Multidisciplinary Clinical Guidelines Research Articles

Multidisciplinary consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension

BackgroundWe aimed to create a multidisciplinary consensus clinical guideline for best practice in the diagnosis, investigation and management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) due to cerebrospinal fluid leak based on...

Health outcomes after the implementation of multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for the care of hip fractures

Background and objectivesThis study aims to evaluate the impact of implementing multidisciplinary clinical guidelines in the process of caring for patients with hip fractures. Materials and methodsThis work is a pre- and post-intervention prospective study in the Orthogeriatrics Unit of a second-level hospital after implementing multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for hip fracture care. We analyzed patients’ baseline characteristics and the variations observed in care provided and in outcome variables in the two periods studied (June 2015–May 2016 and June 2016–May 2017). ResultsThe baseline characteristics of the population were similar in the pre-intervention period (n = 455) compared to the post-intervention period (n = 456). Patients’ mean age was 84.8 ± 6.8 years and 70.8% were women. The implementation of the multidisciplinary clinical guidelines led to a reduction in the mean length of hospital stay (16.9 days vs. 15.6 days, p= .014); improved osteoporosis treatment prescribing (51.6% vs. 88%, p< .001); and reduced episodes of delirium (44% vs. 31.2%, p < .001), bronchospasm (18.3% vs. 12%, p = .019), heart failure (20% vs. 11.5%, p < .001), and COPD exacerbation (7.9% vs. 3.8%, P = .017). We observed an increase in pressure ulcers at discharge (2.9 vs. 9%, P < .001). There were no differences in the percentage of operations in less than 48 h (56% vs. 61.2% p = .64), hospital readmissions (6.9% vs. 5.9%, p = .51), or mortality (5.0% vs. 7.2%, p = .17). ConclusionsThe implementation of multidisciplinary clinical guidelines improved aspects of the care process for patients with hip fracture.

742 INITIAL RESULTS OF THE ‘TUBELESS’ OESOPHAGUECTOMY: LESS IS MORE

Abstract Oesophageal cancer surgery is a complex procedure with high morbidity and mortality rate. High volume centres, complete multidisciplinary support and clear clinical guidelines are required to obtain adequate results. One of the objectives of multimodal rehabilitation programs in this field is to reduce surgical aggression. Initial experience with the tubeless oesophagectomy technique is described. Methods Description of the technique and perioperative management of tubeless oesophagectomy. We performed a 3-stage esophagectomy with a minimally invasive approach, without NGT placement or any type of drainage. The procedure includes the so-called phantom jejunostomy, which require of fixing the first jejunal loop to the parietal peritoneum in order to position a percutaneous catheter if necessary. All patients were extubated at the end of the surgery, remaining in the ICU with high-flow glasses for the first 24–48 hours. Also in the first 2 days, the urinary catheter and the epidural catheter were removed, sitting and fluid tolerance began. Results Beteween June–November 2020 6 patients were operated on. Median age was 60 years (range: 52–70), 83.3% were squamous cell carcinoma located in the middle oesophagus, 4 patients received neoadjuvant CROSS treatment. No intraoperative complications reported and a median stay of 7 days (range: 6–28). There was no anastomotic leak, nor need to place a jejunostomy, nor need to place a nasogastric tube and neither reoperation. A thoracic tube was necessary for chylothorax and another for pneumothorax (in a patient with acute respiratory distress). There was no mortality at 30 and 90 days after the procedure. Conclusion Tubeless oesophagectomy is a feasible concept that can improve postoperative recovery in selected cases, reducing pain associated with drains and tubes, facilitating early mobilization and correct performance of respiratory physiotherapy exercises. Improving functional recovery and quality of life during the postoperative period. Studies with a greater number of cases and well designed are necessary to strongly evaluate this type of procedure.

