International Survey Of Current Practice Research Articles

Management of Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: An International Survey of Current Practice.

Splanchnic venous thrombosis (SpVT) is a complication of acute pancreatitis (AP). There is scarce literature on the prevalence and treatment of SpVT in AP. The aim of this international survey was to document current approaches to the management of SpVT in patients with AP. An online survey was designed by a group of international experts in the management of AP. Twenty-eight questions covered the level of experience of the respondents, disease demographics, and management of SpVT. There were 224 respondents from 25 countries. Most respondents (92.4%, n = 207) were from tertiary hospitals and predominantly consultants (attendings, 86.6%, n = 194). More than half of the respondents (57.2%, n = 106) "routinely" prescribed prophylactic anticoagulation for AP. Less than half of the respondents (44.3%, n = 82) "routinely" prescribed therapeutic anticoagulation for SpVT. A clinical trial was considered justified by most respondents (85.4%, n = 157) and 73.2% (n = 134) would be willing to enroll their patients. The approach to anticoagulation in the treatment of patients with SpVT complicating AP was highly variable. Respondents indicate that a position of equipoise exists to justify randomized evaluation.

Spoken Discourse Assessment and Analysis in Aphasia: An International Survey of Current Practices.

Purpose Spoken discourse analysis is commonly employed in the assessment and treatment of people living with aphasia, yet there is no standardization in assessment, analysis, or reporting procedures, thereby precluding comparison/meta-analyses of data and hindering replication of findings. An important first step is to identify current practices in collecting and analyzing spoken discourse in aphasia. Thus, this study surveyed current practices, with the goal of working toward standardizing spoken discourse assessment first in research settings with subsequent implementation into clinical settings. Method A mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) survey was publicized to researchers and clinicians around the globe who have collected and/or analyzed spoken discourse data in aphasia. The survey data were collected between September and November 2019. Results Of the 201 individuals who consented to participate, 189 completed all mandatory questions in the survey (with fewer completing nonmandatory response questions). The majority of respondents reported barriers to utilizing discourse including transcription, coding, and analysis. The most common barrier was time (e.g., lack of time). Respondents also indicated that there was a lack of, and a need for, psychometric properties and normative data for spoken discourse use in the assessment and treatment of persons with aphasia. Quantitative and qualitative results are described in detail. Conclusions The current survey study evaluated spoken discourse methods in aphasia across research and clinical settings. Findings from this study will be used to guide development of process standardization in spoken discourse and for the creation of a psychometric and normative property database. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.166395100.

Is it time to study routine car seat tolerance screening in a randomized controlled trial? An international survey of current practice and clinician equipoise.

Is it time to study routine car seat tolerance screening in a randomized controlled trial? An international survey of current practice and clinician equipoise.

When Is Diagnostic Subtraction Angiography Indicated Before Clipping of Unruptured and Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms? An International Survey of Current Practice.

The goal of this survey is to investigate the indications for preoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before clipping of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms in an international panel of neurovascular specialists. An anonymous survey of 23 multiple-choice questions relating to indications for DSA before clipping of an intracranial aneurysm was distributed to the international panel of attendees of the European-Japanese Cerebrovascular Congress (EJCVC), which took place in Milan, Italy on 7-9 June 2018. The survey was collected during the same conference. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A total of 93 surveys were distributed, and 67 (72%) completed surveys were returned by responders from 13 different countries. Eighty-five percent of all responders were neurosurgeons. For unruptured and ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms without life-threatening hematoma, approximately 60% of responders perform surgery without preoperative DSA. For aneurysms in other locations than MCA, microsurgery is done without preoperative DSA in 68% of unruptured and in 73% of ruptured cases. In cases of ruptured MCA or ruptured non-MCA aneurysms with life-threatening hematoma, surgery is performed without DSA in 97% and 96% of patients, respectively. Factors which lead to preoperative DSA being performed were: aneurysmal shape (fusiform, dissecting), etiology (infectious), size (>25mm), possible presence of perforators or efferent vessels arising from the aneurysm, intra-aneurysmal thrombus, previous treatment, location (posterior circulation and paraclinoid aneurysm) and flow-replacement bypass contemplated for final aneurysm treatment. These are all factors that qualify an aneurysm as a complex aneurysm. There is still a high variability in the surgeons' preoperative workup regarding the indication for DSA before clipping of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms, except for ruptured aneurysms with life-threatening hematoma. There is a general consensus among cerebrovascular specialists that any angioanatomical feature indicating a complex aneurysm should lead to a more detailed workup including preoperative DSA.

