Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Apr 2020
ReviewInsights into basic science: what basic science can teach us about iron homeostasis in trauma patients.
This review summarizes recent basic science studies on homeostasis of iron, an essential dietary nutrient and potentially toxic metal, and explores the relevance of these studies to our understanding of trauma and related severe, acute events. ⋯ Perturbations in iron homeostasis can contribute significantly to an individual's predisposition to trauma and their ability to recover posttrauma, whereas pharmacologic targeting of ferroptosis may attenuate severity of trauma-induced organ dysfunction.
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Red cell transfusions are commonly used in management of hemorrhage in trauma patients. The appropriate indications and criteria for transfusion are still debated. Here, we summarize the recent findings on the use of red cell transfusion in trauma setting. ⋯ Although the debate on hemoglobin thresholds for transfusion continues, clinicians should not overlook proper management of the underlying issue (anemia).
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Apr 2020
ReviewDoctor and healthcare workers strike: are they ethical or morally justifiable: another view.
This review analyzed legal and ethical issues surrounding recent doctor and healthcare worker (HCW) strikes and considered whether HCW strikes are legally and morally justifiable, underlying causes, and impact of such strikes on healthcare service delivery. ⋯ Doctors and HCWs strikes are lawful deadlock-breaking mechanisms when collective bargaining negotiations have reached an impasse. Doctors' strikes appear to create an ethical conflict with the Hippocratic tradition and obligation to place patients' best interests as the primary moral consideration in medical practice. However, the rise of consumerism in healthcare, and loss of power by doctors, many of whom now work as employees, subject to regulations imposed by different stakeholders, including governments, health-maintenance organizations, and healthcare insurers, has impacted on modern medical practice. Therefore, doctors, like other employees may occasionally resort to strikes to extract concessions from employers. Mortality is rarely increased during HCW strikes, especially where emergency healthcare services are provided.
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Communication and teamwork are essential to enhance the quality of care, especially in operating rooms and ICUs. In these settings, the effective interprofessional collaboration between surgeons and intensivists impacts patients' outcome. This review discusses current opinions and evidence for improving communication strategies and the relationship between surgeons and intensivists/anesthesiologist. ⋯ Although limited, current evidence suggests to improve communication and teamwork in patient perioperative care. Further research is needed to strengthen the surgeon-intensivist relationship and to deliver high-quality patient care.
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Patient decision aids are educational tools used to assist patients and clinicians in healthcare decisions. As healthcare moves toward patient-centered care, these tools can provide support to anesthesiologists by facilitating shared decision-making. ⋯ Patient decision aids can support patient-centered care delivery and shared decision-making, especially in the field of anesthesia. Current research involves implementing the use of patient decision aids in the discussion for monitored anesthesia care. Further development of quality metrics is needed to improve the decision aids and maximize decision quality.