Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Multicenter Study
Anesthetic drug shortages in Pakistan: a multicentre nationwide survey.
There is a paucity of literature on anesthetic drug shortages and their impact on patient safety in lower-middle-income countries. We sought to determine the magnitude of the problem, the effect on patient care and safety, and the adverse patient outcomes witnessed by anesthesiologists in Pakistan METHODS: We conducted a nationwide, multicentre, cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of anesthesiologists in Pakistan (January 2021 to June 2021). The survey questionnaire was adapted from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) survey on drug shortages and was modified based on the national essential medication list 2018 of Pakistan. It was distributed through Google Forms to anesthesiologists practicing in both the private and government sector. The names of hospitals or the identity of anesthesiologists was not required. The questionnaire consisted of 20 items and focused on the anesthesiologists' experience of drug shortages, the availability of drugs, and the impact of drug shortages on their individual practice. ⋯ Anesthetic drug shortages are common in anesthetic practice in Pakistan and they appear to affect patient care and outcomes.
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Observational Study
Emergency airway management in a tertiary trauma centre (AIRMAN): a one-year prospective longitudinal study.
Emergency airway management can be associated with a range of complications including long-term neurologic injury and death. We studied the first-pass success rate with emergency airway management in a tertiary care trauma centre. Secondary outcomes were to identify factors associated with first-pass success and factors associated with adverse events peri-intubation. ⋯ First-pass success rates varied widely between locations within the hospital and were less than those published from similar institutions, except for the ED. We are revamping ICU protocols to improve the first-pass success rate.
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To compare the incidence and nature of secondary infections (SI) between critically ill patients with viral pneumonia due to COVID-19 and seasonal influenza and explore the association between SI and clinical outcomes. ⋯ Secondary infections were common among critically ill patients with viral pneumonia including COVID-19. We found no difference in the incidence of SI between COVID-19 and influenza in our cohort study, but SI in patients with COVID-19 were associated with worse clinical outcomes and increased healthcare resource use. The small cohort size precludes any causal inferences but may provide a basis for future research.
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To evaluate whether intraoperative ventilation using lower driving pressure decreases the risk of nonhome discharge. ⋯ Intraoperative ventilation maintaining lower driving pressure was associated with a lower risk of nonhome discharge, which can be partially explained by lowered rates of postoperative respiratory failure. Future randomized controlled trials should target driving pressure as a potential intervention to decrease nonhome discharge.
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International partnerships have an important role in capacity building in global health, but frequently involve travel and its associated carbon footprint. The environmental impact of global health partnerships has not previously been quantified. ⋯ Air travel from these CASIEF partnerships resulted in 380.9 tons CO2-e but also enabled 5,601 volunteer days-in-country since 2014. The estimated environmental cost needs to be balanced against the impact of the programs. Regardless, carbon-reduction remains a priority, whether by discouraging premium class travel, organizing longer trips to reduce daily emissions, prioritizing remote support and virtual education, or developing partnerships closer to home.