Thoracic thrust joint manipulation: An international survey of current practice and knowledge in IFOMPT member countries

BackgroundThe perceived relative safety of thoracic thrust joint manipulation (TTJM) has contributed to a growth in evidence supporting use in practice. Yet adverse events (AE) have been documented following TTJM. Knowledge of current practice is therefore required to support further research. PurposeTo investigate TTJM knowledge and pre-TTJM examination across IFOMPT Member Organisations (MO) and Registered Interest Groups (RIG). MethodsAn e-survey was designed based on existing evidence and piloted. Eligibility criteria: physiotherapists from member countries of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) who use TTJM. Recruitment was through IFOMPT networks (May 2018–March 2019). Data analyses included descriptive analyses and content analysis for free text data. ResultsRespondents (n = 363) from 20 countries. Pre-TTJM examination included patient history (22%, n = 81) and physical examination (69%, n = 248). Across presentations (>80% threshold of agreement) contraindications included osteomyelitis, fracture and metastatic disease. Spinal deformity, respiratory disease, serious joint disease and hypermobility achieved >60% agreement as precautions. Consent was obtained by 93% respondents (n = 250). Preferred technique was PA/AP thrust (61%, n = 144). Perception of primary effect was neurophysiological (52%, n = 134), biomechanical (42%, n = 109) and placebo (3%, n = 8). From those who reported AE (n = 100), these included fractures (36%, n = 42) and cord signs/symptoms (6%, n = 7). ConclusionPre-TTJM examination is common, although bias towards physical examination. Differential testing for upper versus lower thoracic spine is limited. Inconsistencies across knowledge of contraindications and precautions, and beliefs for biomechanical effect were found. Findings highlight the importance of high levels of clinical reasoning during patient history for TTJM.

Pediatric Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Survey of Current Practice.

Understanding the challenges experienced by pediatric surgeons in the early phases of the pandemic may help identify key issues and focus research. Two pediatric surgeons from each of the 10 countries most affected by COVID-19 were surveyed over a 10-day period. Data were obtained regarding service provision, infection control, specific surgical conditions, and the surgical workforce. Twenty pediatric surgeons responded. All centers had postponed non-emergency surgery and clinics for nonurgent conditions with virtual consultations being undertaken in 90% of centers. A majority (65%) of centers had not yet knowingly operated on a positive patient. Minimal access surgery was performed in 75% centers but a further 75% had reduced or stopped upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The management of simple appendicitis was unchanged in 70% centers, patients with intussusception were being referred for radiological reduction in all centers and definitive pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung patients was performed by 95% where washouts were successful. Timing of surgery for reducible neonatal inguinal hernias had changed in 55% of centers and the management of urgent feeding gastrostomy referrals and of inflammatory bowel disease patients failing with biological therapy varied considerably. Service provision has been severely affected by COVID-19 leading to an inevitable increase in untreated surgical pathology. Better understanding of extrapulmonary infectivity, the risk of asymptomatic carriage in children, and the reliability of testing for surgical scenarios may allow appropriate use of conventional surgery, including laparoscopy and endoscopy, and rational development of the novel care pathways needed during the pandemic.

Red cell exchange for patients with sickle cell disease: an international survey of current practices.

