Large Group Of Physicians Research Articles

Mental health in Italy after two years of COVID-19 from the perspective of 1281 Italian physicians: looking back to plan forward

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has generated an unprecedented global crisis that is profoundly affecting mental health and mental health care. The aim of this study was to survey a relatively large group of Italian physicians about their perceived impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the Italian population and about their suggestions on the best strategies to address the current and future challenges.MethodsOne thousand two hundred eighty-one (1,281) physicians were surveyed between November 2021 and February 2022.ResultsEighty-one percent of respondents reported an increase in the number of people with mental illness presenting to their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty-four percent reported a 26–50% increase in the number of people with mental illness in their community; approximately 33% reported a 1–25% increase; and 26.9% reported a 51–75% increase. The most commonly reported mental issues that increased because of COVID-19 were agitation, mood and anxiety disorders. Regarding the suggested strategies to address future challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, 34.6% of respondents recommended providing psychoeducation to the general population for early detection of mental illness and developing strategies to reduce the impact of COVID-19-related stress. In addition, 12.6% of respondents suggested improving telehealth services, while 12.3% suggested the need for increased funding for community-based care. When asked about physicians' opinion on the possibility of an increased prevalence of mental illness in the next 12 months, more than 30% of them predicted an increase in stress-related illnesses, while 25.2% were more concerned about a worsening of the ongoing clinical conditions of patients with previous psychiatric disorders. However, 21% of respondents believed that people's ability to cope with the pandemic would increase in the next 12 months.ConclusionsThis study confirmed a strong and negative impact on the mental health of the past 2 years of COVID-19 pandemic in the Italian population. Providing psychoeducation to the general population and improving the availability of telemedicine services could reduce the impact of future challenges related to the pandemic.

Perceptions about the Management of Patients with DM2 and COVID-19 in the Hospital Care Setting.

Background: COVID-19 entails a higher rate of complications in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Likewise, COVID-19 infection can cause alterations in glucose metabolism that may lead to worse control. The aim of the study was to analyse the perceptions of a large group of Spanish physicians about the relationship between COVID-19 and T2DM, as well as the management, monitoring, and treatment of both diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter national project was conducted based on a survey which included opinion, attitude, and behavior (OAB) questions. Physicians specialised in internal medicine or endocrinology, whose usual clinical practices included the management of T2DM, responded to the survey between March and April 2021. Results: A total of 112 participants responded to the survey, from which 64.3% believed that COVID-19 entailed a higher risk of glycaemic decompensation irrespective of the presence of previously known T2DM. Obesity was considered a risk factor for poor control of T2DM by 57.7% and for a worse course of COVID-19 by 61.0%. Treatment intensification in not-on-target patients was considered by 57.1% in the presence of COVID-19 and by 73.2% in the absence of COVID-19. No participants considered the suspension of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) in ambulatory patients, 85.7% declared that this therapeutic approach in hospitalized patients should be kept, and 88.4% supported the option of maintaining DPP-4i when corticosteroids were prescribed. Conclusion: The physicians involved in the management of T2DM and COVID-19 are aware of the bidirectional relationship between both conditions. However, the monitoring and therapeutic management of patients with T2DM who are infected by SARS-CoV-2 needs improvement through the following of the current recommendations and available evidence.

