Development of a pediatric hospitalist sedation service: training and implementation

Virtual Reality Training for Pediatric Sedation Challenges: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Teaching the management of pediatric sedation-related airway concerns is challenging due to the time-sensitive interventions required and their infrequent occurrence. Recognizing this educational gap in the sedation experience, virtual reality (VR) was utilized to prepare learners and provide an immersive training experience in a controlled environment. Methods We describe simulation-based training using a VR environment, Enduvo Inc., an innovative software for medical trainees. This two-hour course creates a problem-based learning experience, allowing learners to apply their knowledge and develop a framework for managing these stressful and less commonly encountered situations. Results From 2019 to 2022, 35 learners participated in the sedation course. After completing the VR modules, all learners completed a blinded survey on their experience and preparation for sedation-related situations. Based on our initial data, self-reported confidence and preparedness in handling complex situations during pediatric sedation rated high, with an overall response rate of 100%. Learners reported improved confidence and self-preparedness after completing the modules. Conclusion VR for pediatric sedation training creates a distinctive learning environment due to its immersive nature and has been well-received. VR could be an effective method for educating residents and physicians in this specialized field.

Closing the Chasm: Understanding and Addressing the Anesthesia Workforce Supply and Demand Imbalance

The imbalance in anesthesia workforce supply and demand has been exacerbated post-COVID due to a surge in demand for anesthesia care, especially in non-operating room anesthetizing sites, at a faster rate than the increase in anesthesia clinicians. The consequences of this imbalance or labor shortage compromise healthcare facilities, adversely affect the cost of care, worsen anesthesia workforce burnout, disrupt procedural and surgical schedules, and threaten academic missions and the ability to educate future anesthesiologists. In developing possible solutions, one must examine emerging trends that are affecting the anesthesia workforce, new technologies that will transform anesthesia care and the workforce, and financial considerations, including governmental payment policies. Possible practice solutions to this imbalance will require both short- and long-term multifactorial approaches that include increasing training positions and retention policies, improving capacity through innovations, leveraging technology, and addressing financial constraints.

Introduction of Supervisor-Type Pediatric Hospitalists in a Tertiary Children's Hospital: Experiences in a Hematology/Oncology Ward

(1) Background: Hospitalists are healthcare providers who focus on hospitalized patients, but research on the roles of pediatric hospitalists is lacking. This study investigates the role of a supervisor-type hospitalist in a pediatric hematology/oncology ward at a tertiary children's hospital, assessing the impact on satisfaction levels among patient caregivers, resident physicians, and nurses. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis and online surveys were conducted to assess satisfaction levels before and after the introduction of hospitalists in the Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Seoul National University Children's Hospital in the Republic of Korea. (3) Results: The introduction of hospitalists led to a 19.3% reduction in prescription error interventions over six months. Unexpected transfers to the intensive care unit decreased from 1.4% to 0.7% (p = 0.229). Patient caregivers reported elevated satisfaction levels with physicians (rated 8.47/10), and there was a significant enhancement in overall satisfaction among nurses (increasing from 3.23 to 4.23/5, p < 0.001). The majority of resident physicians (83.3%) expressed contentment with the hospitalist system, with 77% indicating an interest in transitioning to a hospitalist role. However, these resident physicians also expressed concerns regarding job stability. (4) Conclusions: Supervisor-type pediatric hospitalists have the potential to elevate satisfaction levels not only among patient caregivers but also among nurses and resident physicians, showing promise in improving medical care quality. Nonetheless, ensuring favorable perception and securing job stability within the hospitalist system are pivotal for achieving successful implementation.

Development, implementation, and evaluation of a simulation-based educational curriculum for pediatric hospitalists

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Minimal published simulation-based educational training exists for practicing pediatric hospitalists. Our aim was to determine specific pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) knowledge, skill, and competency needs aligned with our scope of practice and evaluate the impact of a simulation-based training curriculum.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Baseline and post-training surveys were administered to 48 physicians providing self-ratings on a 5-point scale from Novice to Expert on published PHM competencies. Results were used to develop a targeted simulation curriculum. Participants were considered competent in a domain if their mean score was 3 or greater. We categorized participant responses to individual questions into nine domain scores on survey self-assessments. Score analysis was performed using the signed-rank test and McNemar's test. Post-training evaluations solicited curriculum acceptance and perceived clinical value.

