Decreased Patient Satisfaction Research Articles

Risk factors for postoperative delirium in orthopaedic hip surgery patients: a database review

BackgroundPostoperative delirium is a common problem affecting admitted patients that decreases patient satisfaction and increases the cost and complexity of care. The purpose of this study was to use the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database to compare rates and risk factors of postoperative delirium for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty patients indicated for osteoarthritis or proximal femur fracture.MethodsThe 2021 NSQIP database was queried for patients using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for THA and hemiarthroplasty and ICD-10 codes for osteoarthritis or proximal femur fracture. Demographic, past medical history, preoperative labs, and functional status data were recorded. Procedural data were also collected. Finally, postoperative outcomes and complications were reviewed.ResultsOverall, 16% of patients had postoperative delirium. Delirium patients were older on average (82.4 years vs. 80.7 years, p < 0.001), had a lower BMI (19.5 vs. 24.8, p < 0.001), were more likely to have a history of dementia (54.6% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.001), were less likely to have an independent functional status (p < 0.001) or live alone (p < 0.001), and were more likely to have sustained a recent fall (p < 0.001). Delirium patients were more likely to be hyponatremic or hypernatremic (p = 0.002), anemic (p < 0.001), and severely dehydrated (p < 0.001), among other lab abnormalities. Delirium patients were also more likely to experience additional postoperative complications, including pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, stroke, cardiac arrest, sepsis, and unplanned reoperation and readmission after discharge (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn this study, factors associated with postoperative delirium in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty and THA were identified, including older age, lower BMI, certain medical conditions, decreased functional status, certain lab abnormalities, and postoperative complications. These findings can be used by clinicians to better inform care and to determine when orthopaedic joint replacement patients may be at an increased risk for postoperative delirium.

Does power distance in healthcare teams linked to patient satisfaction? A multilevel study of interprofessional care teams in a referral hospital in Indonesia.

Interprofessional care teams collaborate to provide care to patients in hospitals to ensure their full recovery. To provide quality patient care, healthcare workers must have a comprehensive understanding of each other's roles and collaborate effectively. Good interpersonal skills are also essential for maintaining cooperative and collaborative relationships, listening, and respecting other team member's values and positions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of power distance in interprofessional care on patients' satisfaction. A quantitative study was conducted in a hospital by using a questionnaire instrument to collect information from patients and members of the interprofessional care team. The respondents included 10 geriatric, 19 palliative, 36 cancer, 8 burn, and 18 medical intermediate care (MIC) teams. Subsequently, a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine whether interprofessional care could significantly predict the relationship between team power distance and patient satisfaction. The measurement of the effect of power distance in interprofessional care among doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists on patient satisfaction revealed nonsignificant results. However, the final analysis indicated negative coefficients with regard to power distance for nutritionists (-0.033098), nurses (-0.064912), and pharmacists (-0.006056). These findings indicated that the power distance associated with these professions was linked with decreased patient satisfaction. The results suggested that power distance within an interprofessional care team can reduce patient satisfaction.

Leg length discrepancy before total knee arthroplasty is associated with increased complications and earlier time to revision

IntroductionLeg length discrepancy (LLD) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common complaint, leading to decreased patient satisfaction. However, the effect of LLD diagnosis prior to TKA on outcomes and complications is not well defined. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effects that LLD has on rates of falls and implant complications, length of stay and readmissions, and implant survivorship following TKA.MethodsA retrospective review of a private insurance claims database was conducted from 2010 to 2021. All cases of TKA and those with a diagnosis of leg length discrepancy were identified. Patients undergoing TKA with a diagnosis of LLD were matched to control patients 1:5 based on demographic and comorbidity profiles. Two-year fall rates and implant complications, lengths of stay, 90-day readmissions, and time to revision were compared between cohorts.ResultsA total of 1,378 LLD patients were matched to 6,889 control patients. The LLD group had significantly higher rates of falls, dislocation, mechanical loosening, periprosthetic fracture, and fibrosis when compared to the control group (all P < 0.01). Additionally, mean length of stay was significantly greater in the LLD group (4.9 days vs. 3.0 days, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in 90-day readmission rates between groups (P = 0.178). Time to revision was significantly shorter in the LLD group (392 days vs. 928 days, P < 0.001).ConclusionsLeg length discrepancy in patients undergoing TKA was associated with significantly increased fall risk, rates of implant complications, length of stay, and faster time to revision. The findings of this study may allow orthopedic surgeons to identify those patients at risk and allow for more educated patient counseling and operative planning.Level of evidenceIII, retrospective case–control study.Graphical