Are There Different Viewpoints About the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Comorbidities? A Multidisciplinary Spanish Qualitative Research.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to explore the vision of a large multidisciplinary group of physicians treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Spain, with a special focus on controversial management aspects. The perceptions of primary care (PC) physicians and hospital care (HC) specialists were compared.MethodsThis was a mixed survey that included Delphi-like statements and opinion, attitude and behaviour (OAB) questions. The Delphi-like statements were assessed on the basis of the degree of agreement among respondents, and a descriptive analysis was performed on the answers to the OAB questions.ResultsA total of 296 participants responded to the first wave of the survey, of whom 293 responded to the second wave (211 from PC and 80 from HC, with two respondents for whom there were no data on specialty). A high degree of consensus (CNS ≥ 0.8) was obtained in all the statements. A proactive approach to detect prediabetes or T2DM in asymptomatic people was highly supported (80.4% of agreement). Introducing early treatment intensification was considered to favour the durability of glycaemic control and to delay the progression of the disease (80.4%). There was agreement on the statement that glycaemic variability constitutes a risk factor for chronic complications, although differences in the perceptions of HC physicians and PC specialists were identified (86.3 vs. 80.1%, respectively). More HC physicans than PC specialists considered comorbidities to affect the ability to self-care (95 vs. 82.9%, respectively).ConclusionsThe survey revealed that there was a high, albeit not universal, degree of agreement amongst PC physicians and HC specialists in relation to prevention, screening and diagnosis of T2DM; early treatment intensification; dysglycaemias; and the management of patients with comorbidities. The statement on the management of patients with comorbidities elicited the highest difference between PC physicans and HC specialists. The results of this survey indicate that there is room for improvement in terms of implementing strategies in these areas.

Level of Use and User Groups of Online Video Consultations in Outpatient Medical Care: Analysis of Claims Data

Despite perceived potentials, billability as a standard service to the statutory health insurance (SHI) and various promotional measures, online video consultation has not yet established itself as a fixed component of everyday outpatient care. Longer-term quantitative studies on the degree of utilisation have been lacking so far. However, these are essential for a better understanding of diffusion processes and the effects of promotional measures. The present study represents a first step towards a continuous examination. The utilisation of video consultations in outpatient care was examined from the beginning of their reimbursability in April 2017 until the end of 2018. In order to get an overview of the user groups, relevant physician and patient characteristics (specialist group, age, region) that can be depicted in the billing data were also investigated. During the 21 months of the observation period, a total of 320 video consultations were conducted, with monthly usage figures in 2018 already twice as high as in 2017. Overall, 105 insurants used at least one video consultation (average age 74.6 years; 59.8 from urban regions). Among the 30 doctors who used video consultation, 36.7% were general practitioners, representing the largest group of physicians. The study underlines the low significance of online video consultations in outpatient care in the first 21 months after their introduction. The results are in line with previous findings from short-term analyses and demoscopic studies. They also point to initial usage trends that need to be further investigated with extended observation periods and broader data bases across several more statutory insurance companies.

End-of-life care and hospital medicine. A field experience.

A large number of elderly patients end their life in general wards, where they hardly find appropriate for their specific needs. Physicians and nurses, irrespective of their specialization, should be able to provide the dying patients with end-of-life care (EOL-care) to meet their right to die well. Purposely tailored clinical paths, inspired to the comfort care, should be constructed and disseminated. A specific experience carried on for ten years in an Internal Medicine department is reported. After a two-years period of time spent educating a large group of physicians and nurses and to project its own path, the working group experienced substantial improvements for the patients and the staff itself, in terms of a better control of pain and other main disturbing symptoms, avoidance of futile procedures, a better quality of communication and comprehension, harmonization of the clinical decisions brought about by the physicians and the nurses. Based on this experience, the following recommendations are discussed: after preparing the personnel, routinely implement end-of-life care as part of routine practice in a general ward, whenever appropriate; after starting, be aware that nurses are the main actors in the conduction of EOL-care; be aware that EOL-care in no way is a low profile care in as much as it is challenging and demanding task.

