UK student midwives' theoretical knowledge, confidence, and experience of intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart rate during labour: An online cross-sectional survey

AIM

This study aimed to explore student midwives' theoretical knowledge of intrapartum intermittent auscultation, their confidence in, and their experience of this mode of fetal monitoring.

DESIGN AND SETTING

An online cross-section survey with closed and open questions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participants' intermittent auscultation knowledge, confidence, and experience. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns within the free text about participants' experiences.

PARTICIPANTS

Undergraduate midwifery students (n = 303) from Nursing and Midwifery Council-approved educational institutions within the United Kingdom.

FINDINGS

Most participants demonstrated good theoretical knowledge. They had witnessed the technique being used in clinical practice, and when performed, the practice was reported to be in line with national guidance. In closed questions, participants reported feeling confident in their intermittent auscultation skills; however, these data contrasted with free-text responses.

CONCLUSION

This cross-sectional survey found that student midwives possess adequate knowledge of intermittent auscultation. However, reflecting individual clinical experiences, their confidence in their ability to perform intermittent auscultation varied. A lack of opportunity to practice intermittent auscultation, organisational culture, and midwives' preferences have caused student midwives to question their capabilities with this essential clinical skill, leaving some with doubt about their competency close to registration.

Neuroimaging and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Among Individuals With Complex Congenital Heart Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Although neuroimaging advances have deepened our understanding of brain health in individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD), it is less clear how neuroimaging findings relate to neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. We systematically synthesized and critically evaluated evidence on associations between neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental, neurocognitive, psychiatric, or behavioral outcomes among individuals with transposition of great arteries or single-ventricle CHD (Protocol CRD42021229617). Six databases were searched and 45 papers from 25 unique studies were identified. Structural brain injury was generally linked to poorer neurodevelopment in infancy. Brain volumes and microstructural and functional brain changes appear linked to neurocognitive outcomes, including deficits in attention, learning, memory, and executive function in children and adolescents. Fetal neuroimaging studies were limited. Four papers investigated psychiatric outcomes; none found associations with neuroimaging. Multicenter, longitudinal studies incorporating functional neuroimaging and mental health outcomes are much-needed to inform early neuroprotective and therapeutic strategies in CHD.

Oral health messages for Australia: A national consensus statement

BACKGROUND

Oral health promotion initiatives must be evidence-based and consistent with broader health messaging. The Oral Health Messages for the Australian Public were first produced in 2009 and sought to enable a focused, and strategic approach to oral health promotion in Australia. As the evidence base and needs of the Australian population have since changed, this consensus statement was updated in 2022-2023.

METHODS

The process of updating the messages consisted of 3 phases (preparatory phase, the Delphi technique, final revision phase). The preparatory phase included public and expert consultation, an umbrella review of published scientific literature and review of available recommendations, policies and guidelines. The Delphi technique used in this study was guided by Guidance on Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) and included 2 voting rounds. There were 70 experts in round 1 and 60 experts in round 2. Delphi participants comprised of experts from a variety of fields to ensure diversity and inclusion, balance expertise and maximize stakeholder representation. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement.

RESULTS

A total of 11 messages were included in the 2022 update of Oral Health Messages for Australia.

CONCLUSION

The updated oral health messages will support oral health promotion policy and activity at both individual and population level to improve the oral health of Australians.

Incisional hernia following colorectal cancer surgery according to suture technique: Hughes Abdominal Repair Randomized Trial (HART)

BACKGROUND

Incisional hernias cause morbidity and may require further surgery. HART (Hughes Abdominal Repair Trial) assessed the effect of an alternative suture method on the incidence of incisional hernia following colorectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

A pragmatic multicentre single-blind RCT allocated patients undergoing midline incision for colorectal cancer to either Hughes closure (double far-near-near-far sutures of 1 nylon suture at 2-cm intervals along the fascia combined with conventional mass closure) or the surgeon's standard closure. The primary outcome was the incidence of incisional hernia at 1 year assessed by clinical examination. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Between August 2014 and February 2018, 802 patients were randomized to either Hughes closure (401) or the standard mass closure group (401). At 1 year after surgery, 672 patients (83.7 per cent) were included in the primary outcome analysis; 50 of 339 patients (14.8 per cent) in the Hughes group and 57 of 333 (17.1 per cent) in the standard closure group had incisional hernia (OR 0.84, 95 per cent c.i. 0.55 to 1.27; P = 0.402). At 2 years, 78 patients (28.7 per cent) in the Hughes repair group and 84 (31.8 per cent) in the standard closure group had incisional hernia (OR 0.86, 0.59 to 1.25; P = 0.429). Adverse events were similar in the two groups, apart from the rate of surgical-site infection, which was higher in the Hughes group (13.2 versus 7.7 per cent; OR 1.82, 1.14 to 2.91; P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of incisional hernia after colorectal cancer surgery is high. There was no statistical difference in incidence between Hughes closure and mass closure at 1 or 2 years.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN25616490 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Initial experience using a novel algorithm to calculate omnipolar electrograms using a high-density grid-style catheter

