Unmet Training Need Research Articles

How schools can respond to pupils who self-harm: a qualitative study with young people and school staff

ABSTRACT Schools are well-placed to offer support to young people who self-harm. However, research shows that pupils who disclose self-harm behaviour to school staff are often faced with negative reactions and unhelpful responses. There is a clear need for an increased level of knowledge and understanding for staff to respond more appropriately. This study explored the expectations of young people and the needs of staff when responding to self-harm. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine young people and 11 school staff. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three key themes were identified: (1) Lack of knowledge and confidence to appropriately respond to self-harm (2) Systemic barriers and facilitators to help-seeking in schools and (3) Positive relationships facilitate help-seeking. Young people and staff believe there is an unmet need for training to help staff confidently address self-harm. Future research should involve stakeholders to develop interventions to improve the school response to self-harm.

Prevalence of endoscopy-related injuries and their impact on clinical practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endoscopy-related musculoskeletal injuries (ERIs) are commonly reported but their exact prevalence and clinical impact remain obscure. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature aiming to answer these questions. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies evaluating ERIs in gastroenterologists and surgeons. The co-primary outcome was the prevalence of ERIs (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, and hand numbness). The second co-primary outcome was the prevalence of endoscopy-related pain syndromes. 12 studies, including 4563 respondents, were included. The majority of respondents were men (n = 3321; 72.8%) and most were right-handed (86.2%). The career prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (pooled from 10 studies) was 5.3% (95%CI 1.5%-8.9%; I 2 = 97.1%), while the prevalence of de Quervain's tenosynovitis (five studies) was 8.5% (95%CI 0.1%-17.0%). The pooled prevalences of thumb pain, neck pain, and back pain were 25.4%, 23.1%, and 19.7%, respectively, but the prevalence varied according to the type of questionnaire used. Only 341/864 respondents (39.5%) had received prior training in ergonomics, while 623/889 respondents (70.1%) expressed a desire for further training in ergonomics. Overall, there is a moderate risk of bias in the present literature. ERIs, including carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, and endoscopy-related pain, are very common. These injuries can be severe, requiring surgery, and lead to loss of productivity. Most gastroenterologists report an unmet need for training in the proper ergonomics of endoscopy.

Constraints to maternal healthcare access among pastoral communities in the Darussalam area of Mudug region, Somalia "a qualitative study".

While countries embrace efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) goal 3.1 (to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 and end preventable deaths of new-borns and children), an estimated 2.5 million pastoralists in Somalia are struggling to access maternal and child healthcare services. Institutional delivery and access to antenatal care remained to be a challenge in Somalia, where pastoralism is a common means of livelihood. The aim of this study is to explore the maternal health services available for settled pastoralists (transhumant) and their families who still practice nomadic pastoralism in the Mudug region of Somalia. A qualitative study, including 14 interviews and one FGD, was conducted in Darussalam village (a transhumant village along the border between Somalia and Ethiopia), Puntland State, from December 2022 to January 2023. The study participants were community members who support the maternal and child health clinic (MCH), village administration, and health providers. We found that the efficiency of the health facilities that serve for pastoralist women and children are hampered by staff-related, supply-related, patients-related and referral-related constraints. This study highlights that the absence of essential supplies, the unmet need for training among the staff as well as the absence of important facilities in the MCH such as ambulance and blood bags. Numerous strides could be made in the provision of affordable maternal healthcare to pastoralist communities in Darussalam areas of the Mudug region when organizations that support health care in Somalia and the Ministry of Health include pastoralists' healthcare in their priorities.

Cadaveric ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm training model for supraceliac clamping and proximal balloon control

BackgroundThe decreasing incidence of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm resulted in vascular trainees gaining less experience from acute aortic management. MethodsTo address this unmet training need, we performed a proof-of-concept with the intent of using the experience in creation of future ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm training courses. After fresh frozen cadaver preparation, establishing pulsatile flow, and creating aortic rupture, a senior resident was invited to perform proximal balloon control and supraceliac aortic clamping. ResultsThe procedures lasted 5 minutes and 27 seconds and 18 minutes and 17 seconds with an estimated 150 mL and 350 mL faux blood loss, respectively. ConclusionsOur model proved to be feasible, promising an enormous, yet untapped potential in the training of future aortic surgeons.