Clinician Telemedicine Perceptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Telemedicine utilization increased exponentially due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, most clinicians now have experience with telemedicine. Questions/Purposes: We studied factors independently associated with a clinician desiring to continue telemedicine services after the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondarily, we sought factors independently associated with clinician satisfaction with the quality of care provided through telemedicine and factors associated with telemedicine platform preference by clinicians. Methods: A large multispecialty medical group of physicians were invited to complete a survey, including demographics, telemedicine experience, satisfaction with various elements of telemedicine encounters, desired features in a telemedicine platform, personality traits, and preferences. A total of 220 complete responses were analyzed. Results: A desire to continue offering telemedicine visits after the COVID-19 pandemic was independently associated with a higher satisfaction with the quality of telemedicine care, endorsement of the ease of performing a physical examination with telemedicine, belief that adaptability is an important element of being a clinician, and less preference for in-person work meetings over virtual meetings. Higher satisfaction with the quality of telemedicine care was associated with belief that adaptability is an important element of being a clinician, clinicians who identify as being more perceiving (value flexibility) than judging (value organization), providers from relatively urban counties, and those with less preference for in-person work meetings over virtual meetings. Clinicians ranked ease of use for patients and physicians as the most important features of telemedicine platforms. Conclusions: The observed association of clinician personality and interpersonal preferences with the appeal, satisfaction, and perceived effectiveness of telemedicine merit additional study. Early implementation of telemedicine might be easiest with clinicians that take pride in their adaptability and value a technology-based workstyle.

Anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation and active cancer: an international survey on patient management.

In patients with active cancer and atrial fibrillation (AF) anticoagulation, thrombotic and bleeding risk still entail uncertainty. We explored the results of an international survey examining the knowledge and behaviours of a large group of physicians. A web-based survey was completed by 960 physicians (82.4% cardiologists, 75.5% from Europe). Among the currently available anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with active cancer, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were preferred by 62.6%, with lower values for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (24.1%) and for warfarin (only 7.3%). About 46% of respondents considered that DOACs should be used in all types of cancers except in non-operable gastrointestinal cancers. The lack of controlled studies on bleeding risk (33.5% of respondents) and the risk of drug interactions (31.5%) were perceived as problematic issues associated with use of anticoagulants in cancer. The decision on anticoagulation involved a cardiologist in 27.8% of cases, a cardiologist and an oncologist in 41.1%, and a team approach in 21.6%. The patient also was involved in decision-making, according to ∼60% of the respondents. For risk stratification, use of CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores was considered appropriate, although not specifically validated in cancer patients, by 66.7% and 56.4%, respectively. This survey highlights that management of anticoagulation in patients with AF and active cancer is challenging, with substantial heterogeneity in therapeutic choices. Direct oral anticoagulants seems having an emerging role but still the use of LMWH remains substantial, despite the absence of long-term data on thromboprophylaxis in AF.

TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine.

TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine.

Recommendations for Implementing Lung Cancer Screening with Low-Dose Computed Tomography in Europe.

Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) was demonstrated in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) to reduce mortality from the disease. European mortality data has recently become available from the Nelson randomised controlled trial, which confirmed lung cancer mortality reductions by 26% in men and 39-61% in women. Recent studies in Europe and the USA also showed positive results in screening workers exposed to asbestos. All European experts attending the "Initiative for European Lung Screening (IELS)"-a large international group of physicians and other experts concerned with lung cancer-agreed that LDCT-LCS should be implemented in Europe. However, the economic impact of LDCT-LCS and guidelines for its effective and safe implementation still need to be formulated. To this purpose, the IELS was asked to prepare recommendations to implement LCS and examine outstanding issues. A subgroup carried out a comprehensive literature review on LDCT-LCS and presented findings at a meeting held in Milan in November 2018. The present recommendations reflect that consensus was reached.

Medicolegal Sidebar: Peer Review of Professional Competence.

Medicolegal Sidebar: Peer Review of Professional Competence.

The Hinrichsen Embryology Collection: Digitization of Historical Histological Human Embryonic Slides and MRI of Whole Fetuses

The number of human embryology collections is very limited worldwide. Some of these comprise the Carnegie Collection, Kyoto Collection, and the Blechschmidt Collection. One further embryonic collection is the Hinrichsen Collection of the Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, which also contains very well-preserved embryos/fetuses, along with approximately 16,000 histological sections. The digitization of this collection is indispensable to enable conservation of the collection for the future and to provide a large group of embryologists, researchers, and physicians access to these histological slides. A small selection of these scans is available at the website of the Digital Embryology Consortium [https://­human-embryology.org/wiki/Main_Page].

