Project description:IntroductionMany techniques are available for cardioplegic arrest in children, but there is a lack of late phase clinical trials to guide practice. We surveyed paediatric cardiac surgeons and perfusionists to establish current practice and willingness to change within a clinical trial.MethodsAn online survey was sent to all consultant paediatric cardiac surgeons and chief perfusionists in paediatric centres in the UK and Ireland. Information was sought on cardioplegia type, composition, temperature, topical cooling, dosing for induction and maintenance, interval between doses, whether practice changed with patient age or complexity and whether respondents would be willing and able to use different cardioplegia solutions within a randomised trial.ResultsResponses were obtained from 32 (78.0%) surgeons and 12 (100%) perfusionists. Twenty-seven (84.4%) surgeons use blood cardioplegia in infants, with St. Thomas' Harefield preparation the most popular (19, 59.4%), used routinely in eight (66.7%) centres. Twenty-two (68.8%) administer at 4-6°C, 18 (56.3%) use topical cooling, 18 (56.3%) give 30 ml/kg induction and 15 ml/kg maintenance, with 23 (71.9%) re-dosing every 20-25 minutes. Thirty (93.8%) surgeons were open to randomising patients in a trial, with del Nido (29, 90.6%) the most popular.ConclusionsThis survey demonstrates heterogeneity in cardioplegia practice. Whilst most surgeons use blood cardioplegia, there is variation in type, temperature, topical cooling, dosing and intervals. Combined with a lack of evidence from late phase trials, our findings support the presence of clinical equipoise. Surgeons are willing to change practice, suggesting that a pragmatic, multi-centre, randomised, controlled trial of cardioplegia in children is feasible.
Project description:ObjectivesTo describe end of life care in settings where, in the UK, most children die; to explore commonalities and differences within and between settings; and to test whether there are distinct, alternative models of end of life care.MethodsAn online survey of UK neonatal units (NNUs), paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and children/young people's cancer principal treatment centres (PTCs) collected data on aspects of service organisation, delivery and practice relevant to end of life outcomes or experiences (referred to as the core elements of end of life care) across three domains: care of the child, care of the parent and bereavement care.Results91 units/centres returned a survey (37% response rate). There was variation within and between settings in terms of whether and how core elements of end of life care were provided. PTCs were more likely than NNUs and PICUs to have palliative care expertise strongly embedded in the multidisciplinary team (MDT), and to have the widest range of clinical and non-clinical professions represented in the MDT. However, bereavement care was more limited. Many settings were limited in the practical and psychosocial-spiritual care and support available to parents.ConclusionsChildren at end of life, and families, experience differences in care that evidence indicates matter to them and impact outcomes. Some differences appear to be related to the type of setting. Subsequent stages of this research (the ENHANCE study) will investigate the relative contribution of these core elements of end of life care to child/parent outcomes and experiences.
Project description:This guideline is written as a reference document for clinicians presented with the challenge of managing paediatric patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma up to the age of 19 years. Care of paediatric patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma differs in key aspects from that of adults, and there have been several recent developments in the care pathways for this condition; this guideline has sought to identify and attend to these areas. It addresses the presentation, clinical assessment, diagnosis, management (both surgical and medical), genetic counselling, follow-up and prognosis of affected patients. The guideline development group formed of a multi-disciplinary panel of sub-speciality experts carried out a systematic primary literature review and Delphi Consensus exercise. The guideline was developed in accordance with The Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation Instrument II criteria, with input from stakeholders including charities and patient groups. Based on scientific evidence and expert opinion, 58 recommendations have been collected to produce a clear, pragmatic set of management guidelines. It is intended as an evidence base for future optimal management and to improve the quality of clinical care of paediatric patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
Project description:BackgroundTennis elbow is a common condition in the UK but there are no guidelines on how best to manage the condition. The purpose of the present study was to establish the current UK practice in managing patients with chronic tennis elbow.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey of UK surgeons and therapists was conducted in June 2017.ResultsIn total, 275 responses were received, the majority from consultant surgeons and experienced physiotherapists. In total, 81% recommended exercise-based physiotherapy as the first-line intervention. Second-line treatments varied widely, with corticosteroid injections being the most popular (27%), followed by shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injection, surgery, acupuncture and a wait-and-see policy.ConclusionsThere is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow. The majority of second-line interventions lack evidence to support their use and, in the case of corticosteroid injections, may even be harmful in the long term. There is a clear need for national guidance based on best evidence to aid clinicians in their treatment approach.
