Dioxygen consumption after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest pulmonary endarterectomy
Sylvain Diop, Elie Fadel, Thibaut Genty
et al.
Objectives: Cardiac surgery is associated with an increased dioxygen (O2) consumption (VO2) following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). But data on intraoperative VO2 variation during pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) are scarce. We aimed to assess the variation of VO2 and O2 delivery (DO2) between the induction of general anesthesia and the weaning off CPB in patients undergoing PEA. Methods: A prospective single center observational study was conducted from May to November 2023 in patients that underwent PEA. Hemodynamic and biological data were collected from arterial and venous blood gas after the induction of general anesthesia and after CPB weaning. Results: Forty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 57 (±14.3) years, and 30 (61%) patients were male. There was no significant change in VO2 and DO2 (O2 delivery) after CPB weaning (VO2=104.5 (±45.9) vs 110.5 (±30.4) ml of O2/min/m2; p=0.33; DO2=426.1 (±166.3) vs 398.1 (±109.4) ml of O2/min/m2; p=0.18 respectively). There was a weak correlation between CPB duration and VO2 following CPB weaning (R=0.41; p=0.008). No correlation between the duration of aortic cross clamp time, the duration of circulatory arrest, and post CPB VO2 were found (R=0.22; p=0.14 and R=0.22; p=0.10, respectively). Conclusion: There was no significant increase in VO2 and DO2 after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest PEA surgery.
Surgery, Specialties of internal medicine
Association between sleep duration and depression in menopausal women: a population-based study
Feng Zhang, Long Cheng
AimsThis research investigated menopausal women older than 50 years to find whether there were any independent relationships between the duration of sleep they got and their prevalence of depression.MethodsNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets from 2011-2020 were utilized in a cross-sectional study. Using multivariate linear regression models, the linear relationship between sleep duration and depression in menopausal women was investigated. Fitted smoothing curves and thresholds impact evaluation were used to investigate the nonlinear relationship. Then, subgroup analyses were performed according to smoking, drinking alcohol, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and moderate activities.ResultsThis population-based study included a total of 3,897 menopausal women (mean age 65.47 ± 9.06 years) aged≥50 years; 3,159 had a depression score <10, and 738 had a depression score≥10. After controlling for all covariates, the prevalence of depression was 17% higher among participants with short sleep duration [OR=1.17, 95%CI=(0.65, 1.70), P<0.0001] and 86% [OR=1.86, 95%CI=(1.05, 2.66), P<0.0001] compared to participants with normal sleep duration. In subgroup analyses stratified by smoking and diabetes, the sleep duration and depression scores of non-smokers [β=-0.18, 95%CI= (-0.33, -0.02), P=0.0241] and diabetics were independently negatively correlated [β=-0.32, 95%CI= (-0.63, -0.01), P=0.0416]. Using a two-segment linear regression model, we discovered a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and depression scores with an inflection point of 7.5 hours. Less than 7.5 hours of sleep was associated with an increased risk of developing depression [β=-0.81, 95%CI= (-1.05, -0.57), P<0.001]. However, sleeping more than 7.5 hours per night increased the risk of depression considerably [β=0.80, 95%CI= (0.51, 1.08), P<0.001].ConclusionsDepression is associated with sleep duration in menopausal women. Insufficient or excessive sleep may increase the risk of depression in menopausal women.
Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology
Perioperative intravenous dexamethasone did not reduce the severity of persistent postsurgical pain after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Nitchanant Kitcharanant, Prangmalee Leurcharusmee, Pichitchai Atthakomol
et al.
