Perioperative Emergency Research Articles

A Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Two Different Cognitive Aid Bundle Designs on Adherence to Best Clinical Practice in Simulated Perioperative Emergencies.

Background: Stress and human error during perioperative emergency situations can significantly impact patient morbidity and mortality. Previous research has shown that cognitive aid bundles (CABs) minimize critical misses by 75%. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different CAB designs with the same content in reducing missed critical management steps for simulated perioperative emergencies. Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled simulation-based study was conducted including 27 teams, each consisting of three participants; each team performed four simulation scenarios. In the first scenario for each team (Scenario 1), no CAB was used. Scenarios 2 and 3 were randomly allocated to the groups, with either a branched, clustered design (CAB-1) or a linear, step-by-step design (CAB-2) of the cognitive aid. In Scenario 4, the groups used one of the previously mentioned CABs according to their own preference. The primary outcome was the difference in the percentage of missed critical management steps between the two different CABs. Secondary outcomes included user preference for one CAB design and the reduction in percentage of missed critical management steps using any CAB versus no CAB. Results: Twenty-seven teams simulated 108 perioperative emergency situations. The percentage of missed critical management steps was similar between CAB-1 and CAB-2 (27% [interquartile range (IQR) 20-29] versus 29% [IQR 20-35], p = 0.23). However, most participants favored the branched, clustered design CAB-1 (77.8%). Additionally, employing any CAB reduced the percentage of missed critical management steps by 36% (33% missed steps vs. 21% missed steps, p = 0.003). Conclusions: While the two CAB designs did not differ significantly in reducing missed critical management steps, the branched, clustered design was perceived as more user-friendly. Importantly, using any CAB significantly reduced the percentage of missed critical management steps compared to not using a cognitive aid, emphasizing the need for CAB use in the operating room.

A prospective randomized comparative study of effectiveness of simulation-based training in improving the performance of non-technical skill among postgraduate students during anaesthesia crisis resource management

Background Non-technical skills are pivotal in ensuring patient safety during anaesthesia crisis resource management. Simulation-based training has emerged as a promising educational approach for enhancing these skills. This study protocol outlines a prospective randomised comparative study aimed at assessing the impact of simulation-based training on the performance of anaesthesia residents during anaesthesia crisis resource management, with a focus on task management, teamwork, situational awareness, and decision-making skills, using the Assessment of Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) scoring system. Methods Anesthesia residents in postgraduate years 1 and 2 from the Department of Anesthesia at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital will be included as study participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and no exclusion criteria will be applied. Participants will undergo an orientation session covering essential crisis management and simulation knowledge. The study will employ advanced simulation equipment, including a Human Patient Simulator (HPS) mannequin, an anaesthesia machine, and a simulated operating room. Faculty members have selected six distinct perioperative emergency scenarios for simulation sessions. Participants will be grouped in pairs and exposed to three scenarios during each session. Debriefing and feedback will follow each scenario, reinforcing non-technical skills. Experienced staff anesthesiologists, trained in the Assessment of Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) scoring system, will serve as assessors to evaluate participant performance. Expected outcomes Data collected will include ANTS scores, debriefing feedback, and post-test results. Statistical analysis will be employed to assess the effectiveness of simulation-based training in enhancing non-technical skills among anaesthesia residents during anaesthesia crisis resource management.

Barriers to and facilitators of using cognitive aids in perioperative emergencies: An integrative review

Barriers to and facilitators of using cognitive aids in perioperative emergencies: An integrative review

CRITICAL INCIDENTS AND PERIOPERATIVE EMERGENCIES: ARE FINAL YEAR RESIDENTS AND ANESTHESIOLOGISTS ARE READY?

