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BACKGROUND: There are substantial racial and socioeconomic disparities underlying endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the United States. To date, race-based variations in reinterventions following elective EVAR have not been studied. Here, we aim to examine racial disparities associated with reinterventions following elective EVAR in a real-world cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) EVAR dataset to identify all patients undergoing elective EVAR between January 2009 and December 2018 in the United States. We compared the association of race with reinterventions after EVAR and all-cause mortality using Welch two-sample t-tests, multivariate logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazards analyses adjusting for baseline differences between groups. RESULTS: At median follow-up of 1.1±1.1 years (1.3±1.4 years Black, 1.1±1.1 years White; P=0.02), a total of 1,164 of 42,481 patients (2.7%) underwent reintervention after elective EVAR, including 2.7% (n = 1,096) White vs. 3.2% (n = 68) Black (P = 0.21). Black patients requiring reintervention were more frequently female, more frequently current or former smokers, and less frequently insured by Medicare/Medicaid (P

Background Previous US-based studies have shown that a trauma center designation of level 1 is associated with improved patient outcomes. However, most studies are cross-sectional, focus on volume-related issues and are direct comparisons between levels. This study investigates the change in patient characteristics when individual trauma centers transition from level 2 to level 1 and whether the patients have similar outcomes during the initial period of the transition. Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study that analyzed hospital and patient records included in the National Trauma Data Bank from 2007 to 2016. Patient characteristics were compared before and after their hospitals transitioned their trauma level. Mortality; complications including acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac arrest with CPR, deep surgical site infection, deep vein thrombosis, extremity compartment syndrome, surgical site infection, osteomyelitis, pulmonary embolism, and so on; ICU admission; ventilation use; unplanned returns to the OR; unplanned ICU transfers; unplanned intubations; and lengths of stay were obtained following propensity score matching, comparing posttransition years with the last pretransition year. Results Sixteen trauma centers transitioned from level 2 to level 1 between 2007 and 2016. One was excluded due to missing data. After transition, patient characteristics showed differences in the distribution of race, comorbidities, insurance status, injury severity scores, injury mechanisms, and injury type. After propensity score matching, patients treated in a trauma center after transition from level 2 to 1 required significantly fewer ICU admissions and had lower complication rates. However, significantly more unplanned intubations, unplanned returns to the OR, unplanned ICU transfers, ventilation use, surgical site infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections and higher mortality were reported after the transition. Conclusions Trauma centers that transitioned from level 2 to level 1 had lower overall complications, with fewer patients requiring ICU admission. However, higher mortality and more surgical site infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, unplanned intubations, and unplanned ICU transfers were reported after the transition. These findings may have significant implications in the planning of trauma systems for administrators and healthcare leaders.

OBJECTIVE Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) of the neck are a common cause for concern after blunt trauma. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate whether patients with a cervical seat belt sign in the absence of associated high-risk injuries or neurological symptoms are at an increased risk for developing a clinically significant vascular injury and therefore require a screening neck computed tomographic angiography (CTA). METHODS A retrospective review was performed of patients who presented after motor vehicle collision and received a neck CTA for an indication of "seat belt sign." Imaging was reviewed to determine the vascular injury grade, associated injuries, and, if available, follow-up imaging was reviewed to assess for interval change or resolution. The patients were split into 2 groups. Group 1 included patients without high-risk injuries, and group 2 included patients with high-risk injuries. RESULTS In group 1, 6 (2.9%) of 208 patients had BCVI. In group 2, 7 (18.9%) of 37 patients had BCVI. Patients in group 2 were 6.5 times more likely to suffer BCVI compared with group 1 (P < 0.001). No patient in group 1 was ever symptomatic, and only 1 (0.5%) patient underwent interventional treatment. CONCLUSIONS Patients presenting after blunt trauma with a seat belt sign and no other high-risk injuries as laid out by screening criteria demonstrate a low probability of BCVI and an even lower likelihood of adverse outcome.

BACKGROUND Disparities in THA use may lead to inequitable care. Prior research has focused on disparities based on individual-level and isolated socioeconomic and demographic variables. To our knowledge, the role of composite, community-level geographic socioeconomic disadvantage has not been studied in the United States. As disparities persist, exploring the potential underlying drivers of these inequities may help in developing more targeted recommendations on how to achieve equitable THA use. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES (1) Is geographic socioeconomic disadvantage associated with decreased THA rates in Medicare-aged patients? (2) Do these associations persist after adjusting for differences in gender, race, ethnicity, and proximity to hospitals performing THA? METHODS In a study with a cross-sectional design, using population-based data from five-digit ZIP codes in Maryland, USA, from July 1, 2012 to March 31, 2019, we included all inpatient and outpatient primary THAs performed in individuals 65 years of age or older at acute-care hospitals in Maryland, as reported in the Health Services Cost Review Commission database. This database was selected because it provided the five-digit ZIP code data necessary to answer our study question. We excluded THAs performed for nonelective indications. We examined the annual rate of THA in our study population for each Maryland ZIP code, adjusted for differences across areas in distributions of gender, race, ethnicity, and distance to the nearest hospital performing THAs. Four hundred fourteen ZIP codes were included, with an overall mean ± SD THA rate of 371 ± 243 per 100,000 persons 65 years or older, a rate similar to that previously reported in individuals aged 65 to 84 in the United States. Statistical significance was assessed at α = 0.05. RESULTS THA rates were higher in more affluent areas, with the following mean rates per 100,000 persons 65 years or older: 422 ± 259 in the least socioeconomically disadvantaged quartile, 339 ± 223 in the second-least disadvantaged, 277 ± 179 in the second-most disadvantaged, and 214 ± 179 in the most-disadvantaged quartile (p < 0.001). After adjustment for distributions in gender, race, ethnicity, and hospital proximity, we found that geographic socioeconomic disadvantage was still associated with THA rate. Compared with the least-disadvantaged quartile, the second-least disadvantaged quartile had 63 fewer THAs per 100,000 people (95% confidence interval 12 to 114), the second-most disadvantaged quartile had 136 fewer THAs (95% CI 62 to 211), and the most-disadvantaged quartile had 183 fewer THAs (95% CI 41 to 325). CONCLUSION Geographic socioeconomic disadvantage may be the underlying driver of disparities in THA use. Although our study does not determine the "correct" rate of THA, our findings support increasing access to elective orthopaedic surgery in disadvantaged geographic communities, compared with prior research and efforts that have studied and intervened on the basis of isolated factors such as race and gender. Increasing access to orthopaedic surgeons in disadvantaged neighborhoods, educating physicians about when surgical referral is appropriate, and educating patients from these geographic communities about the risks and benefits of THA may improve equitable orthopaedic care across neighborhoods. Future studies should explore disparities in rates of appropriate THA and the role of density of orthopaedic surgeons in an area. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, therapeutic study.

Background Limited work has been done in predicting discharge disposition in trauma patients; most studies use single institutional data and have limited generalizability. This study develops and validates a model to predict, at admission, trauma patients’ discharge disposition using NTDB, transforms the model into an easy-to-use score, and subsequently evaluates its generalizability on institutional data. Methods NTDB data were used to build and validate a binary logistic regression model using derivation-validation (ie, train-test) approach to predict patient disposition location (home vs non-home) upon admission. The model was then converted into a trauma disposition score (TDS) using an optimization-based approach. The generalizability of TDS was evaluated on institutional data from a single Level I trauma center in the U.S. Results A total of 614 625 patients in the NTDB were included in the study; 212 684 (34.6%) went to a non-home location. Patients with a non-home disposition compared to home had significantly higher age (69 ± 19.7 vs 48.3 ± 20.3) and ISS (11.2 ± 8.2 vs 8.2 ± 6.3); P < .001. Older age, female sex, higher ISS, comorbidities (cancer, cardiovascular, coagulopathy, diabetes, hepatic, neurological, psychiatric, renal, substance abuse), and Medicare insurance were independent predictors of non-home discharge. The logistic regression model’s AUC was 0.8; TDS achieved a correlation of 0.99 and performed similarly well on institutional data (n = 3161); AUC = 0.8. Conclusion We developed a score based on a large national trauma database that has acceptable performance on local institutions to predict patient discharge disposition at the time of admission. TDS can aid in early discharge preparation for likely-to-be non-home patients and may improve hospital efficiency.

