scholarly journals P086: Accuracy of the Ottawa Ankle Rules when applied by allied health providers in a pediatric emergency department

CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S107-S107
Author(s):  
J. MacLellan ◽  
T. Smith ◽  
J. Baserman ◽  
S. Dowling
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Physician Assessment ◽  
Ottawa Ankle Rules ◽  
Foot Injury ◽  
Foot Fracture ◽  
Clinically Significant

Introduction: The Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR) are a clinical decision tool used to minimize unnecessary radiographs in ankle and foot injuries. The OAR has been shown to be a reliable rule to exclude fractures in children over 5 years of age. However, there is limited data to support its use by other health care workers in children. Our objective was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the OAR, to detect clinically significant fractures, when applied by allied health providers (AHPs). Methods: Children aged 5 to 17 years presenting with an acute ankle or foot injury were enrolled. Patients assessed by a physician prior to an AHP, presenting for reassessment or >24 hours after the injury, having open, penetrating or neurovascular injury, or multiple injuries were excluded. Patients with metabolic bone disease, a previous x-ray, or the inability to communicate or ambulate before the injury were also excluded. Baseline data on x-ray use was collected in a convenience sample of 100 patients. AHPs then completed an OAR learning module. Then in phase 2, AHPs applied the OAR to a convenience sample of 186 patients. Both AHPs and physicians performed inter-observer assessments. Results: When AHP’s applied the ankle portion of the OAR, the sensitivity was 88% (95% CI 46.7-99.3) and the specificity was 32.5% (95% CI 24.5-41.6) for clinically significant fractures. When AHP’s applied the foot portion of the OAR, the sensitivity was 87.5% (95% CI 46.7-99.3) and the specificity was 15.6% (95% CI 7.0-30.1) for clinically significant fractures. In total, 2 clinically significant fractures (1 foot fracture and 1 ankle fracture) were missed by AHP’s. Inter-observer agreement was κ=0.24 for the ankle rule and κ=0.32 for the foot rule. The missed ankle fracture had a positive OAR when performed by a physician as an inter-observer assessment. The missed foot fracture was a distal metatarsal fracture that was outside of the “foot zone” as defined by the OAR. Conclusion: The sensitivity of the OAR when applied by AHP’s was very good. Both clinically significant fractures that were missed by AHP’s would likely have been picked up by a physician assessment. More training and practice using the OAR would likely improve AHP’s inter-observer reliability. Our data suggest the OAR may be a useful tool for AHP’s to apply as a screening tool prior to physician assessment.

Accuracy of the Ottawa Ankle Rules applied by non-physician providers in a pediatric emergency department

CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 746-752
Author(s):  
Joe MacLellan ◽  
Teya Smith ◽  
Jason Baserman ◽  
Shawn Dowling
Keyword(s):  
Phase 1 ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Pediatric Emergency ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Physician Assessment ◽  
Ottawa Ankle Rules ◽  
Fractures In Children ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Foot Injury ◽  
Clinically Significant

AbstractObjectiveThe Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR) are a clinical decision tool used to minimize unnecessary radiographs in ankle and foot injuries. The OAR are a reliable tool to exclude fractures in children over 5 years of age when applied by physicians. Limited data support its use by other health care workers in children. Our objective was to determine the accuracy of the OAR when applied by non-physician providers (NPP).MethodsChildren aged 5 to 17 years presenting with an acute ankle or foot injury were enrolled. Phase 1 captured baseline data on x-ray use in 106 patients. NPPs were then educated on the usage of the OAR and completed an OAR learning module. In phase 2, NPPs applied the OAR to 184 included patients.ResultsThe sensitivity of the foot rule, as applied by NPP’s, was 100% (56-100% CI) and the specificity was 17% (9-29% CI) for clinically significant fractures. The sensitivity of the ankle portion of the rule, as applied by NPP’s, was 88% (47-99 CI) and the specificity was 31% (23-40% CI) for clinically significant fractures. The only clinically significant fracture missed by NPP’s was detected on physician assessment. Inter-observer agreement was κ=0.24 for the ankle rule and κ=0.49 for the foot rule.ConclusionThe sensitivity of the OAR when applied by NPP’s was very good. More training and practice using the OAR would likely improve NPP’s inter-observer reliability. Our data suggest the OAR may be a useful tool for NPP’s to apply prior to physician assessment.