RESULTS

The baseline response rate was 98% and the post-training response rate was 85%. Areas with the lowest competency on baseline self-assessment included advanced airway management (38%), vascular access and emergency medications (38%), code cart skills (19%), team communication (51%), and medically complex care (49%). Post-training scores improved significantly for five of nine domains, with the largest gains in the "not competent" at baseline group. Percent competent (% with mean score >3) increased significantly in three domains (advanced airway management, code cart skills, and complex care). Participants rated educational sessions favorably (98%) and most (95%) reported using knowledge/skills learned for patient care.

CONCLUSION

Baseline self-assessment results were instrumental in curriculum design. Post-training analysis revealed gains in multiple domains and identified opportunities for future interventions. Most hospitalists reported participation positively impacted patient care with high learner satisfaction.

Creation and Implementation of a Hospitalist-Run Propofol Sedation Program

BACKGROUND

Pediatric hospitalists increasingly provide sedation outside the operating room. Given the large body of safety data available, propofol was identified as a beneficial addition to our hospitalist-run sedation service's medication repertoire. Currently, the training required for hospitalists to provide sedation is defined and determined locally by individual institutions.

METHODS

We convened a task force to develop and implement training for hospitalists in the use of propofol for deep sedation. After implementing training, we analyzed the outcome of patients receiving propofol for deep sedation for MRI, including the adverse event rate and successful completion rate. An adverse event was defined as a significant desaturation, persistent upper airway obstruction, laryngospasm, administration of neuromuscular blockade, conversion to anesthesia, call for additional backup, or if the procedure was not able to be completed. Successful completion was defined as any patient being able to complete the imaging study or procedure with sedation performed by a hospitalist physician.

RESULTS

Between September 2015 and September 2018, sedation services sedated 12 979 patients, 3929 of whom were deeply sedated with propofol. During this period, the trained hospitalists had an adverse event rate of 3.6% and a 98.9% rate of successful completion of all studies or procedures when using propofol for deep sedation.

CONCLUSION

With a comprehensive training program for hospitalists in the administration of propofol, we provided effective sedation for a selective population of patients. We now have a standard approach that uses credentialed hospitalists to train new faculty for propofol administration.

Nonoperating room anesthesia for children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nonoperating room anesthesia (NORA) cases performed in pediatric patients have increased over the past decade. It is imperative for the anesthesia provider to be familiar with the nuances of this environment and the myriad of cases to ensure delivery of safe and efficient care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Though case volume has increased, sedative agents have largely remained unchanged. NORA sites must meet the same operating room standards and expectations of anesthesia established by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Despite the increasing NORA volume and efforts to instill a similar culture of safety as the operating room complex, NORA cases present challenges with limited resources and access to the patient, highlighting the need for resident and fellow training to include NORA experiences.

SUMMARY

Experience working in the NORA environment helps provide, maintain, and improve the cognitive fitness and resilience that an anesthesiologist needs to tackle the complexities from the variety of NORA cases and locations. Patient factors aside, procedural considerations can affect the anesthetic plan, so understanding the nuances of the procedure helps the anesthesia provider provide safe and efficient care.

Trends in Outpatient Procedural Sedation: 2007-2018

BACKGROUND

Pediatric subspecialists routinely provide procedural sedation outside the operating room. No large study has reported trends in outpatient pediatric procedural sedation. Our purpose in this study was to identify significant trends in outpatient procedural sedation using the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from 2007 to 2018 were used for trending procedural sedation. Patient characteristics, medications, type of providers, serious adverse events, and interventions were reported. The Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to explore the association between the year and a given characteristic.

