Royal University Hospital Research Articles

Hybrid Technique for Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair: Description and Early Results.

Objective Ventral hernia repair is a widely practiced surgical procedure worldwide. The objective of this paper is to evaluate and analyze the results of a hybrid approach for treating ventral hernias. Methods All patients with clinically and radiologically proven ventral hernia underwent hybrid laparoscopic ventral hernia repair at Princess Royal University Hospital, London, United Kingdom using a retrospective approach with the same surgical team. Large defects >10 cm, inguinal hernia, para-stomal hernia, incarcerated patients, and spigelian hernia were excluded. We utilized the laparoscopic approach for the dissection and isolation of the sac and used the port site for the delivery of mesh into the abdominal cavity. Results Our study comprises 67 patients, with 39 males (58.2%) and 28 females (41.8%). The median age in our study group was 41 years (range: 18-65 years). The median BMI was 38 kg/m2 (range: 24-52 kg/m2). The majority of the cases were umbilical or paraumbilical hernias (n = 46). The median defect size in our study was 5.4 cm (range: 2-10 cm). The median operative time was 67 minutes. We have not encountered any recurrences in this group. Conclusion This hybrid approach combines the advantages of both the open and laparoscopic approaches.

Contemporary Outcomes of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Indigenous Compared With Non-Indigenous Patients: A Northern Saskatchewan Perspective

BackgroundIn patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the impact of efforts to bridge historical care gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients remains limited. MethodsFor consecutive ACS presentations (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] and non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]/unstable angina [UA], respectively) at the Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, we compared self-identified Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients’ demographics, treatments, and all-cause mortality (in-hospital and within 3 years). We used propensity score inverse probability weighting to mitigate confounding and Cox regression models to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for all-cause mortality. ResultsOf 3946 ACS patients, 37.2% (n = 1468) were STEMI, of whom 11.3% (n = 166) were Indigenous. Of the NSTEMI/UA (n = 2478), 12.6% (n = 311), were Indigenous. Overall, Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients were likely to be younger, female, have higher risk burden, and live more remotely; Indigenous STEMI patients triaged to primary percutaneous coronary intervention had longer times from first medical contact to device, and Indigenous NSTEMI/UA patients more likely to present with heart failure, cardiac arrest, and cardiogenic shock. No significant differences were noted for in-hospital mortality (STEMI 8.4% vs 5.7% [P = 0.16], NSTEMI/UA 1.9% vs 1.6% [P = 0.68]), although in follow-up, Indigenous STEMI patients were associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk (aHR 1.98, 95% CI 1.19-3.31; P = 0.009) with no between-group differences evident for NSTEMI/UA (aHR 1.03, 95% CI 0.63 1.69; P = 0.91). ConclusionsIndigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients presenting with an ACS had higher cardiovascular risk profiles and consequent residual mortality risk. Improving primary care and intensifying secondary risk reduction, particularly for Indigenous patients, will substantially modify ACS outcomes in Saskatchewan.

A comparison of trauma patients in urban and rural areas presenting to a Canadian tertiary care centre.

The aim of our work was to examine differences between trauma patients in rural and urban areas who presented to a tertiary trauma centre in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. We identified a historical cohort of all level 1 trauma activations presenting to Royal University Hospital (RUH) from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022. We divided the cohort into 2 groups (urban and rural), according to the trauma location. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes of interest were hospital length of stay, readmission to hospital within 30 days of discharge, and complication rate. Trauma patients in rural areas were younger (34.1 v. 37 yr; p = 0.002) and more likely to be male (80.3% v. 74.4%; p = 0.040), with higher Injury Severity Scores (12.3 v. 8.3; p < 0.0001). Trauma patients in urban areas were more likely to sustain penetrating trauma (42.5% v. 28.5%; p < 0.0001). We saw no differences in morbidity and mortality between the 2 groups, but the rural trauma group had longer median lengths of stay (5 v. 3 d; p < 0.0007). Although we identified key differences in patient demographics, injury type, and injury severity, outcomes were largely similar between the urban and rural trauma groups. This finding contradicts comparable studies within Canada and the United States, a difference that may be attributable to the lack of inclusion of prehospital mortality in the rural trauma group. The longer length of stay in trauma patients from rural areas may be attributed to disposition challenges for patients who live remotely.