1414. Real-World Study of Healthcare Resource Use and Costs Associated with Inappropriate and Suboptimal Antibiotic Use Among Females with Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in the United States

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common outpatient infection requiring medical care in the US; but, despite Infectious Diseases Society of America 2011 guidelines for treating uncomplicated UTI (uUTI), variation in prescribing practices still exists. Few studies have used real-world data (RWD) to evaluate uUTI-associated healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs. We examined HRU and direct costs associated with appropriate and optimal (AP&OP) and inappropriate or suboptimal (IA/SO) antibiotic (AB) prescribing in females with uUTI using US RWD.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used RWD from IBM MarketScan (commercial/Medicare claims) to examine uUTI-related HRU and costs (inpatient, emergency room, outpatient, pharmacy) per index uUTI episode and during 1-year follow-up among females (age ≥ 12 years) diagnosed with uUTI from July 1, 2013–December 31, 2017 (index date). Patients had an oral AB prescription ± 5 days of the index date, and continuous health plan enrollment ≥ 6 months pre/1 year post-index date; those with complicated UTI were excluded. Patients were stratified by AB prescription as follows: AP&OP = guideline-compliant and correct duration; IA/SO = guideline non-compliant/incorrect duration or re-prescription/switch within 28 days.ResultsThe study included 557,669 patients. In the commercial population (n=517,664, mean age 37.7 years), fewer patients were prescribed AP&OP (11.8%) than IA/SO (88.2%) ABs, a trend also seen in the Medicare population (n=40,005, mean age 74.5 years). In both populations, adjusted average numbers of uUTI-related ambulatory visits and pharmacy claims were lower for the AP&OP cohort than the IA/SO cohort during index episode and 1-year followup (p < 0.0001, Table 1). In the commercial population, total adjusted uUTI-related costs were &194 (AP&OP) versus &274 (IA/SO; p < 0.0001); in the Medicare population, total adjusted uUTI-related costs were &253 (AP&OP) versus &355 (IA/SO; p < 0.0001) (Table 2).Table 1. uUTI-related HRU for commercial and Medicare populations calculated using the GLM model Table 2. uUTI-related costs for commercial and Medicare populations calculated using the GLM model ConclusionOverall uUTI-related HRU and costs in the US were low during index episodes and follow-up. However, females with uUTI prescribed IA/SO ABs were more likely to incur higher HRU and costs than those prescribed AP&OP ABs, suggesting an unmet need for training to optimize uUTI prescribing per US guidelines.Disclosures Madison T. Preib, MPH, STATinMED Research (Employee, Former employee of STATinMED Research, which received funding from GlaxoSmithKline plc. to conduct this study) Fanny S. Mitrani-Gold, MPH, GlaxoSmithKline plc. (Employee, Shareholder) Xiaoxi Sun, MA, STATinMED Research (Employee, Employee of STATinMED Research, which received funding from GlaxoSmithKline plc. to conduct this study) Christopher Adams, MPH, STATinMED Research (Employee, Employee of STATinMED Research, which received funding from GlaxoSmithKline plc. to conduct this study) Ashish V. Joshi, PhD, GlaxoSmithKline plc. (Employee, Shareholder)

Unmet family caregiver training needs associated with acute care utilization during home health care.

Medicare-certified home health agencies are required to offer family caregiver training, but little is known regarding the potential impact of this training on outcomes during home health care. We estimate the proportion of family caregivers assisting Medicare home health patients who have unmet training needs and examine whether these unmet training needs are associated with older adults' risk of acute care utilization during home health care. Observational, nationally representative cohort study. Linked National Health and Aging Trends Study, Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS), Medicare Provider of Services file, and Medicare claims data from 2011 to 2016. Thousand two hundred seventeen (weighted n=5,870,905) community-living Medicare beneficiaries who received home health care between 2011 and 2016. Family caregivers' unmet training needs measured from OASIS and Medicare claims; home health patients' acute care utilization (including emergency department use and hospitalization) measured from OASIS. Rates of unmet need for training varied by activity, from 8.2% of family caregivers assisting with household chores to 16.0% assisting with self-care tasks. After controlling for older adult and home health provider characteristics, older adults whose family caregivers had an unmet need for training with any caregiving activity were twice as likely to incur acute care utilization during their home health episode (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-3.38). This relationship held across specific caregiving activities including household chores (aOR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.13-3.46), medication management (aOR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.46-4.26), patient supervision (aOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.36-6.24), and self-care tasks (aOR: 3.11; 95% CI: 1.62-6.00). Unmet training needs among family caregivers are associated with greater likelihood of acute care utilization among Medicare beneficiaries receiving home health care. Identifying and addressing family caregivers' training needs may reduce older adults' risk of acute care utilization during home health care.