scholarly journals The role of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion: a single academic center retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew G. Hanson ◽  
Barry Chan
Keyword(s):  
Pericardial Effusion ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Physical Exam ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Average Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Time To Diagnosis ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Symptomatic pericardial effusion (PCE) presents with non-specific features and are often missed on the initial physical exam, chest X-ray (CXR), and electrocardiogram (ECG). In extreme cases, misdiagnosis can evolve into decompensated cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening obstructive shock. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) on the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of clinically significant PCE. Methods In a retrospective chart review, we looked at all patients between 2002 and 2018 at a major Canadian academic hospital who had a pericardiocentesis for clinically significant PCE. We extracted the rate of presenting complaints, physical exam findings, X-ray findings, ECG findings, time-to-diagnosis, and time-to-pericardiocentesis and how these were impacted by POCUS. Results The most common presenting symptom was dyspnea (64%) and the average systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 120 mmHg. 86% of people presenting had an effusion > 1 cm, and 89% were circumferential on departmental echocardiogram (ECHO) with 64% having evidence of right atrial systolic collapse and 58% with early diastolic right ventricular collapse. The average time-to-diagnosis with POCUS was 5.9 h compared to > 12 h with other imaging including departmental ECHO. Those who had the PCE identified by POCUS had an average time-to-pericardiocentesis of 28.1 h compared to > 48 h with other diagnostic modalities. Conclusion POCUS expedites the diagnosis of symptomatic PCE given its non-specific clinical findings which, in turn, may accelerate the time-to-intervention.

Ankle Fracture Classification: A Comparison of Reliability of Three X-ray Views Versus Two

1998 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 555-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Brage ◽  
Matthew Rockett ◽  
Robert Vraney ◽  
Robert Anderson ◽  
Alicia Toledano
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Ankle Injury ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Fracture Classification ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Good Accord ◽  
Interexaminer Reliability ◽  
Intraexaminer Reliability ◽  
Good Agreement

Our hypothesis was that malleolar ankle fractures could be classified with two radiographic views as reliably as with three views. Four different observers independently evaluated 99 sets of ankle radiographs. The examiners classified the ankle fractures by using both the Lauge-Hansen and Danis-Weber systems. The interobserver and intraobserver variations were analyzed by kappa statistics. With regard to intraexaminer reliability, the examiners demonstrated excellent accord in classifying the fractures in the Danis-Weber system with either three views or two views. The kappa values were comparable. In the Lauge-Hansen system, three examiners demonstrated excellent accord and one examiner demonstrated good accord in classifying the fractures. Similar kappa values were generated when examiners classified fractures with either three views or two views. With regard to interexaminer reliability, good to excellent accord was demonstrated overall among the four examiners when they used the Danis-Weber system with either three views or two views. The examiners were in good agreement when they used the Lauge-Hansen system. Similar kappa values were generated whether the examiners used three views or two views. Three radiographic views are usually ordered for evaluation of an acute ankle injury. Previous studies have shown that only two views are needed for diagnosis of a malleolar ankle fracture. This study demonstrates that malleolar ankle fractures can be classified with two views, lateral or mortise, with a reliability as good as that achieved with three views. The best agreement is achieved with lateral and mortise views.

Prospective Evaluation of the Ottawa Ankle Rules in a University Sports Medicine Center

1998 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Leddy ◽  
Robert J. Smolinski ◽  
James Lawrence ◽  
Jody L. Snyder ◽  
Roger L. Priore
Keyword(s):  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Ankle Injuries ◽  
Fracture Rate ◽  
Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Potential Reduction ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Ottawa Ankle Rules ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Fracture Identification

In a sports medicine center, we prospectively evaluated the Ottawa Ankle Rules over 1 year for their ability to identify clinically significant ankle and midfoot fractures and to reduce the need for radiography. We also developed a modification to improve specificity for malleolar fracture identification. Patients with acute ankle injuries ( 10 days old) had the rules applied and then had radiographs taken. Sensitivity, specificity, and the potential reduction in the use of radiography were calculated for the Ottawa Ankle Rules in 132 patients and for the new “Buffalo” rule in 78 of these patients. There were 11 clinically significant fractures (fracture rate, 8.3% per year). In these 132 patients, the Ottawa Ankle Rules would have reduced the need for radiography by 34%, without any fractures being missed (sensitivity 100%, specificity 37%). In 78 patients, the specificity for malleolar fracture for the new rule was significantly greater than that of the Ottawa Ankle Rules malleolar rule (59% versus 42%), sensitivity remained 100%, and the potential reduction in the need for radiography (54%) was significantly greater. The Ottawa Ankle Rules could significantly reduce the need for radiography in patients with acute ankle and midfoot injuries in this setting without missing clinically significant fractures. The Buffalo modification could improve specificity for malleolar fractures without sacrificing sensitivity and could significantly reduce the need for radiography.