A community oncology end-of-life care program: Results for hospice length of stay analysis.

e23008 Background: Michigan Health Professionals (MHP) is a large multispecialty physician group. MHP Oncology Division participates in quality improvement projects. Palliative and End of Life (EOL) care has been identified as one of the quality improvement areas. A comprehensive community oncology program for early and timely involvement of palliative and EOL care was launched in October 2017. Methods: MHP Palliative and End of life care committee was created of mostly oncologists who are board certified in Palliative care and Hospice. The program, which included pre-program training, user-friendly referral process, and live physician engagement for early involvement of palliative care (PC) and EOL care was developed and implemented. A partnership was created with Premier Hospice to integrate EOL care services with the oncology offices and to collect data. Historical data for average hospice length of stay (LOS) in hospice service for MHP oncology patients was analyzed by Integra Connect. Results: From 1/1/2018 to 12/31/2018 a total of 133 patients (MHP-T) were referred and admitted to Hospice service. Sixty-one patients were on PC service (PC group) and 72 patients (NonPC group) were referred directly to hospice. Total of 527 patients from 2012 to 2017 were analyzed for historical comparison group (HC) and 124 patients were analyzed for MHP-T group. Average LOS was 16.8 days in the HC group. Average LOS for the MHP-T, PC group and NonPC group improved to 34, 35 and 33 days respectively. HC group had 82.2% of patients with average LOS < 30 days. After program implementation average LOS < 30 days improved to 63.7% MHP-T group, 60.0% PC group and 66.7% NonPC group. In HC group, 92 out of 527 patients had average LOS of 2 days or less. Only 2 patients out of 124 patients had average LOS of 2 days or less since the launch of MHP community oncology program. Conclusions: Early and timely patient referral to the EOL care services resulted in average hospice LOS which is more than double as compared to historical comparison group. Fewer number of patients had average LOS of < 30 days and LOS of 2 days or less as compared to the historical comparison group. There was a trend towards higher LOS observed for patients who were under palliative care (PC) before hospice admission.

Test Characteristics of Point-of-care Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Retinal Detachment in the Emergency Department.

Previous studies of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) have reported high sensitivities and specificities for retinal detachment (RD). Our primary objective was to assess the test characteristics of POCUS performed by a large heterogeneous group of emergency physicians (EPs) for the diagnosis of RD. This was a prospective diagnostic test assessment of POCUS performed by EPs with varying ultrasound experience on a convenience sample of emergency department (ED) patients presenting with flashes or floaters in one or both eyes. After standard ED assessment, EPs performed an ocular POCUS scan targeted to detect the presence or absence of RD. After completing their ED visit, all patients were assessed by a retina specialist who was blinded to the results of the POCUS scan. We calculated sensitivity and specificity with associated exact binomial confidence intervals (CIs) using the retina specialist's final diagnosis as the reference standard. A total of 30 EPs enrolled 115 patients, with median age of 60 years and 64% female. The retina specialist diagnosed RD in 16 (14%) cases. The sensitivity and specificity of POCUS for detecting RD were 75% (95% CI= 48%-93%) and 94% (95% CI= 87%-98%), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 12.4 (95% CI= 5.4-28.3), and negative likelihood ratio was 0.27 (95% CI= 0.11-0.62). A large heterogeneous group of EPs can perform POCUS with high specificity but only intermediate sensitivity for RD. A negative POCUS scan in the ED performed by a heterogeneous group of providers after a 1-hour POCUS didactic is not sufficiently sensitive to rule out RD in a patient with new-onset flashes or floaters.