The impact of socioeconomic deprivation on the prevalence of gestational diabetes: An observational study

Background Approximately 3.5% of pregnancies in the United Kingdom are complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Risk factors for this mirror those contributing to type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Though socioeconomic status (SES) is presumed to contribute to GDM, evidence in the United Kingdom is limited. In this unique study, we explored the impact of SES on GDM prevalence in a London suburb population. Materials and Methods Four thousand one hundred and sixty-three pregnant women who booked between July 2018 and March 2020 at Princess Royal University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Associations between GDM prevalence and SES trends (using multiple deprivation deciles (MDD)), and body mass index (BMI), age, ethnicity, screening uptake, birth-weights and birth outcomes, were analyzed. Results Patients with BMI &gt;30 kg/m2, older than 35 years, and non-Caucasian ethnicity have an increased risk of developing GDM ( p &lt; 0.0001, p &lt; 0.0001, p &lt; 0.0001, respectively). No association existed between MDD and GDM prevalence ( p-values over 0.05). Patients with risk factors for GDM were highest in the deprived areas p &lt; 0.0001. MDD 1–4 (most deprived) had the highest percentage of missed screening (15% of patients with risk factors missed screening), compared to 8% in the least deprived group ( p &lt; 0.0001). Discussion Our data surprisingly suggest that low SES did not increase the incidence of GDM, despite a higher proportion of women with risk factors for GDM living in the most deprived postcodes. However this unclear finding may be due to low screening uptake of deprived populations, and therefore lack of GDM diagnosis, or indicate that GDM is a result of a different aetiology to T2DM. Further research is needed to explore if access to screening services, lack of health education or other health inequalities were responsible for the high proportion of missed screening opportunities in deprived areas.

THU293 Enhancement Of Best Practices In Diabetic Ketoacidosis Management Using Standardized Order-sets vs Individual Practitioner Orders

Abstract Disclosure: C. Yim: None. Q. Li: None. T.G. Arnason: None. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a hyperglycemic emergency occurring in diabetics due to insulin deficiency. This results in urinary losses of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and ultimately extracellular fluid volume depletion. Hallmark features of DKA include ketoacidosis, arterial pH &amp;lt; 7.3, bicarbonate &amp;lt;15 mmol/L and an anion gap of &amp;gt;12 mmol/L. The 2018 Diabetes Canada (DC) guidelines outline the key steps of DKA management including fluid resuscitation, resolution of ketoacidosis, correction of electrolytes and management of precipitating factors. Its detailed algorithm identifies three pillars to DKA treatment: IV fluids, serum potassium and acidosis. A 2016 DKA outcome audit at the Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatoon identified that practitioners diverged considerably from (2013) Canadian Diabetes Association guidelines. Subsequently, two standardized preprinted DKA order sets were developed incorporating the 2018 DC recommendations for i) INITIAL and ii) MAINTENANCE DKA management. Their rollout overlapped with annual academic half day sessions on DKA management for postgraduate year 1 residents in internal medicine. These order-sets were initially implemented at RUH in November 2018 and subsequently adopted by some practitioners at St. Paul’s Hospital (SPH). To ensure the order-sets were promoting improved outcomes and adhering to best practices, a retrospective chart review was conducted of all adult DKA admissions at RUH and SPH from Nov. 13, 2018 to December 31, 2020. In total, 279 hospital admissions were reviewed: 99 used practitioners’ own orders, 115 used both initial and maintenance order-sets, 26 used only the initial order-set and 38 used only the maintenance order-set. Use of the INITIAL order set significantly improved compliance (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) with DC 2018 guidelines for recommended insulin dose and timing, fluid resuscitation as well as potassium, sodium and dextrose replacement. Use of the MAINTENANCE order set consistently enhanced outcomes for intravenous fluid selection, subcutaneous insulin overlap, and ensuring a closed anion gap at transition (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Additionally, the chart review revealed that there were hospital differences for uptake of order sets and compliance to DC 2018 guidelines. There was a significant uptake of order sets at RUH versus SPH (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). RUH consistently met outcomes for appropriate insulin dosing, potassium and dextrose replacement (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). RUH also consistently overlapped IV and SC insulin and ensured a closed insulin gap. The anion gap remained consistently closed post-transition at RUH versus SPH (p = 0.035). These results suggest that utilization of a DKA order set does significantly promote adherence to key best practices outlined in the DC 2018 guidelines. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Percutaneous Cholecystostomy to Manage a Hot Gallbladder: A Single Center Experience.

