The case for the green banana: Using fruit to improve tenaculum placement simulation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify a fruit that would resemble the 'feel' of a uterine cervix when compared to plastic pelvic models.

Study Design: A group of experienced clinicians tested six different fruits and evaluated their suitability as a cervical simulation for tenaculum placement.

Results: An unripe (green) banana was rated the highest in seven out of eight characteristics and was the only fruit to achieve a consensus for overall simulation above 70%.

Virtual Skills Training Format for Teaching Intrauterine Contraception Insertion During Coronavirus Disease 2019.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic resulted in the curtailment of face-to-face clinical skills training in 2020. To meet Title X workforce needs, the National Clinical Training Center for Family Planning transitioned onsite intrauterine contraception training to a virtual format using online didactic material and livestreamed training and telementoring. Videos demonstrated the placement and removal of intrauterine contraceptives, and all necessary supplies were shipped directly to participants.

Incidence and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in Patients with a New Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis.

Background: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); nevertheless, the true incidence of PDAC in CP patients in the United States remains unclear.

Aims: We evaluated the risk of developing PDAC two or more years after a new diagnosis of CP.

Methods: Retrospective study of veterans from September 1999 to October 2015.

Rural-urban differences in human papillomavirus knowledge and awareness among US adults.

Rural residents of the United States have higher HPV-associated cancer incidence and mortality, and suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake compared to urban residents. This study aimed to assess differences in knowledge and awareness of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers among rural and urban residents. We analyzed data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 2013-2017 on 10,147 respondents ages ≥18 years.

Stroke volume guided resuscitation in severe sepsis and septic shock improves outcomes.

To determine whether stroke volume (SV) guided fluid resuscitation in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock alters Intensive Care Unit (ICU) fluid balance and secondary outcomes, this retrospective cohort study evaluated consecutive patients admitted to an ICU with the primary diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock. Cohorts were based on fluid resuscitation guided by changes in SV or by usual care (UC). The SV group comprised 100 patients, with 91 patients in the UC group.

Evaluation of Performance Status and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Specific Comorbidity Index on Unplanned Admission Rates in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Undergoing Outpatient Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation.

Although outpatient autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is safe and feasible in most instances, some patients undergoing planned outpatient transplantation for multiple myeloma (MM) will need inpatient admission for transplantation-related complications. We aim to evaluate the difference, if any, between outpatient and inpatient ASCT cohorts of MM patients in terms of admission rate, transplantation outcome, and overall survival. We also plan to assess whether the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) can predict unplanned admissions after adjusting for confounding factors.

Predictors for early readmission in acute pancreatitis (AP) in the United States (US) - A nationwide population based study.

Background & Aims: Population based data on the burden and patterns of acute pancreatitis (AP) early readmissions (≤30-days) are limited.

Methods: 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) was queried. AP etiology was determined using associated diagnoses codes.

Prevalence and correlates of cognitive impairment in kidney transplant recipients.

Background: There is a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in dialysis patients. The prevalence of cognitive impairment after kidney transplantation is unknown.

Methods: Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Factors Influencing Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Uptake in Emergency Medical Services Workers: A Concept Mapping Approach.

Seasonal influenza has serious impacts on morbidity and mortality and has a significant economic toll through lost workforce time and strains on the health system. Health workers, particularly emergency medical services (EMS) workers have the potential to transmit influenza to those in their care, yet little is known of the factors that influence EMS workers' decisions regarding seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) uptake, a key factor in reducing potential for transmitting disease. This study utilizes a modified Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model as a guiding framework to explore the factors that influence SIV uptake in EMS workers.

Assessing the infection prevention components of home health emergency management plans.

Background: Home health emergency management plans are essential and must address infection prevention issues. Few home health planning documents exist, and many of those that have been developed do not address infection prevention issues, combine them with non-infection prevention issues, or are disease/event-specific. An all-encompassing home health infection prevention emergency management planning guide is needed.

A home health agency's pandemic preparedness and experience with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Background: Adequate pandemic preparedness is imperative for home health agencies.

Methods: A 23-item pandemic preparedness survey was administered to home health agencies in the spring of 2010. The Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test was used to evaluate the relationships between agency size and preparedness indicators.