Abstract Background Even with the great advancements in recent years in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), some patients continue to have persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP). The advantages of systemic corticosteroids in the perioperative context have been further supported by previously published trials. However, the impact of dexamethasone on the intensity of post-TKA PPSP is still unclear. We aimed to investigate its effect on the degree of PPSP and compare that with a placebo. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 48 patients undergoing unilateral TKA were given intravenous dexamethasone 10 mg or saline just before spinal anesthesia was induced, and they also received two additional doses of dexamethasone 10 mg or saline 24 and 48 h after surgery. A standardized, multimodal analgesic regimen was administered to each patient. The modified WOMAC pain scores at 12 weeks postoperative were the main outcome. The secondary outcomes included pain during a walk of five meters, pain during active knee flexion at 45 degrees, maximum pain at rest during the previous 24 h, nausea visual analogue scale values, and use of rescue opioid and antiemetic medications. Results There was no difference in modified WOMAC pain scores 12 weeks after surgery between patients who received and did not receive perioperative dexamethasone. At 24, 30, 48, 54, and 72 h following surgery, the dexamethasone group experienced considerably less pain during a five-meter walk and during 45 degrees active knee flexion (p < 0.01). At postoperative 0–24, 24–48, and 48–72 h, the dexamethasone group experienced less maximal pain at rest (p < 0.01). The dexamethasone group also had less visual analogue scale scores for nausea at 6, 24, 30, 48, and 54 h after surgery (p < 0.02). During the first 0–24 and 24–48 h, the dexamethasone group consumed fewer opioids and antiemetic medications (p < 0.01). All patients showed no signs of wound complications. Conclusions When compared to a placebo at 12 weeks after TKA, intravenous dexamethasone did not reduce PPSP. Nevertheless, early postoperative pain was relieved by perioperative intravenous dexamethasone, which also decreased the need for opioid and antiemetic medications and decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting. Trial registration NCT02760459.
Orthopedic surgery, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Thoracic electrical impedance tomography identifies heterogeneity in lungs associated with respiratory disease in cattle. A pilot study
Olivia Brabant, Yuliya V. Karpievitch, Yuliya V. Karpievitch
et al.
Respiratory disease in cattle is a significant global concern, yet current diagnostic methods are limited, and there is a lack of crush-side tests for detecting active disease. To address this gap, we propose utilizing electrical impedance tomography (EIT), a non-invasive imaging technique that provides real-time visualization of lung ventilation dynamics. The study included adult cattle from farms in Western Australia. The cattle were restrained in a crush. A standardized respiratory scoring system, which combined visual, auscultation, and clinical scores, was conducted by two non-conferring clinicians for each animal. The scores were blinded and averaged. During assessment, an EIT electrode belt was placed around the thorax. EIT recordings of ten suitable breaths were taken for analysis before the cattle were released back to the herd. Based on the combined examination scoring, the cattle were categorized as having healthy or diseased lungs. To allow visual interpretation of each breath and enable the creation of the quartile ventilation ratio (VQR), Flow/Tidal Impedance Variation curves (F/TIV) were generated for each breath. The analysis focused on two EIT variables: The novel VQR over time during inhalation and exhalation and global expiratory impedance (TIVEXP) adjusted by breath length. A mixed effects model was used to compare these variables between healthy and diseased cattle. Ten adult cattle of mixed ages were used in the current analysis. Five cattle were scored as healthy and five as diseased. There was a significant difference in the examination scores between the healthy and diseased group (P = 0.03). A significant difference in VQR during inhalation (P = 0.03) was observed between the healthy and diseased groups. No difference was seen in VQR over time during exhalation (P = 0.3). The TIVEXP was not different between groups (P = 0.36). In this study, EIT was able to detect differences in inhalation mechanics when comparing healthy and diseased cattle as defined via clinical examination, highlighting the clinical utility of EIT.
Anaesthetic Management for Pheochromocytoma Surgery: A Never Ending Challenge
Bhavya Krishna, Kavita Rani Sharma, Ranju Gandhi
et al.
Pheochromocytoma is a challenging case for any anesthesiologist and a team approach is required throughout the perioperative period to prevent anticipated difficulties and best manage any unforeseen complications that develop. We discuss successful management of certain unique challenges, like multifocal arrhythmias and surgical rebleed during transport, during pheochromocytoma surgery in an adult, in addition to the usual perioperative problems.
Anesthesiology, Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid
Preoperative resting‐state microstate as a marker for chronic pain after breast cancer surgery
Yaru Li, Lu Wang, Qiaoyu Han
et al.