Resultados en salud tras la implantación de una guía multidisciplinar para la atención a la fractura de cadera

Background and objectivesThis study aims to evaluate the impact of implementing multidisciplinary clinical guidelines in the process of caring for patients with hip fractures. Materials and methodsThis work is a pre- and post-intervention prospective study in the Orthogeriatrics Unit of a second-level hospital after implementing multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for hip fracture care. We analyzed patients’ baseline characteristics and the variations observed in care provided and in outcome variables in the 2periods studied (June 2015-May 2016 and June 2016-May 2017). ResultsThe baseline characteristics of the population were similar in the pre-intervention period (n=455) compared to the post-intervention period (n=456). Patients’ mean age was 84.8 ± 6.8 years and 70.8% were women. The implementation of the multidisciplinary clinical guidelines led to a reduction in the mean length of hospital stay (16.9 days vs 15.6 days, p=.014); improved osteoporosis treatment prescribing (51.6% vs 88%, p<.001); and reduced episodes of delirium (44% vs 31.2%, p<.001), bronchospasm (18.3% vs 12%, p=.019), heart failure (20% vs 11.5%, p<.001), and COPD exacerbation (7.9% vs 3.8%, p=.017). We observed an increase in pressure ulcers at discharge (2.9 vs 9%, p<.001). There were no differences in the percentage of operations in less than 48hours (56% vs 61.2% p=.64), hospital readmissions (6.9% vs 5.9%, p=.51), or mortality (5.0% vs 7.2%, p=.17). ConclusionsThe implementation of multidisciplinary clinical guidelines improved aspects of the care process for patients with hip fracture.

R15. Initiation of Clinical Care Guidelines for Pectus Excavatum Patients: A Retrospective Review

Adolescents undergoing pectus deformity repairs typically have significant postoperative pain. Management following repair consists of opioids, non-opioid adjuvants with either a thoracic epidural or paravertebral catheter.1,2 Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been established in the adult population and are now becoming more common in pediatrics and adolescents.2,3 A standardized Pectus Pain Management Clinical Pathway (PPMCP) was established in 2017 at our institution by the anesthesiology team. Later a multidisciplinary clinical care guideline (CCG) was established in May 2019 through collaboration with the surgery, anesthesia, physical therapy and nursing teams. The acute pain team at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have observed improvement in the postoperative course of these patients since the establishment of both the PPMCP and then the CCG. Therefore, a retrospective study was done to evaluate the effects of standardization of care for patients undergoing pectus excavatum repair.

What influences aromatase inhibitor continuation intention among breast cancer survivors?

PurposeAromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely prescribed for postmenopausal women with breast cancer and are known to cause musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to identify factors associated with AI continuation intention among breast cancer survivors (BCS).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 123 BCS (stages I–III), who had been taking AIs for at least 6 weeks. Participants were recruited from a cancer center in Goyang, Korea, from September to November 2019. Descriptive statistics, Welch analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and simple linear regression were used for the analysis.ResultsBeliefs about endocrine therapy was a significant predictor of AI continuation intention (β=.66, p<.001). The majority of participants (87.0%) reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain since taking AIs and the score for the worst pain severity within 24 hours was 5.08±2.80 out of 10. Musculoskeletal pain, however, was not associated with AI continuation intention. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) was clinically significant (≥13) for 74.0% of the respondents (mean, 17.62±7.14). Musculoskeletal pain severity and pain interference were significantly associated with FCR (r=.21, p<.05; r=.35, p<.01, respectively). Pain interference was significantly associated with beliefs about endocrine therapy (r=–.18, p<.05). ConclusionAI continuation intention can be modified by reinforcing patients’ beliefs about endocrine therapy. Musculoskeletal pain may have a negative effect on beliefs about endocrine therapy and increase FCR among BCS. Thus, awareness of musculoskeletal pain during AI therapy should be raised and further research is required to develop multidisciplinary pain management strategies and clinical guidelines to reinforce beliefs about endocrine therapy.