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a cause of considerable morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. An evidence-based algorithm was developed and implemented at our institution to guide perioperative VTE prophylaxis management. Objective We evaluated compliance with prescription of risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis and administration of prescribed VTE prophylaxis in neurosurgery patients. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of postoperative neurosurgery patients at a single institution with subsequent diagnosis of acute VTE during their inpatient stay. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis and prescribing patterns. Results The incidence of VTE in our neurosurgery population was 248/13,913 (1.8%). Of the 123 patients, the median time to VTE diagnosis was 96 hours after surgery (interquartile range [IQR], 58–188 hours). A total of 108 patients (87.8%) were prescribed risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis, among whom 61 (56.5%) received all doses as prescribed. Fifty-three patients (43.1%) missed ≥1 dose of prescribed prophylaxis and the median missed doses was 3 (IQR, 0–3). The median time to first dose of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis was 42 hours (IQR, 28–51). More than half (n = 63, 51.2%) of the VTE risk assessments contained ≥1 error, of which 15 (23.8%) would have resulted in a change in recommendation. Conclusions Our evidence-based VTE prophylaxis algorithm was not accurately completed in more than half of patients. Many patients who developed VTE had a defect in their VTE prophylaxis management during their inpatient stay. Research to improve optimal VTE prevention practice in neurosurgery patients is needed.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent cause of preventable harm among hospitalized patients. Many prescribed prophylaxis doses are not administered despite supporting evidence. We previously demonstrated a patient-centered education bundle improved VTE prophylaxis administration broadly; however, patient-specific factors driving nonadministration are unclear. We examine the effects of the education bundle on missed doses of VTE prophylaxis by sex.We performed a post-hoc analysis of a nonrandomized controlled trial to evaluate the differences in missed doses by sex. Pre-intervention and intervention periods for patients admitted to 16 surgical and medical floors between 10/2014-03/2015 (pre-intervention) and 04/2015-12/2015 (intervention) were compared. We examined the conditional odds of (1) overall missed doses, (2) missed doses due to patient refusal, and (3) missed doses for other reasons.Overall, 16,865 patients were included (pre-intervention 6853, intervention 10,012), with 2350 male and 2460 female patients (intervention), and 6373 male and 5682 female patients (control). Any missed dose significantly reduced on the intervention floors among male (odds ratio OR 0.55; 95% confidence interval CI, 0.44-0.70, P 0.001) and female (OR 0.59; 95% CI, 0.47-0.73, P 0.001) patients. Similar significant reductions ensued for missed doses due to patient refusal (P 0.001). Overall, there were no sex-specific differences (P-interaction0.05).Our intervention increased VTE prophylaxis administration for both female and male patients, driven by decreased patient refusal. Patient education should be applicable to a wide range of patient demographics representative of the target group. To improve future interventions, quality improvement efforts should be evaluated based on patient demographics and drivers of differences in care.

IMPORTANCE: Pulmonary clots are seen frequently on chest computed tomography performed after trauma, but recent studies suggest that pulmonary thrombosis (PT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after trauma are independent clinical events. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether posttraumatic PT represents a distinct clinical entity associated with the nature of the injury, different from the traditional venous thromboembolic paradigm of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and PE. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study was conducted by the Consortium of Leaders in the Study of Traumatic Thromboembolism (CLOTT) study group. The study was conducted at 17 US level I trauma centers during a 2-year period (January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020). Consecutive patients 18 to 40 years of age admitted for a minimum of 48 hours with at least 1 previously defined trauma-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factor were followed up until discharge or 30 days. EXPOSURES: Investigational imaging, prophylactic measures used, and treatment of clots. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The main outcomes of interest were the presence, timing, location, and treatment of any pulmonary clots, as well as the associated injury-related risk factors. Secondary outcomes included DVT. We regarded pulmonary clots with DVT as PE and those without DVT as de novo PT. RESULTS: A total of 7880 patients (mean [SD] age, 29.1 [6.4] years; 5859 [74.4%] male) were studied, 277 with DVT (3.5%), 40 with PE (0.5%), and 117 with PT (1.5%). Shock on admission was present in only 460 patients (6.2%) who had no DVT, PT, or PE but was documented in 11 (27.5%) of those with PE and 30 (25.6%) in those with PT. Risk factors independently associated with PT but not DVT or PE included shock on admission (systolic blood pressure 3; P = .04) and major venous injury (23 [82.1%] without major venous injury and 5 [17.9%] with major venous injury; P = .02). No deaths were attributed to PT or PE. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this CLOTT study is the largest prospective investigation in the world that focuses on posttraumatic PT. The study suggests that most pulmonary clots are not embolic but rather result from inflammation, endothelial injury, and the hypercoagulable state caused by the injury itself.

Introduction The interaction of increasing age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and complications is not well described in geriatric trauma patients. We hypothesized that failure to rescue rate from any complication worsens with age and injury severity. Methods The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was queried for injured patients aged 65 years or older from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016. Demographics and injury characteristics were used to compare groups. Mortality rates were calculated across subgroups of age and ISS, and captured with heatmaps. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results 614,496 geriatric trauma patients were included; 151,880 (24.7%) experienced a complication. Those with complications tended to be older, female, non-white, have non-blunt mechanism, higher ISS, and hypotension on arrival. Overall mortality was highest (19%) in the oldest (≥86 years old) and most severely injured (ISS ≥ 25) patients, with constant age increasing across each ISS group was associated with a 157% increase in overall mortality ( P < .001, 95% CI: 148-167%). Holding ISS stable, increasing age group was associated with a 48% increase in overall mortality ( P < .001, 95% CI: 44-52%). After controlling for standard demographic variables at presentation, the existence of any complication was an independent predictor of overall mortality in geriatric patients (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 2.2-2.4). Conclusions Any complication was an independent risk factor for mortality, and scaled with increasing age and ISS in geriatric patients. Differences in failure to rescue between populations may reflect critical differences in physiologic vulnerability that could represent targets for interventions.

Background We evaluated the association between operating room time and developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) after emergency general surgery (EGS). Methods We reviewed six common EGS procedures in the 2013–2015 NSQIP dataset. After tabulating their incidence of postoperative VTE events, we calculated predictors of developing a VTE using adjusted multivariate logistic regressions. Results Of 108,954 EGS patients, 1,366 patients (1.3%) developed a VTE postoperatively. The median time to diagnosis was 9 days [5–16] for DVTs and 8 days [5–16] for PEs. Operating room time of 100 min or more was associated with increased risk of developing a DVT (OR 1.30 [1.12–2.21]) and PE (OR:1.25 [1.11–2.43]) with a 7% and 5% respective increase for every 10 min increase after the 100 min. Other independent predictors of VTE complications were older age, and history of cancer, and emergent colectomies on procedure-level analysis. Conclusion Prolonged operating room time is independently associated with increased risk of developing VTE complications after an EGS procedure. Most of the VTE complications were delayed in presentation.

This study compared anti-Xa activity in critically ill patients receiving UFH for VTE prophylaxis between two weight groups (100 kg vs ≥100 kg).This prospective, observational study included critically ill patients on UFH 5000 or 7500 units every 8 h. A peak and trough anti-Xa activity assay was ordered for each patient at steady state. Goal peak anti-Xa activity was 0.1-0.3 units/mL.From March 2017 to June 2018, 75 patients were enrolled with 44 in the100 kg group and 31 in the ≥100 kg group. There was no significant difference in the percentage of patients with peak anti-Xa activity within goal range between patients100 kg and ≥ 100 kg (55.3% vs 35.7%, p = 0.12). The odds ratio for achieving peak anti-Xa activity within goal range as weight-based dose increased was 1.03 (95% CI 0.99-1.07). No differences were found in trough anti-Xa activity, VTE, bleeding, length of stay, or death.Though only one-third of patients ≥100 kg had peak anti-Xa activity within goal range, no significant difference was found between the weight groups. Additional prospective studies with adequate sample sizes are warranted to further investigate appropriate weight-based dosing of UFH in critically ill patients.

Background Certain behavioral traits and inadequate social support are known risk factors for complications after cancer surgery. Despite their importance, it is unclear whether conventional patient preoperative evaluation captures them. This study was conducted to assess concordance between documentation and patient survey of selected risk factors and to determine whether failure to document affected postoperative outcomes. Methods Adult patients at a tertiary academic medical center were surveyed before abdominal cancer surgery to assess 6 psychosocial risk factors. Risk factors were also assessed by retrospective chart review and compared with survey results through concordance measures. Thirty-day postoperative complications were abstracted by chart review. Rates of major complications for those with and without clinically missed risk factors were compared. Results Comparisons between chart review and screening survey revealed poor-to-moderate positive agreement (0%–47%) for 5 risk factors and strong negative agreement (82%–99%) among all risk factors. Kappa analysis demonstrated poor-to-fair agreement among 5 risk factors (κ = 0.112–0.423). The overall complication rate was 36%. The complication rate for patients with at least 1 clinically missed risk factor was 49% vs 24% in those without (P = .021), with a similar effect replicated for each individual risk factor. Conclusion This study shows a high level of discordance between formal screening and routine clinician documentation in a preoperative setting for psychosocial risk factors. There is a significant association between missing these risk factors and worse postoperative outcomes. Future work should examine whether structured screening of psychosocial risk factors may improve preoperative risk stratification through proactive interventions.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to estimate the cost of major complications after liver resection and determine whether high-volume (HV) centers are cost-effective. METHODS From 2002 to 2011, 96,107 cases of liver resection performed in the United States were identified using Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Hospitals were categorized as HV (150+ cases/yr), medium-volume (51-149 cases/yr), and low-volume (LV) (1-50 cases/yr) centers. Multivariable regression analysis identified predictors of cost. Propensity score matching comparing cases with versus without complications and costs of specific complications were estimated. Cost-effectiveness of HV centers was determined by calculating the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. RESULTS After propensity score matching, the occurrence of a major complication added $33,855 extra cost, increased mean length of stay by 8.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 8.4-9] days and increased risk of death by 9.3% (all P < 0.001). The cost of most common complications was wound infection (3.8%, $21,995), renal failure (2.8%, $19,201), respiratory failure (2.7%, $25,169), and hemorrhage (3.3%, $9,180), whereas sepsis (0.8%, $33,009), gastrointestinal bleeding (0.5%, $32,835), fistula (0.2%, $27,079), and foreign body removal (0.1%, $29,404) were most costly, but less frequent. Compared with LV centers, liver resection at HV centers was associated with $5109 (95% CI, 4409-5809, P < 0.001) more cost per case, yet on average 0.54 years (95% CI, 0.23-0.86) longer survival for an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $9392. CONCLUSIONS HV centers were cost-effective at performing liver resection compared with LV centers. After liver resection, complications such as surgical site infection, respiratory failure, and renal failure contributed the most to annual cost burden.