Red cell exchange (RCE) therapy is increasingly used to treat patients with acute or chronic manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD). However, little is known regarding the most safe and effective practice parameters associated with this particular therapy. A SCD subcommittee of members of the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) developed a 122-question survey and administered it via email to other ASFA members. The survey inquired about clinical indications for treatment, practice patterns, and transfusion policies for RCE when used for patients with SCD. Ninety-nine distinct institutions completed the survey. Twenty-one (21%) were from outside of the US. Twenty-two (22%) provided chronic transfusion therapy to >10 patients, and both adult (25%) and pediatric-focused services (20%) were represented. Common acute indications for RCE included acute chest syndrome, acute ischemic stroke, and pre-surgical prophylaxis. Common chronic indications included primary stroke prophylaxis, secondary stroke prophylaxis, and recurrent acute chest syndrome. Respondents most commonly set a post-RCE treatment target of 30% for the hematocrit and hemoglobin S levels, regardless of the therapeutic indication. Units for RCE were phenotypically matched in 95% of cases. About 40% of respondents reported using isovolemic hemodilution. This survey solicited the current practice variations in RCE from a diverse range of practice sites. Many sites reported similar practice patterns and challenges but some variations emerged. To our knowledge, this survey represents the largest and most in-depth investigation of the use of RCE for patients with SCD, and could inform future studies in the field.

Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing in Neurosurgery: An International Survey of Current Practices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

BackgroundBecause nearly 23,000 more neurosurgeons are needed globally to address 5 million essential neurosurgical cases that go untreated each year, there is an increasing interest in task-shifting and task-sharing (TS/S), delegating neurosurgical tasks to nonspecialists, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This global survey aimed to provide a cross-sectional understanding of the prevalence and structure of current neurosurgical TS/S practices in LMICs.MethodsThe survey was distributed to a convenience sample of individuals providing neurosurgical care in LMICs with a Web-based survey link via electronic mailing lists of continental societies and various neurosurgical groups, conference announcements, e-mailing lists, and social media platforms. Country-level data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.ResultsThe survey yielded 127 responses from 47 LMICs; 20 countries (42.6%) reported ongoing TS/S. Most TS/S procedures involved emergency interventions, the top 3 being burr holes, craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, and external ventricular drain. Most (65.0%) believed that their Ministry of Health does not endorse TS/S (24.0% unsure), and only 11% believed that TS/S training was structured. There were few opportunities for TS/S providers to continue medical education (11.6%) or maintenance of certification (9.4%, or receive remuneration (4.2%).ConclusionsTS/S is ongoing in many LMICs without substantial structure or oversight, which is concerning for patient safety. These data invite future clinical outcomes studies to assess effectiveness and discussions on policy recommendations such as standardized curricula, certification protocols, specialist oversight, and referral networks to increase the level of TS/S care and to continue to increase the specialist workforce.

Management of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Results of an International Survey of Current Practice.

The aim of this study was to investigate surgeon preferences for the management of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Select patients with LAPC may become candidates for curative resection following neoadjuvant therapy, and recent reports of survival are encouraging. Yet the optimal management approach remains unclear. An extensive electronic survey was systematically distributed by email to an international cohort of pancreas surgeons. Data collected included practice characteristics, management preferences, attitudes regarding contraindications to surgery, and 6 clinical vignettes of patients that ultimately received a margin negative resection (with detailed videos of post-neoadjuvant imaging) to assess propensity for surgical exploration if resection status is not known. A total of 153 eligible responses were received from 4 continents. Median duration of practice is 12 years (interquartile range 6-20) and 77% work in a university setting. Most surgeons (86%) are considered high volume (>10 resections/yr), 33% offer a minimally-invasive approach, and 50% offer arterial resections in select patients. Most (72%) always recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 65% prefer FOLFIRINOX. Preferences for the duration of chemotherapy varied widely: 39% prefer ≥2 months, 43% prefer ≥4 months, and 11% prefer ≥6 months. Forty-one percent frequently recommend neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and 53% prefer 5 to 6 weeks of chemoradiation. The proportion of surgeons favoring exploration following neoadjuvant varied extensively across 5 vignettes of LAPC, from 14% to 53%. In a vignette of oligometastatic liver metastases, 31% would offer exploration if a favorable therapy response is observed. In an international cohort of pancreas surgeons, there is substantial variation in management preferences, perceived contraindications to surgery, and the propensity to consider exploration in LAPC. These results emphasize the importance of a robust and nuanced multidisciplinary discussion for each patient, and suggest an evolving concept of "resectability."