Assessment of spatial neglect in clinical practice: A nationwide survey

ABSTRACT This study was part of a nationwide, anonymous, open Internet survey conducted amongst healthcare professionals in Denmark on the assessment and treatment of spatial neglect (SN). The objective was to describe knowledge and practices in the assessment of SN in current clinical practice across different healthcare sectors and professions. Data included the perceived prevalence, assessment methods and observations, subtypes and differential diagnostics of SN. A total of 525 professionals participated in the survey. The vast majority (81.5%) reported that assessment of SN was provided by their workplace. The median of perceived prevalence of SN was 35% (IQR 22–51) but major differences were found between professions. Occupational therapists and psychologists appeared to be most involved in assessment, whilst nursing staff and speech therapists were least involved. Subjective observations were the most common assessment method (90%). Conversely, systematic ADL observations, paper-and-pencil tests, confrontational tests and computerized tests were less common. The survey revealed large differences in the assessment methods and awareness of various aspects of SN symptoms (subtypes and differential diagnostics) between different healthcare professions. The results emphasize the need for international multidisciplinary clinical guidelines on how to assess SN and distinguish between different subtypes and differential diagnoses.

Management of squamous cell carcinomas of the skull-base.

The purpose of this review is to assess the recent evidence regarding the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the skull-base and to discuss the implications of these findings on clinical practice. Free text Medline and MeSH term search of publications relating to Squamous Cell Carcinoma & Skull-base and Skull base, Neoplasm respectively. Multidisciplinary clinical guidelines were also reviewed. The primary search yielded a total of 271 papers which following initial review was reduced to 28. Secondary search yielded 56 papers. There were no randomised controlled trials relating to squamous cell carcinoma of the skull-base and as such this review is based on cohort studies, case series and expert opinion. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer occurring in the Head and Neck. Squamous cell carcinoma is also the most common cancer arising within the nose and sinuses of which skull-base squamous cell carcinoma is a rare subgroup. Evidence relating to the management and survival of skull-base SCC is based on expert opinion and. retrospective analyses Clinical examination and biopsy, imaging and a broad multidisciplinary team are key to the management of skull-base SCC. The information gathered should be used to guide informed discussion by suitably trained experts with patients regarding surgical approach, post-operative recovery and adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatments. The standard of care is currently to perform skull base resection with or without additional craniotomy, pedicled or free flap reconstruction in multiple layers and post-operative radiation (usually photons or protons). Open approaches have traditionally been the mainstay, however in certain cases endoscopic approaches can yield equivalent results and offer many advantages. Despite advances in care survival remains poor with a nearly one in five risk of nodal recurrence within two years.

Developing Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines in Palliative Care for Home Care Setting in India.

Background:Clinical guidelines can improve care and reduce variations in practice. With the growth of The Jimmy S Bilimoria Foundation's PALCARE, a home-based palliative care service launched in December 2015, the foundation felt a need for locally relevant, clinical guidelines to ensure consistency and reliabilty of its service. A Clinical Consultative Committee (CCC) comprising of experienced palliative care professionals, from within and outside India, was constituted to help with the development of robust, evidence-based multidisciplinary clinical guidelines relevant to the delivery of palliative care for adults in a home care setting in Mumbai, India, which could be applied to other similar settings in India and elsewhere.Methodology and Development:The CCC developed 39 guidelines under eight categories; using a structured process from the initial draft to its finalization. The CCC vetted each of the guidelines over monthly Skype meetings for validity, relevance, local applicability and reproducibility. Feedback from the PALCARE team was also incorporated. Thirty-nine clinical guidelines relevant to adult palliative care services in home care setting were developed. These have been discussed and found useful by the PALCARE team. The guidelines are available on the PALCARE website for use by wider professional audience.Conclusion:Development of clinical guidelines locally for palliative care in a home care setting in response to a felt need to ensure quality care and reduce variation in practice has been beneficial in clinical care. It has proved to be a good teaching resource too. Regular audits to measure practice against these guidelines will ensure better patient outcomes.