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction

A novel mapping algorithm recently became available in Europe and select countries in the Asia Pacific region. EnSite Omnipolar Technology (OT) utilizes the Advisor HD Grid Mapping Catheter, Sensor Enabled (HD Grid) to calculate electrograms in 360 degrees from two bipolar and three unipolar electrograms acquired from a triangular set of three electrodes. This software also enables calculation of wavefront characteristics including maximum voltage, activation direction and wave speed. Procedural characteristics and clinical utilization of this novel software have not yet been reported.

Purpose

To examine the clinical utility and procedural characteristics associated with the use of this novel mapping algorithm among participating centers.

Methods

Acute procedural data were prospectively collected in 386 cases at 52 centers utilizing the newly approved mapping software in the initial phases of commercialization in Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Procedural characteristics recorded included indication for mapping/ablation, navigation mode, mapping reference, and maps and tools used to diagnose/locate ablation targets.

Results

A total of 14 indications for mapping and ablation were represented including AF, atypical flutter, and VT (Table 1). VoXel (magnetic primary) navigation mode was used in most cases (n=325, 84%). The CS catheter was used as the map reference in 280 cases (73%). A variety of workflows were used with OT to diagnose and locate ablation targets including voltage maps (n=275, 71%), LAT maps (n=226, 59%), OT activation vectors (n=124, 32%), propagation maps (n=94, 24%), and sparkle maps (n=69, 18%); note: total exceeds 100%, multiple workflows per case observed. EnSite LiveView Dynamic Display (LiveView) was used in 129 cases (33%) to diagnose and locate ablation targets, including 28 (22%) where OT activation vectors were used with LiveView. Several benefits of OT were reported including rapid identification of ablation target(s) (n=133, 35%), higher point density (n=82, 21%), better signals (n=69, 18%), and improved procedure efficiency (n=48, 12%).

Conclusion(s)

Initial experience with this novel mapping software in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region illustrated utility in a variety of arrhythmias to diagnose and locate ablation targets. The use of OT provided several benefits including rapid identification of ablation targets and higher point density, however further examination of its impact on procedural efficiencies and acute outcomes is likely warranted.

Practices and perspectives of primary care physicians in Japan and the United States about diagnosing dementia: a qualitative study

Background

While dementia is a common problem in Japan and the US, primary care physicians' practices and perspectives about diagnosing dementia in these different healthcare systems are unknown.

Methods

Qualitative research was conducted in an ethnographic tradition using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis in primary care settings across Japan and in the Midwest State of Michigan, US. Participants were a total of 48 primary care physicians, 24 each from Japan and the US participated. Both groups contained a mixture of geographic areas (rural/urban), gender, age, and years of experience as primary care physicians.

Results

Participants in Japan and the US voiced similar practices for making the diagnosis of dementia and held similar views about the desired benefits of diagnosing dementia. Differences were found in attitudes about the appropriate timing of formally diagnosing dementia. Japanese physicians tended to make a formal diagnosis when problems that would benefit from long-term care services emerged for family members. US physicians were more proactive in diagnosing dementia in the early stages by screening for dementia in health check-ups and promoting advance directives when the patients were still capable of decision-making. Views about appropriate timing of diagnostic testing for dementia in the two systems reflect what medical or nursing care services physicians can use to support dementia patients and caregivers.

Conclusions

Benefits of making the diagnosis included the need to activate the long-term care services in Japan and for early intervention and authoring advance directives in the US. Testing to establish an early diagnosis of dementia by primary care physicians only partly relates to testing and treatment options available. Benefits of making the diagnosis included the need to activate the long-term care services in Japan and for early intervention and authoring advance directives in the US.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02457-7.

Psychological interventions for depression in children and young people with an intellectual disability and/or autism: systematic review

BACKGROUND

Children and young people with intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) experience higher rates of mental health problems, including depression, than their typically developing peers. Although international guidelines suggest psychological therapies as first-line intervention for children and young people, there is limited evidence for psychological therapy for depression in children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism.

AIMS

To evaluate the current evidence base for psychological interventions for depression in children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism, and examine the experiences of children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism, their families and therapists, in receiving and delivering psychological treatment for depression.

