Ensuring safety of patients receiving sedation for procedures: evaluation of clinical practice guidelines

Consensus treatment plans for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To formulate consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A structured consensus formation process was employed by the members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance after considering the existing medical evidence and current treatment approaches.

RESULTS

After an initial Delphi survey (response rate = 70%), a 2-day consensus conference, and 2 followup Delphi surveys (response rates = 63-79%), consensus was achieved for a limited set of CTPs addressing the induction therapy of proliferative LN. These CTPs were developed for prototypical patients defined by eligibility characteristics, and included immunosuppressive therapy with either mycophenolic acid orally twice per day, or intravenous cyclophosphamide once per month at standardized dosages for 6 months. Additionally, the CTPs describe 3 options for standardized use of glucocorticoids, including a primarily oral, a mixed oral/intravenous, and a primarily intravenous regimen. There was consensus on measures of effectiveness and safety of the CTPs. The CTPs were well accepted by the pediatric rheumatology providers treating children with LN, and up to 300 children per year in North America are expected to be candidates for the treatment with the CTPs.

CONCLUSION

CTPs for induction therapy of proliferative LN in juvenile SLE based on the available scientific evidence and pediatric rheumatology group experience have been developed. Consistent use of the CTPs may improve the prognosis of proliferative LN, and support the conduct of comparative effectiveness studies aimed at optimizing therapeutic strategies for proliferative LN in juvenile SLE.

Consensus treatment plans for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To formulate consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A structured consensus formation process was employed by the members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance after considering the existing medical evidence and current treatment approaches.

RESULTS

After an initial Delphi survey (response rate = 70%), a 2-day consensus conference, and 2 followup Delphi surveys (response rates = 63-79%), consensus was achieved for a limited set of CTPs addressing the induction therapy of proliferative LN. These CTPs were developed for prototypical patients defined by eligibility characteristics, and included immunosuppressive therapy with either mycophenolic acid orally twice per day, or intravenous cyclophosphamide once per month at standardized dosages for 6 months. Additionally, the CTPs describe 3 options for standardized use of glucocorticoids, including a primarily oral, a mixed oral/intravenous, and a primarily intravenous regimen. There was consensus on measures of effectiveness and safety of the CTPs. The CTPs were well accepted by the pediatric rheumatology providers treating children with LN, and up to 300 children per year in North America are expected to be candidates for the treatment with the CTPs.

CONCLUSION

CTPs for induction therapy of proliferative LN in juvenile SLE based on the available scientific evidence and pediatric rheumatology group experience have been developed. Consistent use of the CTPs may improve the prognosis of proliferative LN, and support the conduct of comparative effectiveness studies aimed at optimizing therapeutic strategies for proliferative LN in juvenile SLE.

Sedation provider practice variation: a survey analysis of pediatric emergency subspecialists and fellows

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric emergency physicians use various techniques and medications when performing procedural sedation and analgesia. The goals of our study were to assess US pediatric emergency medicine subspecialists and fellows (PEMSSFs) for individual practice variation and to evaluate (1) the use of supplemental oxygen and capnography monitoring and (2) adverse sedation events (ADSEs).

METHODS

A Web-based tool was used to survey and analyze data collected from a selected group of PEMSSFs, regarding their responses to 5 common sedation case scenarios, use of supplemental oxygen and capnography monitoring, and ADSEs. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between medication strategy and various levels of professional experience.

RESULTS

Two hundred one surveys were received. One hundred ninety-five of these were eligible for the study: 140 from specialists and 55 from fellows. Respondents used multiple combinations of pharmaceutical agents to the scenarios presented. For some scenarios, statistical association was found between medication selection strategy and longer professional experience. Sixty percent of respondents do not routinely provide oxygen supplementation. Despite current guidelines supporting the routine use of capnography monitoring, 45% of respondents never use it. Adverse sedation event was reported in 17 cases; all patients were discharged with no further complications. A statistical association was found between years of practitioner experience and the likelihood of reporting an ADSE (P < 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

This group of PEMSSFs reported a wide spectrum of medication sedation strategies, dichotomous approaches to the use of oxygen supplementation and capnography monitoring, and a low rate of ADSEs.

Involvement of trainees in routine unsedated colonoscopy: review of a pilot experience

BACKGROUND

Unsedated colonoscopy is not required by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education in the curriculum of GI trainees.

OBJECTIVE

We describe our pilot experience with trainee participation in unsedated colonoscopy.

DESIGN

A retrospective review of a performance improvement program to provide access to colonoscopy.

SETTING

A Veteran's Affair ambulatory care facility that discontinued sedated colonoscopy because of a nursing shortage.

PATIENTS

A total of 145 of 483 patients who chose unsedated colonoscopy after both sedated and unsedated options were discussed.

INTERVENTIONS

GI fellows performed unsedated colonoscopy under the supervision of the attending physician.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Cecal intubation rate, patient assessment of the reasons for the choice, the unsedated experience, willingness to have another colonoscopy, and the rate of return for unsedated colonoscopy among eligible patients.