Addressing the health human resources crisis: Strategies for retaining women health care professionals in organizations.

Globally, healthcare systems are contending with a pronounced health human resource crisis marked by elevated rates of burnout, heightened job transitions, and an escalating demand for the limited supply of the existing health workforce. This crisis detrimentally affects the quality of patient care, contributing to long wait times, decreased patient satisfaction, and a heightened frequency of patient safety incidents and medical errors. In response to the heightened demand, healthcare organizations are proactively exploring solutions to retain their workforce. With women comprising over 70% of health human resources, this study seeks to gain insight into the unique experiences of women health professionals on the frontlines of healthcare and develop a conceptual framework aimed at facilitating organizations in effectively supporting the retention and advancement of women in healthcare frontline roles. We used grounded theory in this qualitative study. From January 2023 to May 2023, we conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 27 frontline HCWs working in Canada and representing diverse backgrounds. The data underwent thematic analysis, which involved identifying and comprehending recurring patterns across the information to elucidate emerging themes. Our analysis found that organizational, professional, and personal factors shape women's intentions to leave the frontline workforce. Reevaluating organizational strategies related to workforce, fostering a positive work culture, and building the capacity of management to create supportive work environment can collectively transform the work environment. By creating conditions that enable women to perform effectively and find satisfaction in their professional roles, organizations can enhance their ability to retain valuable talent.

Perceived Causes and Effects of Overcrowding Among Nurses in the Emergency Departments of Tertiary Hospitals: A Multicenter Study.

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a significant concern in many hospitals in Saudi Arabia, resulting in long waiting times, delays in treating patients who need urgent care, and, consequently, decreased patient satisfaction. Additionally, ED overcrowding has been linked to increased nurse turnover rates. Therefore, this study aimed to assess nurses' perceived causes and effects of overcrowding in the EDs of five tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. We surveyed 311 nurses working in the EDs of five tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia using the convenience sampling technique. The self-administered questionnaires used in the study were developed by the researchers. The study was conducted from October 16 to November 10, 2022. Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies was followed. The results revealed that the primary perceived causes of ED overcrowding in five tertiary hospitals were unnecessary visits due to a lack of standard procedures (mean = 2.70; SD = 0.58) and lack of inpatients beds (mean = 2.69; SD = 0.65). The perceived effect of overcrowding was stress and burnout among nurses (mean = 2.85; SD = 0.47). The perceived causes and effects of overcrowding in the ED were found to be highly significant (p <0.001) based on Pearson correlation and Spearman's rank correlation. Unnecessary visits due to a lack of standard procedures lead to overcrowding. In addition, a lack of inpatient beds in the ED affects the care provided to patients seeking immediate medical attention. This may prolong patient waiting time, causing their conditions to deteriorate and prolonging hospital stay. Overcrowding leads to increased stress and burnout among nurses. The results of this study can be used to develop a comprehensive action plan to address ED overcrowding and its effects on patients, staff, and ED flow.

The Relationship between Nurse Burnout, Job Satisfaction, and Patient Care Quality

Nurse burnout, job satisfaction, and patient care quality are intertwined aspects within the healthcare sector. This research explores the complex relationship among these variables Nurse burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal growth, has become a growing concern in healthcare. High levels of burnout often result in diminished job satisfaction among nurses. Job satisfaction, in turn, influences the quality of patient care provided. Research shows that nurse burnout negatively affects the quality of patient care, leading to increased medical errors and decreased patient satisfaction. Conversely, higher job satisfaction among nurses is associated with improved patient outcomes, including better adherence to clinical protocols, improved communication, and patients’ overall well-being Appropriate This study emphasizes the importance of addressing nurse burnout and promoting job satisfaction as a key component of excellence healthcare facilities. Keywords: Nurse burnout, job satisfaction, patient care quality, patient satisfaction, healthcare organizations.