Factors associated with met and unmet rehabilitation needs after stroke: A multicentre cohort study in Denmark and Norway.

ObjectivesTo examine patient-reported needs for care and rehabilitation in a cohort following different subacute pathways of rehabilitation, and to explore factors underpinning met and unmet needs.DesignObservational multicentre cohort study.Patients and methodsA total of 318 Norwegian and 155 Danish patients with first-ever stroke were included. Participants answered questions from the Norwegian Stroke Registry about perceived met, unmet or lack of need for help and training during the first 3 months post stroke. The term “training” in this context was used for all rehabilitative therapy offered by physiotherapists, occupational or speech therapists. The term “help” was used for care and support in daily activities provided by nurses or health assistants.ResultsNeed for training: 15% reported unmet need, 52% reported met need, and 33% reported no need. Need for help: 10% reported unmet need, 58% reported met, and 31% reported no need. Participants from both Norway and Denmark had similar patterns of unmet/met need for help or training. Unmet need for training was associated with lower functioning, (odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, p < 0.05) and more anxiety (OR = 0.36, p < 0.05). Patients reporting unmet needs for help more often lived alone (OR = 0.40, p < 0.05) and were more often depressed (OR = 0.31, p < 0.05).ConclusionSimilar levels of met and unmet needs for training and help at 3 months after stroke were reported despite differences in the organization of the rehabilitation services. Functioning and psychological factors were associated with unmet rehabilitation needs.LAY ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to examine patient-reported needs for care and rehabilitation among selected patients with stroke in Norway and Denmark. A total of 318 Norwegian and 155 Danish patients with first-ever stroke were included. Participants answered the following 2 questions from the Norwegian Stroke Registry: Have you received enough help after the stroke? Have you received as much training as you wanted after the stroke? The term “training” in this context was used for all rehabilitative therapy offered by physio-, occupational or speech therapists. The term «help» was used for care and support in daily activities provided by nurses or health assistants. Levels of anxiety and depression were investigated. With regard to training needs, 15% of all participants reported unmet needs, 52% reported that their needs had been met, and 33% reported that they had no need for training. Regarding the need for help, 10%, 58% and 31% reported unmet needs, that needs had been met, and that they had no need for care, respectively. Participants in the 2 countries had similar patterns of unmet/met needs for help or training. Unmet need for training was associated with low function and anxiety. Patients reporting an unmet need for help more often lived alone and were more often depressed. There was no difference in met or unmet needs between Norwegian and Danish participants.Different rehabilitative follow-up after stroke did not affect levels of met and unmet rehabilitation needs. Health services should pay special attention to patients at risk, including those who are anxious or depressed, live alone or have functional deficits after stroke.

Impact of Family Caregiver Training on Hospitalization During Medicare Home Health Care

Medicare home health providers are required to offer family caregiver training; however, there is little information regarding the impact of family caregiver training on patient outcomes in home health or other care delivery settings. A better understanding of this relationship is necessary to guide development of caregiver training interventions and inform policy discussions surrounding family caregiver training access. This research assesses whether and how unmet need for family caregiver training is associated with acute care utilization during Medicare home health. We examine 1,217 (weighted n=5,870,905) fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries who participated in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and received Medicare-funded home health care between 2011-2016. We link NHATS data with home health patient assessments and Medicare claims, drawing measures of family caregivers’ need for training from home health clinician reports and determining provision of training from Medicare claims. Using weighted, multivariable logistic regressions, we model the marginal change in probability of acute care utilization during home health as a function of family caregivers’ unmet need for training. We found that older adults whose family caregivers had an unmet need for training had a probability of acute care utilization during home health that was 18 percentage points (p=0.001) greater than those whose family caregivers both needed and received training, holding all covariates at their means. Findings support the importance of connecting family caregivers to training resources and suggest one avenue by which investing in caregiver training may be cost-effective for integrated payers and providers.