RESULTS

A total of 432 842 sedation encounters were identified and divided into 3 4-year epochs (2007-2011, 2011-2014, and 2014-2018). There was a significant decrease in infants <3 months of age receiving procedural sedation (odds ratio = 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-0.98). A large increase was noticed in pediatric hospitalists providing procedural sedation (0.6%-9.5%; P < .001); there was a decreasing trend in sedation by other providers who were not in emergency medicine, critical care, or anesthesiology (13.9%-3.9%; P < .001). There was an increasing trend in the use of dexmedetomidine (6.3%-9.3%; P < .001) and a decreasing trend in the use of chloral hydrate (6.3%-0.01%; P < .001) and pentobarbital (7.3%-0.5%; P < .001). Serious adverse events showed a nonsignificant increase overall (1.35%-1.75%).

CONCLUSIONS

We report an increase in pediatric hospitalists providing sedation and a significant decrease in the use of chloral hydrate and pentobarbital by providers. Further studies are required to see if sedation services decrease costs and optimize resource use.

Beyond the drugs: nonpharmacologic strategies to optimize procedural care in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Painful and/or stressful medical procedures mean a substantial burden for sick children. There is good evidence that procedural comfort can be optimized by a comprehensive comfort-directed policy containing the triad of nonpharmacological strategies (NPS) in all cases, timely or preventive procedural analgesia if pain is an issue, and procedural sedation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Based both on well-established theoretical frameworks as well as an increasing body of scientific evidence NPS need to be regarded an inextricable part of procedural comfort care.

SUMMARY

Procedural comfort care must always start with a child-friendly, nonthreatening environment in which well-being, confidence, and self-efficacy are optimized and maintained. This requires a reconsideration of the medical spaces where we provide care, reduction of sensory stimulation, normalized professional behavior, optimal logistics, and coordination and comfort-directed and age-appropriate verbal and nonverbal expression by professionals. Next, age-appropriate distraction techniques and/or hypnosis should be readily available. NPS are useful for all types of medical and dental procedures and should always precede and accompany procedural sedation. NPS should be embedded into a family-centered, care-directed policy as it has been shown that family-centered care can lead to safer, more personalized, and effective care, improved healthcare experiences and patient outcomes, and more responsive organizations.

Current Roles and Perceived Needs of Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship Graduates

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric hospitalists report the need for additional training in clinical and nonclinical domains. Pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) fellowships seek to provide this training and produce leaders in the field. Our objective is to describe current roles and perceived training needs of PHM fellowship graduates.

METHODS

In 2014, all PHM fellowship graduates were asked to complete a Web-based survey. Survey questions addressed demographics, past training, current roles, and training needs in clinical care, research, education, and administration. Associations between fellowship experiences and outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

Fifty-one of 61 eligible individuals completed the survey. Average duration as a pediatric hospitalist was 5 years. Ninety percent completed pediatric categorical residency, whereas 10% completed an Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency. Most respondents completed a 1- (38%) or 2-year (46%) fellowship program. Ninety-six percent of respondents currently work in academic environments. The perceived need for additional clinical training was low, except procedures (44%). Nearly all teach medical students and pediatric residents, reporting adequate training in variety of teaching strategies. The majority of respondents conduct research, most commonly quality improvement (QI; 67%) and education (52%). Two-thirds are first authors on at least 1 peer-reviewed article. Research training needs include QI methodology (44%), biostatistics (43%), and obtaining funding (54%). A considerable number of respondents have academic leadership positions.

CONCLUSIONS

PHM fellowship graduates are academic hospitalists with diverse responsibilities. Despite a short average career span, many have achieved leadership roles and been academically productive. Future curriculum development should focus on procedures, QI, and research training.

The current state of pediatric hospital medicine fellowships: A survey of program directors

BACKGROUND

Pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) fellowship programs have grown rapidly over the last 20 years and have varied in duration and content. In an effort to standardize training in the absence of a single accrediting body, PHM fellowship directors now meet annually to discuss strategies for standardizing and enhancing training.