How do we diagnose and treat epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (Doose syndrome)? Results of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium survey

ObjectiveTo obtain and assess opinions on EMAS diagnostic criteria, recommended investigations, and therapeutic options, from a large group of physicians who care for children with EMAS. MethodsThe EMAS focus group of PERC created a survey to assess the opinions of pediatric neurologists who care for children with EMAS regarding diagnosis and treatment of this condition, which was sent to members of PERC, AES, and CNS. A Likert scale was used to assess the respondents’ opinions on the importance of diagnostic and exclusion criteria (five point scale), investigations (four point scale), and treatment (six point scale) of EMAS. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were then classified as critical, strong, or modest. Investigations were classified as essential, recommended, or possible. Therapies were classified as first line, beneficial, indeterminate benefit, or contraindicated. ResultsSurvey results from the 76 participants determined the following:EMAS inclusion criteria: history suggestive of MAS (critical), recorded or home video suggestive of MAS, generalized discharges on inter-ictal EEG, normal neuroimaging, normal development prior to seizure onset (strong).EMAS exclusionary criteria: epileptic spasms, abnormal neuroimaging, focal abnormal exam, seizure onset <six months or >six years (strong). Recommended investigationsEEG and MRI (essential), amino acids, organic acids, fatty acid/acylcarnitine profile, microarray, genetic panel, lactate/pyruvate, CSF and serum glucose/lactate (strong). Recommended treatmentsValproic acid (first line), topiramate, zonisamide, levetiracetam, benzodiazepines, and dietary therapies (beneficial). SignificanceTo date, no similar surveys have been published, even though early syndrome identification and initiation of effective treatment have been associated with improved outcome in EMAS. Medications that exacerbate seizures in EMAS have also been identified. This survey identified critical and preferred diagnostic electro clinical features, investigations, and treatments for EMAS. It will guide future research and is a crucial first step in defining specific diagnostic criteria, recommended evaluation, and most effective therapies for EMAS.

Diagnostic accuracy of a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: an international case-cohort study.

We conducted an international study of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis among a large group of physicians and compared their diagnostic performance to a panel of IPF experts.A total of 1141 respiratory physicians and 34 IPF experts participated. Participants evaluated 60 cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD) without interdisciplinary consultation. Diagnostic agreement was measured using the weighted kappa coefficient (κw). Prognostic discrimination between IPF and other ILDs was used to validate diagnostic accuracy for first-choice diagnoses of IPF and were compared using the C-index.A total of 404 physicians completed the study. Agreement for IPF diagnosis was higher among expert physicians (κw=0.65, IQR 0.53-0.72, p<0.0001) than academic physicians (κw=0.56, IQR 0.45-0.65, p<0.0001) or physicians with access to multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings (κw=0.54, IQR 0.45-0.64, p<0.0001). The prognostic accuracy of academic physicians with >20 years of experience (C-index=0.72, IQR 0.0-0.73, p=0.229) and non-university hospital physicians with more than 20 years of experience, attending weekly MDT meetings (C-index=0.72, IQR 0.70-0.72, p=0.052), did not differ significantly (p=0.229 and p=0.052 respectively) from the expert panel (C-index=0.74 IQR 0.72-0.75).Experienced respiratory physicians at university-based institutions diagnose IPF with similar prognostic accuracy to IPF experts. Regular MDT meeting attendance improves the prognostic accuracy of experienced non-university practitioners to levels achieved by IPF experts.

LO85: Substantial variation in CTPE ordering patterns and diagnostic yield in a large group of specialty-trained emergency physicians