RESULTS

Cecal intubation was achieved in 112 of 145 patients. The adjusted success rate (excluding inadequate bowel preparation and an obstructing lesion) was 81%. The most frequently acknowledged reason for the choice was the ability to communicate with the colonoscopist. Eighty-six patients reported a good experience and were likely to accept another unsedated colonoscopy. To date, all 8 patients eligible for 3-year follow-up successfully completed another unsedated examination.

LIMITATION

An uncontrolled, nonrandomized review in predominantly male older veterans.

CONCLUSIONS

An unsedated colonoscopy might be acceptable to some populations, particularly when communication with clinicians and procedural convenience are highly valued. Involvement of trainees is feasible. Randomized controlled comparisons of sedated and unsedated options in terms of safety (eg, sedation and procedure-related complications) and cost in settings with and without a nursing shortage deserve to be considered.

Options for screening colonoscopy without sedation: a pilot study in United States veterans

BACKGROUND

The direct and indirect costs of sedation limit access to screening colonoscopy amongst United States veterans.

AIM

To determine if offering the option of sedation on-demand reduces the need for sedation. Design A retrospective review of prospectively collected performance improvement data in an open access screening colonoscopy programme.

SETTING

Performance improvement programme to minimize the burden of sedation at a single VA Medical Center. Subjects 44 consecutive veterans who accepted the option of sedation on-demand. They could choose to have premedications before the start of colonoscopy, or to begin colonoscopy without premedications and receive the medications upon their request during the examination.

METHOD

Two experienced endoscopists assisted by experienced nurse assistants performed all of the examinations. Insertion of the colonoscope was aided by infusion of warm water through the colonoscope without air insufflation. Medications were administered at the veterans' request.

RESULTS

Offering the option of sedation on-demand to 44 consecutive veterans permitted 52% (N = 23) of the veterans to complete screening colonoscopy without any sedation.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel approach of sedation on-demand and water infusion for screening colonoscopy deserves to be further evaluated in a randomized-controlled study amongst patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening.

Designing healthcare organizations to reduce medical errors and enhance patient safety

Medical errors and patient safety are urgent healthcare management challenges. To date, not enough has occurred to provide a systematic organizational design framework for reducing medical errors and improving patient safety. The authors offer such a framework by integrating multiple organizational factors and using well-accepted organization theory, citing relevant empirical research studies of medical errors and patient safety to support specific organizational factors. They discuss organizational design implications and recommendations for healthcare executives.

Guidelines for monitoring and management of pediatric patients during and after sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures: an update

The safe sedation of children for procedures requires a systematic approach that includes the following: no administration of sedating medication without the safety net of medical supervision; careful presedation evaluation for underlying medical or surgical conditions that would place the child at increased risk from sedating medications; appropriate fasting for elective procedures and a balance between depth of sedation and risk for those who are unable to fast because of the urgent nature of the procedure; a focused airway examination for large tonsils or anatomic airway abnormalities that might increase the potential for airway obstruction; a clear understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of the medications used for sedation, as well as an appreciation for drug interactions; appropriate training and skills in airway management to allow rescue of the patient; age- and size-appropriate equipment for airway management and venous access; appropriate medications and reversal agents; sufficient numbers of people to carry out the procedure and monitor the patient; appropriate physiologic monitoring during and after the procedure; a properly equipped and staffed recovery area; recovery to presedation level of consciousness before discharge from medical supervision; and appropriate discharge instructions. This report was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to offer pediatric providers updated information and guidance in delivering safe sedation to children.

Microstream capnography improves patient monitoring during moderate sedation: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Investigative efforts to improve monitoring during sedation for patients of all ages are part of a national agenda for patient safety. According to the Institute of Medicine, recent technological advances in patient monitoring have contributed to substantially decreased mortality for people receiving general anesthesia in operating room settings. Patient safety has not been similarly targeted for the several million children annually in the United States who receive moderate sedation without endotracheal intubation. Critical event analyses have documented that hypoxemia secondary to depressed respiratory activity is a principal risk factor for near misses and death in this population. Current guidelines for monitoring patient safety during moderate sedation in children call for continuous pulse oximetry and visual assessment, which may not detect alveolar hypoventilation until arterial oxygen desaturation has occurred. Microstream capnography may provide an "early warning system" by generating real-time waveforms of respiratory activity in nonintubated patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether intervention based on capnography indications of alveolar hypoventilation reduces the incidence of arterial oxygen desaturation in nonintubated children receiving moderate sedation for nonsurgical procedures.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

We included 163 children undergoing 174 elective gastrointestinal procedures with moderate sedation in a pediatric endoscopy unit in a randomized, controlled trial. All of the patients received routine care, including 2-L supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula. Investigators, patients, and endoscopy staff were blinded to additional capnography monitoring. In the intervention arm, trained independent observers signaled to clinical staff if capnograms indicated alveolar hypoventilation for >15 seconds. In the control arm, observers signaled if capnograms indicated alveolar hypoventilation for >60 seconds. Endoscopy nurses responded to signals in both arms by encouraging patients to breathe deeply, even if routine patient monitoring did not indicate a change in respiratory status.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Our primary outcome measure was patient arterial oxygen desaturation defined as a pulse oximetry reading of <95% for >5 seconds. Secondary outcome measures included documented assessments of abnormal ventilation, termination of the procedure secondary to concerns for patient safety, as well as other more rare adverse events including need for bag-mask ventilation, sedation reversal, or seizures.