OBJECTIVES

To explore similarities and differences in curricular structure among PHM fellowship programs in an effort to inform future curriculum standardization efforts.

METHODS

An electronic survey was distributed by e-mail to all PHM fellowship directors in April 2014. The survey consisted of 30 multiple-choice and short-answer questions focused on various curricular aspects of training developed by the authors.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven of 31 fellowship programs (87%) responded to the survey. Duration of most programs was 2 years (63%), with 6, 1-year programs (22%) and 4 (15%) 3-year programs making up the remainder. The average amount of clinical time among programs was 50% (range approximately 20%-65%). In addition to general inpatient pediatric service time, most programs require other clinical rotations. The majority of programs allow fellows to bill independently for their services. Most programs offer certificate courses, courses for credit or noncredit courses, with 11 programs offering masters' degrees. Twenty-one (81%) programs provide a scholarship oversight committee for their fellows. Current fellows' primary areas of research are varied.

CONCLUSION

Though variability exists regarding program length, clinical composition, and nonclinical offerings, several common themes emerged that may help inform the development of a standard curriculum for use across all programs. This information provides a useful starting point if pediatric hospital medicine obtains formal subspecialty status. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:324-328. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

Current State of Institutional Privileging Profiles for Pediatric Procedural Sedation Providers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Providers from a variety of training backgrounds and specialties provide procedural sedation at institutions in the United States. We sought to better understand the privileging patterns and practices for sedation providers.

METHODS

Surveys were sent to 56 program directors belonging to the Society for Pediatric Sedation using Research Electronic Data Capture to 56 pediatric sedation programs. The survey was designed to gather information regarding characteristics of their sedation service and the privileging of their sedation providers.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 41 (73%) of 56. Most programs surveyed (81%) said their physicians provided sedation as a part of their primary subspecialty job description, and 17% had physicians whose sole practice was pediatric sedation and no longer practiced in their primary subspecialty. Fifty-one percent of surveyed sedation programs were within freestanding children's hospitals and 61% receive oversight by the anesthesiology department at their institution. Eighty-one percent of the sedation programs require physicians to undergo special credentialing to provide sedation. Of these, 79% grant privileging through their primary specialty, whereas 39% require separate credentialing through sedation as a stand-alone section. For initial credentialing, requirements included completion of a pediatric sedation orientation and training packet (51% of programs), sedation training during fellowship (59%), and documentation of a specific number of pediatric procedural sedation cases (49%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this survey of pediatric sedation programs belonging to the Society for Pediatric Sedation, the process for privileging providers in procedural sedation varies significantly from institution to institution. An opportunity exists to propose privileging standards for providers of pediatric procedural sedation.

Perceived core competency achievements of fellowship and non-fellowship-trained early career pediatric hospitalists

BACKGROUND

The pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) core competencies were established in 2010 to identify the specific knowledge base and skill set needed to provide the highest quality of care for hospitalized children. The objectives of this study were to examine the perceived core competency achievements of fellowship-trained and non-fellowship-trained early career pediatric hospitalists and identify perceived gaps in our current training models.

METHODS

An anonymous Web-based survey was distributed in November 2013. Hospitalists within 5 years of their residency graduation reported their perceived competency in select PHM core competencies. χ(2) and multiprobit regression analyses were utilized.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-seven hospitalists completed the survey and were included; 147 were non-fellowship-trained and 50 were PHM fellowship graduates or current PHM fellows. Both groups reported feeling less than competent in sedation and aspects of business practice. Non-fellowship-trained hospitalists also reported mean scores in the less than competent range in intravenous access/phlebotomy, technology-dependent emergencies, performing Plan-Do-Study-Act process and root cause analysis, defining basic statistical terms, and identifying research resources. Non-fellowship-trained hospitalists reported mean competency scores greater than fellowship-trained hospitalists in pain management, newborn care, and transitions in care.