Objective A percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is a suitable option for treating acutely inflamed gallbladders. Its use has been postulated before for treating acute cholecystitis (AC), especially in elderly populations. The primary aim of our study is to analyze and present the positive results of PC as a bridge to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods All patients who underwent PC at our hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR, from October 2020were reviewed using a retrospective approach. Results Our study comprises 123 patients, with 72 females (58.5%) and 51 males (41.4%). In our study, many patients had significant comorbidities, and some of them were categorized as high-risk due to their frailty and medical conditions. The majority of the patients were in American Society of Anaesthesiologists' (ASA) groups II and III (45, 61), respectively. Though hospital stays can depend on variable factors, in our experience, the mean hospital length ofstay was 12.7 days. In our study, 119 patients (96.8%) had the procedure through the interventional radiological approach, while only four patients had it through the laparoscopic approach. The transhepatic route for drainage was more commonly practiced at our center and was used in 108 patients. At the time of writing this article, 54 patients have already had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) done as an interval procedure after surpassing the acute attack of cholecystitis, while 42 patients are still awaiting their surgical procedure. Conclusion Our results show that PC is a viable option, especially in cases of AC that are not responding to conservative treatments. Our study has shown low complications and conversion rates after PC. We believe PC is a safe and effective tool for managing severe and refractory cases of AC.

Comparison of Blood and Blood Product Transfusion in COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Patients Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Severe Respiratory Failure.

COVID-19 has resulted in an exponential increase in patients with severe respiratory failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Patients on ECMO regularly require high volumes of blood and blood products but, so far, there has been no comparison of transfusion requirements between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19. Using electronic patient records at two major UK ECMO centres, Royal Papworth Hospital and University Hospital South Manchester, we reviewed the transfusion requirements of patients requiring ECMO between January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 271 patients, including 168 COVID-19 patients were available for analysis. Since COVID-19 patients spent almost twice as long on ECMO (27.1 vs. 14.16 days, p ≤ 0.0001) we indexed transfusion in both groups to days on ECMO to allow comparison. COVID-19 patients required less red blood cells (RBC) per day (0.408 vs. 0.996, p = 0.0005) but more cryoprecipitate transfusions (0.117 vs. 0.106, p = 0.022) compared to non-COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients had more than double the mortality of non-COVID-19 patients (47% vs. 20.4%, p = 0.0001) and those who died during the study period had higher platelet transfusion requirements (p = 0.007) than their non-COVID-19 counterparts. Transfusion requirements and coagulopathy differ between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. The distinctly different transfusion patterns between the two groups remain difficult to interpret, but further investigations may help explain the haematological aspects of severe COVID-19 infection.

P.058 Reasons for withholding tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) administration during the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary stroke centre

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, including Canada. Treatments for stroke are time dependent and IV tPA for acute ischemic stroke decreases the chance of disability at 90 days if given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic was initially associated with a decrease in acute stroke treatment with thrombolysis across North America. These decreases seemed transient, with a rebound in numbers seen in other provinces across Canada as widespread lockdown orders were lifted. However, a rebound in thrombolysis was not seen at Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan during the same period. We will analyze documented reasons why thrombolysis was withheld. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients with ischemic strokes presenting within 4.5 hours of symptom onset to the RUH from March 2019 –January 2021. We received a waiver of consent from the Research Ethics Board. Results: 128 patients met the inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis is currently ongoing. Conclusions: Initial results suggest that there are similar reasons for withholding tPA before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The main reasons include rapidly resolving/resolved symptoms and a documented tPA exclusion criterion.

Implementation of an electronic porter requesting tool for inpatient radiographs at the Princess Royal University Hospital

Background: Before the quality improvement project, the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) utilised a paper-based porter requesting system, which was associated with multiple patient transport incidents. To address these incidents, the hospital needs to keep an auditable record of portering activities (unavailable due to data retention by the external portering company).

The Time is Now for Mental Health Care: Evaluating the Impact of a Clinical Pharmacist on an Acute Mental Health Unit.