A quality improvement project to standardise decontamination procedures in a single NHS board in Scotland.

Background:A project was designed to improve decontamination procedures in our hospitals. This included: improving skills with training provided within clinical areas, simplifying procedures to reduce variation and increasing access to decontamination products.Aim:To make it easy for healthcare workers (HCWs) to do the right thing and for HCWs to be confident that they were doing the right thing.Methods:A pre-intervention survey of 120 HCWs in 10 wards on three hospital sites identified variations in the products used, variations in precautions taken and deficits in HCWs’ capabilities due to unmet training needs.Intervention:We streamlined the available products, provided an education programme and then undertook a second survey involving 133 HCWs in 12 wards.Results:Significant improvements were attained in the reported time taken to clean and disinfect (P < 0.0001) and in HCW capability (P < 0.0001) (reported training received); other improvements in the use of appropriate products and the use of personal protective equipment were evident. The key finding was that a large, previously unrecognised, unmet training need existed; only 44% of HCWs in the pre-intervention survey reported having received training on the topic.Conclusion:The utility of a pre-intervention survey is critical to knowing whether any change becomes improvement and to set the priorities for change. By focusing on the process rather than the outcomes, greater improvements can be attained. The assumption that all nurses know how to clean is erroneous.

Building Capacity and Training for Digital Health: Challenges and Opportunities in Latin America.

Tackling global health challenges demands the appropriate use of available technologies. Although digital health could significantly improve health care access, use, quality, and outcomes, realizing this possibility requires personnel trained in digital health. There is growing evidence of the benefits of digital health for improving the performance of health systems and outcomes in developed countries. However, significant gaps remain in resource-constrained settings. Technological and socio-cultural disparities between different regions or between provinces within the same country are prevalent. Rural areas, where the promise and need are highest, are particularly deprived. In Latin America, there is an unmet need for training and building the capacity of professionals in digital health. This viewpoint paper aims to present a selection of experiences in building digital health capacity in Latin America to illustrate a series of challenges and opportunities for strengthening digital health training programs in resource-constrained environments. These describe how a successful digital health ecosystem for Latin America requires culturally relevant and collaborative research and training programs in digital health. These programs should be responsive to the needs of all relevant regional stakeholders, including government agencies, non–governmental organizations, industry, academic or research entities, professional societies, and communities. This paper highlights the role that collaborative partnerships can play in sharing resources, experiences, and lessons learned between countries to optimize training and research opportunities in Latin America.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF LASER TREATMENT (QUILT)A New Retinal Laser Simulation System for Training in Resource-Poor Countries.

In resource-poor countries, there is a reported lack of quality and structured retinal laser training in residency and hospital eye programs. This unmet training need has been validated in current international diabetic retinopathy screening centers.1 In our own experience, there is a lack of specialist laser expertise that is a barrier to highquality and competent laser treatment delivery for patients in the developing world. Furthermore, with the introduction of new pattern scan laser technology, clinicians in the developing world have variable insights into new contemporary laser settings. One of the critical issues for a diabetic eye screening programs in the developing world is the significant risk of loss of vision from inadequate laser treatment despite successful eye screening and detection of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.

Spinal cord stimulator education during pain fellowship: unmet training needs and factors that impact future practice

Background and objectivesWith a growing need for non-opioid chronic pain treatments, pain physicians should understand the proper utilization of neuromodulation therapies to provide the most comprehensive care. We aimed to...

The road to registration: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner training in north Queensland.