Introduction: Computerized tomography for pulmonary embolism (CTPE) has come under increased scrutiny with recommendations for evidence-based use found on Choosing Wisely lists in both Canada and the US. However practice variation in ordering patterns and diagnostic yield have not been well-reported for the Canadian context. Our objective was to investigate practice variation in CTPE ordering and rule-in rates within a large group of specialty-trained emergency physicians. Methods: We undertook an analysis of a computerized physician order entry database from four tertiary care EDs covering a 12-month period from August 1, 2016 to July 30, 2016 with 31 419 visits for potential pulmonary embolism (PE) as determined by a previously validated algorithm based on presenting complaints. CTPE utilization and diagnostic yield were determined for 149 physicians who ordered at least 10 studies over that time period. Outcomes of interest included CT utilization as determined by electronic order entry and a confirmed diagnosis of PE based on ICD-10 coding of the emergency visit. Descriptive statistics using medians, IQR and 95% confidence intervals are reported. This study is approved through REB14-0650 and is a component of a larger cluster RCT to improve CTPE utilization. Results: During the study period 2670 CTPE studies were ordered for potential PE patients representing 8.5% of the total with relevant complaints. We observed a 10-fold variation in CTPE ordering among physicians with rates as low as 2.7% and as high as 25%. The median rate of CTPE ordering for potential PE was 8.8% with an IQR of 6.0% to 11.7%. A total of 4146 CTPE studies were ordered during the study period with physicians ordering an average of 28 CTPE studies each; range 10-90. In terms of diagnostic yield, 591/4146 studies, or 14.3% (95% CI 13.2-15.3%) were associated with a diagnosis of PE. Diagnostic yield per physician ranged from 0 to 50%, with a median of 13.5% and an IQR of 7.6% to 21.4%. Conclusion: In this large, robust administrative dataset from four Canadian urban EDs, threshold for CTPE ordering varies widely among physicians as does diagnostic yield. Efforts to improve appropriate utilization are justified with an eye to reducing unnecessary radiation, costs and incidental findings.

P047: Test characteristics of point of care ultrasound for the diagnosis of retinal detachment in the emergency department

Introduction: The acute onset of flashes and floaters is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED). The most emergent etiology is retinal detachment (RD), which requires prompt ophthalmologic assessment. Previous studies of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) have reported high sensitivity and specificity for RD, but are limited by small sample size, use of highly trained and experienced sonographers, and referral bias. Our primary objective was to assess the test characteristics of POCUS performed by a large heterogeneous group of emergency physicians (EPs) for the diagnosis of RD. Methods: This was a prospective diagnostic test assessment of POCUS performed by EPs with varying ultrasound experience on a convenience sample of ED patients presenting with the complaint of flashes or floaters in one or both eyes. Participating EPs completed a one hour didactic lecture and were expected to demonstrate appropriate performance of one practice scan before enrolling patients. After standard ED assessment, patients underwent an ocular POCUS scan targeted to detect RD. EPs recorded the presence or absence of RD on the data collection instrument based on their POCUS scan. After completing their ED visit, all patients were assessed by a retina specialist who was blinded to the results of the POCUS scan. We calculated sensitivity and specificity with associated exact binomial confidence intervals (CI) using the retina specialist’s determination of the final diagnosis as the criterion standard. Results: A total of 30 EPs, consisting of 21 staff physicians and 9 residents, participated in this study. These EPs performed a total of 128 POCUS scans. Of these scans, 13 were excluded. Of the remaining 115 enrolled patients, median age was 60 years, and 64% were female. The retina specialist diagnosed RD in 16 (14%) cases. The sensitivity and specificity of POCUS for detecting RD was 75% (95% CI 48% to 93%) and 94% (95% CI 87% to 98%), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 12.4 (95% CI 5.4 to 28.3), and negative likelihood ratio was 0.27 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.62). Conclusion: In a heterogeneous group of EPs with varying ultrasound experience, POCUS demonstrates high specificity but only intermediate sensitivity for the detection of RD. A negative POCUS scan is not sufficiently sensitive to rule out RD in a patient with new onset flashes or floaters.

Factors That Distinguish High-Performing Accountable Care Organizations in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.