Clinical pharmacists have a significant role in optimizing pharmacotherapy for patients admitted to acute care settings. Patients with mental health disorders are especially vulnerable to polypharmacy, adverse drug effects, medication nonadherence, and misconceptions about medication use. The Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, currently lacks resources to provide optimal clinical pharmacy coverage for mental health inpatients. To determine the optimal clinical role for a pharmacist providing specialized care to mental health inpatients and to evaluate the potential impact of the pharmacist on medication use and patient care. A pharmacist with 5 years of mental health-related pharmacy practice experience was temporarily assigned to the Mental Health Short Stay Unit as a practical component of a Master's program in pharmacy. Clinical activities to be completed by the pharmacist were defined on the basis of available evidence, existing performance and quality assurance indicators, and prior experience. The pharmacist's activities and recommendations during each shift were tracked and reported. The pharmacist saw 94 patients over a total of 88 hours. The pharmacist made a total of 61 recommendations, of which 55 (90%) were accepted by the psychiatrist, and initiated 42 medication changes. Forty-one patients (44%) received a thorough medication assessment, and individualized, often specialized, education was provided to patients 39 times. The pharmacist was consulted by the psychiatrist 19 times. Pharmacists have an important role in medication management and patient education for psychiatric inpatients, and the health care team values pharmacists' unique expertise. Additional resources dedicated to defining and expanding clinical pharmacy services on inpatient psychiatry units could further optimize patient care.

Improving delirium screening in older adults at the Royal United Hospital, Bath.

Delirium affects around 20% of older inpatients, increasing mortality and length of stay. Around 30% of cases are preventable. The authors sought to determine compliance of the admissions to the Older People's Unit of the Royal University Hospital Bath with the national and internal guidelines for delirium screening and improve its use on admission. A total of 60 patients' notes were inspected for compliance. Subsequently, the authors implemented teaching, changed the admission proforma and re-wrote the hospital guidelines for delirium. The notes were rescreened at 6 and 18 months. Initially, 25% of notes met the national standards and 63% met the hospital criteria. At 6 months this was 52% and 82% respectively, and at 18 months it was 41% and 87% respectively. The proportion of patients screened via multiple methods also increased. There was a sustained improvement in compliance with the national and hospital standards for delirium screening. There was some degradation in the national standard but the proportion of patients meeting the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence standard was still higher than pre-intervention.

Outcomes of a controlled trial with visiting therapy dog teams on pain in adults in an emergency department.

ContextPain is a primary reason individuals attend an Emergency Department (ED), and its management is a concern.ObjectivesChange in symptoms and physiologic variables at 3 time points pre-post a ten-minute St. John Ambulance therapy dog team visit compared to no visit in ED patients who experienced pain.Design, setting and participantsUsing a controlled clinical trial design, pain, anxiety, depression and well-being were measured with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (revised version) (ESAS-r) 11-point rating scales before, immediately after, and 20 minutes post- therapy dog team visit with Royal University Hospital ED patients participating in the study (n = 97). Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded at the time points. Control data was gathered twice (30 minutes apart) for comparison (n = 101). There were no group differences in age, gender or ethnicity among the control and intervention groups (respectively mean age 59.5/57.2, ethnicity 77.2% Caucasian/87.6%, female 43.6% /39.2%, male 56.4%/60.8%,).Intervention10 minute therapy dog team visit in addition to usual care.Main outcome measuresChange in reported pain from pre and post therapy dog team visit and comparison with a control group.ResultsA two-way ANOVA was conducted to compare group effects. Significant pre- post-intervention differences were noted in pain for the intervention (mean changeint. = -0.9, SD = 2.05, p = .004, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.42, 1.32], ηp2 = 04) but not the control group. Anxiety (mean changeint. = -1.13, SD = 2.80, p = .005, 95% CI = [0.56, 1.64], ηp2 = .04), depression (mean changeint. = -0.72, SD = 1.71, p = .002, 95% CI = [0.39, 1.11], ηp2 = .047), and well-being ratings (mean changeint. = -0.87, SD = 1.84, p < .001, 95% CI = [0.49, 1.25], ηp2 = .07) similarly improved for the intervention group only. There were no pre-post intervention differences in blood pressure or heart rate for either group. Strong responders to the intervention (i.e. >50% reduction) were observed for pain (43%), anxiety (48%), depression (46%), and well-being (41%).ConclusionsClinically significant changes in pain as well as significant changes in anxiety, depression and well-being were observed in the therapy dog intervention compared to control. The findings of this novel study contribute important knowledge towards the potential value of ED therapy dogs to affect patients’ experience of pain, and related measures of anxiety, depression and well-being.Trial registrationThis controlled clinical trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT04727749.