Treatment of spatial neglect in clinical practice: A nationwide survey.

Clinical research has documented a range of evidence-based treatment approaches for spatial neglect (SN), but there is a lack of research on the implementation of treatment into clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to describe the current clinical practice of SN treatment across healthcare sectors including involved professions, methods, timing and sources of evidence. This is the second part of a nationwide, anonymous, open Internet survey that was conducted among healthcare professionals in Denmark on assessment and treatment of SN. A total of 525 healthcare professionals participated in the survey of which 411 (78.3%) reported that SN treatment was provided at their workplace. Occupational and physiotherapist were most often involved in the treatment, most commonly characterized by training of activities of daily living (ADL), sensoric stimulation and cueing. Less frequently reported were evidence-based methods such as prism adaptation and visual scanning. The overall intensity of the SN treatment varied considerably across sectors and might consequently be inadequate. A minority of the participants consulted clinical research evidence in their choice of SN treatment approaches. There is a profound lack of dissemination and translation of clinical research into current clinical practice, which unarguably leads to an underuse of evidence-based treatment approaches in SN rehabilitation. The results call for international multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for the treatment of SN at different stages of rehabilitation and the tailoring of treatment approaches to the individual patient.

Compliance with the guidelines for laboratory monitoring of patients treated with lithium: A retrospective follow-up study among ambulatory patients in the Netherlands.

ObjectivesLaboratory monitoring of patients using lithium is important to prevent harm and to increase effectiveness. The aim of this study is to determine compliance with the guidelines for laboratory monitoring of patients treated with lithium overall and within subgroups.MethodsPatients having at least one lithium dispensing for 6 months or longer between January 2010 and December 2015 were identified retrospectively using data from the Dutch PHARMO Database Network. Laboratory monitoring was defined as being compliant with the Dutch Multidisciplinary Clinical Guideline Bipolar Disorders when lithium serum levels, creatinine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) had been measured at least every 6 months during lithium use.ResultsData were analyzed from 1583 patients with a median duration of 7‐ to 6‐months period of lithium use. Results indicated that patients had been monitored over 6‐month period for lithium serum levels 65% of the time, for creatinine 73% of the time and for TSH 54% of the time. Just over one seventh (16%) of patients had been monitored in compliance with the guidelines for all three parameters during total follow‐up. Especially males, patients aged below 65 years, patients receiving prescriptions solely from general practitioners, prevalent users of lithium, patients without interacting co‐medication, and patients without other days with laboratory measurements had been monitored less frequently in compliance with the guidelines.ConclusionsA considerable proportion of patients had not been monitored in accordance with the guidelines. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for noncompliance and to implement strategies with the ultimate goal of optimizing safety and effectiveness for patients treated with lithium.

Cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and the budget impact of antidepressants versus preventive cognitive therapy with or without tapering of antidepressants.