Streamlining Prior Authorization to Improve Care

This Viewpoint addresses the challenges of prior authorization: decreased access, delayed care, decreased patient satisfaction and outcomes, and increased clinician burnout.

Undue Burden the Medical School Application Process Places on Low-Income Latinos

Undue Burden the Medical School Application Process Places on Low-Income Latinos

Burnout Among US Gastroenterologists and Fellows in Training: Identifying Contributing Factors and Offering Solutions.

Consequences of physician burnout include medical errors, higher rate of staff turnover, and decreased patient satisfaction. We examined the prevalence of burnout and identified the contributing factors in gastroenterologists and fellows in training. We performed 3 separate surveys through the American College of Gastroenterology. (1) A national survey of practicing gastroenterologists in the United States that measured burnout and contributing factors, (2) a survey of gastroenterology fellows in training to determine self-identified burnout, as well as mitigating and exacerbating factors, and (3) a follow-up survey of fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic. One thousand and twenty-one persons responded (9.2% response rate) to the first survey, including 756 individuals who completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory survey. Overall, the prevalence of high burnout was 49.3%. Factors associated with high burnout included female sex, younger age, shorter duration in practice, considering the electronic health record non-user-friendly, 2 or more hours of patient-related work at home per day, 8 or more hours of outpatient time per day, 6 or more inpatient consults per day, taking call with procedures 10 or more times per year, and having children at home. With regard to lifestyle factors, taking 20 days or more of vacation time was associated with a lower rate of burnout. The level of burnout for fellows was observed to be high (42.7% in survey 2 and 35.3% in survey 3). Burnout is high in gastroenterologists and fellows in training. Specific contributing factors were both systems based and personal and provide insight into changes that can be made to address burnout.

THU006 Exploring Primary Care Resident Perspectives On Diabetes Education In Training

Abstract Disclosure: N. Francis: None. S. Cardillo: None. D.R. Nandiwada: None. Background: The training residents gain in Family Medicine (FM) and Internal Medicine (IM) residency programs provide a critical foundation for their knowledge in diabetes (DM) management. It is one of the most common diagnoses physicians-in-training will encounter in their residency training programs and in clinical settings. However, a 2012 study compared diabetes care in resident clinics versus private physicians and found significant decrease in patient satisfaction (56.5% vs. 71.3%) in resident clinics. A 2020 study surveying primary care (PC) residency program directors showed that most FM and IM residency training programs focus on the core diabetes care and management topics with much less focus on emerging topics, such as 2nd generation insulin analogs and digital health technologies. The purpose of our survey was to better assess current resident perceptions and attitudes towards their DM education and their perceived comfort level in comprehensive DM counseling, evaluation, and management. Methods: A 12 item survey was designed using the Qualtrics program. The survey link was sent via email to IM- PC and FM residents at a major academic medical center. Data was collected from September 13th, 2022 to present. The survey included a combination of multiple choice, Likert scale and ranking questions. Results: 14 residents responded to the survey to date with the majority (71%) belonging to the IM-PC group and the remainder (29%) family medicine. Residents felt most comfortable managing diabetes related complications and counseling on foot and eye care and hypoglycemia. Respondents reported being most uncomfortable in prescribing non-insulin medication (50%) and initiating an insulin regimen (43%) and less comfortable counseling patients on continuous glucose monitoring systems (83%) and insulin administration (66%). While majority of residents (72%) found their DM curriculum clinically relevant, 85% of residents reported there was not enough time allotted. Respondents felt a more longitudinal lecture series, with increased access to treatment frameworks and on-site feedback on their DM counseling and care would best supplement their DM curriculum. Conclusion: This survey data explores specific areas that residents have identified as being least comfortable and also expresses what they identified as the most preferable ways to modify and design an educational intervention. This information allows for tailored curricular intervention highlighting diabetes technologies, insulin and non-insulin prescribing practice in a longitudinal lecture style format that provides access to DM treatment frameworks and incorporates direct on-site feedback to the residents. This provides evidence for the development of a novel clinically integrated DM curriculum. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