A competing risk analysis of colorectal cancer recurrence after curative surgery

BackgroundThis study examines the effect of prognostic patient and disease characteristics on colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence after curative resection. We used competing risk analysis with death as a competing risk. This method provides the clinician a perspective into a patient’s actual risk of experiencing a recurrence.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with CRC who underwent curative resection for CRC from 2003–2007 at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon was completed. The outcome of interest was the first CRC recurrence, either local or distant metastasis. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, adjuvant treatment and follow-up data, date of local recurrence or metastasis were recorded from the medical record. Univariate analysis was completed to look at the relationship between each of the prognostic indicators and recurrence. Multivariable modelling (subdistribution regression modelling) was done to identify the main risk factors in determining recurrence.ResultsOf 148 patients, 38 (25.7%) experienced a recurrence, 16 (10.8%) died without evidence of recurrence, and 94 (63.5%) experienced neither outcome. The median follow-up was 30.5 months (interquartile range 10.6–50). In univariable subdistribution regression, T-stage, N-stage, vascular invasion and positive margins were all predictive of cancer recurrence, with p ≤ 0.001, with subdistribution hazard ratios for T4 stage at 11.93, T3 stage at 2.46, N2 stage at 10.58, and presence of vascular invasion at 4.27. N-stage remained as the sole predictor in multivariable regression. Cumulative incidence function (CIF) of recurrence at 48 months after surgery was 15%, 27% and 90% for N1/2, N3 and N4 respectively.ConclusionThe highest CIF of recurrence was associated with T4 stage, N2 stage, and vascular invasion. Patient’s age, tumour location, type, or histological grade were not found to have a significant effect on the success of CRC surgery in precluding a recurrence.

Composition and Stability of the Vaginal Microbiota of Pregnant Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is common in women of childbearing years, and active IBD during pregnancy is associated with increased rates of preterm delivery and low-birth-weight newborns. Changes in the vaginal microbiome have been associated with preterm delivery. We aimed to determine the taxonomic composition of the vaginal microbiota at 3 time points during pregnancy in a population of women with IBD.MethodsParticipants were recruited from the patient registry of the Preconception and Pregnancy IBD Clinic at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Canada. Self-collected vaginal swabs were obtained from patients at each trimester. Microbiota profiles were created by cpn60 amplicon sequencing.ResultsWe characterized the vaginal microbiota of 32 pregnant participants with IBD (33 pregnancies) during each trimester. A total of 32 of 33 pregnancies resulted in a live birth with 43.8% (n = 14 of 32, 2 missing) by caesarean section; 2 of 32 were preterm. Microbiota compositions corresponded to previously described community state types, with most participants having microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus. In 25 of 29 participants in which samples were available for more than 1 time point, there was no change in the community state type over time. Prevalence of Mollicutes (Mycoplasma and/or Ureaplasma) was significantly higher in pregnant participants with IBD than in a previously profiled cohort of 172 pregnant women without IBD who delivered at term.ConclusionsThe vaginal microbiome of participants with IBD was stable throughout pregnancy. Prevalence of Mollicutes, which has been associated with preterm delivery, warrants further study in this patient group.

EP.TH.177Safety profile of SurgiMend Acellular Dermal Matrix and Mentor implant assisted immediate breast reconstruction – Our experience at the Princess Royal University Hospital

Abstract Background ADM (Acellular Dermal Matrix) assisted implant-based immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is a common technique worldwide. Various ADMs are available manufactured from different sources. The Surgimend ADM (fetal bovine dermis) is fenestrated and rich in type I/III collagen; it is claimed to reduce fluid accumulation and promote healing. Methods Retrospective observational analysis exploring safety profile using combination of SurgiMend MacroPorous (MP)/SurgiMend PRS and Mentor CPG/Mentor Siltex implants between January 2018 to December 2019. Patients with unilateral/bilateral IBR following Nipple sparing (NSM) or Skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) were included. The primary outcome was minor complications (seroma (&amp;gt;100ml on USS), hematoma, wound infection and infected seromas). Secondary outcome was major complications (flap necrosis, capsular contracture, implant explantation and Red Breast Syndrome). Results Six (16.2%) bilateral and 31 (83.8%) unilateral IBR were performed in 37 patients. Mean age was 53.78 years. No major complications were recorded. Conclusions The Surgimend ADM and Mentor implant combination demonstrate a good safety profile. Higher rates of seroma in this study could be explained by overdiagnosis and treatment at our unit, which in turn might imply as a result that no major complications were detected and no implant loss.