As depression has a recurrent course, relapse and recurrence prevention is essential.AimsIn our randomised controlled trial (registered with the Nederlands trial register, identifier: NTR1907), we found that adding preventive cognitive therapy (PCT) to maintenance antidepressants (PCT+AD) yielded substantial protective effects versus antidepressants only in individuals with recurrent depression. Antidepressants were not superior to PCT while tapering antidepressants (PCT/-AD). To inform decision-makers on treatment allocation, we present the corresponding cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and budget impact. Data were analysed (n=289) using a societal perspective with 24-months of follow-up, with depression-free days and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as health outcomes. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated and cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were derived to provide information about cost-effectiveness. The budget impact was examined with a health economic simulation model. Mean total costs over 24 months were €6814, €10264 and €13282 for AD+PCT, antidepressants only and PCT/-AD, respectively. Compared with antidepressants only, PCT+AD resulted in significant improvements in depression-free days but not QALYs. Health gains did not significantly favour antidepressants only versus PCT/-AD. High probabilities were found that PCT+AD versus antidepressants only and antidepressants only versus PCT/-AD were dominant with low willingness-to-pay thresholds. The budget impact analysis showed decreased societal costs for PCT+AD versus antidepressants only and for antidepressants only versus PCT/-AD. Adding PCT to antidepressants is cost-effective over 24 months and PCT with guided tapering of antidepressants in long-term users might result in extra costs. Future studies examining costs and effects of antidepressants versus psychological interventions over a longer period may identify a break-even point where PCT/-AD will become cost-effective.Declaration of interestC.L.H.B. is co-editor of PLOS One and receives no honorarium for this role. She is also co-developer of the Dutch multidisciplinary clinical guideline for anxiety and depression, for which she receives no remuneration. She is a member of the scientific advisory board of the National Insure Institute, for which she receives an honorarium, although this role has no direct relation to this study. C.L.H.B. has presented keynote addresses at conferences, such as the European Psychiatry Association and the European Conference Association, for which she sometimes receives an honorarium. She has presented clinical training workshops, some including a fee. She receives royalties from her books and co-edited books and she developed preventive cognitive therapy on the basis of the cognitive model of A. T. Beck. W.A.N. has received grants from the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development and the European Union and honoraria and speakers' fees from Lundbeck and Aristo Pharma, and has served as a consultant for Daleco Pharma.

The cost-utility of stepped-care algorithms according to depression guideline recommendations – Results of a state-transition model analysis

BackgroundEvidence-based clinical guidelines for major depressive disorder (MDD) recommend stepped-care strategies for sequencing evidence-based treatments conditional on treatment outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of stepped care as recommended by the multidisciplinary clinical guideline vis-à-vis usual care in the Netherlands. MethodsGuideline-congruent care as described in stepped-care algorithms for either mild MDD or moderate and severe MDD was compared with usual care in a health-economic state-transition simulation model. Incremental costs per QALY gained were estimated over five years from a healthcare perspective. ResultsFor mild MDD, the cost-utility analysis showed a 67% likelihood of better health outcomes against lower costs, and 33% likelihood of better outcomes against higher costs, implying dominance of guideline-congruent stepped care. For moderate and severe MDD, the cost-utility analysis indicated a 67% likelihood of health gains at higher costs following the stepped-care approach and 33% likelihood of health gains at lower costs, with a mean ICER of about €3,200 per QALY gained. At a willingness to pay threshold of €20,000 per QALY, the stepped-care algorithms for both mild MDD and moderate or severe MDD is deemed cost-effective compared to usual care with a greater than 95% probability. LimitationsThe findings of our decision-analytic modelling are limited by the accuracy and availability of the underlying evidence. This hampers taking into account all individual differences relevant to optimise treatment to individual needs. ConclusionsIt is highly likely that guideline-congruent stepped care for MDD is cost-effective compared to usual care. Our findings support current guideline recommendations.

Obesity and Prognostic Variables in Colombian Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Obesity is an established risk factor for cancer and cancer-related deaths, including that of the breast. While the prevalence of female obesity has accelerated over the past decade in many developing countries, such as Colombia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity specifically in breast cancer populations has not been fully described. Methods A cross-sectional study including 849 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2009 and 2014. Based on body mass index, prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥ 25 < 30) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and associations of BMI with clinical and tumor histopathological features were analyzed. Results Colombian breast cancer patients had a prevalence of overweight of 34.28% and obesity of 28.15%. Mean BMI was comparable between premenopausal and postmenopausal women (27.2 versus 27.7, resp.). Among premenopausal women, higher BMI was significantly positively associated with hormone receptor negative tumors, as well as with greater lymphovascular invasion. Conclusions Colombian breast cancer patients exhibit a significant prevalence of overweight and obesity. Associations of high BMI and poor prognosis variables in the premenopausal population suggest risk of aggressive disease in this population. Future studies to further validate our observations are warranted in order to implement multidisciplinary clinical guidelines.

Red flags presented in current low back pain guidelines: a review.