Introduction Increased mortality has been demonstrated in older adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the effect of frailty has been unclear. Methods This multi-centre cohort study involved patients aged 18 years and older hospitalised with COVID-19, using routinely collected data. We used Cox regression analysis to assess the impact of age, frailty and delirium on the risk of inpatient mortality, adjusting for sex, illness severity, inflammation and co-morbidities. We used ordinal logistic regression analysis to assess the impact of age, Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and delirium on risk of increased care requirements on discharge, adjusting for the same variables. Results Data from 5,711 patients from 55 hospitals in 12 countries were included (median age 74, interquartile range [IQR] 54–83; 55.2% male). The risk of death increased independently with increasing age (>80 versus 18–49: hazard ratio [HR] 3.57, confidence interval [CI] 2.54–5.02), frailty (CFS 8 versus 1–3: HR 3.03, CI 2.29–4.00) inflammation, renal disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer, but not delirium. Age, frailty (CFS 7 versus 1–3: odds ratio 7.00, CI 5.27–9.32), delirium, dementia and mental health diagnoses were all associated with increased risk of higher care needs on discharge. The likelihood of adverse outcomes increased across all grades of CFS from 4 to 9. Conclusion Age and frailty are independently associated with adverse outcomes in COVID-19. Risk of increased care needs was also increased in survivors of COVID-19 with frailty or older age.

Author(s): Taghavi, Sharven; Maher, Zoe; Goldberg, Amy J; Chang, Grace; Mendiola, Michelle; Anderson, Christofer; Ninokawa, Scott; Tatebe, Leah C; Maluso, Patrick; Raza, Shariq; Keating, Jane J; Burruss, Sigrid; Reeves, Matthew; Coleman, Lauren E; Shatz, David V; Goldenberg-Sandau, Anna; Bhupathi, Apoorva; Spalding, M Chance; LaRiccia, Aimee; Bird, Emily; Noorbakhsh, Matthew R; Babowice, James; Nelson, Marsha C; Jacobson, Lewis E; Williams, Jamie; Vella, Michael; Dellonte, Kate; Hayward, Thomas Z; Holler, Emma; Lieser, Mark J; Berne, John D; Mederos, Dalier R; Askari, Reza; Okafor, Barbara U; Haut, Elliott R; Etchill, Eric W; Fang, Raymond; Roche, Samantha L; Whittenburg, Laura; Bernard, Andrew C; Haan, James M; Lightwine, Kelly L; Norwood, Scott H; Murry, Jason; Gamber, Mark A; Carrick, Matthew M; Bugaev, Nikolay; Tatar, Antony; Duchesne, Juan; Tatum, Danielle | Abstract: BackgroundPrehospital procedures (PHP) by emergency medical services (EMS) are performed regularly in penetrating trauma patients despite previous studies demonstrating no benefit. We sought to examine the influence of PHPs on outcomes in penetrating trauma patients in urban locations where transport to trauma center is not prolonged. We hypothesized that patients without PHPs would have better outcomes than those undergoing PHP.MethodsThis was an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma-sponsored, multicenter, prospective, observational trial of adults (18+ years) with penetrating trauma to the torso and/or proximal extremity presenting at 25 urban trauma centers. The impact of PHPs and transport mechanism on in-hospital mortality were examined.ResultsOf 2,284 patients included, 1,386 (60.7%) underwent PHP. The patients were primarily Black (n = 1,527, 66.9%) males (n = 1,986, 87.5%) injured by gunshot wound (n = 1,510, 66.0%) with 34.1% (n = 726) having New Injury Severity Score of ≥16. A total of 1,427 patients (62.5%) were transported by Advanced Life Support EMS, 17.2% (n = 392) by private vehicle, 13.7% (n = 312) by police, and 6.7% (n = 153) by Basic Life Support EMS. Of the PHP patients, 69.1% received PHP on scene, 59.9% received PHP in route, and 29.0% received PHP both on scene and in route. Initial scene vitals differed between groups, but initial emergency department vitals did not. Receipt of ≥1 PHP increased mortality odds (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.83; p = 0.04). Logistic regression showed increased mortality with each PHP, whether on scene or during transport. Subset analysis of specific PHP revealed that intubation (OR, 10.76; 95% CI, 4.02-28.78; p l 0.001), C-spine immobilization (OR, 5.80; 95% CI, 1.85-18.26; p l 0.01), and pleural decompression (OR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.33-10.28; p = 0.01) had the highest odds of mortality after adjusting for multiple variables.ConclusionPrehospital procedures in penetrating trauma patients impart no survival advantage and may be harmful in urban settings, even when performed during transport. Therefore, PHP should be forgone in lieu of immediate transport to improve patient outcomes.Level of evidencePrognostic, level III.

COVID-19 led to substantial changes in individuals' lives due to preventive measures, including social distancing and "stay at home" orders. One type of social interaction likely impacted is intimacy and sexual relationships. Sexual minority men have long navigated the impact of another pandemic, HIV, on their sexual lives. This study explored the impact of COVID-19 on Latinx sexual minority men's (LSMM) sexual behaviors in South Florida, an HIV and COVID-19 epicenter. A rapid qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with LSMM (N = 20) revealed five themes: (1) increased sex with a primary partner, (2) fewer sexual partners, (3) continued pre-COVID-19 sexual activity, often following "quarantine fatigue," (4) opportunities and challenges related to navigating COVID-19 prevention and sex, and (5) using sexual networking apps in new ways. The findings suggest LSMM's resilience and their ongoing health needs during COVID-19, with implications for interventions to promote LSMM's safe and satisfying sex.

Introduction The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is higher than most other hospitalized patients. Nonadministration of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis is common and is associated with VTE events. Our objective was to determine whether nonadministration of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis is more common in patients with COVID-19 versus other hospitalized patients. Materials and methods In this retrospective cohort analysis of all adult patients discharged from the Johns hopkins hospital between Mar 1 and May 12, 2020, we compared demographic, clinical characteristics, VTE outcomes, prescription and administration of VTE prophylaxis between COVID-19 positive, negative, and not tested groups. Results Patients tested positive for COVID-19 were significantly older, and more likely to be Hispanic, have a higher median body mass index, have longer hospital length of stay, require mechanical ventilation, develop pulmonary embolism and die (all p

Background The Stop the Bleed (STB) campaign was developed in part to educate the lay public about hemorrhage control techniques aimed at reducing preventable trauma deaths. Studies have shown this training increases bystanders’ confidence and willingness to provide aid. One high-risk group might be better solicited to take the course: individuals who have been a victim of previous trauma, as high rates of recidivism after trauma are well-established. Given this group's risk for recurrent injury, we evaluated their attitudes toward STB concepts. Methods We surveyed trauma patients admitted to 3 urban trauma centers in Baltimore from January 8, 2020 to March 14, 2020. The survey was terminated prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trauma patients hospitalized on any inpatient unit were invited to complete the survey via an electronic tablet. The survey asked about demographics, prior exposure to life-threatening hemorrhage and first aid training, and willingness to help a person with major bleeding. The Johns Hopkins IRB approved waiver of consent for this study. Results Fifty-six patients completed the survey. The majority of respondents had been hospitalized before (92.9%) and had witnessed severe bleeding (60.7%). The majority had never taken a first aid course (60.7%) nor heard of STB (83.9%). Most respondents would be willing to help someone with severe bleeding form a car crash (98.2%) or gunshot wound (94.6%). Conclusions Most patients admitted for trauma had not heard about Stop the Bleed, but stated willingness to respond to someone injured with major bleeding. Focusing STB education on individuals at high-risk for trauma recidivism may be particularly effective in spreading the message and skills of STB.