A critical incident (CI) is any failed event that could have been prevented and carries the risk of undesirable consequences for the patient. The study of critical incidents and physicians' preparedness for their occurrence helps to reduce their consequences, risks of recurrence and improve patient safety. The aim of the study was to investigate how well are graduate residents and anesthesiologists prepare to manage critical incidents (CI) and perioperative emergencies (PE) during anesthesia. Methods and Materials: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Bogomolets National Medical University, the postgraduate department of surgery, anesthesiology and intensive care. The study was conducted from May 2022 to June 2023. Anesthesiologists and final year residents were assessed for the acquired competencies in the management of CI and PE: they conducted a self-assessment of their own competencies; passed 1 simulation scenario with an assessment on the CEХ scale during the scenario. Results. The study included 60 final year residents and 24 anesthesiologists. Many of residents (55 %) and anesthesiologists (63 %) generally assessed their readiness to manage CI and PE as high: 45% and 47% respectively considered their level of readiness to be insufficient, including 27% and 8% who assessed it as low. When stratified by the type of CI and PE, it was found that residents and anesthesiologists were best prepared to provide care in case of CI and PE from the side of breathing and airway patency cardiovascular system. Significantly worse anesthesiologists assessed their readiness for rare emergencies, such as malignant hyperthermia, anaphylaxis, local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) (OR 0.35 [0.17- 0.74], p=0.009 for residents and OR 0.25 [0.07-0.8], p=0, 04 for anesthesiologists) and events related to apparatus malfunction, lack of power supply, and catching fire in the respiratory circuit (OR 0.4 [0.2-0.8], p=0.03 for residents and OR 0.25 [0.07-0.8], p=0.04 for anesthesiologists). Anesthesiologists had a significantly higher level of readiness and competence for all individual parameters and the overall mean score during simulation scenarios (7.69±0.53 vs. 5.94±1.6, p<0.0001). Conclusions. Anesthesiologists generally showed higher results in readiness to manage CI and PE during anesthesia. Difficult competencies for both residents and anesthesiologists were the resource management, organizational competencies, and stress resistance.

Implementation of an electroencephalogram-guided propofol anesthesia practice in a large academic pediatric hospital: Aquality improvement project.

Propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia is gaining popularity in pediatric anesthesia. Electroencephalogram can be used to guide propofol dosing to the individual patient to mitigate against overdosing and adverse events. However, electroencephalogram interpretation and propofol pharmacokinetics are not sufficiently taught in training programs to confidently deploy electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia. We conducted a quality improvement project with the smart aim of increasing the percentage of electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia cases in our main operating room from 0% to 80% over 18 months. Balancing measures were number of total intravenous anesthesia cases, emergence times, and perioperative emergency activations. The project key drivers were education, equipment, and electronic health record modifications. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles included: (1) providing journal articles, didactic lectures, intraoperative training, and teaching documents; (2) scheduling electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia teachers to train faculty, staff, and fellows for specific cases and to assess case-based knowledge; (3) adding age-based propofol dosing tables and electroencephalogram parameters to the electronic health record (EPIC co, Verona, WI); (4) procuring electroencephalogram monitors (Sedline, Masimo Inc). Electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia cases and balancing measures were identified from the electronic health record. The smart aim was evaluated by statistical process control chart. After the four Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia increased from 5% to 75% and was sustained at 72% 9 months after project completion. Total intravenous anesthesia cases/mo and number of perioperative emergency activations did not change significantly from start to end of the project, while emergence time for electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia was greater statistically but not clinically (total intravenous anesthesia without electroencephalogram [16 ± 10 min], total intravenous anesthesia with electroencephalogram [18 ± 9 min], sevoflurane [17 ± 9 min] p < .001). Quality improvement methods may be deployed to adopt electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia in a large academic pediatric anesthesia practice. Keys to success include education, in operating room case training, scheduling teachers with learners, electronic health record modifications, and electroencephalogram devices and supplies.

Clinical triggers and vital signs influencing crisis acknowledgment and calls for help by anesthesiologists: A simulation-based observational study