RESULTS

Children randomly assigned to the intervention arm were significantly less likely to experience arterial oxygen desaturation than children in the control arm. Two study patients had documented adverse events, with no procedures terminated for patient safety concerns. Intervention and control patients did not differ in baseline characteristics. Endoscopy staff documented poor ventilation in 3% of all procedures and no apnea. Capnography indicated alveolar hypoventilation during 56% of procedures and apnea during 24%. We found no change in magnitude or statistical significance of the intervention effect when we adjusted the analysis for age, sedative dose, or other covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this controlled effectiveness trial support routine use of microstream capnography to detect alveolar hypoventilation and reduce hypoxemia during procedural sedation in children. In addition, capnography allowed early detection of arterial oxygen desaturation because of alveolar hypoventilation in the presence of supplemental oxygen. The current standard of care for monitoring all patients receiving sedation relies overtly on pulse oximetry, which does not measure ventilation. Most medical societies and regulatory organizations consider moderate sedation to be safe but also acknowledge serious associated risks, including suboptimal ventilation, airway obstruction, apnea, hypoxemia, hypoxia, and cardiopulmonary arrest. The results of this controlled trial suggest that microstream capnography improves the current standard of care for monitoring sedated children by allowing early detection of respiratory compromise, prompting intervention to minimize hypoxemia. Integrating capnography into patient monitoring protocols may ultimately improve the safety of nonintubated patients receiving moderate sedation.

Risk reduction in pediatric procedural sedation by application of an American Academy of Pediatrics/American Society of Anesthesiologists process model

OBJECTIVE

Guidelines for risk reduction during procedural sedation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) rely on expert opinion and consensus. In this article, we tested the hypothesis that application of an AAP/ASA-structured model would reduce the risk of sedation-related adverse events.

METHODS

Prospectively coded sedation records were abstracted by a hospital quality improvement specialist with practical and administrative experience in pediatric sedation. Process variables included notation of nulla per os (NPO) status, performance of a guided risk assessment, assignment of ASA physical status score, obtaining informed consent, generation of a sedation plan, and assessment of sedation level using a quantitative scoring system. Content variables included adherence to AAP NPO guidelines, ASA class, target sedation level, actual sedation level, age, procedure, and drugs used. Complication risk was assessed by logistic regression and Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (OR).

RESULTS

Complications were identified in 40 of 960 records (4.2%). The complication rate was 34 of 895 (3.8%) with planned conscious sedation and 6 of 65 (9.2%) with planned deep sedation ([DS]; OR: 2.6). Complications were reduced by performance of structured risk assessment (OR: 0.10), adherence to all process guidelines (OR: 0), and avoiding actual DS (OR: 0.4). The only drug associated with higher risk was chloral hydrate (OR: 2.1). Failure to adhere to NPO guidelines did not increase risk in this assessment; however, the adverse event rate was 0 if all process guidelines were followed.

CONCLUSIONS

Presedation assessment reduces complications of DS. Repeated assessment of sedation score reduces the risk of inadvertent DS. The data provide direct evidence that AAP/ASA guidelines can reduce the risk of pediatric procedural sedation.

Anesthesia for diagnostic procedures

Anesthetists and other providers are seeing an increased demand for sedation or anesthesia for challenging patients undergoing diagnostic procedures. Regardless of the specialty of the provider, proper attention must be paid to patient evaluation, monitoring, and drug dosage. The present review summarizes recommendations regarding sedation, as well as recent literature on sedation and anesthesia for endoscopy, radiology, pediatric oncology procedures, and pediatric electroencephalography.

Development of an outcome/variance tracking tool for sedation and non-surgical procedures

A large academic cancer center devised a performance improvement plan for special procedures and sedation. A group of interdisciplinary professionals convened to address data collection, complications, and outcomes for non-surgical procedures and sedation. Administrative, medical, and nursing representatives from all areas in which these procedures are performed gathered to assess existing data and data collection methods and to develop an improvement plan. Gastroenterology, pulmonary, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, gynecology, genitourinary, hematology, and anesthesiology specialties were represented. The group was facilitated by staff from the institution's Office of Performance Improvement and co-chaired by an anesthesiologist and a pulmonary specialist. A representative from the Practice Outcomes Department was also an active participant. This article describes group process, design efforts, pilot testing, and analyses for this project. Pilot data are presented as well as a discussion of staff involvement.