TP10.2.9The effect of COVID-19 on Breast clinic follow ups – a change in future practice?

AimsPrior to March 2020, at Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), Kings College NHS Foundation Trust, almost daily face to face benign/malignant breast clinic follow ups occurred. On March 23rd 2020 the UK went into official COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The effect on elective follow up practice was swift with cancellation, triaging and replacement of face-to-face by telephonic/virtual consultations.We compared the change of follow up pattern, pre and post COVID-19. Could this effect the future of consultations at PRUH?MethodsA comparison of all patients attending PRUH breast unit outpatients in January 2020 (preCOVID-19) for follow up, with those attending in April 2020 (postCOVID-19).Data collection from clinic lists and electronic patient records, with Excel version 16 analysis.Results343 patient follow up consultations 01/2020. 53 patient follow up consultations 04/2020.Malignant cases: January 65%, April 60%Benign/B3 cases: January 35%, April 20%TP10.2.9 Table5 year surveillanceBenign f/upPost-Biopsy ResultsPost-InvestigationPost-OperativePre-Operative PlanningPrimary EndocrineResultsResultsf/upPre COVID-01/2020134(39%)15(4%)26(8%)79(23%)68(20%)16(5%)5(1%)Post COVID-04/20205(9%)7(13%)14(26%)15(28%11(21%)2(3%)0(0%)Summary follow up types.ConclusionsImpact of COVID has been widespread in our practice. Our results show a significant reduction in face-to-face appointments, to allow social distancing. Further evaluation of this model will show its sustainability. Patient satisfaction will have to be assessed, with a view to a full move to video/telephone consultation where indicated.

533 Diverticular Disease and Diet: Are We Doing Enough?

Abstract Introduction Diverticular disease (DD) is a major burden on healthcare systems globally, especially in the western world. DD accounts for the second most common indication for elective colorectal resections, with each resection costing the NHS a minimum of £5000. Since dietary advice is an integral part of the management of DD, we aim to investigate the proportion of patients that receive documented dietary advice or guidance on their stay in hospital. Method A list of all admissions related to DD from June to November 2019 was obtained from the HIPE Department in Princess Royal University Hospital. Our Electronic patient record system was used to extract information regarding patient demographics, length of stay in hospital and the presence of documented evidence that dietary advice was given to patients. Results A total of 57 patients were admitted due to DD over a six-month period in 2019. 41 were female and 16 were male. They had a mean age of 67.1 and an average length of stay of 6.3 days. 12 of the 57 (21%) had some form of surgery either as an emergency or electively after discharge. Only 15 (26%) received dietary advice of which only 9 were referred to a dietician. Conclusions DD is a major contributor to surgical admissions requiring both elective and emergency surgery. It is largely a preventable disease; hence health care staff should take more initiative to highlight the importance of lifestyle modification to patients whenever the opportunity arises, with the target to benefit public health and free healthcare resources.

CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES OF ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES IN INDIGENOUS COMPARED WITH NON-INDIGENOUS PATIENTS IN NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

<h3>BACKGROUND</h3> Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients have historically been known to have higher cardiovascular risk. With improved care delivery of acute myocardial infarction, we sought to compare contemporary profiles between indigenous versus non-Indigenous patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) to a single PCI cardiac center in Saskatchewan. <h3>METHODS AND RESULTS</h3> We prospectively evaluated consecutive ACS admissions (no exclusion criteria applied) from March 15, 2019 to March 30, 2021 at the Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon. Categorized by self-reported Indigenous and non-Indigenous status, we describe presenting demographics, treatment patterns, unadjusted all-cause mortality and all-cause rehospitalization. Continuous variables are presented as medians (25th, 75th percentiles), categorical values as frequencies (%). Of the 1950 ACS admissions, 260 (13.3%) were Indigenous. Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients were younger, more likely female, have a history of heart failure and a significant burden of both traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Both groups were revascularized comparably with PCI. Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients were however more likely to present with higher levels of NTproBNP and higher incident rates of cardiogenic shock and/or cardiac arrest, with a greater severity of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (Table 1). While in-hospital mortality is comparable between the two groups, Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous have significantly higher unadjusted 1-year mortality (11.9% vs. 8.0%, p=0.039). <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome have a significantly greater burden of premorbid cardiovascular risk and present with greater clinical acuity. While the in-hospital outcomes are comparable, likely due to established pre-hospital/in-hospital ACS processes of care, the higher one-year mortality suggest that the higher residual risk in Indigenous patients is likely driven by the greater burden of modifiable traditional and non-traditional risk factors in this patient population.