Abstract Introduction Chronic postoperative pain poses challenges, emphasizing the importance of accurately predicting pain in advance. Generally, pain perception is associated with the temporal dynamics of the brain, which can be represented by microstates. Specifically, microstates are transient and patterned brain topographies formed by temporally overlapping and spatially synchronized oscillatory activities. Consequently, by characterizing brain activity, microstates offer valuable insights into pain perception. Methods In this prospective study, 66 female patients undergoing breast cancer surgery were included. Their preoperative resting‐state electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Preoperative resting‐state EEG was recorded and four specific brain microstates (labeled as A, B, C, and D) were extracted. Temporal characteristics were then analyzed from these microstates. Patients were classified into two groups based on their Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores at three months postoperatively. Those with NRS scores ranging from 4 to 10 were classified as the high pain group, while patients with NRS ranging from 0 to 3 were classified as the lowpain group. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the microstate characteristics between these two groups. Results Twenty‐one patients (32%) were classified as the high pain group and forty‐five (68%) as the low‐pain group. The occurrence and coverage of microstate C were significantly higher in the high pain group. Additionally, there were significant differences in the microstates transitions between the two groups. Furthermore, the study revealed a positive correlation between the coverage of microstate C and the NRS. Conclusions Preoperative resting‐state microstate features have shown correlations with postoperative pain. This study presents a novel and advanced perspective on the potential of microstates as a marker for postoperative pain.
Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Association of type I choledochal cyst, type III esophageal atresia, evanescent testicle, and clinodactyly: A case report
Pastor Escárcega-Fujigaki, Guillermo Hernandez-Peredo-Rezk, Hayde Velez-Blanco
et al.
Introduction: Choledochal cyst is a congenital anomaly of the bile duct without associated pathology as compared to esophageal atresia, whose pathology is usually part of the VACTERL association list (vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities). In addition to these core component features, patients may also have other congenital anomalies. Case presentation: A single case of the association of type 1 choledochal cyst (Todani), type III esophageal atresia (Ladd-Gross), evanescent testicle, and clinodactyly of both little fingers, is reported for the first time. A cytogenetic study reports an apparently normal male with a 46 XY karyotype, GTG bands, 400–550 band resolution, and extended exome sequencing without alterations. Esophageal plasty, hepatic-duodenal bypass in early childhood, and resection of the evanescent testicle with fixation of the contralateral testicle were performed at one year of age. We observed a satisfactory evolution after four years and four months of follow-up. Conclusion: In this report, we present this novel case of the association of type 1 choledochal cyst (Todani), type III esophageal atresia (Ladd-Gross), evanescent testicle, and clinodactyly of both little fingers, which has not been previously reported in the literature.
Anesthetic management of fetal pulmonary valvuloplasty: A case report
Lei Xiaofeng, Huang Xuezhu
Anesthesia management of fetal pulmonary valvuloplasty (FPV) is difficult, requiring careful consideration of both the mother and the fetus. Few reports have been published on specific anesthesia implementation and intraoperative management. We report the case of a pregnant woman who was treated with FPV under combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA) with dexmedetomidine in the second trimester of pregnancy. Meanwhile, the application of fetal anesthesia through the umbilical vein was optimal. During the operation, the vital signs of the pregnant woman were stable with no complications and the fetal bradycardia was corrected by intracardiac injection of epinephrine. Four months postoperatively, a boy was born alive by full-term transvaginal delivery. CSEA may be a suitable anesthesia method for FPV surgery. Nevertheless, maternal hemodynamic stability maintenance, effective fetal anesthesia, and timely fetal resuscitation were necessary.