The purpose of this study was to identify and descriptively compare the red flags endorsed in guidelines for the detection of serious pathology in patients presenting with low back pain to primary care. We searched databases, the World Wide Web and contacted experts aiming to find the multidisciplinary clinical guideline in low back pain in primary care, and selected the most recent one per country. We extracted data on the number and type of red flags for identifying patients with higher likelihood of serious pathology. Furthermore, we extracted data on whether or not accuracy data (sensitivity/specificity, predictive values, etc.) were presented to support the endorsement of specific red flags. We found 21 discrete guidelines all published between 2000 and 2015. One guideline could not be retrieved and after selecting one guideline per country we included 16 guidelines in our analysis from 15 different countries and one for Europe as a whole. All guidelines focused on the management of patients with low back pain in a primary care or multidisciplinary care setting. Five guidelines presented red flags in general, i.e., not related to any specific disease. Overall, we found 46 discrete red flags related to the four main categories of serious pathology: malignancy, fracture, cauda equina syndrome and infection. The majority of guidelines presented two red flags for fracture ('major or significant trauma' and 'use of steroids or immunosuppressors') and two for malignancy ('history of cancer' and 'unintentional weight loss'). Most often pain at night or at rest was also considered as a red flag for various underlying pathologies. Eight guidelines based their choice of red flags on consensus or previous guidelines; five did not provide any reference to support the choice of red flags, three guidelines presented a reference in general, and data on diagnostic accuracy was rarely provided. A wide variety of red flags was presented in guidelines for low back pain, with a lack of consensus between guidelines for which red flags to endorse. Evidence for the accuracy of recommended red flags was lacking.

Systematic review of the quality of clinical guidelines for aphasia in stroke management

Aphasia affects up to 38% of stroke survivors. Clinical guidelines can improve patient care and outcomes. Given the importance of aphasia management in stroke care, the purpose of this study was to systematically search for, retrieve and assess the quality of currently published clinical guidelines for aphasia in stroke management. Systematic search of bibliographic resources, publications, association websites, databases, Internet and pearling revealed multidisciplinary stroke and speech pathology-specific clinical guidelines, which were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines and Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool. Guidelines obtaining a rigour of development score above 66.67% in AGREE II evaluations underwent further ADAPTE Collaboration tool analysis. There was significant variability in methodological rigour, reporting of guideline development processes and scope of coverage of recommendations pertaining to aphasia management provided within the guidelines. The Australian Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management (2010) and New Zealand Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management (2010) achieved the highest scores (74% and 81%, respectively) in AGREE II analysis and both obtained a 'yes' in all seven ADAPTE domains. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network 108 (2008) guideline achieved 73% in AGREE II and six out of seven 'yes' in ADAPTE, however, contained no aphasia-specific recommendations. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (2005) guideline provided the most comprehensive aphasia coverage, however, demonstrated lower methodological rigour in AGREE II (64%) and ADAPTE evaluations (three 'yes' out of seven). Improvement is needed in the quality of methodological rigour in development and reporting within clinical guidelines, and in aphasia-specific recommendations within stroke multidisciplinary clinical guidelines.

Implementing clinical guidelines for nutrition in a neurosurgical intensive care unit

Patients in neurosurgical intensive care have individual needs concerning nutrition because of their conditions. An important therapeutic goal is to prevent the development of malnutrition as it contributes to an increase in mortality and enhances the risk of complications in these patients. The health-care team has a mutual responsibility for this, although it is a complex task and a correct assessment of patients' nutritional needs is vital. Multidisciplinary clinical guidelines focused on nutrition might help the health-care staff in decision-making and allowing individualized treatment for patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation and use of such a guideline. The results show that the guideline is used in varying degrees by the health-care team. Areas that focused on more practical aspects of nutritional support seemed to have a unified approach, whereas areas on nutritional assessment and routine nutrition orders demonstrated both a lack of knowledge and unclear role responsibilities. The results reveal how different professional groups in health care perceive the implementation of a clinical guideline. Some areas need further clarification, there needs to be continuing development of nutritional guidelines, and education of staff is needed in order to enhance the nutritional care of patients.