Study objectiveIn a perioperative emergency, anesthesiologists must acknowledge the unfolding crisis promptly, call for timely assistance, and avert patient harm. We aimed to identify vital signs and qualitative factors prompting crisis acknowledgment and to compare responses between observers and participants in simulation. DesignProspective, simulation-based, observational study. SettingAn anesthesia crisis resource management course at a freestanding simulation center. SubjectsSixty attending anesthesiologists from a variety of practice settings. InterventionsIn each case, a primary anesthesiologist in charge (PAIC) managed a simulated patient undergoing a uniformly scripted sequence of perioperative anaphylaxis and called for help from another anesthesiologist when a crisis began. Anesthesiologist observers (AOs) viewed the case separately and recorded times of crisis onset. MeasurementsSimulation footage was reviewed by investigators for patient vital signs and participant behaviors at times of crisis acknowledgment, with the call for help as an explicit proxy for PAIC crisis acknowledgment. These factors were categorized, and group-level data were compared. ResultsNineteen PAICs and 41 AOs were included. Clinicians acknowledged crises around a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mmHg and oxygen saturation of 94% as anaphylactic shock progressed. PAICs acknowledged crises at a higher respiratory rate than AOs (20 vs. 18 breaths/min, p = 0.038). Other vitals and timing of crisis acknowledgment did not differ between PAICs and AOs. Nearly half of all participants (45%) identified crises at MAP <65 mmHg. Timing of crisis acknowledgment varied widely (range: 421 s). ConclusionsDespite overall heterogeneity in clinical performance, anesthesiologists acknowledged crises per standard definitions of hypotension. Thresholds for crisis acknowledgment did not significantly differ between PAICs and AOs, suggesting minimal effect from active care responsibility. Many indicated crises at MAP <65 mmHg or after significant deterioration, risking failure-to-rescue events. We suggest that crisis management instruction should address triggers for requesting help.

Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment of Appendicitis in Females [ID: 1375790

INTRODUCTION: Sex disparities in a perioperative emergency warrant investigation to improve equitable patient care. We investigated whether differences exist in care of appendicitis across patient sex. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with appendicitis between 2011 and 2020 at an inner-city academic hospital. We collected demographic data and time records of key milestones in clinic care. We used chi-square, paired t test, ANOVA, and Cox proportional hazard analyses to examine differences between sex and other factors. RESULTS: A total of 385 patients were included, 182 (47.3%) females and 203 (52.7%) males. Patients were similar across sex, age, race, reason for visit, and number of emergency room visits. The time to admission for females was longer as compared to males (t(304)=–2.82, P&lt;.05). Cox proportional hazard analysis predicting time to admission based on sex while controlling for age and race showed that females have a longer time to admission (HR 0.73 [95% CI 0.58–0.92]), youngest patients (&lt;15 years) were admitted faster than older-aged patients (HR 2.13 [95% CI 1.45–3.13]), and as compared with Black patients, White patients were admitted faster (HR 1.56 [95% CI 1.06–2.29]). CONCLUSION: Reproductive-aged females had significantly longer times to admission than male peers with the same indication, and White patients were admitted more expeditiously than Black patients. There was a trend of slower surgical consult and admission for females with gynecological disorders. This study suggests that sex biases exist within our system. This highlights that an active effort must be taken to rule out differentials that are not sex based.

Comparison of visual estimation and quantitative measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction in untrained perioperative echocardiographers

BackgroundPerioperative evaluation of the left ventricular systolic function is essential information to help diagnose and manage life-threatening perioperative emergencies. Although quantifying the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is recommended to determine the left ventricular function, it may not always be feasible in emergency perioperative settings. This study compared the visual estimation of LVEF (eyeballing) by noncardiac anesthesiologists with the quantitative LVEF measured using a modified Simpson’s biplane method.MethodsTransesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) studies of 35 patients were selected and 3 different echocardiographic views (the mid-esophageal four chamber view, the mid-esophageal two chamber view, and the transgastric mid-papillary short axis view) were recovered from each study and displayed in random order. Two cardiac anesthesiologists certified in perioperative echocardiography independently measured LVEF using the modified Simpson method and categorized LVEF into five grades: hyperdynamic LVEF, normal, mildly reduced LVEF, moderately reduced LVEF and severely reduced LVEF. Seven noncardiac anesthesiologists with limited experience in echocardiography also reviewed the same TEE studies and estimated the LVEF and graded LV function. The precision of the LV function classification and the correlation between visual estimation of LVEF and quantitative LVEF were calculated. The agreement of measurements between the two methods was also assessed.ResultsPearson’s correlation between the LVEF estimated by the participants and the quantitative LVEF using the modified Simpson method was 0.818 (p < 0.001). Of a total of 245 responses, 120 (49.0%) responses were correct grading of the LV function. Participants were able to classify the LV function more accurately in the LV function grades 1 and 5 (65.3%). The 95% level of agreement of the Bland-Altman method was − 11.3-24.5. -21.9-22.6, − 23.1-26.5, − 20.5-22.0 and − 26.6-11.1 for LV grade 1 to 5, respectively.ConclusionVisual estimation of LVEF in perioperative TEE has acceptable accuracy in untrained echocardiographers and can be used for rescue TEE.