Design and implementation of a simple and inexpensive respiratory synchronization control platform
John Doyle
Abstract Background In a number of clinical and research settings, it is desirable to have an individual breathe in a particular fixed pattern (respiratory synchronized breathing). The purpose of this brief technical report is to show how a control system for this purpose can be easily and inexpensively developed using an Arduino UNO microcontroller platform. Results We programmed an Arduino UNO microcontroller to develop a respiratory timing system with selectable respiratory rate and inspiratory to expiratory ratio. Test subjects are instructed to breathe in when the light-emitting diode (LED) is illuminated and breathe out when the LED is dark. Both the duration of inspiration and that of expiration can be easily adjusted by the user to meet various requirements. The system was tested and found to function satisfactorily. Conclusions An Arduino UNO microcontroller was used to develop a respiratory timing system. This platform is likely to be of value to clinicians and investigators looking for a simple and inexpensive system for respiratory synchronized breathing.
Thrombopoietin and collagen in low doses cooperatively induce human platelet activation
Tomoaki Doi, Takamitsu Hori, Takashi Onuma
et al.
Aim In acute medicine, we occasionally treat life‐threatening conditions such as sepsis and trauma, which cause severe thrombocytopenia. Serum thrombopoietin levels have been reported to increase under the condition of thrombocytopenia related to severity. Collagen is a crucial activator of platelets, and Rho family members, such as Rho/Rho‐kinase and Rac, play roles as active molecules involved in the intracellular signaling pathways in platelet activation. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of thrombopoietin (TPO) on subthreshold low‐dose collagen‐stimulated human platelets in terms of Rho/Rho‐kinase and Rac. Methods Platelet‐rich plasma donated from healthy volunteers was stimulated by the subthreshold low‐dose of collagen after pretreatment with TPO and/or NSC23766, an inhibitor of the Rac‐guanine nucleotide exchange factor interaction, or Y27632, an inhibitor of Rho‐kinase. Platelet aggregation was measured using an aggregometer based on laser‐scattering methods. Proteins involved in intracellular signaling were analyzed using western blotting, and the secretion of platelet‐derived growth factor‐AB from activated platelets was determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results Under the existence of TPO, the low dose of collagen remarkably elicited the aggregation and platelet‐derived growth factor‐AB secretion of platelets, which were suppressed by NSC23766 and Y27632. The combination of TPO and collagen considerably induced a transient increase of guanosine triphosphate (GTP)‐binding Rac and GTP‐binding Rho followed by an increase of phosphorylated cofilin, a Rho‐kinase substrate. Conclusion These results strongly suggest that TPO and collagen in low doses cooperatively potentiate human platelet activation through both Rac and Rho/Rho‐kinase mediated pathways.
Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in anesthesiology
S. Estime, Helen H Lee, Nathalia Jimenez
et al.
Disparities in population health are driven by a dynamic set of factors, known as social determinants of health. Although individualsmay not have a direct influence over the upstream social factors (poverty, homelessness, racism) that drive disparities, awareness of the complex social determinants of health at an individual levelmay facilitate efforts to improve health outcomes. In addition, awareness of how health care, as a component of social determinants of health, is associated with health disparities can also serve as a driving force for change. In this manuscript, we provide working definitions and discuss concrete ways to uncover and mitigate factors that contribute to disparities in health care.Webeginat the level of health care systemsbefore focusing on care processes and patient-level factors.
Development and Pilot Testing of Entrustable Professional Activities for US Anesthesiology Residency Training
G. Woodworth, A. Marty, Pedro Tanaka
et al.