A-097 Stability Study of 21 Common Plasma Biochemistries in Unspun Whole Blood

Abstract Background Most blood collection tube manufacturers typically recommend separating serum/plasma from red blood cells within 2 h of collection prior to biochemical analysis to minimize cell contact and thus maintain stability of analytes. This can lead to rejected testing when uncentrifuged samples are transported from ambulatory sites to core laboratories over long distances, leading to delayed patient care and decreased patient satisfaction from having to be redrawn. Few studies are available to make recommendations of specimen acceptance with delayed centrifugation time. Our study aimed to assess whole blood stability of routinely ordered chemistry tests. Methods Between November 30–December 1, 2022, venous blood from 20 non-fasting healthy adults(30% male) with ages ranging from 23 to 57 years were collected into 3-mL plastic Becton Dickinson(BD) Vacutainer™plasma separated tubes(PST). For each person, 6 PST were collected. One whole blood sample was centrifuged immediately(T0) at 4000g for 3 min at room temperature(RT) and analyzed. Remaining 5 whole blood samples were stored at either RT or 4 °C and the subsequent centrifugation of the samples occurred at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h after collection. The analytes studied using Abbott Alinity instrumentation were comprehensive metabolic panel(CMP), lipid panel, TSH and FT4. Absolute and percent bias at various time points for each participant were calculated using the reference sample(T0). Observed biases were compared to allowable total error based on desirable biological variation(BV) from European-Federation-of-Laboratory-Medicine(EFLM) database and Clinical-Laboratory-Improvement-Amendments(CLIA) 2024 upcoming limits. Results Analytes stable in the whole blood at both RT and 4 °C up to 24 h based on EFLM-BV and CLIA were ALP, ALT, AST, BUN, cholesterol, creatinine, HDL, total bilirubin, triglycerides, and TSH. Analytes with variable stability times are shown in the table below: Conclusion This study provides a guideline of acceptable times for whole blood samples sent for routine chemistry tests when centrifugation was not performed within 2 h from collection.

A Rhetorical Response to the Editorial a Bleak Future Awaits Nurses in Traditional Employment Worldwide

The nursing profession is facing a plethora of challenges, including low pay, long hours, heavy workloads, staffing shortages, and violence in the workplace. These challenges lead to burnout, decreased patient satisfaction, and even patient harm. In response to A Bleak Future Awaits Nurses in Traditional Employment Worldwide: Insights on Practice and Career Alternatives, this analysis discusses the implications of these challenges for the future of nursing. The author argues that the future of nursing requires reform, nursing unions need to be strengthened, staffing shortages must be addressed, and violence against nurses needs to be prevented. The impact of the American Medical Association’s opposition to expanding the scope of practice for Advance Practice Registered Nurses is explored, and it argues that this opposition harms patients and undermines the autonomy of Advance Practice Registered Nurses. The article concludes by calling for action to address the nursing profession’s challenges. The future of nursing depends on the ability of nurses to advocate for themselves and their patients.

Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, and Satisfaction With Health Care in the National Health Interview Survey.