Institutional Adherence to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Body Mass Index Guidelines Lowers Perioperative Emergency Department Visits in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundIn 2013, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons tasked a workgroup to provide obesity-related recommendations in total joint arthroplasty and determined that patients who had body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 seeking hip/knee arthroplasty were at increased perioperative risk and recommended preoperative weight reduction. Few studies have shown the actual results of instituting this; therefore, we reported the effect of instituting a BMI < 40 threshold in 2014 on our elective, primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). MethodsWe queried an institutional database to select all TKAs conducted from January 2010 to May 2020. There were 2,514 TKA pre-2014 and 5,545 TKA post-2014 that were identified. The 90-day emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and returns-to-operating room (OR) outcomes were identified. Patients were propensity score weight-matched as per comorbidities, age, initial surgical consultation (consult) BMI, and sex. We conducted 3 outcome comparisons: (1) pre-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI ≥ 40 against post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI < 40; (2) pre-2014 patients against post-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI < 40; (3) post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI < 40 against post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI ≥ 40. ResultsPre-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI ≥ 40 had more ED visits (12.5% versus 6%, P = .002) but similar readmissions and returns-to-OR than post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI < 40. Pre-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI < 40 had more readmissions (8.8% versus 6%, P < .0001) but similar ED visits and returns-to-OR when compared to their post-2014 counterparts. Post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI < 40 had fewer ED visits (5.8% versus 10.6%) but similar readmissions and returns-to-OR than patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI ≥ 40. DiscussionPatient optimization prior to total joint arthroplasty is essential. Enacting BMI reduction pathways prior to total knee arthroplasty seems to afford morbidly obese patients major risk mitigation. We must continue to ethically balance the pathology, expected improvement after surgery, and the overall risks of complications for each patient. Level of EvidenceIII.

Perioperative medical emergencies: The role of clinical pharmacists and a review of pharmacotherapy considerations

AbstractMedical emergencies arising in the perioperative period can have unique etiologies, medication management, and care complexities. Clinical pharmacists have established roles and demonstrated value in resuscitative efforts elsewhere within acute care settings, but very little published description of pharmacist participation in perioperative emergency response is currently available. Furthermore, specialized clinical and operational knowledge may be needed to effectively optimize medication use during a perioperative medical crisis. This narrative review offers recommended pharmacist roles, concise pharmacotherapeutic considerations, and key resources to support clinical pharmacists in all facets of perioperative medical emergency management and preparedness. Specific medical crises discussed include malignant hyperthermia, local anesthetic systemic toxicity, intraoperative cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, carcinoid crisis, pheochromocytoma, and vasoplegia. Additional pharmacy practice studies are needed to validate clinical pharmacists as essential members of perioperative emergency response teams and delineate their associated impact on patient outcomes in this setting.

The Effect of Novel Decision Support Tools on Technical and Non-Technical Performance of Teams in Managing Emergencies.

Cognitive aids have been shown to facilitate adherence to evidence-based guidelines and improve technical performance of teams when managing simulated critical events. Few studies have explored the effect of cognitive aids on non-technical skills, such as teamwork and communication. The current study sought to explore the effects of different decision support tools (DST), a type of cognitive aid, on the technical and non-technical performance of teams. The current study represents a randomized, blinded, control trial of the effects of three versions of an electronic DST on team performance during multiple simulations of perioperative emergencies. The DSTs included a version with only technical information, a version with only non-technical information and a version with both technical and non-technical information. The technical performance of teams was improved when they used the technical DST and the combined technical and non-technical DST when compared to memory alone. The technical performance of teams was significantly worse when using the non-technical DST. All three versions of the DST had a negligible effect on the non-technical performance of teams. The technical performance of teams in the current study was affected by different versions of a DST, yet there was no effect on the teams' non-technical performance. The use of a DST, including those that focused on non-technical information, did not impact the non-technical performance of the teams.

