Occult spinal dysraphism: a challenge in pain management.

Spina bifida is a common birth defect affecting the central nervous system and represents a group of neural tube defects caused by congenital dysraphic malformations of the vertebral column and/or spinal cord. The anatomy in these patients is challenging and includes structural and vascular abnormalities including arteriovenous malformation or fistulae, and fatty substitution of paravertebral tissues. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) is needed for management of patients with lumbar radiculopathy and clinical features suspicious of occult spinal dysraphism.

Improving postoperative handover: a prospective observational study.

Background: The information provided during the postoperative handover influences the delivery of care of patients in the postoperative recovery unit through their care on the ward. There is a need for a structured and systematic approach to postoperative handover. The aim of this study was to improve postoperative handover through the implementation of a new handover protocol, which involved a handover proforma and standardization of the handover process.

Evaluation of postoperative handover using a tool to assess information transfer and teamwork.

Objective: To assess the feasibility, validity, and reliability of a postoperative Handover Assessment Tool (PoHAT) and to evaluate the current practices of the postoperative handover at 2 large European hospitals.

Background: Postoperative handover is one of the most critical phases in the care of a patient undergoing surgery. However, handovers are largely informal and variable.

Postoperative handover: problems, pitfalls, and prevention of error.

Objective: To identify the information transfer and communication problems in postoperative handover and to develop and validate a novel protocol for standardizing this communication.

Background: Effective clinical handover ensures continuity of patient care. Patient handovers within surgical units are largely informal.