Hearing loss may negatively impact satisfaction with health care via patient-provider communication barriers and may be amenable to hearing care treatment. Cross-sectional. National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative survey of noninstitutionalized US residents, 2013 to 2018 pooled cycles. Participants described satisfaction with health care in the past year, categorized as optimal (very satisfied) versussuboptimal (satisfied, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied) satisfaction. Self-report hearing without hearing aids (excellent, good, a little trouble, moderate trouble, a lot of trouble) and hearing aid use (yes, no) were collected. Weighted Poisson regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and health covariates were used to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) of satisfaction with care by hearing loss and hearing aid use. Among 137,216 participants (mean age 50.9 years, 56% female, 12% black), representing 77.2 million Americans in the weighted model, 19% reported trouble hearing. Those with good (PRR = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-1.23), a little trouble (PRR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.23-1.31), moderate trouble (PRR = 1.29, 95% CI, 1.24-1.35), and a lot of trouble hearing (PRR = 1.26, 95% CI, 1.18-1.33) had a higher prevalence rate of suboptimal satisfaction with care relative to those with excellent hearing. Among all participants with trouble hearing, hearing aid users had a 17% decrease in the prevalence rate of suboptimal satisfaction with care (PRR = 0.83, 95% CI, 0.78-0.88) compared to nonusers. Hearing loss decreases patient satisfaction with health care, which is tied to Medicare hospital reimbursement models. Hearing aid use may improve patient-provider communication and patient satisfaction, although prospective studies are warranted to truly establish their protective effect.

IMPACT OF SHORTAGE OF STAFF NURSES ON QUALITY CARE OF PATIENTS AT SPECIALISED HOSPITALS IN LAHORE

The nursing shortage has been recognized as a global healthcare issue that can negatively impact the quality of patient care. Adequate staffing of nurses is an essential factor that can ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare services to patients. A shortage of nurses may lead to poor patient outcomes, including medication errors, patient falls, and hospital-acquired infections. Therefore, addressing the nursing shortage is critical to improve patient care and health outcomes. This study investigates the impact of nursing shortage on patient care in healthcare settings. This study used a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study design to assess the impact of nursing shortage on patient care. The study was conducted in multiple healthcare settings across different regions. A convenience sampling technique was used to select participants for the study. The patients in settings with nursing shortages used and filled out a questionnaire according to international guidelines. The results of the study showed that the majority of the participants reported a negative impact of nursing shortage on patient care. The shortage of nurses was associated with decreased patient satisfaction with nursing staff care. Furthermore, the study found that nursing shortages often led to nurses being overworked and exhausted, leading to medical errors and declining patient quality of care. The study concluded that the nursing shortage significantly negatively impacts patient care in healthcare settings. The shortage of nurses leads to decreased quality of care, increased length of hospital stay, patient mortality rates, and decreased patient satisfaction with care. Therefore, addressing the nursing shortage is crucial for improving patient outcomes and ensuring the provision of high-quality healthcare services.

Predicting unplanned readmissions in the intensive care unit: a multimodality evaluation

A hospital readmission is when a patient who was discharged from the hospital is admitted again for the same or related care within a certain period. Hospital readmissions are a significant problem in the healthcare domain, as they lead to increased hospitalization costs, decreased patient satisfaction, and increased risk of adverse outcomes such as infections, medication errors, and even death. The problem of hospital readmissions is particularly acute in intensive care units (ICUs), due to the severity of the patients’ conditions, and the substantial risk of complications. Predicting Unplanned Readmissions in ICUs is a challenging task, as it involves analyzing different data modalities, such as static data, unstructured free text, sequences of diagnoses and procedures, and multivariate time-series. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of each data modality separately, then alongside with others, using state-of-the-art machine learning approaches in time-series analysis and natural language processing. Using our evaluation process, we are able to determine the contribution of each data modality, and for the first time in the context of readmission, establish a hierarchy of their predictive value. Additionally, we demonstrate the impact of Temporal ions in enhancing the performance of time-series approaches to readmission prediction. Due to conflicting definitions in the literature, we also provide a clear definition of the term Unplanned Readmission to enhance reproducibility and consistency of future research and to prevent any potential misunderstandings that could result from diverse interpretations of the term. Our experimental results on a large benchmark clinical data set show that Discharge Notes written by physicians, have better capabilities for readmission prediction than all other modalities.