CONCLUSIONS

Early career pediatric hospitalists report deficits in several of the PHM core competencies, which should be considered when designing PHM-specific training in the future. Fellowship-trained hospitalists report higher levels of perceived competency in many core areas.

Pediatric sedation

Pediatric sedation is an evolving field performed by an extensive list of specialties. Well-defined sedation systems within pediatric facilities are paramount to providing consistent, safe sedation. Pediatric sedation providers should be trained in the principles and practice of sedation, which include patient selection, pre-sedation assessment to determine risks during sedation, selection of optimal sedation medication, monitoring requirements, and post-sedation care. Training, credentialing, and continuing sedation education must be incorporated into sedation systems to verify and monitor the practice of safe sedation. Pediatric hospitalists represent a group of providers with extensive pediatric knowledge and skills who can safely provide pediatric sedation.

Management of Traumatic Wounds and a Novel Approach to Delivering Wound Care in Children

Significance: The costs and morbidity of pediatric traumatic wounds are not well known. The literature lacks a comprehensive review of the volume, management, and outcomes of children sustaining soft tissue injury. We briefly review the existing literature for traumatic wounds such as open fractures and burns. Such injuries require dedicated wound care and we propose a novel approach for more efficient and more effective delivery of dedicated pediatric wound care. Recent Advances: New pediatric literature is emerging regarding the long-term effects of wound care pain in traumatic injuries-especially burns. A variety of wound dressings and alternative management techniques exist and are geared toward reducing wound care pain. Our institution utilizes a unique model to provide adequate sedation and pain control through a dedicated pediatric wound care unit. We believe that this model reduces the cost of wound care by decreasing emergency department and operating room visits as well as hospital length of stay. Critical Issues: First, medical costs related to pediatric traumatic wound care are not insignificant. The need for adequate pain control and sedation in children with complex wounds is traditionally managed with operating room intervention. Afterward, added costs can be from a hospital stay for ongoing acute wound management. Second, morbidities of complex traumatic wounds are shown to be related to the acute wound care received. Future Directions: Further guidelines are needed to determine the most effective and efficient care of complex traumatic soft tissue injuries in the pediatric population.

A proposed mechanism to assess knowledge of pediatric hospitalists to identify and manage rare events during procedural sedation

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess the knowledge of pediatric hospitalists (PHs) in identifying and managing rare events during procedural sedation (PS) with ketamine and nitrous oxide (N2O).

METHODS

A Web-based survey with multiple choice questions and case scenarios was used to determine the knowledge of PHs in identifying infrequent contraindications and managing laryngospasm, a rare life-threatening complication during PS. The survey was sent to all PHs at St Louis Children's Hospital.

RESULTS

Forty percent of experienced PHs (>50 sedation procedures performed) and 5% of inexperienced PHs (<50 sedation procedures performed) identified all 4 ketamine contraindications. Twenty-one percent of experienced PHs and 4% of inexperienced PHs identified all 6 N2O contraindications. Ninety-five percent of PHs identified presence of laryngospasm in a case scenario. As the patient in the case scenario progressed from partial to complete laryngospasm, 84% and 82% of PHs chose either the preferred or acceptable strategy to manage the patient. With further deterioration in the patient's status in the scenario, 66% and 71% of PHs chose either the preferred or acceptable strategy to manage the patient. The preferred strategy at each step is one that attempted the least invasive maneuver to manage the patient. There was no significant difference between experienced and inexperienced PHs in the management of laryngospasm.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge gaps exist among PHs regarding contraindications for ketamine and N2O that are infrequently encountered in patients and for the management of laryngospasm, a rare adverse event with ketamine. Ongoing teaching tools are necessary to assess and maintain the knowledge of sedation providers regarding rare events during PS that can improve their proficiency.

Procedural sedation by pediatric hospitalists: analysis of the nature and incidence of complications during ketamine and nitrous oxide sedation

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine the nature and rate of complications during procedural sedation by pediatric hospitalists (PH) using ketamine and nitrous oxide (N2O).