Background Socioeconomic disadvantage is a known contributor to adverse events and higher admission rates in the diabetic population. However, its impact on outcomes after lower extremity amputation is unclear. We aimed to assess the association of geographic socioeconomic disadvantage with short- and long-term outcomes after minor amputation in patients with diabetes. Materials and methods Geographic socioeconomic disadvantage was determined using the area deprivation index (ADI). All patients from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission database (2012-2019) who underwent minor amputation with a concurrent diagnosis of diabetes were included and stratified by the ADI quartile. Associations of the ADI quartile with 30-day readmission and 1-year reamputation were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analyses and multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for baseline differences. Results A total of 7415 patients with diabetes underwent minor amputation (70.1% male, 38.7% black race), including 28.1% ADI1 (least deprived), 42.8% ADI2, 22.9% ADI3, and 6.2% ADI4 (most deprived). After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, the odds of 30-day readmission were greater in the intermediate ADI groups than those in the ADI1 group, but not among the most deprived. Adjusted odds of 1-year reamputation were greater among ADI4 than those among ADI1. Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed a greater likelihood of reamputation with an increasing ADI quartile over a 1-year period (P Conclusions Geographic socioeconomic disadvantage is independently associated with both short- and long-term outcomes after minor diabetic amputations in Maryland. A targeted approach addressing the health care needs of deprived regions may be beneficial in optimizing postoperative care in this vulnerable population.

Objective A hospital-wide difficult airway response team was developed in 2008 at The Johns Hopkins Hospital with three central pillars: operations, safety monitoring, and education. The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes of the educational pillar of the difficult airway response team program, known as the multidisciplinary difficult airway course (MDAC). Design The comprehensive, full-day MDAC involves trainees and staff from all provider groups who participate in airway management. The MDAC occurs within the Johns Hopkins Medicine Simulation Center approximately four times per year and uses a combination of didactic lectures, hands-on sessions, and high-fidelity simulation training. Participation in MDAC is the main intervention being investigated in this study. Data were collected prospectively using course evaluation survey with quantitative and qualitative components, and prepost course knowledge assessment multiple choice questions (MCQ). Outcomes include course evaluation scores and themes derived from qualitative assessments, and prepost course knowledge assessment MCQ scores. Setting Tertiary care academic hospital center Participants Students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians from the departments of Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine, and Emergency Medicine; advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants), nurse anesthetists, nurses, and respiratory therapists. Results Totally, 23 MDACs have been conducted, including 499 participants. Course evaluations were uniformly positive with mean score of 86.9 of 95 points. Qualitative responses suggest major value from high-fidelity simulation, the hands-on skill stations, and teamwork practice. MCQ scores demonstrated significant improvement: median (interquartile range) pre: 69% (60%-81%) vs post: 81% (72%-89%), p Conclusions Implementation of a MDAC successfully disseminated principles and protocols to all airway providers. Demonstrable improvement in prepost course knowledge assessment and overwhelmingly positive course evaluations (quantitative and qualitative) suggest a critical and ongoing role for the MDAC course.

Many rural, low-income, and historically underrepresented minority communities lack access to trauma center services, including surgical care and injury prevention efforts. Along with features of the built and social environment at injury incident locations, geographic barriers to trauma center services may contribute to injury disparities. This study sought to classify injury event locations based on features of the built and social environment at the injury scene, and to examine patterns in individual patient demographics, injury characteristics, and mortality by location class.Data from the 2015 Maryland Adult Trauma Registry and associated prehospital records (n = 16,082) were used in a latent class analysis of characteristics of injury event locations, including trauma center distance, trauma center characteristics, land use, community-level per capita income, and community-level median age. Mortality effects of location class were estimated with logistic regression, with and without adjustment for individual patient demographics and injury characteristics.Eight classes were identified: rural, exurban, young suburban, aging suburban, inner suburban, urban fringe, high-income urban core, and low-income urban core. Patient characteristics and odds of death varied across classes. Compared with inner suburban locations, adjusted odds of death were highest at rural (odds ratio [OR], 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.88), young suburb (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.14-2.17), aging suburb (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04-1.78), and low-income urban core (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.04-1.83) locations.Injury incident locations can be categorized into distinguishable classes with varying mortality risk. Identification of location classes may be useful for targeted primary prevention and treatment interventions, both by identifying geographic areas with the highest risk of injury mortality and by identifying patterns of individual risk within location classes.Prognostic and epidemiological, level III.

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important complication after solid organ transplantation. We sought to evaluate any association between VTE and in-hospital death, length of hospitalization, and total hospital charges for patients hospitalized for lung transplantation (LT). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify patients hospitalized for LT from 2000 to 2011. We evaluated the incidence of VTE during hospitalization for LT, risk factors for VTE, and the association between VTE and in-hospital death, length of hospitalization, and total hospital charges. Results Of the 16,318 adults hospitalized for LT during the study period, VTE developed in 1,029 (6.3%), including 854 (5.4%) with deep vein thrombosis alone and 175 (1.1%) with pulmonary embolism. The factors associated with VTE included age older than 60 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.94), female sex (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86), and receiving mechanical ventilation support for 96 hours or more (OR, 3.38; 95% CI, 2.49 to 4.58). The adjusted odds of in-hospital death in patients with pulmonary embolism was thrice as high as those without any VTE (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.29 to 8.99). Among LT patients with VTE, the average length of hospitalization was 38% (95% CI, 27% to 48%) longer, and the total cost of hospitalization was 23% (95% CI, 16% to 30%) higher compared with LT patients without VTE. Conclusions VTE is a relatively frequent complication among LT recipients and is associated with increased death, total hospital length of stay, and hospital charges. These data indicate that prophylaxis practices should be reexamined to reduce this preventable complication.

Background Non-administration of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis contributes to preventable patient harm. We hypothesized that non-administration would be more common for parenteral VTE prophylaxis than oral infectious disease or cardiac prophylaxis or for treatment medications. The primary study goal was to determine if non-administration of parenteral VTE prophylaxis is more frequent than other prophylactic or treatment medications. Methods In this retrospective cohort study of consecutive admissions we used descriptive statistics and risk ratios (RR) to compare the number of non-administered doses of VTE prophylaxis, oral infectious disease and cardiovascular prophylaxis and treatment medications. To quantify the influence of demographic and clinical characteristics on non-administration, we estimated incidence rate ratios from Poisson regression models. Results 645 patients were admitted from July 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015. Median age was 52 years (Interquartile range 43–57) and 365 (56.6%) were male. Subcutaneous VTE prophylaxis doses were not administered nearly 4-fold more frequently than oral infectious disease and cardiovascular prophylaxis (RR = 3.93; 95% CI 3.36–4.59) and 3-fold more frequently than treatment medications (RR = 3.06; 95% CI 2.91–3.22). Ninety percent of non-administered doses of VTE prophylaxis were refused. Risk factors for non-administration included younger age (age 18–35 years), male sex, uninsured status, HIV-positivity and high VTE risk status. Conclusions Subcutaneous VTE prophylaxis is not administered more frequently than oral infectious diseases or cardiac prophylaxis and treatment medications. These data suggest that availability of an oral medication could improve the effectiveness of VTE prophylaxis in real world settings.

Adherence to care processes and surgical outcomes varies by population subgroups for the same procedure. Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways are intended to standardize care, but their effect on process adherence and outcomes for population subgroups is unknown.This study aims to demonstrate the association between recovery pathway implementation, process measures, and short-term surgical outcomes by population subgroup.This study is a pre- and post-quality improvement implementation cohort study.This study was conducted at a tertiary academic medical center.A modified colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery pathway was implemented.Patients were included who had elective colon and rectal resections before (2013) and following (2014-2016) recovery pathway implementation.Thirty-day outcomes by race and socioeconomic status were analyzed using a difference-in-difference approach with correlation to process adherence.We identified 639 cases (199 preimplementation, 440 postimplementation). In these cases, 75.2% of the patients were white, and 91.7% had a high socioeconomic status. Groups were similar in terms of other preoperative characteristics. Following pathway implementation, median lengths of stay improved in all subgroups (-1.0 days overall, p ≤ 0.001), but with no statistical difference by race or socioeconomic status (p = 0.89 and p = 0.29). Complication rates in both racial and socioeconomic groups were no different (26.4% vs 28.8%, p = 0.73; 27.3% vs 25.0%, p = 0.86) and remained unchanged with implementation (p = 0.93, p = 0.84). By race, overall adherence was 31.7% in white patients and 26.5% in nonwhite patients (p = 0.32). Although stratification by socioeconomic status demonstrated decreased overall adherence in the low-status group (31.8% vs 17.1%, p = 0.05), white patients were more likely to have regional pain therapy (57.1% vs 44.1%, p = 0.02) with a similar trend seen with socioeconomic status.Data were collected primarily for quality improvement purposes.Differences in outcomes by race and socioeconomic status did not arise following implementation of an enhanced recovery pathway. Differences in process measures by population subgroups highlight differences in care that require further investigation. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A386.