In 2012, the new profession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) was registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. The project in this present study evolved out of the Australian Government\'s recognition of the need for the existing Indigenous health worker (IHW) workforce to meet the minimum qualification requirements for registration as ATSIHPs through recognition of prior learning and/or further education. A total of 53 IHWs participated in the upskilling project between June 2014 and June 2015, with approximately 200 IHWs from Queensland expressing an interest in undertaking the training. This demonstrated a clear need for further training programs such as this one. The project was coordinated by the Indigenous Health Unit at James Cook University (JCU) with training being delivered by TAFE Cairns in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Dentistry, JCU. Students travelled from as far north as the Torres Strait and as far west as Mount Isa. The key issues for discussion were associated with the ATSIHP role being relatively new including the limited preparedness of training providers to deliver the upgraded qualification requirements and uncertainty about the registration process. Compounding this was a general undervaluing and underutilisation of the IHW role within the current primary healthcare system. Other challenges included the variations of IHW roles, scope of practice and educational standards held by individuals, as well as the associated complexities of providing training to IHWs from the large and diverse geographic area that is rural and remote Australia. Program and student evaluation was undertaken with each of the three cohorts via a course experience questionnaire, TAFE evaluation forms and opportunistic student feedback. Lessons learned as a result of this project include the need to continue to recognise and promote understanding of the contribution that IHW/ATSIHPs make in improving health, the importance of conducting a comprehensive student selection process, the benefits of working collaboratively between the university and vocational education training sectors, the need to continue to strengthen partnerships between higher education and health industry, the need for flexible funding and training models that enable adequate learning support, and the identification of a significant unmet training need.

Clinical encounters of Australian general practice registrars with paediatric patients

Background: Whether general practitioner (GP) registrars have adequate exposure to, and feel confident in, managing children’s health during training is unknown. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associations of GP registrars’ paediatric vs. non-paediatric consultations. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis from a cohort study of Australian GP registrars’ 2010–2014 consultations. Results: 889 registrars contributed details for 26,427 (21.8% (95% CI: 21.4–22.2) paediatric consultations. Paediatric patients were more likely to be male and new to the practice. Although paediatric patients were less likely to have a chronic disease (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.36, 0.40) and presented with fewer problems (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.57, 0.61), registrars were more likely to seek in-consultation advice (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.19, 1.31) and generate learning goals (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07, 1.18) for paediatric consultations. Discussion: GP registrars appear to feel less confident in managing paediatric compared with adult consultations, suggesting an unmet training need.

Abortion training in Canadian obstetrics and gynecology residency programs

ObjectiveTo evaluate the current state of abortion training in Canadian Obstetrics and Gynecology residency programs. Study designSurveys were distributed to all Canadian Obstetrics and Gynecology residents and program directors. Data were collected on inclusion of abortion training in the curriculum, structure of the training and expected competency of residents in various abortion procedures. ResultsWe distributed and collected surveys between November 2014 and May 2015. In total, 301 residents and 15 program directors responded, giving response rates of 55% and 94%, respectively. Based on responses by program directors, half of the programs had “opt-in” abortion training, and half of the programs had “opt-out” abortion training. Upon completion of residency, 66% of residents expected to be competent in providing first-trimester surgical abortion in an ambulatory setting, and 35% expected to be competent in second-trimester surgical abortion. Overall, 15% of residents reported that they were not aware of or did not have access to abortion training within their program, and 69% desired more abortion training during residency. ConclusionAbortion training in Canadian Obstetrics and Gynecology residency programs is inconsistent, and residents desire more training in abortion. This suggests an ongoing unmet need for training in this area. Policies mandating standardized abortion training in obstetrics and gynecology residency programs are necessary to improve delivery of family planning services to Canadian women. ImplicationsAbortion training in Canadian Obstetrics and Gynecology residency programs is inconsistent, does not meet resident demand and is unlikely to fulfill the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada objectives of training in the specialty.

Practice patterns of cataract surgeons at academic medical centers for the management of inadequate capsule support for intracapsular or sulcus intraocular lens placement during cataract surgery

To determine practice patterns with regard to intraocular lens (IOL) placement during cataract surgery when there is inadequate capsule support for intracapsular or sulcus IOL placement. Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. Cross-sectional study of anonymous survey results. An online survey was e-mailed to the coordinators of all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited ophthalmology residency programs with a request to forward to all faculty who perform cataract surgery. Sixty-seven (57.2%) of 117 confirmed survey recipients participated. Thirty-six (62.1%) said they felt comfortable placing scleral-fixated posterior chamber IOLs (PC IOLs) independently. Faced with inadequate capsule support, 58.6% would place a primary anterior chamber IOL (AC IOL), 29.3% would place a primary scleral-fixated PC IOL, and 5.3% would leave the patient aphakic for secondary scleral-fixated PC IOL placement. Surgeons not comfortable placing scleral-fixated PC IOLs were most likely to choose primary AC IOLs (77.3%). Surgeons comfortable placing scleral-fixated PC IOLs were more evenly divided between primary AC IOLs (47.2%) and scleral-fixated PC IOLs (41.7%). Among surgeons who favored primary scleral-fixated PC IOLs, 63.7% cited a decreased risk for long-term complications as their reason for IOL choice; 50.0% of surgeons who favored primary AC IOLs cited avoidance of a second surgery. In general, primary AC IOL placement was preferred in the setting of inadequate capsule support, although less so among surgeons who were comfortable placing scleral-fixated PC IOLs. Lack of comfort with scleral-fixated PC IOL placement suggests a potential unmet training need in residency and fellowship programs. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Developing cognitive behaviour therapy training in India: Using the Kolb learning cycle to address challenges in applying transcultural models of mental health and mental health training