METHOD

Databases were searched up to 30 April 2020 using pre-defined search terms and criteria. Articles were independently screened and assessed for risk of bias. Data were synthesised and reported in a narrative review format.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four identified studies were clinical case reports and six were quasi-experimental or experimental studies. All studies were assessed as being of moderate or high risk of bias. Participants with intellectual disability were included in four studies. There was limited data on the experiences of young people, their families or therapists in receiving or delivering psychological treatment for depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Well-designed, randomised controlled trials are critical to develop an evidence base for psychological treatment for young people with intellectual disability and/or autism with depression. Future research should evaluate the treatment experiences of young people, their families and therapists.

Evaluation of urinary chloride dipsticks for the rapid estimation of hydration status in patients receiving artificial nutrition: Feasibility study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The home parenteral nutrition (HPN) population face many challenges, especially with respect to fluid balance management. A low urinary sodium concentration of <20 mmol/L is commonly used as an indicator of dehydration that requires clinical assessment in these patients. The Quantab titrator dipstick measures chloride concentration of a solution and correlates with sodium concentration. We assessed whether it would be feasible to use the Quantab dipstick in the HPN population and explored relationships between Quantab dipstick estimated chloride concentration and quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

Patients on HPN were asked to collect urine samples at 5 specific times points (day 0,7,14, 21 and 28) to send to the laboratory for formal electrolyte analysis. The participant and a member of laboratory staff tested these samples with the Quantab dipstick to estimate urinary chloride concentration. Participants were instructed to complete a QOL questionnaire at each of the 5 time-points in addition to a baseline demographic questionnaire and an end-of-study questionnaire. Six participants completed an interview at the end of the study period. The relationship between participant-derived and laboratory-derived data was assessed using rank correlation coefficients. QOL assessment was correlated with urine dipstick measurements.

RESULTS

10 patients on HPN completed the study. Data on chloride concentration as estimated by the dipstick (assessed by participants and by the laboratory) and sodium concentration from the laboratory were available for 47 urine samples. There was a positive relationship between participant dipstick estimated chloride concentration and laboratory sodium (Kendall's τ = 0.45; P < 0.001; Spearman's r_s = 0.58 P < 0.001; 47 pairs). There was a strong correlation between chloride concentrations estimated by dipstick in the laboratory and by participants (Kendall 0.58 p < 0.001, Spearman's 0.69 p < 0.001; 47 pairs). In exploratory analyses, there was no relationship between QOL and dipstick estimated chloride concentration. Participants had no issues collecting urine samples but some difficulties were reported with determining the dipstick reading.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients on HPN are able to collect urine specimens, complete QOL questionnaires, and are capable of using the Quantab dipstick to estimate urinary chloride concentration. The Quantab dipstick correlates with laboratory measured sodium and chloride concentrations. Further work is required to fully establish whether this point-of-care test could be used to guide fluid balance management in the HPN population.

A double-blinded randomised controlled study to investigate the effect of intraperitoneal levobupivacaine on post laparoscopic pain

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery is the cornerstone of modern gynaecological surgery, with shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to normal activities. However postoperative pain remains problematic. No strategy to reduce phrenic nerve irritation, including heating or humidifying the insufflating gas, alternatives to CO₂, and intraperitoneal analgesics, has shown superiority.

METHODS

100 women undergoing laparoscopic surgery were randomly allocated, having either 40ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine or 40ml 0.9% sodium chloride solution administered into the peritoneal cavity following surgery. The patients and the main researcher were blinded. All women received standardised anaesthetic and laparoscopic technique, and postoperative pain control including nursing position and nature of analgesia. Postoperative pain was assessed 3 hours, 8 hours, day 1 and day 4/5 postoperatively.

RESULTS

100 patients were recruited undergoing surgery for benign causes aged 19-73(mean 40.3±13). There was no difference between the groups for age(p=0.64) or length of operation(p=0.56). There were no adverse events related to use of intraperitoneal instillation. There was a significant reduction in shoulder-tip pain scores in the levobupivacaine group at 3 hours(p=0.04). Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in wound-pain scores in the levobupivacaine group at 8hrs(p=0.04) and at day 4(p=0.04). No difference was found in pelvic pain between the two groups. No significant difference was found in the use of post-operative analgesia.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraperitoneal instillation of 40ml of levobupivacaine has some benefit in reducing postoperative pain and need for analgesia in the initial hours following gynaecological surgery. However, further well-designed randomised control trials are required to decide the optimum route and concentration of administering local anaesthetic.