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review and analysis of a quality improvement database for sedations performed by PH at St Louis Children's Hospital from February 2007 to February 2013. Information was obtained on sedations performed and reported in the quality improvement database by PH over this time period using ketamine and N2O.

RESULTS

PH performed 8870 sedations from 2007 to 2013, 60.2% using ketamine and 39.8% using N2O. Procedural completion rates were >99%; 0.12% of sedations were not completed due to inadequate sedation, and sedation level was not achieved in 1.71% of sedations. There were no occurrences of death, need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, unplanned intubation, or emergency anesthesia consultation. The only major complications were 4 unplanned admissions, 2 each with ketamine and N2O. With ketamine, the 2 highest rates of complications were airway repositioning (3.99%) and nausea and/or vomiting (2.98%). With N2O, the 2 highest complication rates were nausea and/or vomiting (8.50%) and airway repositioning (1.10%). Respiratory and cardiovascular events were more frequently encountered with ketamine, whereas nausea/vomiting, sedation level not achieved, and inadequate sedation resulting in procedure not completed occurred more frequently with N2O.

CONCLUSIONS

PH at St Louis Children's Hospital successfully provided sedation by using ketamine and N2O with low rates of complications for a variety of procedures.

An update on pediatric hospital-based sedation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The need for sedation for procedures performed outside the operating room has increased dramatically, and pediatric procedural sedation (PPS) is increasingly performed by practitioners who are not anesthesiologists. With 'sedationists' emerging from various specialties, there are differences in practice and guidelines with regards to presedation assessment, targeted depths of sedation, monitoring requirements, and the training required. Our aim is to identify some of the recent advances in PPS and to describe progress towards greater standardization of practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several studies report attempts to optimize the efficacy of specific pharmaceuticals used in PPS. Ketamine, a dissociative agent, functions uniquely and requires its own sedation practice guidelines. Utilizing less invasive administration of sedation via transmucosal and inhaled routes is gaining popularity. Additionally, replacing subjective measurement of depths of the sedation continuum and the nonstandardized definitions of adverse events with alternatives based on physiological parameters and/or required rescue interventions is underway. Finally, the use of presedation family-centered counseling and adjuncts that provide visual and auditory distraction are enhancing pharmaceutical methods.

SUMMARY

Further multispecialty collaboration and formation of greater consensus with regards to sedation practice are essential to the development of universal guidelines that optimize patient care.

The current status of procedural sedation for pediatric patients in out-of-operating room locations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To illustrate the changes that are occurring in the rapidly growing field of pediatric sedation. In the USA and throughout the world, children receive sedation from a multitude of specialists with varying levels of training. The current pediatric sedation literature reflects a growing body of sedation literature by medical specialists other than anesthesiologists. This article will review the controversial use of propofol by nonanesthesiologists and the manner in which this varied group of providers along with government entities, regulatory agencies, and national organizations contribute to the continuing evolution of sedation practices.

RECENT FINDINGS

The number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed on children outside of the operating room continues to increase. The growing body of pediatric sedation literature suggests anesthesiologists are no longer at the forefront of pediatric sedation training, education, and research. Articles published by nonanesthesiologists describe pediatric sedation services, safety, and quality initiatives, drugs, and original sedation research. Medications that were considered under the realm of anesthesiologists are utilized by nonanesthesiologists to provide sedation to children. Regulating and government agencies, including the Joint Commission and the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services have recently issued statements on the oversight and practice of sedation.

SUMMARY

The direction of pediatric sedation is no longer solely under the leadership of anesthesiologists. The use of anesthetic agents, including propofol, have been administered by nonanesthesiologists and reported as safe and effective agents. Nonanesthesiologists and governmental and regulatory agencies influence the delivery of sedation services. The future direction of pediatric sedation will ultimately depend upon the ability of anesthesiologists to collaborate with specialists, hospital administrators, credentialing committees, and oversight agencies in order to provide high-quality efficient sedation services to children.