Dance screening practices in dance companies, dance schools and university dance programmes: An international survey of current practices

Background: Dance performance requires the combination of both athletic and artistic demands. The health and well-being of dancers is of paramount importance, and one intervention that has been used to manage their health and performance is screening. There is a need to determine current screening practices to aid the management of dancers. Methods: The Bristol online survey was used to determine screening practices in dance companies/schools and university dance programmes. The survey was available online between April 2018 and September 2018 and consisted of 39 questions which were divided into the following sections: (1) screening details, (2) physical fitness and joint screening, (3) injury screening, (4) dance specific movement screening, (5) health screening. Respondents included those individuals involved in dance screening. Results: A total of 32 individuals participated in the study with physiotherapists and dance teachers most prevalent. Injury prevention (62.5%) and self-management (62.5%) were the most common aims of screening. Dancer screening occurred in a non-fatigued state in 90.63% of dancers. Flexibility (95.75%) was the most commonly assessed physical fitness component and the feet the most assessed joint (87.5%). Passive turnout (62.5%) and demi-plié (62.5%) were the most commonly assessed dance specific movements. Previous injury (87.5%) had the highest prevalence of general health questioning. Cardiovascular screening was performed by 21.88% of respondents and the Star Excursion Balance Test (34.38%) was the most commonly used movement screening tool. Hypermobility was screened by 75% of respondents and 28.13% of respondents used psychometric tests. Conclusion: Physiotherapists and dance teachers were most frequently involved in screening, and the main aims were to improve the dancers health and well-being. There may be a need to consider the potential influence of acute fatigue on screening and a greater assessment of the strength, aerobic fitness and speed is required. Passive and active turnout were frequently screened and may be important in identifying potential injury risk. Cardiac and psychometric screening was limited and may require greater consideration. Keywords: Dance screening, Injury prevention, Career longevity, Flexibility, Passive turnout, Cardiovascular screening, Star Excursion Balance Test, Hypermobility

Dance screening practices in dance companies, dance schools and university dance programmes: An international survey of current practices

Background: Dance performance requires the combination of both athletic and artistic demands. The health and well-being of dancers is of paramount importance, and one intervention that has been used to manage their health and performance is screening. There is a need to determine current screening practices to aid the management of dancers. Methods: The Bristol online survey was used to determine screening practices in dance companies/schools and university dance programmes. The survey was available online between April 2018 and September 2018 and consisted of 39 questions which were divided into the following sections: (1) screening details, (2) physical fitness and joint screening, (3) injury screening, (4) dance specific movement screening, (5) health screening. Respondents included those individuals involved in dance screening. Results: A total of 32 individuals participated in the study with physiotherapists and dance teachers most prevalent. Injury prevention (62.5%) and self-management (62.5%) were the most common aims of screening. Dancer screening occurred in a non-fatigued state in 90.63% of dancers. Flexibility (95.75%) was the most commonly assessed physical fitness component and the feet the most assessed joint (87.5%). Passive turnout (62.5%) and demi-plié (62.5%) were the most commonly assessed dance specific movements. Previous injury (87.5%) had the highest prevalence of general health questioning. Cardiovascular screening was performed by 21.88% of respondents and the Star Excursion Balance Test (34.38%) was the most commonly used movement screening tool. Hypermobility was screened by 75% of respondents and 28.13% of respondents used psychometric tests. Conclusion: Physiotherapists and dance teachers were most frequently involved in screening, and the main aims were to improve the dancers health and well-being. There may be a need to consider the potential influence of acute fatigue on screening and a greater assessment of the strength, aerobic fitness and speed is required. Passive and active turnout were frequently screened and may be important in identifying potential injury risk. Cardiac and psychometric screening was limited and may require greater consideration. Keywords: Dance screening, Injury prevention, Career longevity, Flexibility, Passive turnout, Cardiovascular screening, Star Excursion Balance Test, Hypermobility.