To identify factors that promote the effective performance of accountable care organizations (ACOs) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Data come from a convenience sample of 16 Medicare Shared Savings ACOs that were organized around large physician groups. We use claims data from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services and data from 60 interviews at three high-performing and three low-performing ACOs. Explanatory sequential design, using qualitative data to account for patterns observed in quantitative assessment of ACO performance. A total of 16 ACOs were first rank-ordered on measures of cost and quality of care; we then selected three high and three low performers for site visits; interview data were content-analyzed. Results identify several factors that distinguish high- from low-performing ACOs: (1) collaboration with hospitals; (2) effective physician group practice prior to ACO engagement; (3) trusted, long-standing physician leaders focused on improving performance; (4) sophisticated use of information systems; (5) effective feedback to physicians; and (6) embedded care coordinators. Shorter interventions can improve ACO performance-use of embedded care coordinators and local, regional health information systems; timely feedback of performance data. However, longer term interventions are needed to promote physician-hospital collaboration and skills of physician leaders. CMS and other stakeholders need realistic timelines for ACO performance.

Anesthesia for medical students : A brief guide to practical anesthesia in adults with a web-based video illustration

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, anesthesiologists are the second largest group of physicians in hospitals, but this does not correspond to the amount of anesthesiology teaching that medical students receive in medical schools. Accordingly, the chances of medical students recognizing anesthesiology as apromising personal professional career are smaller than in other disciplines with large teaching components. Subsequent difficulties to recruit anesthesiology residents are likely, although many reasons support anesthesiology as aprofessional career.Traditional strategies to teach medical students in anesthesiology in medical school consist of airway management or cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts in manikins. Anesthesiology is acomplex interaction consisting of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical evaluation, experience, knowledge, and manual skills. While some medical schools offer teaching in high fidelity simulators, clinical teaching in the operating room is often limited. When medical students opt for aclinical rotation in anesthesiology, there is achance to demonstrate the fascinating world of anesthesiology, but this chance has to be utilized carefully by anesthesiologists, as young talents have to be discovered, supported, and challenged.We have put together ashort guide for medical students for aclinical rotation in anesthesiology in adults in order to generate basic knowledge and interest in anesthesiology as well as asense of achievement. Basic knowledge about premedication, induction, maintenance and strategies for anesthesia is discussed. Further, the most important anesthesia drugs are discussed and manual skills, such as intravenous cannulation, mask ventilation, intubation, and regional anesthesia are featured with QR-code based video illustrations on asmartphone or personal computer. We did not discuss possible local mannerism and special patient groups (e. g., children, special medical history), local guidelines, or standard operating procedures.Medical students can be inspired by anesthesiology when not simply told about the tools of the trade and strategies, but instead by gaining knowledge and clinical skills that render asense of achievement, likely during aclinical rotation into anesthesiology. Ashort theoretical instruction of anesthesiology enables rapid and targeted orientation even before aclinical rotation. Whether this subsequently results in ahigher recruiting chance is currently unknown.

Responding to the Marketplace: Workforce Balance and Financial Risk at Academic Health Centers.

Elsewhere in this issue, Welch and Bindman present research demonstrating that academic health centers (AHCs) continue to disproportionately comprise specialists and subspecialist faculty physicians compared with community-based physician groups. This workforce composition has served AHCs well through the years-specialists fuel the clinical engine of the major tertiary and quaternary missions of AHCs, and they also dominate much of the clinical and translational research enterprise. AHCs are not alone-less than one-third of U.S. physicians practice primary care. However, health reform has prompted many health systems to reconsider this configuration. Payers, employers, and policy makers are shifting away from fee-for-service toward value-based care. Large community-based physician groups and their parent health systems appear to be far ahead of AHCs with a more balanced physician workforce. Many are leveraging their emphasis on primary care to participate in population health initiatives, such as accountable care organizations, and some own their own health plans. These approaches largely assume some element of financial risk and require both a more balanced workforce and an infrastructure to accommodate the management of covered lives. It remains to be seen whether AHCs will reconsider their own physician specialty composition to emphasize primary care-and, if they do, whether the traditional academic model, or a more community-based approach, will prevail.