Project description:IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate sedation practice in UK intensive care units (ICUs), particularly the implementation of daily sedation holding, written sedation guidelines, sedation scoring tools and choice of agents.MethodsA national postal survey was conducted in all UK ICUs.ResultsA total of 192 responses out of 302 addressed units were received (63.5%). Of the responding ICUs, 88% used a sedation scoring tool, most frequently the Ramsey Sedation Scale score (66.4%). The majority of units have a written sedation guideline (80%), and 78% state that daily sedation holding is practiced. A wide variety of sedating agents is used, with the choice of agent largely determined by the duration of action rather than cost. The most frequently used agents were propofol and alfentanil for short-term sedation; propofol, midazolam and morphine for longer sedation; and propofol for weaning purposes.ConclusionsMost UK ICUs use a sedation guideline and sedation scoring tool. The concept of sedation holding has been implemented in the majority of units, and most ICUs have a written sedation guideline.
Project description:IntroductionThe novel coronavirus disease has had significant impact on healthcare globally. Knowledge of this virus is evolving, definitive care is not yet known and mortality is increasing. We assessed its initial impact on paediatric surgical practice in Nigeria, creating a benchmark for recommendations and future reference.MethodsSurvey of 120 paediatric surgeons from 50 centres to assess sociodemographics and specific domains of impact of COVID-19 on their services and training in Nigeria. Valid responses were represented as categorical data and presented in percentages. Duplicate submissions for centres were excluded by combining and taking the mean of responses from centres with multiple respondents.ResultsResponse rate was 74 (61%). Forty-six (92%) centres had suspended elective surgeries. All centres continued emergency surgeries but volume reduced in March by 31%. Eleven (22%) centres reported 13 suspended elective cases presenting as emergencies in March, accounting for 3% of total emergency surgeries. Twelve (24%) centres adopted new modalities for managing selected surgical conditions: non-operative reduction of intussusception in 1 (2%), antibiotic management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis in 5 (10%) and more conservative management of trauma and replacement of laparoscopic appendectomy with open surgery in 3 (6%), respectively. Low perception of adequacy of personal protective equipment (PPE) was reported in 35 (70%) centres. Forty (80%) centres did not offer telemedicine for patients' follow-up. Twenty-nine (58%) centres had suspended academic training. Perception of safety to operate was low in 37 (50%) respondents, indifferent in 24% and high in 26%.ConclusionMajority of paediatric surgical centres reported cessation of elective surgeries while continuing emergencies. There was, however, an acute decline in the volume of emergency surgeries. Adequate PPE needs to be provided and preparations towards handling backlog of elective surgeries once the pandemic recedes. Further study is planned to more conclusively understand the full impact of this pandemic on children's surgery.
Project description:BackgroundAlthough international newborn resuscitation guidance has been in force for some time, there are no UK data on current newborn resuscitation practices.ObjectiveEstablish delivery room (DR) resuscitation practices in the UK, and identify any differences between neonatal intensive care units (NICU), and other local neonatal services.MethodsWe conducted a structured two-stage survey of DR management, among UK neonatal units during 2009-2010 (n=192). Differences between NICU services (tertiary level) and other local neonatal services (non-tertiary) were analysed using Fisher's exact and Student's t-tests.ResultsThere was an 89% response rate (n=171). More tertiary NICUs institute DR CPAP than non-tertiary units (43% vs. 16%, P=0.0001) though there was no significant difference in frequency of elective intubation and surfactant administration for preterm babies. More tertiary units commence DR resuscitation in air (62% vs. 29%, P<0.0001) and fewer in 100% oxygen (11% vs. 41%, P<0.0001). Resuscitation of preterm babies in particular, commences with air in 56% of tertiary units. Significantly more tertiary units use DR pulse oximeters (58% vs. 29%, P<0.01) and titrate oxygen based on saturations. Almost all services use occlusive wrapping to maintain temperature for preterm infants.ConclusionsIn the UK, there are many areas of good evidence based DR practice. However, there is marked variation in management, including between units of different designation, suggesting a need to review practice to fulfil new resuscitation guidance, which will have training and resource implications.