Surgery for benign esophageal disease is mostly performed either by general surgeons (GS) or cardiothoracic surgeons (CTS) in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surgeon specialty on perioperative outcomes of surgery for benign esophageal diseases.We have conducted a retrospective analysis using the ACS-NSQIP during the period of 2006-2013. Patients who underwent paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair, gastric fundoplication, or Heller esophagomyotomy were divided into two groups according to the specialty of the surgeon (GS or CTS). Outcomes compared between the two groups using multivariable logistic regression included 30-day mortality, overall morbidity, discharge destination, hospital length of stay (LOS), and readmission rates.Most of the surgeries were performed by general surgeons (PEH: 97.1%; fundoplication: 97.6%; Heller: 91.6%). Patients had lower comorbidities, better physical condition, and underwent a laparoscopic approach more frequently in the GS group. Regression analysis showed that GS group had a lower mortality rate (operating room, 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23-0.86; P = .017), shorter LOS, and more home discharge for patients undergoing PEH repair. Mortality, morbidity, readmission, LOS, and home discharge were comparable between GS and CTS in fundoplication and Heller esophagomyotomy.GS perform most of esophageal surgeries for benign diseases. GS group has better outcomes in PEH repair compared with CTS, whereas there is no difference in the overall outcomes between GS and CTS in fundoplication and Heller esophagomyotomy. These results show that specialization is not always the answer to better outcomes. Difference in outcomes, however, might be related to disease severity, approach needed, or case volume.

Purpose This study aimed to determine the prevalence of static graduated compression stocking (sGCS)-associated pressure injury among patients in surgical intensive care units (ICUs). Methods We retrospectively reviewed data from wound care rounds between April 2011 and June 2012 at 3 surgical ICUs at an urban, tertiary care hospital. Patients with sGCS-associated pressure injury were identified and descriptive analysis was performed on their demographic, perioperative, and postoperative characteristics. Results We examined 1787 individual patients during 2391 patient encounters. A total of 129 (7.2%) of patients developed pressure injuries. Forty patients (2.2%) developed sGCS-associated pressure injury. Static GCS–associated pressure injury accounted for 31% (40/129) of all pressure injuries and 74% (40/54) of all medical device–related pressure injury. Eighteen (45%) and 6 (15%) developed stage 1 and 2 pressure injury, respectively, and 16 (40%) developed deep tissue injuries. The mean age of our patients was 64.7 years, about half (47.5%) were male, and their mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 18.8. Many had comorbid conditions, including obesity (44.5%) and diabetes (42.5%), and required mechanical ventilation (45%). Conclusions Pressure injuries are a notable complication of sGCS in surgical ICU patients. Appropriate measures are required to help avoid this potentially preventable harm.

Background Outcome studies in trauma using administrative data traditionally employ anatomy-based definitions of injury severity; however, physiologic factors, including consciousness, may correlate with outcomes. We examined whether accounting for conscious status in administrative data improved mortality prediction among patients with moderate to severe TBI. Methods Patients meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for TBI in the 2006 to 2011 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample were identified. Patients were dichotomized as having no/brief loss of consciousness (LOC) vs extended LOC greater than 1 hour using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) fifth digit modifiers. Receiver operating curves compared the ability of logistic regression to predict mortality in models that included LOC vs models that did not. Results Overall, 98,397 individuals met criteria, of whom 25.8% had extended LOC. In univariate analysis, AIS alone predicted mortality in 69.6% of patients (area under receiver operating characteristic curve .696, 95% CI .689 to .702), extended LOC alone predicted mortality in 76.8% (AUROC .768, 95% CI .764 to .773), and a combination of AIS and extended LOC predicted mortality in 82.6% of cases (AUROC .826, 95% CI .821 to .830). Similar differences were observed in best-fit models. Conclusions Accounting for LOC along with anatomical measures of injury severity improves mortality prediction among patients with moderate/severe TBI in administrative datasets. Further work is warranted to determine whether other physiological measures may also improve prediction across a variety of injury types.

Purpose Few guidelines exist regarding the selection of a particular type or size of tracheostomy tube. Although nonstandard tubes can be placed over the percutaneous kit dilator, clinicians often place standard tracheostomy tubes and change to nonstandard tubes only after problems arise. This practice risks early tracheostomy tube change, possible bleeding, or loss of the airway. We sought to identify predictors of nonstandard tracheostomy tubes. Materials and methods In this matched case-control study at an urban, academic, tertiary care medical center, we reviewed 1220 records of patients who received a tracheostomy. Seventy-seven patients received nonstandard tracheostomy tubes (cases), and 154 received standard tracheostomy tubes (controls). Results Sex, endotracheal tube size, severity of illness, and computed tomography scan measurement of the distance from the trachea to the skin at the level of the superior aspect of the anterior clavicle were significant predictors of nonstandard tracheostomy tubes. Specifically, trachea-to-skin distance > 4.4 cm and endotracheal tube sizes ≥ 8.0 were associated with nonstandard tracheostomy. Conclusions The findings suggest that clinicians should consider using nonstandard tracheostomy tubes as the first choice if the patient is male with an endotracheal tube size ≥ 8.0 and has a trachea-to-skin distance > 4.4 cm on the computed tomography scan.

Patients with Crohn's disease are at increased risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism. Historically, extended outpatient prophylaxis has not met conventional measures of societal cost-benefit advantage. However, extended prophylaxis for patients with Crohn's disease may be more cost-effective because of the patients' high thrombotic risk and long life expectancy.This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of extended prophylaxis in patients with Crohn's disease after abdominal surgery.A decision tree model was used to assess the incremental cost-effectiveness and cost per case averted with extended-duration venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following abdominal surgery.The risk of a postdischarge thrombotic event, age at surgery, type of thrombotic event, prophylaxis risk reduction, bleeding complications, and mortality were estimated by using existing published sources.Studied were patients with Crohn's disease versus routine care.We constructed a decision analysis to compare costs and outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease postoperatively with and without extended prophylaxis over a lifetime horizon.Productivity costs ($) and benefits (quality-adjusted life-year) were used to reflect a societal perspective and were time discounted at 3%. Multivariable probabilistic sensitivity analysis accounted for uncertainty in probabilities, costs, and utility weights.With the use of reference parameters, the individual expected societal total cost of care was $399.83 without and $1387.95 with prophylaxis. Preventing a single mortality with prophylaxis would cost $43.00 million (number needed to treat: 39,839 individuals). The incremental cost was $1.90 million per quality-adjusted life-year. Adjusting across a range of scenarios upheld these conclusions 88% of the time. With further sensitivity testing, subpopulations with postdischarge thrombosis rates greater than 4.9% favors postoperative extended-duration venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.Further investigation is needed to determine if specific high-risk individuals can be preemptively identified in the Crohn's surgical population for targeted prophylaxis.Extended prophylaxis in patients with Crohn's disease postoperatively is not cost-effective when the cumulative incidence of posthospital thrombosis remains less than 4.9%. These findings are driven by the low absolute risk of thrombosis in this population and the considerable cost of universal treatment. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A998. LIMITACIONES DE COSTO-BENEFICIO DE LA PROFILAXIS AMBULATORIA PROLONGADA DEL TROMBOEMBOLISMO VENOSO DESPUÉS DE CIRUGÍA EN CASOS DE ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN:: Los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn tienen un mayor riesgo de tromboembolismo venoso postoperatorio. Históricamente, la profilaxis ambulatoria prolongada no ha cumplido con las medidas convencionales de ventajas en costo-beneficio para la sociedad. Sin embargo, la profilaxis prolongada en los pacientes con Crohn puede ser más rentable debido al alto riesgo trombótico y a una larga esperanza de vida en estos pacientes.Evaluar la rentabilidad de la profilaxis prolongada en pacientes postoperados de un Crohn.Se utilizó un modelo de árbol de decisión para evaluar el incremento de rentabilidad y el costo por cada caso evitado con la profilaxis prolongada de tromboembolismo venoso después de cirugía abdominal.Se calcularon utilizando fuentes publicadas el riesgo de evento trombótico posterior al alta, la edad del paciente al momento de la cirugía, el tipo de evento trombótico, la reducción del riesgo de profilaxis, las complicaciones hemorrágicas y la mortalidad.Se estudiaron los pacientes de atención rutinaria versus aquellos portadores de Crohn.Construimos un arbol de análisis decisional para comparar costos y resultados de pacientes portadores de Crohn, con y sin profilaxis prolongada en el postoperatorio en un horizonte de por vida.Los costos de productividad ($) y los beneficios (año de vida ajustado por calidad) se utilizaron para reflejar la perspectiva social y se descontaron en el tiempo de un 3%. El análisis de sensibilidad probabilística multivariable dió cuenta de la incertidumbre en las probabilidades, costos y peso de utilidades.Usando parámetros de referencia, el costo total social esperado de la atención individual fue de $ 399.83 sin y $ 1,387.95 con profilaxis. La prevención del deceso de un paciente con profilaxis costaría $ 43.00 millones (valor requerido para tratar: 39,839 individuos). El costo incrementado fue de $ 1.90 millones por año de vida ajustado por la calidad. El ajuste a través de una gama de escenarios confirmó estas conclusiones el 88% del tiempo. Con pruebas de sensibilidad adicionales, las subpoblaciones con tasas de trombosis posteriores al alta fueron superiores al 4,9% y favorecían la profilaxis prolongada del tromboembolismo venoso en el postoperatorio.Se necesita más investigación para determinar si se puede identificar de manera preventiva los individuos específicos de alto riesgo en la población quirúrgica de Crohn en casos de profilaxis dirigida.La profilaxis prolongada en pacientes postoperados de un Crohn no es rentable cuando la incidencia acumulada de trombosis posthospitalaria sigue siendo inferior al 4,9%. Estos hallazgos son impulsados por el bajo riesgo absoluto de trombosis en esta población y el costo considerable del tratamiento universal. Vea el resumen del video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/A998.

