Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
The evaluation of smartphone versions of the visual analogue scale and numeric rating scale as postoperative pain assessment tools: a prospective randomized trial.
The Pain assessment using a novel digital application (Panda) is a smartphone application that contains the digital versions of the visual analogue scale (VAS-100) and numeric rating scale (NRS-11). This study aimed to investigate if the Panda versions of these two pain scales are equivalent to the paper versions in adult patients. ⋯ Following emergence from anesthesia in adult patients, the digital Panda version of the NRS-11, but not the VAS-100, is equivalent to the validated paper version. In those who are ready for discharge from the PACU, the digital Panda versions of both the VAS-100 and NRS-11 agreed adequately and can be used in place of the original paper versions.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
The effect of neck extension on success rate of blind intubation through Ambu® AuraGain™ laryngeal mask: a randomized clinical trial.
Although the use of fibreoptic guidance is recommended for tracheal intubation through supraglottic airway devices, it can also be performed in a blind manner. Based on the previous finding that a fibreoptic view of the vocal cords was better in the extended neck position than in the neutral position, we hypothesized that neck extension can better facilitate blind intubation through the Ambu® AuraGain™ laryngeal mask than the neutral position. ⋯ Neck extension can be used to facilitate blind intubation through the Ambu® AuraGain™ laryngeal mask. Considering the relatively high failure rate, blind intubation via the AuraGain™ should be used as an alternative, not as a first-line choice.
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Multicenter Study
The PROTROPIC feasibility study: prognostic value of elevated troponins in critical illness.
Elevated cardiac troponin concentrations in people with critical illness are associated with an increased risk of death. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a larger study to ascertain the utility of cardiac troponin as a prognostic tool for mortality in critically ill patients. ⋯ Myocardial injury with elevated hs-cTnI concentrations and MIs occur frequently during critical illness. This pilot study has established the feasibility of conducting a large-scale investigation addressing this issue.
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Rates of organ donation vary between otherwise comparable intensive care units (ICUs) suggesting that the process of donation must vary between ICUs. The purpose of this study was to describe the process of organ donation from the perspective of ICU staff, identify important drivers of successful donation, and develop strategies to improve the process of donation. ⋯ Incorporating the perspectives of ICU staff, we were able to identify 22 practice changes that may have a significant cumulative impact on donation outcomes. Future research is required to evaluate whether these findings account for the variability of donation rates between otherwise comparable ICUs.
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Comparative Study
Matching design to use: a task analysis comparison of three cognitive aid designs used during simulated crisis management.
Intraoperative critical events typically include vital sign instability that requires a specific and time-sensitive response. Although cognitive aids can improve clinical performance during critical events, their design may not be optimized for real-world use. For example, during a critical event, health practitioners may be familiar with the treatment pathway and only require specific information from an aid-a behaviour described as "sampling". We hypothesized that use of cognitive aids designed to facilitate sampling behaviour would reduce the time required to extract information during simulated critical events. ⋯ Cognitive aids designed to enhance sampling behaviour may facilitate rapid retrieval of specific information during crisis management.