Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring in idiopathic scoliosis surgery: a retrospective observational study of new neurologic deficits.

Purpose: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing corrective surgery are at risk for iatrogenic spinal cord injury and subsequent new neurologic deficits (NNDs). Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) has been used to identify spinal cord injury; however, available data showing that IONM leads to improved clinical outcomes are inconclusive. This exploratory study aimed to examine the incidence of NNDs after idiopathic scoliosis surgery in two pediatric institutions in Canada with a focus on IONM use.

Characteristics of patients receiving long-term opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain: a cross-sectional survey of patients attending the Pain Management Centre at Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario.

Background: Characteristics of patients receiving long-term opioid therapy (≥ 6 months) for chronic noncancer pain are poorly understood. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of this patient population to explore demographic variables, pain relief, functional improvement, adverse effects and impressions of an educational pamphlet on long-term opioid therapy.

Methods: We invited 260 adult patients presenting to the Pain Management Centre at the Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, with chronic noncancer pain to complete a 20-item survey.

Presence with purpose: attitudes of people with developmental disability towards health care students.

Context: Early clinical encounters help medical and nursing students build professional competencies. However, there is a necessary emphasis on patient autonomy and appropriate consent. Although most individuals do not object to student involvement in clinical encounters, there are occasions when personal preference and health care education conflict.