BACKGROUND: Patients requiring emergent surgery for hernia vary widely in presentation and management. The purpose of this study was to determine if the variation in timing of urgent surgery impacts surgical outcomes. METHODS: The national NSQIP database for years 2011-2016 was queried for emergent surgeries for abdominal hernia resulting in obstruction or gangrene by primary post-op diagnosis. Diaphragmatic hernias were excluded. Patients were grouped by surgical timing from admission to day of surgery: same day, next day, and longer delay. Multinomial propensity score weighting was used to address potential differences in underlying covariates’ clustering across the timing groups followed by multivariable logistic regression of morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Weighted analysis yielded an effective sample size of 76,364. Hernia types included inguinal (20.9%); femoral (6.7%); umbilical (20.2%); ventral (41.0%); and other (10.4%). Delayed surgery was associated with increased rates of major complications (26.4% versus 20.9%, p

IMPORTANCE: A major change has occurred in the evaluation of epilepsy with the availability of robotic stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) for seizure localization. However, the comparative morbidity and outcomes of this minimally invasive procedure relative to traditional subdural electrode (SDE) implantation are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To perform a comparative analysis of the relative efficacy, procedural morbidity, and epilepsy outcomes consequent to SEEG and SDE in similar patient populations and performed by a single surgeon at 1 center. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 239 patients with medically intractable epilepsy underwent 260 consecutive intracranial electroencephalographic procedures to localize their epilepsy. Procedures were performed from November 1, 2004, through June 30, 2017, and data were analyzed in June 2017 and August 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Implantation of SDE using standard techniques vs SEEG using a stereotactic robot, followed by resection or laser ablation of the seizure focus. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Length of surgical procedure, surgical complications, opiate use, and seizure outcomes using the Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale. RESULTS: Of the 260 cases included in the study (54.6% female; mean [SD] age at evaluation, 30.3 [13.1] years), the SEEG (n = 121) and SDE (n = 139) groups were similar in age (mean [SD], 30.1 [12.2] vs 30.6 [13.8] years), sex (47.1% vs 43.9% male), numbers of failed anticonvulsants (mean [SD], 5.7 [2.5] vs 5.6 [2.5]), and duration of epilepsy (mean [SD], 16.4 [12.0] vs17.2 [12.1] years). A much greater proportion of SDE vs SEEG cases were lesional (99 [71.2%] vs 53 [43.8%]; P

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder with variable expressivity associated with hamartomatous tumors, abnormalities of the skin, and neurologic problems including seizures, intellectual disability, and autism. TSC is caused by pathogenic variants in either TSC1 or TSC2. In general, TSC2 pathogenic variants are associated with a more severe phenotype than TSC1 pathogenic variants. Here, we report a pathogenic TSC2 variant, c.1864C>T, p.(Arg622Trp), associated with a mild phenotype, with most carriers meeting fewer than two major clinical diagnostic criteria for TSC. This finding has significant implications for counseling patients regarding prognosis. More patient data are required before changing the surveillance recommendations for patients with the reported variant. However, consideration should be given to tailoring surveillance recommendations for all pathogenic TSC1 and TSC2 variants with documented milder clinical sequelae. (C) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background Hospitals' and surgeons' volume-outcome relationship have been reported in several esophagectomy studies with an inverse association of mortality and volume. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of esophagectomy in the United States relative to the surgeon's specialty. Methods This was a retrospective analysis using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2006 to 2013). All patients (18 years of age and older) who underwent esophagectomy were divided into 2 groups according to whether the operation was performed by a general surgeon (GS) or a cardiothoracic surgeon (CTS). A comparison of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between the groups was conducted. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included overall and serious morbidity, discharge destination, and length of hospital stay. Results Of the 5,142 esophagectomies identified, 70.3% were performed by GS and 29.7% by CTS. Overall, CTS patients had significantly higher comorbidities and cancer rates (61% versus 53%). Both specialties preferred the transthoracic approach (59.41% for CTS versus 44.90% for GS). Trainee involvement was higher for CTS. There was no significant difference in mortality or overall morbidity. Patients operated on by GS had higher rates of wound infection, sepsis, shock, prolonged or unplanned intubation, and a longer hospital stay, whereas patients operated on by CTS had higher chance for bleeding and return to the operating room. Trainees' involvement in esophagectomy was not associated with worse outcome. Conclusions Our study showed that a large number of esophagectomies in the United States are performed by GS, with the transthoracic approach being the most popular among both specialties. Trainees' involvement in esophagectomy did not significantly affect patients' outcomes. However CTS specialty was associated with lower incidence of infection and a shorter hospital stay.

Background Prolonged intensive care unit length of stay (ICU-LOS) is associated with high mortality for medical and surgical patients. Existing literature suggests that this may not be true for trauma patients. The objective of this study was to determine mortality associated with varying ICU-LOS among trauma patients and to assess for independent predictors of mortality. Methods Adult ICU patients (16–64 years) in the National Trauma Data Bank (2007–2012) were categorized by ICU-LOS: 1, 2–9, 10–40, and >40 days (determined based on inflection points). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations with mortality for each. Models accounted for clustering of patients within hospitals and potential confounding associated with: age, gender, race/ethnicity, insurance status, Injury Severity Score, blunt/penetrating injury, Glasgow Coma Scale, in-hospital complications, ventilator dependency, and emergency department disposition. Results Among the 596,598 patients included, 6.5% (n = 38,812) died. Mortality varied with ICU-LOS: 9.9%, 4.9%, 6.6%, and 9.8%. Age >35 years was a significant predictor of mortality in each. Injury Severity Score and the Glasgow Coma Scale independently predicted mortality in patients with LOS ≤40 days as did penetrating injuries, cardiac arrest, and renal failure. Identification with non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity was also consistently significant. Once patients survived 9 days, mortality steadily decreased, remaining relatively stable until 40 days. Thereafter, trauma patients continued to demonstrate high survival with >87% remaining alive in the ICU >90 days. Conclusion The results reveal that in contrast to expectations of high mortality associated with prolonged ICU-LOS, critically injured adult trauma patients who do not die within the first few days demonstrate an enhanced ability to survive, with an overall survival of >92% and maintained at >85% among extreme ICU-LOS (>40 days). The data advocate the utility of aggressive critical-care support for trauma patients, irrespective of duration of ICU stay.

Previous research has demonstrated that nonclinical factors are associated with differences in clinical care, with uninsured patients receiving decreased resource use. Studies on trauma populations have also shown unclear relationships between insurance status and hospital length of stay (LOS), a commonly used metric for evaluating quality of care. The objective of this study is to define the relationship between insurance status and LOS after trauma using the largest available national trauma dataset and controlling for significant confounders. Data from 2007 to 2010 National Trauma Data Bank were used to compare differences in LOS among three insurance groups: privately insured, publically insured, and uninsured trauma patients. Multivariable regression models adjusted for potential confounding due to baseline differences in injury severity and demographic and clinical factors. A total of 884,493 patients met the inclusion criteria. After adjusting for the influence of covariates, uninsured patients had significantly shorter hospital stays (0.3 days) relative to privately insured patients. Publicly insured patients had longer risk-adjusted LOS (0.9 days). Stratified differences in discharge disposition and injury severity significantly altered the relationship between insurance status and LOS. In conclusion, this study elucidates the association between insurance status and hospital LOS, demonstrating that a patient's ability to pay could alter LOS in acute trauma patients. Additional research is needed to examine causes and outcomes from these differences to increase efficiency in the health care system, decrease costs, and shrink disparities in health outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to identify factors associated with rapid infarct progression during inter-facility transfer for endovascular thrombectomy evaluation and its impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients with anterior circulation large artery occlusion within 24 hours of onset transferred within our 17 hospital tele-stroke network were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into fast progressors and slow progressors. Fast progressors were defined as CT ASPECTS score of ≥6 at the referring hospital (RH) and

Introduction Falls are the most common cause of injury in the elderly, resulting in $50 billion of annual spending. Social and demographic factors associated with falling are not well understood. We hypothesized minority groups (minority race, lower income, and lower education levels) would experience similar rates of falling to majority groups after adjustment for medical factors. Material and Methods We used the 2013 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey Public Use File, a representatively sampled cross-sectional survey of Medicare outpatients. Fall was defined as at least one self-reported fall in the previous year. Logistic regression was performed to determine sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race, ethnicity, income, education level, and marital status) associated with fall. Health factors, physical limitations, and cognitive limitations were included as possible confounders. Data are presented as extrapolated weighted population proportions (±SE). Results 13,924 Medicare beneficiaries, representing 47 million people, were included. 26.6% (±0.4) reported falling. In adjusted logistic regression, black and Hispanic patients had significantly fewer self-reported falls than white patients, after adjustment for medical conditions, physical limitations, and cognitive limitations. Discussion Black and Hispanic Medicare patients are significantly less likely to have reported a fall than non-Hispanic whites. This finding differs from other health-related disparities in which minorities most commonly experience higher risk or more severe diseases. These data may also represent differences in self-reporting, indicating disparities in self-reported data in these cohorts. Further studies on social factors related to falling are needed in this population.