0687 Comparative Changes Of Patient Reported Outcomes In Positive Airway Pressure And Upper Airway Stimulation For Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction

Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) is increasingly being used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment, however, data comparing changes in patient reported outcomes (PROs) in response to positive airway pressure (PAP) versus UAS are limited. We hypothesize that there will be no difference in PROs between the two groups after treatment.

Methods

UAS and PAP groups were 1:3 matched on age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI, category 15-30, &gt;30). Linear mixed models assessed the difference of change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) measures on matched strata of UAS versus PAP groups with adjustment of baseline and matching factors. All analysis was performed in SAS software (version 9.4, Cary, NC).

Results

The analytic sample comprised 193 PAP patients and 69 UAS patients, with mean age=62.9+/-9.4 years, 27.5% female, mean BMI=29.1+/-3.2kg/m2, and median AHI 42.7, IQR: 31.5, 57.2. ESS in PAP (n=190) reduced by -2.63 (-3.38,-1.88) and in UAS (n=56) reduced by -2.22 (-3.34, -1.10), with a mean difference of 0.41 (-0.70, 1.52, p=.46). FOSQ in PAP (n=188) showed a change of 1.38 (0.99, 1.78) and in UAS (n=49) a change of 1.82 (1.17, 2.46), with a mean difference of 0.43 (-0.23, 1.09, p=.19). PHQ9 in PAP (n=185) showed a significant change of -2.24(-3.00, 1.47) and in UAS (n=45) a change of -3.75(-5.07,-2.42), with a mean difference of -1.51(-2.93,-0.088, p=.038). ISI in PAP (n=193) showed a significant change of -3.20(-4.39,-2.02) and in UAS (n=47) a change of -4.83(-6.77,-2.90), with a mean difference of -1.63(-3.62, 0.37, p=.11).

Conclusion

Similar improvements in PROs were observed in both UAS and PAP patient groups, however UAS appeared to confer greater benefit in depressive symptoms relative to PAP. Randomized clinical trials should be designed to confirm these findings.

Support

N/A

Anion-Exchange Method for Determination of Phytate in Foods: Collaborative Study

Phytate, a naturally occurring organic compound found in plant seeds, roots, and tubers, was determined in a collaborative study using a modified anion-exchange method. Seven samples (peanut flour, oats, rice, isolated soybean protein, a vegetarian diet composite, wheat bran, and whole wheat bread), supplied as blind duplicate samples, were analyzed in triplicate by 7 collaborators. Phytate concentrations in the samples ranged from 2.38 to 46.70 mg/g. Relative standard deviations (RSD = CV) for repeatability ranged from 2.5 to 10.1%, and for reproducibility, from 4.5 to 11.0%. The method has been adopted official first action.

Twist-bend coupling, twist waves, and the shape of DNA loops

By combining analytical and numerical calculations, we investigate the minimal-energy shape of short DNA loops of approximately 100 base pairs (bp). We show that in these loops the excess twist density oscillates as a response to an imposed bending stress, as recently found in DNA minicircles and observed in nucleosomal DNA. These twist oscillations, here referred to as twist waves, are due to the coupling between twist and bending deformations, which in turn originates from the asymmetry between DNA major and minor grooves. We introduce a simple analytical variational shape that reproduces the exact loop energy up to the fourth significant digit and is in very good agreement with shapes obtained from coarse-grained simulations. We, finally, analyze the loop dynamics at room temperature, and show that the twist waves are robust against thermal fluctuations. They perform a normal diffusive motion, whose origin is briefly discussed.

Young Schema Questionnaire - Short Form Version 3 (YSQ-S3): Preliminary validation in older adults

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to establish the reliability and validity of one of the most used schema questionnaires, Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form Version 3 (YSQ-S3) in older adults.

METHOD

104 participants aged 60-84 years were recruited. They were administered a battery of questionnaires, including the YSQ-S3, Young-Atkinson Mode Inventory (YAMI), Germans (Personality) Screener, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) and the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS). The YSQ-S3 was completed a second time by 83 participants a median of 12 days later.

RESULTS

Satisfactory internal consistency reliability was found for 13 of the 18 early maladaptive schemas (EMS) of the YSQ-S3. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory for 17 of 18 EMS. Convergent validity was evident from significant correlations between the EMS of the YSQ-S3 and the vulnerable child and angry child schema modes from the YAMI. Congruent validity was evident from correlations of the majority of the EMS with the GDS, the GAI, German's (Personality) Screener and the BPNS measure.

CONCLUSIONS

By and large the YSQ-S3 demonstrates internal and test re-test reliability in as well as congruent and convergent validity, in older adults. This suggests the YSQ-S3 may be of use in work establishing the utility of schema therapy in this population, and that schema therapy with older people warrants further exploration. Notwithstanding this some re-development of some EMS items appears to be required for the YSQ-S3 to be more relevant to older people.