BACKGROUND: Modern medical education requires frequent competency assessment. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) provides a descriptive framework of competencies and milestones but does not provide standardized instruments to assess and track trainee competency over time. Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) represent a workplace-based method to assess the achievement of competency milestones at the point-of-care that can be applied to anesthesiology training in the United States. METHODS: Experts in education and competency assessment were recruited to participate in a 6-step process using a modified Delphi method with iterative rounds to reach consensus on an entrustment scale, a list of EPAs and procedural skills, detailed definitions for each EPA, a mapping of the EPAs to the ACGME milestones, and a target level of entrustment for graduating US anesthesiology residents for each EPA and procedural skill. The defined EPAs and procedural skills were implemented using a website and mobile app. The assessment system was piloted at 7 anesthesiology residency programs. After 2 months, faculty were surveyed on their attitudes on usability and utility of the assessment system. The number of evaluations submitted per month was collected for 1 year. RESULTS: Participants in EPA development included 18 education experts from 11 different programs. The Delphi rounds produced a final list of 20 EPAs, each differentiated as simple or complex, a defined entrustment scale, mapping of the EPAs to milestones, and graduation entrustment targets. A list of 159 procedural skills was similarly developed. Results of the faculty survey demonstrated favorable ratings on all questions regarding app usability as well as the utility of the app and EPA assessments. Over the 2-month pilot period, 1636 EPA and 1427 procedure assessments were submitted. All programs continued to use the app for the remainder of the academic year resulting in 12,641 submitted assessments. CONCLUSIONS: A list of 20 anesthesiology EPAs and 159 procedural skills assessments were developed using a rigorous methodology to reach consensus among education experts. The assessments were pilot tested at 7 US anesthesiology residency programs demonstrating the feasibility of implementation using a mobile app and the ability to collect assessment data. Adoption at the pilot sites was variable; however, the use of the system was not mandatory for faculty or trainees at any site.
Adult liver transplant anesthesiology practice patterns and resource utilization in the United States: Survey results from the society for the advancement of transplant anesthesia
Cara E. Crouch, T. Sakai, S. Aniskevich
et al.
Liver transplant anesthesiology is an evolving and expanding subspecialty, and programs have, in the past, exhibited significant variations of practice at transplant centers across the United States. In order to explore current practice patterns, the Quality & Standards Committee from the Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia (SATA) undertook a survey of liver transplant anesthesiology program directors.
Perioperative Care of Patients Undergoing Major Complex Spinal Instrumentation Surgery: Clinical Practice Guidelines From the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care
S. Blacker, A. Vincent, M. Burbridge
et al.
Evidence-based standardization of the perioperative management of patients undergoing complex spine surgery can improve outcomes such as enhanced patient satisfaction, reduced intensive care and hospital length of stay, and reduced costs. The Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC) tasked an expert group to review existing evidence and generate recommendations for the perioperative management of patients undergoing complex spine surgery, defined as surgery on 2 or more thoracic and/or lumbar spine levels. Institutional clinical management protocols can be constructed based on the elements included in these clinical practice guidelines, and the evidence presented.
Incidence and Factors Associated with Burnout in Anesthesiology: A Systematic Review
F. Sanfilippo, A. Noto, G. Foresta
et al.
Background Burnout syndrome has reached epidemic levels among physicians (reported around 50%). Anesthesiology is among the most stressful medical disciplines but there is paucity of literature as compared with others. Analysis of burnout is essential because it is associated with safety and quality of care. We summarize evidence on burnout in anesthesiology. Methods We conducted a systematic review (MEDLINE up to 30.06.2017). We included studies reporting burnout in anesthesiology with no restriction on role or screening test used. Results Fifteen surveys/studies described burnout in anesthesiology, including different workers profiles (nurses, residents, consultants, and directors). All studies used the Maslach Burnout Inventory test but with significant differences for risk stratification. Burnout prevalence greatly varied across studies (10%–41% high risk, up to 59% at least moderate risk). Factors most consistently associated with burnout were strained working pattern, working as younger consultant, and having children. There was no consistent relationship between burnout and hospital characteristics, gender, or marital status. Conclusions Burnout prevalence among anesthesiologists is relatively high across career stages, and some risk factors are reported frequently. However, the small number of studies as well as the large differences in their methodology and in reporting approach warrants further research in this field.
