2015 to 2019, there was a 3.2% increase in both the number of procedures (from 419 980 to 433 495) and KSA points (from 21 071 033 to 21 748 984) in civilian care settings. The proportion of military general surgeons meeting the KSA metric readiness threshold decreased from 16.7% (n = 97) in 2015 to 10.1% (n = 68) in 2019. This study noted that the number of KSA metric points and procedural volume in military hospitals has been decreasing since 2015, whereas both measures have increased in civilian facilities. The findings suggest that loss of surgical workload has resulted in further decreases in military surgeon readiness and may require substantial changes in patient care flow in the MHS to reverse the change.

Teaching and Evaluation Methods of the Use of the Tourniquet in Severe Limb Bleeding among Health Care Professionals: A Systematic Review.

Massive hemorrhage (MH) is a growing pathology in military settings and increasingly in civilian settings; it is now considered a public health problem in the United States with large-scale programs. Tourniquets are the fastest and most effective intervention in MH if direct pressure is not effective.The Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recognizes a knowledge gap in optimal education techniques for first aid providers. This review aims to describe training and evaluation methods for teaching tourniquet use to both health care and military professionals. The MEDLINE, CINAHL, WEB of Science, and Scopus databases were reviewed (from 2010 through April 2020). The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) scale. Studies that met at least 65% of the included items were included. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Ten of the 172 articles found were selected, of which three were randomized clinical trials. Heterogeneity was observed in the design of the studies and in the training and evaluative methods that limit the comparison between studies. The results suggest that the training strategies studied are effective in improving knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills. There is no universal method, learning is meaningful but research should be directed to find out which ones work best.