The influence of the 'cancer effect' on young women's responses to overdiagnosis in cervical screening

OBJECTIVES

To examine the 'cancer effect' (higher risk perceptions and negative emotion in cancer-related contexts) on young women's responses to overdiagnosis (identification and treatment of inconsequential disease) in cervical cancer screening.

METHODS

In a randomised experimental study, 168 women aged 17-24 read 1 of 4 texts outlining benefits and harms of cervical cancer screening or a fictitious non-cancer screening test; each presented with or without overdiagnosis information. Screening intentions and psychosocial outcomes were measured (T1). Overdiagnosis information was then presented to participants who did not receive it initially and intentions reassessed (T2).

RESULTS

Mean screening intentions were not significantly different across groups. The distribution of intentions for cancer vs non-cancer screening differed significantly. Cancer information led to more extreme responses. Participants receiving overdiagnosis information at T2 reduced their screening intentions significantly. Perceived risk of disease was lower when overdiagnosis information was presented (non-cancer condition only). Higher negative emotion predicted higher screening intentions (cancer condition only).

CONCLUSIONS

This pattern of results suggests that a 'cancer effect' may be present among young women given identical information about cancer and non-cancer screening.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The 'cancer effect' may contribute to community eagerness for cancer screening despite provision of information about harms like overdiagnosis.

Patients' ability to treat anaphylaxis using adrenaline autoinjectors: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Previous work has shown patients commonly misuse adrenaline autoinjectors (AAI). It is unclear whether this is due to inadequate training, or poor device design. We undertook a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate ability to administer adrenaline using different AAI devices.

Methods

We allocated mothers of food‐allergic children prescribed an AAI for the first time to Anapen or EpiPen using a computer‐generated randomization list, with optimal training according to manufacturer's instructions. After one year, participants were randomly allocated a new device (EpiPen, Anapen, new EpiPen, JEXT or Auvi‐Q), without device‐specific training. We assessed ability to deliver adrenaline using their AAI in a simulated anaphylaxis scenario six weeks and one year after initial training, and following device switch. Primary outcome was successful adrenaline administration at six weeks, assessed by an independent expert. Secondary outcomes were success at one year, success after switching device, and adverse events.

Results

We randomized 158 participants. At six weeks, 30 of 71 (42%) participants allocated to Anapen and 31 of 73 (43%) participants allocated to EpiPen were successful – RR 1.00 (95% CI 0.68–1.46). Success rates at one year were also similar, but digital injection was more common at one year with EpiPen (8/59, 14%) than Anapen (0/51, 0%, P = 0.007). When switched to a new device without specific training, success rates were higher with Auvi‐Q (26/28, 93%) than other devices (39/80, 49%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

AAI device design is a major determinant of successful adrenaline administration. Success rates were low with several devices, but were high using the audio‐prompt device Auvi‐Q.

In vitro clearance of dexmedetomidine in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Dexmedetomidine (DMET) is a useful agent for sedation, both alone and in combination with other agents, in critically ill patients, including those on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. The drug is a clonidine-like derivative with an 8-fold greater specificity for the alpha 2-receptor while maintaining respiratory and cardiovascular stability. An in vitro ECMO circuit was used to study the effects of both “new” and “old” membrane oxygenators on the clearance of dexmedetomidine over the course of 24 hours. Once primed, the circuit was dosed with 840 μg of dexmedetomidine for a final concentration of 0.9 μg/ml. Serial samples, both pre- and post-oxygenator, were taken at 5, 60, 360, and 1440 minutes. Concentrations of the drug were expressed as a percentage of the original concentration remaining at each time point, both for new and old circuits. The new circuits were run at a standard flow for 24 hours, after which time the circuit was considered old and re-dosed with dexmedetomidine and the trial repeated. Results show that dexmedetomidine losses occur early in the circuits and then continue to decline. Initial losses in the first hour were 11+-65% and 59-73% pre- and post-oxygenator in the new circuit and 36-50% and 42-72% in the old circuit. The clearance of the drug through the membrane oxygenator exhibits no statistical difference between pre and post or new and old circuits. Dexmedetomidine can be expected to exhibit concentration changes during ECMO therapy. This effect appears to be more related to adsorption to the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing rather than the membrane oxygenator. Dosage adjustments during dexmedetomidine administration during ECMO therapy may be warranted in order to maintain adequate serum concentrations and, hence, the desired degree of sedation.*(Lack of equilibrium)