ACTIONABLE ARRHYTHMIAS IN LOW-RISK STEMI PATIENTS: THE ROLE OF CONTINUOUS ECG MONITORING BEYOND 48 HOURS OF REPERFUSION

<h3>BACKGROUND</h3> Following reperfusion in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), continuous ECG monitoring is strongly recommended for the first 24-48 hours, the highest at-risk period for an actionable arrhythmia (AA). Beyond this time-frame, the incident rate of an AA and the role of continued telemetry is unclear. <h3>METHODS AND RESULTS</h3> Between Dec 2019 and Mar 2020 (interrupted by COVID-19), we aimed to prospectively quantify the risk of an AA in a consecutive low-risk STEMI cohort treated within a single PCI-network of care (Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon). Patients presenting with cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest or acute decompensated heart failure were excluded; additionally, excluded were patients treated medically without reperfusion. The primary outcome included the occurrence of an AA following discharge from the coronary care unit (CCU); an AA was defined as any of the following: >3 seconds asystole; high grade block; ventricular fibrillation; >15 beats ventricular tachycardia; atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response; and >15 beats supraventricular tachycardia. Patients with a history of any of these arrhythmias was also excluded. Key secondary outcomes included 30-day all-cause mortality and re-hospitalization. Continuous variables are presented as mean (±SD), and categorical variables as proportions. Of the 85 patients meeting eligibility criteria, 82 provided informed consent and their baseline demographics are presented in Table 1. The mean (±sd) durations of CCU and cumulative in-hospital length of stays were 2 (±0.81) days and 3.8 (±1.4) days, respectively. Two-thirds (n=54) had been treated with primary PCI, the rest with a fibrinolytic pharmaco-invasive strategy. The infarct-related territory was distributed as: anterior 34% and inferior 49%; significant stenoses (>70% non left main or >50% left main) in the non-infarct related territory were identified in 45%. Only 1/82 (1.2%) had an AA following CCU discharge, new onset atrial fibrillation not identified within the first 48 hours of presentation. All 82 patients survived to hospital discharge, and the 30-day rates of all-cause mortality and re-hospitalization were 1% and 10%, respectively. <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> In this small, single-center, observational analysis of contemporarily treated low-risk STEMI patients, the risk of an AA beyond 48 hours appears to be very small. The practice of universally monitoring all low-risk STEMI patients until hospital discharge needs to be better defined.

Unidentified patients in the emergency department: a historical cohort study.

To characterize unidentified patients presenting to a single, urban emergency department (ED) in Canada. We report their demographics, ED course, post-ED discharge outcomes, and mode of identification. We performed a retrospective chart review using descriptive analyses to assess unidentified patients admitted to Royal University Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital EDs between May 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. We assessed demographic data, clinical presentation, mode of identification, discharge information, and major clinical outcomes. Unidentified patients were disproportionately male (64.9%), and mostly presented as Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) 1 (41.6%) and CTAS 2 (44.2%). Most patients arrived via emergency medical services (80.7%). The most common presenting complaints were substance misuse (33.3%) and trauma (24.6%). The average ED length of stay was 8.7h (SD 18.6). Many patients received an inpatient consult (58.8%), and 22.3% received support services (e.g., social work). The 30-day mortality of all patients was 13.2%. Of those patients who survived to ED discharge, common dispositions included: home (36.0%), police services (3.5%), or emergency shelters (3.5%). Four (3.5%) patients returned to the hospital unidentified within the study period, and 6.7% of patients discharged from the ED returned within 48hours. Unidentified patients are a high-needs demographic that present mostly with substance misuse or trauma. Repeat ED attendance, sometimes as unidentified patients again, calls for initiatives that facilitate prompt identification, better discharge planning, and linkage to social supports.