Objective The objective of our study was to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary difficult airway response team (DART), a quality improvement program, in the management of patients with difficult airway associated with oropharyngeal angioedema patients. Methods Individual retrospective cohort study. Retrospective review of patient charts from July 2003 to June 2008 (pre-DART) and retrospective review of prospectively collected data from July 2008 to June 2013 (post-DART). Patients with angioedema were identified using International Classification of Disease codes 995.1 and 277.6. Patients were included in the study if an otolaryngologist was consulted for airway management. Patients were excluded if they had a history of angioedema but no active issues. Patient characteristics, airway evaluation, and interventions (intubation/surgical airway) were compared between the pre-DART and post-DART cohort. Results The DART team attended to 27 patients with advanced oropharyngeal angioedema. Response time averaged 3.36 minutes. Preintubation fiberoptic airway evaluations were performed in 81% of the post-DART cohort and 56% of the pre-DART cohort. The incidence of patients requiring intubation was higher in the post-DART cohort (18 out of 27 [67%]) than the pre-DART (14 out of 36 [39%]) cohort. One emergency cricothyroidotomy was performed in each of the post-DART and pre-DART cohorts. Conclusion Angioedema of the larynx is a predictor of intubation or cricothyroidotomy. Fiberoptic-guided intubation is primarily used for establishing airway in angioedema patients. A multidisciplinary standardized approach such as the DART program offers adequate time and resources for airway evaluation prior to intervention and allows fewer number of attempts to secure an airway. Level of evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 129:1360-1367, 2019.

© 2018, Australasian Medical Publishing co. All rights reserved. Objective: To implement a best-practice intervention offering deceased organ donation, testing whether it increased family consent rates. Design: A multicentre before-and-after study of a prospective cohort compared with pre-intervention controls. Setting: Nine Australian intensive care units. Participants: Families and health care professionals caring for donor-eligible patients without registered donation preferences or aged ≤ 16 years. Intervention: A multicomponent intervention including offers of deceased organ donation from specially trained designated requesters using a structured conversation separate to end-of-life discussions. Main outcome measure: Proportion of families consenting to organ donation. Results: Consent was obtained in 87/164 cases (53%) during the intervention period compared with 14/25 cases (56%) pre-intervention (P = 0.83). The odds ratio (OR) of obtaining consent during the intervention period relative to pre-intervention was 1.13 (95% CI, 0.48–2.63; P = 0.78). During the intervention period, designated requesters obtained consent in 55/98 cases (56%), compared with 32/66 cases (48%) in which the medical team managing patient care raised donation (P = 0.34). Factors independently associated with increased consent were: family-raised organ donation (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.79–10.52; P = 0.001), presence of an independent designated requester (OR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.35– 10.98; P = 0.012), and multiple donation conversations per case (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.93–5.81; P < 0.001). Consent decreased when patients were of non-Christian religion (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04–0.91; P = 0.038) and end-of-life and donation meetings were separate (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16–0.89; P = 0.026). Conclusion: Implementation of a multicomponent intervention did not increase consent rates for organ donation, although some components of the intervention exerted significant effect.

INTRODUCTION As the aging American population poses unique challenges to acute care services, we determined if either hospital proportion or annual volume of geriatric patients undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS) procedures is associated with outcomes. METHODS Using criteria from the American Association of the Surgery of Trauma, we identified five EGS procedures in the 2012-2015 Nationwide Inpatient Sample common in geriatric patients (65+ years). We defined hospital proportion as the fraction of geriatric EGS patients divided by all EGS patients, where volume was the raw number of geriatric EGS patients. We then divided hospitals into quartiles both by proportion and then by volume of geriatric patients. Multivariable logistic regressions compared four outcomes between these quartiles: mortality, complications, failure to rescue (FTR; death after a complication), and extended length of stay (LOS; procedure-specific top decile of patients). RESULTS We identified 25,084 complex EGS procedures in geriatric patients at 3,528 hospitals (mortality, 10.6%; complications, 30.5%; FTR, 27.7%; extended LOS, 9.1%). The median hospital proportion of geriatric patients among EGS procedures was 42.8% (interquartile range, 33.3-52.2%), whereas the median hospital geriatric EGS volume after nationwide weighting was 40 per year (interquartile range, 20-70/year). After adjustment, the lowest hospital proportion quartile relative to the highest was associated with adverse outcomes: mortality (odds ratio, 1.21 [95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.44]), complications (1.16 [1.05-1.29]), FTR (1.32 [1.08-1.63]), and extended LOS (1.30 [1.12-1.50]). The lowest volume quartile relative to the highest was not associated with adverse outcomes. As the hospital proportion of geriatric patients increased by 10%, the odds of all adverse outcomes decreased: mortality by 7%, complications by 4%, FTR by 9%, and extended LOS by 8%. CONCLUSION When accounting for both, hospital proportion of geriatric EGS patients but not hospital volume is associated with postoperative outcomes, having important implications for quality improvement initiatives, benchmarking endeavors, and health services research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Care management, level IV; prognostic, level III.

Key Points Question Can a real-time, targeted, patient-centered education bundle reduce nonadministration of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in hospitalized patients? Findings In this controlled preintervention-postintervention comparison trial of 19 652 adult patients on medical and surgical units, nonadministration of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis significantly declined on units that received an intervention that combined an alert to a health educator about a missed dose of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with patient education compared with control units. Meaning Timely, targeted education significantly reduces nonadministration of VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized patients and improves health care quality by leveraging real-time data to target interventions for at-risk patients., This pre-post intervention comparison study evaluates a real-time patient-centered education bundle intervention aimed to reduce nonadministration of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis among hospitalized patients in surgical and medical units., Importance Numerous interventions have improved prescription of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis; however, many prescribed doses are not administered to hospitalized patients, primarily owing to patient refusal. Objective To evaluate a real-time, targeted, patient-centered education bundle intervention to reduce nonadministration of VTE prophylaxis. Design, Setting, and Participants This nonrandomized controlled, preintervention-postintervention comparison trial included 19 652 patient visits on 16 units at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, from April 1 through December 31, 2015. Data analysis was performed from June 1, 2016, through November 30, 2017, on an intention-to-treat basis. Interventions Patients on 4 intervention units received a patient-centered education bundle if a dose of VTE prophylaxis medication was not administered. Patients on 12 control units received no intervention. Main Outcomes and Measures Conditional odds of nonadministration of doses of VTE prophylaxis (primary outcome) before and after the intervention on control vs intervention units. Reasons for nonadministration (ie, patient refusal and other) and VTE event rates (secondary outcomes) were compared. Results A total of 19 652 patient visits where at least 1 dose of VTE prophylaxis was prescribed were included (51.7% men; mean [SD] age, 55.6 [17.1] years). Preintervention and postintervention groups were relatively similar in age, sex, race, and medical or surgery unit. From the preintervention period to the postintervention period, on intervention units, the conditional odds of VTE prophylaxis nonadministration declined significantly (9.1% [95% CI, 5.2%-16.2%] vs 5.6% [95% CI, 3.1%-9.9%]; odds ratio [OR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.48-0.67) compared with no change on control units (13.6% [95% CI, 9.8%-18.7%] vs 13.3% [95% CI, 9.6%-18.5%]; OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.91-1.07; P < .001 for interaction). The conditional odds of nonadministration owing to patient refusal decreased significantly on intervention units (5.9% [95% CI, 2.6%-13.6%] vs 3.4% [95% CI, 1.5%-7.8%]; OR, 0.53; 95% CI ,0.43-0.65) compared with no change on control units (8.7% [95% CI, 5.4%-14.0%] vs 8.5% [95% CI, 5.3%-13.8%]; OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.89-1.08; P < .001 for interaction). On intervention units, the conditional odds of nonadministration owing to reasons other than patient refusal decreased (2.3% [95% CI, 1.5%-3.4%] vs 1.7% [95% CI, 1.1%-2.6%]; OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58-0.94), with no change on control units (3.4% [95% CI, 2.7%-4.4%] vs 3.3% [95% CI, 2.6%-4.2%]; OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.87-1.10; P = .04 for interaction). No differential effect occurred on medical vs surgical units (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.60-1.23; P = .41 for interaction). There was no statistical difference in the proportion of VTE events among patients on intervention vs control units (0.30% vs 0.18%; OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.16-2.23). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, a targeted patient-centered education bundle significantly reduced nonadministration of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized patients. This novel strategy improves health care quality by leveraging electronic data to target interventions in real time for at-risk patients. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02402881