Malignant Hyperthermia Preparedness Training: Using Cognitive Aids and Emergency Checklists in the Perioperative Setting

PurposeThe purpose of this project was to prepare perioperative staff at a military ambulatory surgical center to respond to a malignant hyperthermia crisis effectively with the assistance the Stanford emergency manual cognitive aid. DesignThis is an evidence-based practice improvement project. MethodsMultidisciplinary perioperative staff at a military ambulatory surgical center participated in an in-service about the Stanford emergency manual cognitive aid tool, and a simulation exercise was conducted to practice using the tool during a malignant hyperthermia crisis. Preproject and postproject implementation surveys were to used to measure staff perceptions of and willingness to use cognitive aids/emergency checklists during perioperative emergencies. FindingsStaff positive perception of and willingness to use the Stanford emergency manual cognitive aid improved after implementation of an education session and simulation exercise with the checklist tool. ConclusionsIntroduction of the Stanford emergency manual cognitive aid to multidisciplinary perioperative staff with an in-service and simulated malignant hyperthermia scenario improved staff perception of cognitive aid use during emergencies. Use of cognitive aid checklists during simulated perioperative emergencies was shown to reduce missed critical treatment steps.

In Situ Simulation in an Ambulatory Surgery Center

<h3>Background Information</h3> An ambulatory surgery center exemplifies a positive trend of successful transformation in healthcare delivery outside of a hospital setting that has proven to improve quality and customer service. Yet, with the development of shorter-acting anesthetic drugs, multimodal analgesia and minimally invasive surgery within this environment, perioperative emergencies can occur. Due to the rarity of occurrence in this setting, management has the potential to be challenging due to the limited resources and fast-paced environment. In situ simulation is an educational modality built on the principles of adult learning theories geared towards cultivating emergency response preparedness, professionals' competencies and collaborative practice to promote patient safety and outcomes. <h3>Objectives of Project</h3> To implement efficient in situ simulations in the operating room and perianesthesia units to foster optimal performance in crisis resource management situations. Enhance professional skills and behaviors such as collaboration, communication, leadership, self-efficacy, decision-making, role responsibility and situational awareness to ensure team functioning for safe patient care. <h3>Process of Implementation</h3> An interprofessional team was developed and members had the opportunity to attend a comprehensive instructor workshop from the Center for Medical Simulation. They learned how to develop a simulation with measurable objectives and how to implement the components consisting of pre-briefing, the scenario and debriefing. A Laerdal SimMan Essential was provided and education on how to navigate the computer system and become familiarize with the capabilities of the manikin occurred. Team members collaborated to develop scenarios to disseminate simulations tailored to our specific patient populations. Currently simulations are performed once or twice monthly in either OR or perianesthesia settings. The processes are continuously being re-evaluated based on the feedback from the team, our participants and the addition of services. <h3>Statement of Successful Practice</h3> Based on the interdisciplinary Simulation Effectiveness tool (ID-SET) secure real-time online-survey, participants response has been overwhelmingly positive. The opportunity to breakdown the causes of poor communication, ambiguity of roles, correct diagnosis, treatment and team functioning is commended. <h3>Implications for Advancing the Practice of Perianesthesia Nursing</h3> Opportunity to develop and disseminate real-life scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. Debriefing encourages an engaging environment for participants to evaluate their response to a critical event, working individually and as a team to care for a patient.

Creation of Simulation-Based Curriculum of Perioperative Emergencies for Residents in Anesthesiology.

Introduction: Crisis management is difficult to practice and evaluate for resident learners and leadership given the rarity of these events in clinical practice. However, simulation provides a medium to bridge this gap. We identified a need for simulation in our anesthesiology residency program to help residents learn to treat perioperative emergencies.Objective: To describe the process of curriculum development, content, and early outcomes of a simulation-based curriculum for the management of perioperative emergencies for all levels of anesthesiology learners.Materials and methods: Curriculum development began in the Spring of 2019 and simulations began in August 2019. All anesthesiology residents rotating at a single center through December 2020 were eligible. Each resident was given their own simulation scenario detailing a specific perioperative emergency and then debriefed as a group afterward. All residents participating in the scenario were given a post-simulation survey assessing the value of the educational experience, relevance to their level of training, and quality of learning environment.Results: Out of 90 eligible residents, 79 participated in the study (87%). Overall, 100% of participants completed the post-simulation survey; 100% of residents reported that the curriculum was useful to their education; 98% of residents reported that the curriculum was relevant to their training level; 99% of residents reported that the simulation was an engaging learning experience.Conclusion: A simulation-based curriculum of perioperative emergencies for anesthesiology residents is feasible to implement, viewed as worthwhile by trainees, and can foster education in a different learning environment.