Adaptations in anesthesiology residency programs amid the COVID-19 pandemic: virtual approaches to applicant recruitment
Donaldson C. Lee, Alexander M. Kofskey, N. Singh
et al.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted residency recruitment in 2020, posing unique challenges for programs and applicants alike. Anesthesiology programs have adopted alternate methods of recruitment, including virtual open houses and social media, due to limiting personal contact rules implemented by AAMC. This study was undertaken to determine the frequency of virtual events hosted and social media accounts created by programs. Anesthesiology residency programs and departments were examined for social media presence on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Programs’ websites and social media posts were reviewed for virtual open house opportunities. Available sub-internships were collected from the Visiting Student Application Service database. Data was collected after 2020–2021 pre-interview recruitment in October 2020. Of 153 total anesthesiology residency programs, 96 (63%) had some form of social media presence. The platforms of choice for programs with social media accounts included Twitter (71, or 46%), Instagram (67, or 44%), and Facebook (47, or 31%). Forty of seventy-six residency-affiliated accounts were created after March 1, 2020; Instagram accounts (26 of 40) represented most of these. Most Anesthesiology programs (59%) offered virtual open houses for prospective applicants. Twitter (25%), Instagram (22%), and Facebook (8%) were used by programs to advertise these events. Social media presence of anesthesiology residency programs has grown steadily over the past decade, with exponential growth experienced in 2020. This data suggests that anesthesiology residency programs are employing new, mostly virtual, methods to reach prospective applicants during an unprecedented application cycle amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory Can Overestimate Burnout: A Study of Anesthesiology Residents
W. Lim, J. Ong, S. Ong
et al.
The Maslach Burnout Inventory for healthcare professionals (MBI-HSS) and its abbreviated version (aMBI), are the most common tools to detect burnout in clinicians. A wide range in burnout prevalence is reported in anesthesiology, so this study aimed to ascertain which of these two tools most accurately detected burnout in our anesthesiology residents. The MBI-HSS and aMBI were distributed amongst 86 residents across three hospitals, with a total of 58 residents completing the survey (67.4% response rate; 17 male and 41 female). Maslach-recommended cut-offs for the MBI-HSS and the aMBI with standard cut-offs were used to estimate burnout prevalence, and actual prevalence was established clinically by a thorough review of multiple data sources. Burnout proportions reported by the MBI-HSS and aMBI were found to be significantly different; 22.4% vs. 62.1% respectively (p < 0.0001). Compared to the actual prevalence of burnout in our cohort, the MBI-HSS detected burnout most accurately; area under receiver operating characteristic of 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92–1.0). Although there was a good correlation between the MBI-HSS and aMBI subscale scores, the positive predictive value of the aMBI was poor; 33.3% (95% CI:27.5–39.8%), therefore caution and clinical correlation are advised when using the aMBI tool because of the high rates of false-positives.
Attitudes towards and impact of letters of recommendation for anesthesiology residency applicants
Carl E Jn Pierre, G. Weber, A. E. Abramowicz
ABSTRACT Background: This survey aims to identify the relative value and the critical components of anesthesiology letters of recommendation(LORs) from the perspective of Program Directors (PDs) and Associate/Assistant Program Directors (APDs). Knowledge and insights originating from this survey might add to the understanding of the anesthesiology residency selection process and mitigate unintended linguistic biases. Methodology: Anonymous online surveys were sent to anesthesiology PDs/APDs from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited anesthesiology residency Programs in the USA (US), as listed on the ACGME website and the American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (AMA FREIDA) Residency Program Database. The survey authors were blinded to the identity of the respondents. Results: 62 out of 183 (33.8%) invited anesthesiology PDs/APDs completed the survey anonymously. In our survey, LORs are reported as more important in granting an interview than in making the rank list. 64% of respondents prefer narrative LORs. 77.4% of respondents look for specific keywords in LORs. Keywords such as ‘top % of students’ and ‘we are recruiting this candidate’ indicate a strong letter of recommendation while keywords such as ‘I recommend to your program’ or non-superlative descriptions indicate a weak letter of recommendation. Other key components of LORs include the specialty of the letter-writer, according to 84% of respondents, with anesthesiology as the most valuable specialty. Although narrative LORs are preferred, 55.1% of respondents are not satisfied with the content of narrative LORs. Conclusion: LORs containing specific keywords play an important role in the application to anesthesiology residency, particularly when submitted by an anesthesiologist. While narrative LORs are still the preferred format, most of our respondents feel they need improvements. The authors suggest specific LOR improvements including creating formalized LOR training, adding a style guide, and applying comparative scales, with standardized vocabulary in the narrative LOR.