BSPD guidelines for treatment of IH with propranolol

Infantile haemangiomas (IH) are common birthmarks in babies consisting of dilated blood vessels. They are also known as strawberry naevi. Most of them grow for a few months, then gradually shrink spontaneously over a period of months or years. However, in about 15% of cases they can cause serious functional problems when they involve important structures such as the eye, ear, mouth, nose and the peri‐anal area. In addition they can sometimes resolve, but leaving significant disfigurement. In 2008 it was reported that the beta‐blocker drug propranolol, given orally (by mouth), was very effective in causing these birthmarks to shrink rapidly. This paper is designed to provide guidance to doctors on how best to administer propranolol to children with IH. Developing the guidelines involved several stages: an international survey of current practice in eight European countries; a systematic review of the literature; collecting current local guidelines from 19 centres leading to the generation of 70 statements. These 70 statements were then scrutinised by 19 experts from relevant specialities (Dermatology, Paediatrics, Paediatric Cardiology and Paediatric ENT surgery). Using an established research protocol, agreement was reached by these experts on 47 statements covering eight categories. These categories include: indications for starting propranolol (i.e. it which situations it should be used); contraindications (i.e. in which situations it should not be used); pre‐treatment tests needed; initiation of treatment; monitoring during treatment and when to stop treatment. They also cover treatment of children with additional medical complications.Although these guidelines are UK‐based, the authors hope that they will be useful in other European countries also.

Management of Pediatric Delirium in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Patients: An International Survey of Current Practices.

The purpose of this study was to describe how pediatric cardiac intensive care clinicians assess and manage delirium in patients following cardiac surgery. Descriptive self-report survey. A web-based survey of pediatric cardiac intensive care clinicians who are members of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society. Pediatric cardiac intensive care clinicians (physicians and nurses). None. One-hundred seventy-three clinicians practicing in 71 different institutions located in 13 countries completed the survey. Respondents described their clinical impression of the occurrence of delirium to be approximately 25%. Most respondents (75%) reported that their ICU does not routinely screen for delirium. Over half of the respondents (61%) have never attended a lecture on delirium. The majority of respondents (86%) were not satisfied with current delirium screening, diagnosis, and management practices. Promotion of day/night cycle, exposure to natural light, deintensification of care, sleep hygiene, and reorientation to prevent or manage delirium were among nonpharmacologic interventions reported along with the use of anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and medications for insomnia. Clinicians responding to the survey reported a range of delirium assessment and management practices in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients. Study results highlight the need for improvement in delirium education for pediatric cardiac intensive care clinicians as well as the need for systematic evaluation of current delirium assessment and management practices.

Discussing Sexuality With Women Considering Risk-Reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy: An International Survey of Current Practice in Gynecologic Oncology.