Perioperative Emergencies: Who, What, When, Where, Why?

Throughout the last several decades, the perioperative mortality rate from anesthesia care has declined, shifting focus to perioperative emergencies. Data on these emergencies, often referred to as "Anesthesia STAT" calls (STATs), are lacking at adult hospitals. The goal of this study was to determine the etiology of STATs at a major academic medical center and to determine surgical cases and patient comorbid conditions that increase the risk for STATs. This was a retrospective observational study. This study took place at a large academic medical center. Patients who underwent anesthesia care were included in this study. No interventions were performed during this study. Data collected included the etiologies of STATs, patient demographic information, patient comorbid conditions, and surgeries during which STATs occurred. Between February 1, 2019, and January 31, 2020, 92 STATs occurred during 58,547 anesthetic cases, with an incidence rate of 0.16%. The most common etiology for a STAT was cardiac arrest, followed by respiratory compromise. Surgical services associated with a significant increase of STATs included general, thoracic, oral/maxillofacial, and vascular surgery. Comorbid conditions that significantly increased the risk of STATs included hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Cardiac arrest is the most common etiology of STATs. Specific surgical services and comorbid conditions are associated with an increased risk of STATs.

Initial emergency laparotomy outcomes following a transdisciplinary perioperative care pathway in Singapore.

AimEmergency laparotomy (EL) is a common surgery associated with high morbidity and mortality. An enhanced care pathway incorporates evidence‐based care bundles with the aim of providing standardized perioperative care. Prior to 2019, EL management in our institution was not standardized. This study aims to assess whether implementation of a transdisciplinary perioperative Emergency Laparotomy (ELAP) pathway improves clinical and efficiency outcomes of EL.MethodsA prospective single‐center audit was undertaken between 1 January and 31 December, 2019 following the implementation of the ELAP pathway. Comparisons were made with retrospective data from the preimplementation period between 1 January and 31 December, 2017. Demographics and clinical and efficiency outcomes were compared for patients (age > 16 years old) requiring EL for acute abdominal conditions.ResultsThere were 152 and 162 patients from preimplementation and postimplementation periods, respectively. There was a nonsignificant reduction of 30‐day mortality in the intervention group receiving perioperative pathway care compared with the preintervention group (3.1% versus 5.3%, respectively; P = 0.40). There was a decrease in postoperative complications in the intervention group, in particular for Clavien–Dindo IV complications (11.2% versus 3.1%, p < 0.01). Efficiency outcomes improved postimplementation with increased consultant surgeon and anesthetist presence in operating theater and postoperative geriatric assessment for elderly patients. There was an overall reduction in cost of hospital stay from S$32,128 to $27,947 (p = 0.24).ConclusionImplementation of a transdisciplinary perioperative care pathway was associated with significant reduction in postoperative complications, improvement in 30‐day mortality and efficiency outcomes at reduced hospital costs for patients following EL in our institution.

Synopsis of the point-of-care ultrasound assessment for perioperative emergencies

This module will introduce the concept of a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) examination for perioperative clinicians. A focused cardiac examination of ventricular filling and function is presented. An examination of the inferior vena cava is also reviewed as a tool to assess volume status. Finally, a brief examination of the lung and pleura is explored to aid the clinician in situations of patient hypoxia and difficult ventilation. Limited ultrasound cardiorespiratory examinations can be performed by non-cardiologists and non-radiologists. Information drawn from POCUS may aid in diagnosis and early rescue in perioperative care. Point-of-care ultrasound is likely to become standard of care for anesthesiologists in the same way that stethoscopy is presently.

Evaluation of resident satisfaction and change in knowledge following use of high-fidelity simulation teaching for anaesthesia residents.