© 2018 College of Emergency Nursing Australasia Background: Pain assessment is challenging in older people with cognitive impairment who present to the emergency department and may result in suboptimal management. Therefore, the usefulness of the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) tool for older people with cognitive impairment presenting with a painful injury was evaluated. Methods: In this multi-centre observational sub-study, older people (≥65 years) suspected of a long bone fracture were screened for cognitive impairment using the Six Item Screening (SIS) tool. Patients with SIS ≤ 4 were assessed using the PAINAD. Descriptive and correlation statistical analyses were performed. Cronbach's alpha was used to estimate the reliability of the PAINAD. Results: This predominantly female (63%) sample had a mean age of 85.5 ± 7.5 years and a moderately urgent Australian Triage code (mode: 3). Median pain intensity was low (numerical reporting scale: 5.5 [3.0–8.0]). Median PAINAD score was ‘mild’ (1.0 [0.0–3.2]) with wide variability (range: 0–9). The PAINAD demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.80). Most PAINAD items appeared worthy of retention. Conclusions: The PAINAD has potential as an effective pain assessment tool for older people with cognitive impairment in emergency departments. Strategies such as partnering with carers and family to collaboratively assess pain require further investigation in this setting.

BACKGROUND: The specific effect of psychosocial risk factors on surgical outcomes in cancer patients remains unexplored. The purpose of this prospective observational study was to assess the association of preoperative psychosocial risk factors and 30-day complications following cancer surgery. METHODS: Psychosocial risks amongst elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery patients were ascertained through structured interviews using well-established screening forms. We then collected post-operative course by chart review. Multivariable analysis of short-term surgical outcomes was performed in those with a low versus a high number of psychosocial risks. RESULTS: 142 patients had a median age of 65 (interquartile range: 55-71) and were 55.9% male and 23.1% non-white. More than half (58.2%) of the study population underwent a resection for a hepato-pancreato-biliary primary tumor, and 31.9% had a colorectal primary tumor. High-risk biomedical comorbidities were present in 43.5% of patients. Three-quarters of patients (73.4%) had at least one psychosocial risk. Complication rates in patients with at least one psychosocial risk were 28.0 absolute percentage points higher than those with no psychosocial risks (54.4% versus 26.2%, p=0.039). Multiple psychosocial risk factors in medically comorbid patients independently conferred an increase in the odds of a complication by 3.37 times (OR 95% CI: 1.08-10.48, p=0.036) compared to those who had one or no psychosocial risks. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a greater than three times odds of a complication in medically comorbid patients with multiple psychosocial risks. These findings support the use of psychosocial risks in preoperative assessment and consideration for inclusion in preoperative optimization efforts.

Background Accurate risk assessment before surgery is complex and hampered by behavioral factors. Underutilized risk-based decision-support tools may counteract these barriers. The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions of and barriers to the use of surgical risk-assessment tools and assess the importance of data framing as a barrier to adoption in surgical trainees. Methods We distributed a survey and risk assessment activity to surgical trainees at four training institutions. The primary outcomes of this study were descriptive risk assessment practices currently performed by residents, identifiable influences and obstacles to adoption, and the variability of preference sets when comparing modified System Usability Scores of a current risk calculator to a purpose-built calculator revision. Risk calculator comparison responses were compared with simple and multivariable regression to identify predictors for preferentiality. Results We collected responses from 124 surgical residents (39% response rate). Participants endorsed familiarity with direct verbal communication (100%), sketch diagrams (87%), and brochures (59%). The most contemporary risk communication frameworks, such as best-worst case scenario framing (38%), case-specific risk calculators (43%), and all-procedure calculators (52%) were the least familiar. Usage favored traditional models of communication with only 26% of residents regularly using a strategy other than direct verbal discussion or anatomic sketch diagrams. Barriers limiting routine use included lack of electronic and clinical workflow integration. The mean modified System Usability Scores domain scores were widely dispersed for all domains, and no domain demonstrated one calculator's superiority over another. Conclusion Risk assessment tools are underutilized by trainees. Of importance, preference sets of clinicians appear to be unpredictable and may benefit more from a customizable, bespoke approach.

Objectives Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive surgical technique for focal epilepsy. A major appeal of LITT is that it may result in fewer cognitive deficits, especially when targeting dominant hemisphere mesial temporal lobe (MTL) epilepsy. To evaluate this, as well as to determine seizure outcomes following LITT, we evaluated the relationships between ablation volumes and surgical or cognitive outcomes in 43 consecutive patients undergoing LITT for MTL epilepsy. Methods All patients underwent unilateral LITT targeting mesial temporal structures. FreeSurfer software was used to derive cortical and subcortical segmentation of the brain (especially subregions of the MTL) using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ablation volumes were outlined using a postablation T1-contrasted MRI. The percentages of the amygdala, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex ablated were quantified objectively. The volumetric measures were regressed against changes in neuropsychological performance before and after surgery, RESULTS: A median of 73.7% of amygdala, 70.9% of hippocampus, and 28.3% of entorhinal cortex was ablated. Engel class I surgical outcome was obtained in 79.5% and 67.4% of the 43 patients at 6 and 20.3 months of follow-up, respectively. No significant differences in surgical outcomes were found across patient subgroups (hemispheric dominance, hippocampal sclerosis, or need for intracranial evaluation). Furthermore, no significant differences in volumes ablated were found between patients with Engel class IA vs Engel class II-IV outcomes. In patients undergoing LITT in the dominant hemisphere, a decline in verbal and narrative memory, but not in naming function was noted. Significance Seizure-free outcomes following LITT may be comparable in carefully selected patients with and without MTS, and these outcomes are comparable with outcomes following microsurgical resection. Failures may result from non-mesial components of the epileptogenic network that are not affected by LITT. Cognitive declines following MTL-LITT are modest, and principally affect memory processes.

OBJECTIVE Morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference is a mainstay of surgical education. However, its effectiveness is poorly described. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of a real-time audience response system for learner assessment during M&M. DESIGN We integrated a web-based audience response system into weekly M&M conference. First, this platform collected qualitative responses about the role of M&M. Then, we used the platform to direct questions to attendees in real time. Questions focused on surgical risk estimation and classifying root causes. Responses were grouped by training and compared to a validated risk tool's prediction. Root cause assignment concordance was statistically compared using Cohen's kappa between the pluralities of faculty responses to that of trainees. SETTING General surgical residency program based at a tertiary academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Affiliated categorical residents, preliminary residents, and clinical fellows. RESULTS We enrolled 110 participants (38 faculty, 31 senior trainees, and 41 trainees). The majority of respondents (75.9%) cited education as the purpose of M&M, and all of respondents stated education as their personal motivation. Audience response questions were integrated into 34 unique case presentations. Mean absolute differences between predicted complication rates and attendees’ predictions were highest for faculty (−9.4%, p = 0.009) and lowest for junior residents (−1.8%, p = 0.385). When assigning root cause of each morbidity, concordance between faculty and trainees was low to moderate (K = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS Assessment of learning during M&M can be performed in real time with discrimination observed by learner experience level. These data support development of this response platform to trend learner performance over time and to monitor targeted educational interventions at future M&Ms.

To assess the relationship between The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification-derived conscious status and mortality rates in trauma centres (TC) vs. non-trauma centres (NTC).Patients in the 2006-2011 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample meeting, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for traumatic brain injury (TBI), with head/neck Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) scores ≥3 were included. Loss of consciousness (LOC) was computed for each patient. Primary outcomes included treatment at a level I/II TC vs. NTC and in-hospital mortality. We compared logistic regression models controlling for patient demographics, injury characteristics, and AIS score with identical models that also included LOC.Of 66,636 patients with isolated TBI identified, 15,761 (23.6%) had missing LOC status. Among the remaining 50,875 patients, 59.0% were male, 54.0% were ≥65 years old, 56.7% were treated in TCs, and 27.3% had extended LOC. Patients with extended LOC were more likely to be treated in TCs vs. those with no/brief LOC (71.1% vs. 51.4%, p 0.001). Among patients aged65, TC treatment was associated with increased odds of mortality [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.79]; accounting for LOC substantially mitigated this relationship [AOR 1.27]. Similar findings were observed among older patients, with reduced effect size.Extended LOC was associated with TC treatment and mortality. Accounting for patient LOC reduced the differential odds of mortality comparing TCs vs. NTCs by 60%. Research assessing TBI outcomes using administrative data should include measures of consciousness.