Although mental health workers in India across all major professional groups have identified an unmet need for training in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), the uncritical export of models of mental health, therapy provision and training to low- and middle-income countries is a problematic process. This paper describes the context for the first stand-alone CBT training programme in India, based in Chennai. This paper includes an evaluation of the first phase of the training and information from trainees regarding the quality and applicability of the training to their working context. The paper provides an overview of some of the critiques that are pertinent to this process and considers the way that the Kolb learning cycle can be used as a framework within training to go some way to addressing these difficulties.

PA.02 Operative skills training in obstetrics – identification of increased training needs for junior doctors

IntroductionReduced working hours have caused concern regarding adequate training of junior doctors. An experience gap between basic and intermediate level training in obstetrics has been recognised. We compared experience between...

PM412 Diagnostic Value Of Segmental Longitudinal Strain By Automated Function Imaging (Afi) In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

To determine practice patterns with regard to intraocular lens (IOL) placement during cataract surgery when there is inadequate capsule support for intracapsular or sulcus IOL placement.Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.Cross-sectional study of anonymous survey results.An online survey was e-mailed to the coordinators of all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited ophthalmology residency programs with a request to forward to all faculty who perform cataract surgery.Sixty-seven (57.2%) of 117 confirmed survey recipients participated. Thirty-six (62.1%) said they felt comfortable placing scleral-fixated posterior chamber IOLs (PC IOLs) independently. Faced with inadequate capsule support, 58.6% would place a primary anterior chamber IOL (AC IOL), 29.3% would place a primary scleral-fixated PC IOL, and 5.3% would leave the patient aphakic for secondary scleral-fixated PC IOL placement. Surgeons not comfortable placing scleral-fixated PC IOLs were most likely to choose primary AC IOLs (77.3%). Surgeons comfortable placing scleral-fixated PC IOLs were more evenly divided between primary AC IOLs (47.2%) and scleral-fixated PC IOLs (41.7%). Among surgeons who favored primary scleral-fixated PC IOLs, 63.7% cited a decreased risk for long-term complications as their reason for IOL choice; 50.0% of surgeons who favored primary AC IOLs cited avoidance of a second surgery.In general, primary AC IOL placement was preferred in the setting of inadequate capsule support, although less so among surgeons who were comfortable placing scleral-fixated PC IOLs. Lack of comfort with scleral-fixated PC IOL placement suggests a potential unmet training need in residency and fellowship programs.No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Family carers and the prevention of heroin overdose deaths: Unmet training need and overlooked intervention opportunity of resuscitation training and supply of naloxone

Aim: To assess (a) carers’ experiences of witnessing overdose; (b) their training needs; and (c) their interest in receiving training in overdose management.Design: Postal questionnaire distributed through consenting participating local carer group co-ordinators in England.Sample: 147 carers attending local support groups for friends and families of drug users.Findings: Carers were usually parents (80%); 89% were currently caring for a heroin user of whom 49% had already had an overdose (93% involving opiates). One third had witnessed heroin being used, and 31 had witnessed an overdose. For eight carers, there had already been a death from drug overdose. There was poor knowledge of how to manage an overdose. Only a quarter had received advice on overdose management (26%) and only one third knew of the opiate antagonist naloxone (33%). The majority (88%) wanted training in overdose management, especially in emergency naloxone administration (88%). Interest in training did not differ according to carer type nor previous overdose experience.Conclusion: We found evidence of an extensively overlooked carer population, many of whom have already been faced with an overdose situation and yet have received minimal training. We also found high levels of interest in receiving overdose training, in particular, in emergency naloxone administration.