To determine how frequently gynecologic oncologists discuss sexuality with women considering risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. Secondary objectives were to assess the availability of resources, and the barriers to discussing sexuality. Members of the Australian Society of Gynaecologic Oncologists, International Gynecologic Cancer Society, and Society of Gynecologic Oncology were invited to complete an online survey. Questions addressed frequency of, and barriers to, discussing sexuality, and availability of resources related to sexual issues. Three hundred eighty-eight physicians in 43 countries responded from 4,006 email invitations (9.7%). Ninety-one percent reported discussing sexuality preoperatively, and 61% discuss it with every patient. Factors associated with higher rates of discussion were female sex (P = 0.020), higher level of training (P = 0.003), time in practice (P = 0.003), and consulting more risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy patients per month (P = 0.006). Commonly discussed issues were vasomotor menopausal symptoms (91%) and vaginal dryness (85%). Eighty-eight percent of respondents believed that sexuality should be discussed preoperatively, and most felt that it is their responsibility (82%). Fear of causing distress was the most common barrier to discussing sexuality (49%). Twenty-four percent felt that they did not have adequate training to discuss sexual function. Although most respondents believed that discussing sexuality should occur preoperatively, only 61% discuss this with every patient. Resources specifically relating to sexuality are limited. The most common barrier to discussing sexuality was fear of causing distress. Nearly one quarter of gynecologic oncologists felt inadequately trained to discuss sexual function.

Recommendation for standardization of haematology reporting units used in the extended blood count.

It is desirable in the interest of patient safety that the reporting of laboratory results should be standardized where no valid reason for diversity exists. This study considers the reporting units used for the extended blood cell count and makes a new ICSH recommendation to encourage standardization worldwide. This work is based on a literature review that included the original ICSH recommendations and on data gathered from an international survey of current practice completed by 18 countries worldwide. The survey results show that significant diversity in the use of reporting units for the blood count exists worldwide. The use of either non-SI or other units not recommended by the ICSH in the early 1980s has persisted despite the guidance from that time. The diversity in use of reporting units occurs in three areas: the persistence in use of non-SI units for RBC, WBC and platelet counts, the use of three different units for haemoglobin concentration and the manual reporting of WBC differential, reticulocytes and nucleated RBCs when the latter are available from automated analysis or can be expressed as absolute numbers by calculation. A new recommendation with a rationale for each parameter is made for standardization of the reporting units used for the extended blood count.

Water Reuse: An International Survey of current practice, issues and needs

Water Reuse: An International Survey of current practice, issues and needs examines water reuse practices around the world from different perspectives. The objective is to show how differently wastewater reuse is conceived and practised around the world as well as to present the varied needs and possibilities for reusing wastewater.In the first section water reuse practices around the world are described for regions having common water availability, reuse needs and social aspects. The second section refers to the "stakeholders" point of view. Each reuse purpose demands different water quality, not only to protect health and the environment but also to fulfil the requirements of the specific reuse. Reuses considered are agricultural, urban agriculture as a special case of the former, municipal and industrial. Alongside these uses, the indirect reuse for human consumption through aquifer recharge is also discussed. The third section deals with emerging and controversial topics. Ethical and economical dilemmas in the field are presented as a subject not frequently addressed in this field. The role of governments in respect of public policy in reuse is discussed as well as the different international criteria and standards for reusing wastewater. The importance of public acceptance and the way to properly handle it is also considered.The fourth section of the book presents contrasting case studies; typical situations in the developed world (Japan and Germany) are compared to those in developing countries (Pakistan and Brazil) for agricultural and industrial reuse. Indirect planned reuse for human consumption (Germany) is compared with an unplanned one (Mexico). TheWindhoek, Namibia case study is presented to emphasize why if the direct reuse of wastewater for human consumption has been performed with success for more than 35 years it is still the only example of this type around the world. To illustrate the difficulties of having a common framework for regulating water reuse in several countries, the Mediterranean situation is described. Other case studies presented refer to the reuse situation in Israel, Spain, Cameroon, Nepal and Vietnam, these latter countries being located in water rich areas.This book will be an invaluable information source for all those concerned with water reuse including water utility managers, wastewater policy makers and water resources planners as well as researchers and students in environmental engineering, water resources planning and sanitary engineering.This title belongs to Scientific and Technical Report SeriesISBN: 9781780401881 (eBook)ISBN: 9781843390893 (Print)

Head Position in the Early Phase of Acute Ischemic Stroke: An International Survey of Current Practice