Portable Ventilation/Perfusion Scanning is Useful for Evaluating Clinically Significant Pulmonary Embolism in the ICU Despite Abnormal Chest Radiography

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1032-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron S. Weinberg ◽  
William Chang ◽  
Grace Ih ◽  
Alan Waxman ◽  
Victor F. Tapson
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Chest Radiograph ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Hemodynamic Instability ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Abnormal Chest ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Low Probability ◽  
Clinically Significant

Objective: Computed tomography angiography is limited in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to renal insufficiency, hemodynamic instability, and difficulty transporting unstable patients. A portable ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan can be used. However, it is commonly believed that an abnormal chest radiograph can result in a nondiagnostic scan. In this retrospective study, we demonstrate that portable V/Q scans can be helpful in ruling in or out clinically significant pulmonary embolism (PE) despite an abnormal chest x-ray in the ICU. Design: Two physicians conducted chart reviews and original V/Q reports. A staff radiologist, with 40 years of experience, rated chest x-ray abnormalities using predetermined criteria. Setting: The study was conducted in the ICU. Patients: The first 100 consecutive patients with suspected PE who underwent a portable V/Q scan. Interventions: Those with a portable V/Q scan. Results: A normal baseline chest radiograph was found in only 6% of patients. Fifty-three percent had moderate, 24% had severe, and 10% had very-severe radiographic abnormalities. Despite the abnormal x-rays, 88% of the V/Q scans were low probability for a PE despite an average abnormal radiograph rating of moderate. A high-probability V/Q for PE was diagnosed in 3% of the population despite chest x-ray ratings of moderate to severe. Six patients had their empiric anticoagulation discontinued after obtaining the results of the V/Q scan, and no anticoagulation was started for PE after a low-probability V/Q scan. Conclusion: Despite the large percentage of moderate-to-severe x-ray abnormalities, PE can still be diagnosed (high-probability scan) in the ICU with a portable V/Q scan. Although low-probability scans do not rule out acute PE, it appeared less likely that any patient with a low-probability V/Q scan had severe hypoxemia or hemodynamic instability due to a significant PE, which was useful to clinicians and allowed them to either stop or not start anticoagulation.

Perceptions of emergency medicine and acute care among a cohort of non-emergency medicine health providers in Myanmar

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey B. Bills ◽  
Peter Acker ◽  
Tina McGovern ◽  
Rebecca Walker ◽  
Htoo Ohn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Emergency Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Acute Care Services

Abstract Background Currently, Myanmar does not have a nationalized emergency care or emergency medical services (EMS) system. The provision of emergency medicine (EM) education to physicians without such training is essential to address this unmet need for high quality emergency care. We queried a group of healthcare providers in Myanmar about their experience, understanding and perceptions regarding the current and future needs for EM training in their country. Methods A 34-question survey was administered to a convenience sample of healthcare workers from two primary metropolitan areas in Myanmar to assess exposure to and understanding of emergency and pre-hospital care in the country. Results 236 of 290 (81% response rate) individuals attending one of two full-day symposia on emergency medicine completed the survey. The majority of respondents were female (n=138, 59%), physicians (n=171, 74%), and working in private practice (n=148, 64%). A majority of respondents (n=133, 57%) spent some to all of their clinical time providing acute and emergency care however 83.5% (n=192) of all surveyed reported little or no past training in emergency care; and those who have received prior emergency medicine training were more likely to care for emergencies (>2 weeks training; p=.052). 81% (n= 184) thought the development of emergency and acute care services should be a public health priority. Conclusions Although this subset of surveyed health practitioners commonly provides acute care, providers in Myanmar may not have adequate training in emergency medicine. Continued efforts to train Myanmar’s existing healthcare workforce in emergency and acute care should be emphasized.