Multimodal analgesia regime for open spine fixation surgery: A case series

Postoperative pain is a common and significant problem that affects millions of patients worldwide. Inadequate pain control can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including prolonged hospital stays, delayed recovery, increased healthcare costs, and decreased patient satisfaction. Therefore, effective management of postoperative pain is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization. While progress has been made in improving postoperative pain management, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying postoperative pain and the most effective interventions for its management. Further research is needed to optimize pain management strategies and reduce the burden of postoperative pain on patients and healthcare systems.Multimodal analgesia is an approach to pain management that uses a combination of medications and other interventions to effectively manage pain while minimizing side effects. The goal is to target pain at different points in the pain pathway, using different mechanisms of action, to achieve better pain control than could be achieved with a single medication alone. By using multiple medications that work through different mechanisms, a lower dose of each medication can be used, reducing the risk of side effects. The approach is often tailored to the individual patient, taking into account their medical history, the type of surgery or injury, and their level of pain. Overall, multimodal analgesia aims to improve pain control and patient outcomes while reducing the risk of adverse effects.

The Tailored Opioid Reduction Strategy (TORS): A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Opioid Prescription Following Hysterectomy

ObjectiveTo evaluate a tailored opioid reduction strategy (TORS) in minimizing opioid prescriptions for patients undergoing hysterectomy. MethodsThis quality improvement initiative was developed by multiple stakeholders at an academic hospital in a Canadian urban centre. The intervention consisted of a three-pronged approach: (1) patient and provider education, (2) perioperative multimodal analgesia, and (3) a targeted opioid reduction strategy. All eligible patients were asked to fill pre- and postoperative questionnaires. Analysis of outcomes pre- and post-TORS implementation as well as intervention compliance was performed. ResultsFrom September 2020 to April 2021, 133 patients who underwent hysterectomy were included in the study, 69 in the pre-intervention group and 64 in the post-intervention group. Of 133 hysterectomies, 78 (58.6%) were performed laparoscopically, 16 (12%) open, 14 (10.5%) vaginally, and 25 (18.8%) robotically. The rate of discharge opioid prescriptions was significantly reduced in the post-intervention group compared with the pre-intervention group (37/64, 58% versus 62/69, 90%, respectively, P < 0.001), as well as the amount of opioid prescribed in oral morphine equivalents (OME) (mean 47 mg pre-intervention, 28 mg post-intervention, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction or postoperative pain scores between groups. Overall, compliance with 2 or more components of TORS intervention was seen in 64/64 (100%) cases. ConclusionTORS implementation was successful in reducing the rate of discharge opioid prescriptions and the total amount of opiates prescribed in patients undergoing hysterectomy with no decrease in patient satisfaction or change in postoperative pain scores. We believe it can be applied more broadly across different surgical patient populations to prevent opioid abuse.

The Length of Incision in Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty Is More Affected by the Patient's Height Than Their Weight.

Objective Obesity leads to osteoarthritis due to increased loading forces on joint cartilage and inflammatory agents released from adipose tissue. In patients with a high body mass index (BMI), during hip and total knee arthroplasty, surgical technical challenges such as longer incisions and wider exposure are encountered, resulting in increased postoperative complications (wound healing problems and infection, venous thromboembolism (VTE)- pulmonary embolism (PE), dislocation, early implant failure) and ultimately decreased patient satisfaction and implant survival. This study investigates whether BMI, height, weight, and patient age are associated with longer incisions in patients undergoing unicondylar knee prosthesis (UKP) placement. Method Between January 2017 and December 2018, 30 patients (29 females and 1 male) who underwent UKP surgery due to medial gonarthrosis were included in the study. The UKP used in the procedures was the Oxford Knee Phase III by Biomet Ltd., UK. The study comprised 43 knees, 13 being bilateral cases, 8 on the right, and 9 on the left. Data regarding the patient's height, weight, BMI, age, and the operated side were collected and compiled. The relationships between these variables and the surgical incision length were statistically analyzed. Results The average age of the patients was 66.3 years, with an average weight and height of 77.6 kg (ranging from 62 to 98 kg) and 167 cm (ranging from 150 to 184 cm), respectively. The lengths of the surgical incisions ranged from 70 mm to 160 mm, with an average length of 124.5 mm. When comparing the incision lengths between the right and left sides, it was observed that the incisions on the left side were longer. The average incision length on the right side was 122.09 mm, while on the left, it was 126.86 mm. Moreover, in the 13 patients who underwent bilateral surgery, this difference in incision length was even more pronounced. The average incision length on the right side was 117.15 mm, whereas on the left, it was 124.23 mm. Bivariate correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between the length of the incision and BMI and age. However, no significant relationship was found between the incision length and BMI or age. On the other hand, there was a correlation between the patient's weight values and the incision length (p < 0.05, correlation 0.335). Furthermore, a higher correlation was observed between the patient's height and the incision length (p < 0.01, correlation 0.595). Conclusion The latest advances in surgical techniques and instrumentation have enabled surgeons to perform the procedure using a reliable mini-incision approach. Mid-term evaluation of UKP with mini-incision shows faster recovery and lower morbidity. The findings show that in UKP, the length of the surgical incision is more strongly related to the patient's height than their weight.