Do neurosurgeons subscribe to the guideline lumbosacral radicular syndrome?

This study presents a survey of the opinion of neurosurgeons on the multidisciplinary clinical guideline 'lumbosacral radicular syndrome'. The aim was to describe to what extent neurosurgeons in the Netherlands endorse the content of this guideline. The guideline was issued in 1996 by the Netherlands Institute of Quality Health Care and this is the first attempt to evaluate the implementation of this guideline. All active neurosurgeons (n=92) in the Netherlands were invited to complete a questionnaire investigating to what extent they agree with the 26 recommendations in the guideline 'lumbosacral radicular syndrome'. The results are represented in frequencies (%) in order to express the magnitude of their consent or dissent with the recommendations. Overall, 75% of the neurosurgeons responded and, of these, 94% agreed (at least partially) with the content of the guideline. Of the 26 recommendations in the guideline, seven were not fully endorsed by the neurosurgeons. Three of these seven recommendations may need revision based on newly published data. This survey shows that almost all neurosurgeons subscribed (at least partially) to the multidisciplinary LRS guideline. Therefore, one important aspect of the implementation process has been fulfilled, i.e. acceptance of the content of the guideline.

Performance Improvement with a Multidisciplinary Clinical Guideline for Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

A horizontally integrated multidisciplinary clinical guideline was created and implemented in 1999-2000 for minimally invasive thoracic surgery (MIS). Guideline elements included complete appropriate preoperative evaluation, minimally invasive surgery techniques, aggressive anesthetic management and absolute pain control, immediate extubation, abolition of "routine" laboratory and imaging investigations, and early and aggressive postoperative patient mobilization in an integrated, multidisciplinary postthoracotomy rehabilitation program. In a retrospective controlled cohort study, data were collected for the 501 procedures performed on 311 patients (MIS group) from July 1, 2000, to June 30, 2001, and for 130 similar procedures performed on 90 similar patients under a standard general thoracic surgery ad hoc clinical program from July 1, 1998, to June 30, 1999. After implementation of the clinical guideline, services expanded with a 345% increase in case volume, a 40% reduction in cost, no adverse effects, and increased referring-physician and patient satisfaction. Significant performance improvement was realized by implementing a multidisciplinary clinical guideline for thoracic surgery that seamlessly integrated all facets of diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation.

Introducing clinical effectiveness to nursing practice: not so easy!

Objective: To improve clinical effectiveness through the development of amultidisciplinary hospital health-care record (common documentation) for patients with Grade 2 critical lower-limb ischaemia admitted to the Leeds General Infirmary, UK. Methodology: A multidisciplinary clinical guideline was developed by asking staff to identify key clinical activities, audit criteria and standards, and expected clinical outcomes for this group of patients. Staff were also requested to cite the evidence substantiating their practice, and to identify essential information which should be routinely collected. A common documentation record was designed to incorporate these attributes, and used to document the csre of 20 patients with lower-limb ischaemia. An audit compared the amount of essential information contained in these records with that contained in the traditional case records of 20 similar patients. Findings and observations: Significantly more of the essential nursing information was recorded in the common documentation records than in traditional records for admission and daily review. No differences were observed with respect to recorded discharge information between the two types of record. The amount of information recorded in both types of record fell short of that which had been identified as being essential. Nurses were able to identify the key activities of nursing interventions for guideline development, and a later audit indicated that they adhered well to these. However, nurses had difficulty in providing evidence in support of their practice and in identifying and agreeing audit criteria and standards. Audit revealed that agreed standards were not being met. Problems were also experienced in defining and recording clinical outcomes. Conclusions: If clinical effectiveness is to be achieved, organizational initiatives such as education and training, research and development and clinical audit must also be combined with strategies to change the organizational culture, as well as the attitudes and behaviours of individual health-care professionals.