X-ray features to predict ankle fracture mechanism

2018 ◽  
Vol 291 ◽  
pp. 185-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Boszczyk ◽  
Marcin Fudalej ◽  
Sławomir Kwapisz ◽  
Marcin Błoński ◽  
Maciej Kiciński ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Mechanism ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
X Ray

scholarly journals Computerized Adaptive Testing for Patient Reported Outcomes in Ankle Fracture Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1192-1198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth B. Gausden ◽  
Ashley Levack ◽  
Benedict U. Nwachukwu ◽  
Danielle Sin ◽  
David S. Wellman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Computerized Adaptive Testing ◽  
Adaptive Testing ◽  
Ceiling Effect ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Ceiling Effects ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Fracture Surgery

Background: Advantages of using computerized adaptive testing (CAT) include decreased survey-burden, diminished floor and ceiling effect, and improved ability to detect the minimal clinical significant difference (MCID) among patients. The goal of this study was to compare the legacy patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores in terms of ability to detect clinically significant changes in patients who have undergone surgery for ankle fractures. Methods: Patients who underwent osteosynthesis for an unstable ankle fracture between 2013-2016 and completed legacy outcome scores (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score [FAOS], Olerud and Molander Ankle Score [OMAS], and Weber Score) along with the PROMIS Physical Function (PF) and PROMIS Lower Extremity (LE) CATs postoperatively were included. Correlation between the scores at 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year intervals, as well as floor and ceiling effects, in addition to MCIDs were calculated for each instrument. A total of 132 patients were included in the study. Results: There was no observed floor or ceiling effect in either the PROMIS PF or the PROMIS LE scores. Clinically significant changes in the PROMIS LE score were detected in patients between 6-month and 12-month postoperative visits ( P = .0006), whereas the reported OMAS score and Weber scores did not identify a clinically significant difference between patients at their 6-month and 12-month visit. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the PROMIS LE was superior for evaluating patients following ankle fracture surgery in terms of lower floor and ceiling effects and greater ability to distinguish clinically significant changes in patients between time points following surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.

Allied health professionals in Queensland Health returning to work after maternity leave: hours of work and duration of time on part-time hours

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Julie Hulcombe ◽  
Sandra Capra ◽  
Gillian Whitehouse
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Maternity Leave ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Staff Management ◽  
Queensland Health ◽  
Part Time

Objective The aim of this study was to provide a detailed description of the flexible working arrangements (FWA) used by allied health professionals (AHP) on return from maternity leave. This is a crucial issue for staff management practices in a changing regulatory context. Methods A retrospective convenience sample of AHP employed by Queensland Health (QH) in 2006, using deidentified payroll data, was analysed descriptively to determine employment status on return from maternity leave in 2006 to December 2014. A qualitative study that surveyed managers of AHP departments was subsequently undertaken to complement the data from the payroll study. Twelve managers, across six allied health professions in three hospitals in south-east Queensland were surveyed for this component. Results The payroll study included 169 employees (138 full-time equivalent (FTE)), 61 of whom resigned over the study period. Of those who returned to work after the 2006 maternity event (n=152), 92% (n=140) initially returned part-time. At 31 December 2014, of the 108 staff working for QH, 77% (n=83) were part-time. In total, 75.4 FTE positions were released over the 8-year period through reduced working hours and resignations. The perceptions of surveyed managers were consistent with the data from the payroll study. Conclusion The study showed that most AHPs who took maternity leave returned to work part-time and remained part-time for an extended period. The data suggest that managers could permanently backfill a proportion of hours released due to FWA after maternity leave without major budgetary risk due to the need to accommodate existing employees’ entitlements. However, this would require a significant policy change. What is known about this topic? Current research on this topic has concentrated on the benefits of paid maternity leave, timing of return to work and use of FWA by employees on return to work after maternity leave. What does this paper add? This paper presents the first comprehensive data on patterns of return to work and part-time hours following maternity leave for AHP employees. Access to a unique payroll dataset provided the opportunity to describe this for a cohort of AHP employees over a period of 8 years following a maternity event. A survey of AHP managers’ experience with maternity leave and return to work arrangements supported the findings, underlining the associated difficulties with staff management. What are the implications for practitioners? The hours released through resignations or reduced hours over this period of study suggest that management could backfill a proportion of released hours permanently, or at least offer temporary staff longer-term contracts, once an employee returns from maternity leave on reduced hours

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