Psycho-oncology/Supportive Care in Head–Neck Cancers Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

An elevated level of distress is associated with poor health-related quality of life (QoL), decreased patient satisfaction, poor treatment compliance, and possible reduced survival. This randomized trial, conducted at a single center in India, enrolled head–neck cancer patients aged &gt; 18 years who were undergoing curative intent radiation therapy, and had significant baseline distress as per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network distress thermometer (distress score ≥ 4). The patients were randomized into the Standard arm (STD), which involved routine assessment by the oncologist, or the Interventional arm (INV), where psycho-oncology/palliative/supportive care referral was done at baseline and every week during treatment. The study's primary endpoint was the proportion of patients having significant distress 6 months' posttreatment. A total of 212 patients were randomized (n = 108 STD, n = 104 INV). At 6 months' post-treatment completion, 90 and 89 were evaluable in the STD and INV, respectively. The median distress score was 2 in both arms at this time point. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients having significant distress in STD versus INV (9 vs. 15.6%, p = 0.20). There was an improvement in any symptom measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Score (pain, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, lack of appetite) and the QoL for the entire cohort with no statistically significant difference between arms for symptoms, QoL, or survival endpoints. Psycho-oncology and palliative/supportive care referral did not impact distress, symptom burden, QoL, or survival at 6 months' posttreatment completion significantly in this randomized trial. Clinical Trial Registry of India Registration number: CTRI/2016/01/006549.

Absorbable Sutures and Telemedicine for Patients Undergoing Trigger Finger Release.

Background In the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of care processes that reduce the need for in-person clinic visits while maintaining low complication rates is needed. The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes of patients undergoing trigger finger release with various suture and follow-up visit types to assess the feasibility of shifting towards telemedicine-based follow-up protocols. Methods A retrospective review of 329 patients undergoing trigger finger release was performed. Patients were classified based on whether or not they received in-office follow-ups; whether they received absorbable or non-absorbable sutures; and whether they were treated using a telemedicine and absorbable suture protocol or other combination of sutures and follow-ups. Univariate statistics were performed to compare outcomes between groups. Results Patients who did not undergo in-office follow-up were more likely to experience residual stiffness or contracture (11.4% vs. 4.1%; p=0.033) but had no significant differences in 30-day reoperation, emergency department (ED) returns, wound complaints, and Quick DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) scores. When comparing chromic absorbable sutures to non-absorbable sutures, those with absorbable sutures were significantly more likely to have telemedicine visits but were also more likely to have wound complaints (17.9% vs. 8.5%; p=0.022). There was no significant difference in two- and six-week pain scores, 30-day reoperation, ED returns, residual symptoms, and Quick DASH scores. When comparing patients treated using the absorbable suture and telemedicine protocol with those receiving any other type of sutureand postoperative follow-up, no significant differences in any postoperative clinical outcome measures were observed. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that the use of an absorbable suture and telemedicine protocol for patients undergoing trigger finger release yields similar outcomes as traditional methods of care. However, the use of absorbable sutures may result in decreased patient satisfaction with surgical wound healing.