Anesthesiology Residents' Experiences and Perspectives of Residency Training.
Huaping Sun, Dandan Chen, D. O. Warner
et al.
BACKGROUND Anesthesiology residents' experiences and perspectives about their programs may be helpful in improving training. The goals of this repeated cross-sectional survey study are to determine: (1) the most important factors residents consider in choosing an anesthesiology residency, (2) the aspects of the clinical base year that best prepare residents for anesthesia clinical training, and what could be improved, (3) whether residents are satisfied with their anesthesiology residency and what their primary struggles are, and (4) whether residents believe their residency prepares them for proficiency in the 6 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Core Competencies and for independent practice. METHODS Anesthesiologists beginning their US residency training from 2013 to 2016 were invited to participate in anonymous, confidential, and voluntary self-administered online surveys. Resident cohort was defined by clinical anesthesia year 1, such that 9 survey administrations were included in this study-3 surveys for the 2013 and 2014 cohorts (clinical anesthesia years 1-3), 2 surveys for the 2015 cohort (clinical anesthesia years 1-2), and 1 survey for the 2016 cohort (clinical anesthesia year 1). RESULTS The overall response rate was 36% (4707 responses to 12,929 invitations). On a 5-point Likert scale with 1 as "very unimportant" and 5 as "very important," quality of clinical experience (4.7-4.8 among the cohorts) and departmental commitment to education (4.3-4.5) were rated as the most important factors in anesthesiologists' choice of residency. Approximately 70% of first- and second-year residents agreed that their clinical base year prepared them well for anesthesiology residency, particularly clinical training experiences in critical care rotations, anesthesiology rotations, and surgery rotations/perioperative procedure management. Overall, residents were satisfied with their choice of anesthesiology specialty (4.4-4.5 on a 5-point scale among cohort-training levels) and their residency programs (4.0-4.1). The residency training experiences mostly met their expectations (3.8-4.0). Senior residents who reported any struggles highlighted academic more than interpersonal or technical difficulties. Senior residents generally agreed that the residency adequately prepared them for independent practice (4.1-4.4). Of the 6 ACGME Core Competencies, residents had the highest confidence in professionalism (4.7-4.9) and interpersonal and communication skills (4.6-4.8). Areas in residency that could be improved include the provision of an appropriate balance between education and service and allowance for sufficient time off to search and interview for a postresidency position. CONCLUSIONS Anesthesiology residents in the United States indicated they most value quality of clinical training experiences and are generally satisfied with their choice of specialty and residency program.
Analysis of publication speed of anesthesiology journals: a cross-sectional study
Chittaranjan Mohanty, Snigdha Bellapukonda, Manisha Mund
et al.
Background Publication speed is one of the critical factors affecting authors’ preference to a journal for manuscript submission. The publication time of submitted manuscripts varies across journals and specialty. Objectives Several bibliometric studies in various fields of medicine, except in anesthesiology, have addressed the issue of publication speed and factors that influence the publication speed. We aimed to identify factors affecting the publication speed of indexed anesthesiology journals. Method Overall, 25 anesthesiology journals indexed in MEDLINE database were retrospectively analyzed for the time required during different stages of publication process. A total of 12 original articles published in the year 2018 were randomly selected from each journal based on the number of issues. Time periods from submission to acceptance and from submission to publication were noted, and their association with impact factor (IF), advanced online publication (AOP), and article processing charges (APCs) were evaluated. Results The median time from submission to acceptance and from submission to publication for the selected journals were 120 (IQR [83-167]) days and 186 (IQR [126-246]) days, respectively. Publication speed was not found to have any correlation with IF and APC. However, journals with AOP required significantly lesser time for publication than those without AOP 138.5 and 240 days, respectively, (p = 0.011). Moreover, the IF of journals with AOP was significantly higher than that of journals without AOP (p = 0.002). Conclusion The study provides an overview of total time required for peer review, acceptance, and publication in indexed anesthesiology journals. Researchers should focus on journals with AOP for expediting the publication process and avoiding publication delays.