Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Feb 2016
Causes for 30-Day Readmission following Transsphenoidal Surgery.
The Affordable Care Act Readmissions Reduction Program introduced reimbursement policy changes resulting in penalties for hospitals with higher-than-average readmission rates among several categories, including elective surgical cases. We examined the rate of complications resulting in 30-day readmission following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. ⋯ Overall, the rate of 30-day readmission following endoscopic pituitary surgery is low. However, common causes of readmission do add significant cost to the overall care of this patient population. Special attention to surgical technique to prevent epistaxis and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, as well as multidisciplinary team management to avoid postoperative endocrine dysfunction, is critical to minimize these complications.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Feb 2016
Multicenter StudyThe Vicious Cycle: Pediatric Facial Trauma from Bicycling.
Although prevention of head injuries through helmet use is widespread, there has been a paucity of inquiry and publicity regarding the potential for facial injury stemming from cycling. Our objectives included estimating the incidence of emergency department (ED) visits for bicycle-related facial trauma among the pediatric population and detailing injury patterns. ⋯ Bicycle-related facial trauma is prevalent among the pediatric population, with nearly 180,000 visits to EDs between 2010 and 2014. Soft tissue injuries predominated among all age groups, although fractures increased significantly with age. Knowledge of injury patterns described may be a useful adjunct assisting history, examination, and decision making regarding the use of medical imaging. There is a clear void in inquiry regarding the use of facial protection, reinforcing the need for further study into prevention and efforts to raise public awareness among youth.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Feb 2016
ReviewGrant-Writing Pearls and Pitfalls: Maximizing Funding Opportunities.
This invited article reviews the grant process to include the following objectives: (1) to provide an understanding of otolaryngology funding mechanisms in the context of career progression; (2) to outline key components of a well-written grant; (3) to highlight vital members of a successful research team, with emphasis on the mentor-mentee relationship; and (4) to clarify grant scoring with emphasis on common pitfalls to avoid. Current otolaryngology funding mechanisms and up-to-date resources are provided. The review is aimed to assist otolaryngology residents, faculty new to the grant process, as well as experienced researchers striving to improve their grant review scores.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Feb 2016
Variability of Ratings in the Otolaryngology Standardized Letter of Recommendation.
To determine the variability of ratings given to students on the otolaryngology standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR). ⋯ The explosion of applications being sent out by candidates for otolaryngology residency programs has prompted the implementation of the SLOR. The lack of variation in the ratings across the 10 domains does not allow for differentiation among student applicants. Reliance on the narrative letter of recommendation attached to the SLOR still remains the most significant way to differentiate among applicants. Refinements will need to be made in either the structure or use of the SLOR for it to be a more useful tool.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Feb 2016
Quality Improvement in Otolaryngology Residency: Survey of Program Directors.
The Clinical Learning Environment Review focuses on the responsibility of the sponsoring institution for quality and patient safety. Very little information is known regarding the status of quality improvement (QI) education during otolaryngology training. The purpose of this survey is to evaluate the extent of resident and faculty participation in QI and identify opportunities for both resident curriculum and faculty development. ⋯ Program directors recognize the importance of QI in otolaryngology practice. Unfortunately, this survey identifies a distinct lack of resources in support of these educational goals. The results highlight the need to generate a comprehensive and stepwise approach to QI for faculty development and resident instruction.