Background and Aims:Anaesthesia practice demands medical knowledge and skills as essential components for patient management in peri-operative emergencies. Since all residents are not exposed to such situations during their residency, training them using simulation technology could bridge this knowledge and skill gap. The aim of this study was to train and evaluate residents to manage anaesthesia emergencies on high fidelity simulators.Methods:Kirkpatrick model of program evaluation was carried out. Resident reaction was captured using a satisfaction questionnaire and the change in knowledge was assessed using pre-test and post-test Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Six scenarios were created and executed on a human patient simulator (HPS). All 22 residents participated in this teaching learning method. The steps of simulation teaching included pre-test, pre-briefing, orientation to manikins, performing/scribe, debriefing, feedback questionnaire, and post-test. The satisfaction questionnaire was administered following the second and fourth scenario.Results:95% residents agreed on overall satisfaction, that it helps in building team dynamics and clinical reasoning. All students agreed that this teaching had positive professional impact. 14% residents felt they were anxious during the class. The items in the questionnaire had a Cronbach's α value of 0.9. The mean score for pre-test was 24.22 ± 7 (Mean ± SD) and the post-test was 47.18 ± 5.6, the difference between the scores were statistically significant (P = 0.007).Conclusion:The use of high-fidelity simulation to train anaesthesia residents resulted in greater satisfaction scores and improved the residents' reasoning skills.

Bringing Perioperative Emergency Manuals to Your Institution: A “How To” from Concept to Implementation in 10 Steps

Emergency manuals (EMs) are context-relevant sets of crisis checklists or cognitive aids designed to enable professional teams to deliver optimal care during critical events. Evidence from simulation and other high-risk industries have proven that use of these types of checklists can significantly improve event management and decrease omissions of key steps. However, simply printing and placing tools in operating rooms (ORs) is unlikely to be effective. How interventions are implemented influences whether clinicians actually change practice and whether patient care is affected. This article provides an in-depth description of a rigorous implementation plan with three goals: (1) place EMs in every anesthetizing location, (2) create interprofessional engagement, and (3) demonstrate that a majority of anesthesia clinicians would use the new tool in some way within the first year. The implementation of EMs included 10 steps across four distinct phases. EM use was measured using an electronic quality assurance tool, with data collected after each case about whether and how the EM was used. During the six months following implementation, 67.0% of clinicians had used the manual, with 24.1% using it for clinical care and 9.2% using it during a critical event. This article presents a framework and detailed description of the steps a large academic institution followed in successfully implementing EMs. In conjunction with other available resources, those interested in introducing OR EMs at large, complex institutions may benefit from the experience shared in anticipating challenges and overcoming barriers to adoption.

Postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital stay after lung resection surgery: A meta-analysis comparing nonintubated and intubated anesthesia.

Since postoperative pulmonary complications are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing lung resection surgery, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital death, and the length of hospital stay in patients who received nonintubated or intubated anesthesia during thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection and further explore the tricks in nonintubated anesthesia. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to September 2017. We included eligible research comparing nonintubated anesthesia with intubated anesthesia in thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection. The primary outcomes involved postoperative pulmonary complications, hospital death, and hospital stay. The rates and causes of conversion from nonintubated anesthesia to intubated anesthesia were also analyzed. After screening through 754 potentially relevant articles, we included 3 randomized controlled trials and 7 observational studies with 1138 patients. There was no perioperative mortality in 2 groups. The nonintubated group revealed comparable postoperative pulmonary complications (OR = 0.57; P = .07; P for heterogeneity = .49, I = 0%) and shorter hospital stay (WMD = -1.10; P < .00001; P for heterogeneity = .84, I = 0%) in overall findings with little heterogeneity. Nonintubated anesthesia in thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection shortened the length of hospital stay compared with intubated anesthesia. However, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was comparable between nonintubated and intubated group. Given the potential perioperative emergencies, such as persistent hypoxemia, carbon dioxide retention, or extensive pleural adhesions, nonintubated anesthesia in lung resection surgery requires extra vigilance to ensure the safety of the patients and the success of the surgery. Powerful randomized controlled trials in the future are essential to provide more certainty and address long-term effectiveness. Only when anesthesiologists and surgeons make efforts together can better clinical outcomes in lung resection surgery be achieved.