Evidence to recommend a specific head position for patients in the early phase of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess current head position practice for AIS patients among physicians from hospitals in different countries. A cross-sectional survey research design was used; physicians who are part of a stroke research network were invited to participate by e-mail. Descriptive statistics were used. An invitation to participate was delivered to 298 doctors from 16 countries and 42.9% completed all survey questions. Participant responses were evenly divided in sitting up and lying flat position as the most usual at their hospital: 52.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43.7-61.0) of respondents preferred sitting up, whereas 47.2% (95% CI, 38.2-55.5) preferred lying flat; 53.9% (95% CI, 45.3-62.5) of participants answered that no written protocol specifying the indicated head position for stroke patients was available at their hospital or department, and 71% (95% CI, 63.2-78.9) recognized being uncertain about the best position for AIS patients. Common practice differs between physicians, and there is a lack of consensus about the best strategy regarding head position for AIS patients in many countries. An opportunity exists for a randomized trial to resolve this uncertainty and develop evidence-based consensus protocols to improve patient management and outcomes.

The role of hospital payments in the adoption of new medical technologies: an international survey of current practice

This study examined the role of prospective payment systems in the adoption of new medical technologies across different countries. A literature review was conducted to provide background for the study and guide development of a survey instrument. The survey was disseminated to hospital payment systems experts in 15 jurisdictions. Fifty-one surveys were disseminated, with 34 returned. The surveys returned covered 14 of the 15 jurisdictions invited to participate. The majority (71%) of countries update the patient classification system and/or payment tariffs on an annual basis to try to account for new technologies. Use of short-term separate or supplementary payments for new technologies occurs in 79% of countries to ensure adequate funding and facilitate adoption. A minority (43%) of countries use evidence of therapeutic benefit and/or costs to determine or update payment tariffs, although it is somewhat more common in establishing short-term payments. The main barrier to using evidence is uncertain or unavailable clinical evidence. Almost three-fourths of respondents believed diagnosis-related group systems incentivize or deter technology adoption, depending on the particular circumstances. Improvements are needed, such as enhanced strategies for evidence generation and linking evidence of value to payments, national and international collaboration and training to improve existing practice, and flexible timelines for short-term payments. Importantly, additional research is needed to understand how different payment policies impact technology uptake as well as quality of care and costs.

Practices associated with ABO‐incompatible platelet transfusions: a BEST Collaborative international survey

There is a lack of evidence for guiding the best strategy for ABO selection of platelet (PLT) transfusions. As a baseline for future studies, the BEST Collaborative performed an international survey of current practices in this area. An international survey was sent via BEST members to transfusion services and hospitals requesting the demographics of the transfused patient population, ABO matching policies, anti-A and anti-B measurements in PLT concentrates (PCs), and practices regarding ABO-incompatible PC transfusions to adult and pediatric patients. We received 126 responses from 14 countries, 59% from Europe. Most of them were from local/community (42%) and university hospitals (39%) serving between 500 and 1500 beds; 50.4% transfused fewer than 1000 PCs per year. One-fifth of respondents (19.4%, mainly local/community hospitals) did not have a written policy for selecting ABO-incompatible PCs. Significant practice variation was reported when ABO-mismatched PLTs were given to adults: for PCs suspended in 100% plasma, 29% to 43% of respondents selected any ABO group available; 52% to 61% selected units with compatible supernatant; and, in the case of minor ABO incompatibility, 43% to 54% did not take any specific action. In contrast if ABO-identical PCs were not available for a pediatric recipient, for PCs resuspended in 100% plasma, 71% to 82% selected PCs so the supernatant plasma would be compatible with patient's red blood cells. Considerable practice variation exists when transfusing ABO-incompatible PCs, suggesting an opportunity for research to inform evidence-based practices.

Water reuse: an international survey of current practice, issues and needs

Water reuse: an international survey of current practice, issues and needs