Project description:To establish a baseline of national practice for follow-up after treatment for gynaecological cancer. Questionnaire survey. Gynaecological cancer centres and units. Members of the British Gynaecological Cancer Society and the National Forum of Gynaecological Oncology Nurses. A questionnaire survey. To determine schedules of follow-up, who provides it and what routine testing is used for patients who have had previous gynaecological cancer. A total of 117 responses were obtained; 115 (98%) reported hospital scheduled regular follow-up appointments. Two involved general practitioners. Follow-up was augmented or replaced by telephone follow-up in 29 responses (25%) and patient-initiated appointments in 38 responses (32%). A total of 80 (68%) cancer specialists also offered combined follow-up clinics with other specialties. Clinical examinations for hospital-based follow-up were mainly performed by doctors (67% for scheduled regular appointments and 63% for patient-initiated appointments) while telephone follow-up was provided in the majority by nurses (76%). Most respondents (76/117 (65%)) provided routine tests, of which 66/76 (87%) reported carrying out surveillance tests for ovarian cancer, 35/76 (46%) for cervical cancer, 8/76 (11%) for vulval cancer and 7/76 (9%) for endometrial cancer. Patients were usually discharged after 5 years (82/117 (70%)), whereas three (3%) were discharged after 4 years, nine (8%) after three years and one (1%) after 2 years. Practice varied but most used a standard hospital-based protocol of appointments for 5 years and routine tests were performed usually for women with ovarian cancer. A minority utilised nurse-led or telephone follow-up. General practitioners were rarely involved in routine care. A randomised study comparing various models of follow-up could be considered.
Project description:BackgroundPrevious studies have shown variations in management routines for children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Sweden. It is unknown if this management has changed after the publication of the Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee guidelines in 2016 (SNC16). Also, knowledge of current practice routines may guide development of an efficient implementation strategy for the guidelines. The aim of this study is therefore to describe current management routines in paediatric TBI on a hospital/organizational level in Sweden. Secondary aims are to analyse differences in management over time, to assess the current dissemination status of the SNC16 guideline and to analyse possible variations between hospitals.MethodsThis is a sequential, cross-sectional, structured survey in five sections, covering initial management routines for paediatric TBI in Sweden. Respondents, with profound knowledge of local management routines and recommendations, were identified for all Swedish hospitals with an emergency department managing children (age 0-17 year) via phone/mail before distribution of the survey. Responses were collected via an on-line survey system during June 2020-March 2021. Data are presented as descriptive statistics and comparisons were made using Fisher exact test, when applicable.Results71 of the 76 identified hospitals managed patients with TBI of all ages and 66 responded (response rate 93%). 56 of these managed children and were selected for further analysis. 76% (42/55) of hospitals have an established guideline to aid in clinical decision making. Children with TBI are predominately managed by inexperienced doctors (84%; 47/56), primarily from non-paediatric specialities (75%; 42/56). Most hospitals (75%; 42/56) have the possibility to admit and observe children with TBI of varying degrees and almost all centres have complete access to neuroradiology (96%; 54/56). In larger hospitals, it was more common for nurses to discharge patients without doctor assessment when compared to smaller hospitals (6/9 vs. 9/47; p < 0.001). Presence of established guidelines (14/51 vs. 42/55; p < 0.001) and written observation routines (16/51 vs. 29/42; p < 0.001) in hospitals have increased significantly since 2006.ConclusionsTBI management routines for children in Sweden still vary, with some differences occurring over time. Use of established guidelines, written observation routines and information for patients/guardians have all improved. These results form a baseline for current management and may also aid in guideline implementation.
Project description:BackgroundPerioperative malnutrition is common and is associated with increased mortality, complications and healthcare costs. Patients having surgery for cancer and gastro-intestinal disease are at particular risk. It is a modifiable pre-operative risk factor and perioperative clinicians are well placed to identify those at risk and instigate interventions shown to improve outcome. Thus, we conducted a survey of Perioperative Medicine Leads with the aim of assessing the current provision of nutritional screening and intervention pathways in the UK.MethodsPerioperative Medicine Leads registered with the Royal College of Anaesthetists were asked to complete an online survey exploring current practice in screening, assessment and management of malnutrition in the perioperative period. The survey included a mixture of open and closed questions, graded response questions and options for free text. Where a response was not received, departments were phoned directly and e-mails sent to non-responders.ResultsWe received 121 completed questionnaires from 167 Perioperative Medicine Leads (response rate of 72.5%). Seventy respondents (57.9%) reported using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool to screen patients; however, only 61 (50.4%) referred patients at nutritional risk onto a dietitian. Sixty (49.6%) lacked confidence in local ability to identify and manage malnutrition perioperatively, with 28 (23.1%) reporting having a structured pathway for managing malnourished patients. One hundred eleven respondents (91.7%) agreed that malnutrition impacts on quality of life after surgery and 105 (86.8%) felt adopting a standard protocol would improve outcomes for patients. Those reporting a lack of confidence in dealing with malnutrition perioperatively cited a lack of organisational support, patients being seen too close to surgery and lack of clarity around responsibility as key reasons for difficulties in managing this group of patients.ConclusionsMalnutrition in the perioperative period is a modifiable risk factor which is common and results in increased morbidity for patients and increased cost to healthcare systems. This survey highlights areas of practice where perioperative clinicians can improve the assessment and management of patients at nutritional risk prior to elective surgery.