Background: The aim of the study was to determine if training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) using a TEE simulator improves the ability of novice operators to perform and interpret a focused critical care TEE.
Methods: In this prospective, randomized, controlled study with blinded outcome assessment, 44 intensive care unit trainees were randomly assigned to a control group receiving 4 hours of lecture-based training only, or an intervention group which was additionally trained for 4 hours using a TEE simulator. After the training intervention, each participant performed 2 TEEs in intensive care unit patients which were evaluated by blinded assessors. The imaging quality of TEEs was measured using a predefined examination quality score ranging from 0 to 100 points. The correct quantification of pathologies and the interpretation of the TEEs were evaluated by blinded assessors using focused and comprehensive expert TEEs as comparators.
Results: A total of 114 TEEs were assessed. The mean examination quality score was 55.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.3-61.5) for TEEs of the control group, 75.6 (95% CI, 70.1-81.0) for TEEs of the intervention group, and 88.5 (95% CI, 79.3-97.7) for TEEs in the expert group. The multiple comparisons revealed significant differences between all groups (19.7 [95% CI, 12.8-26.6], P < .001 for intervention versus control; 32.6 [95% CI, 23.0-42.3], P < .001 for expert versus control; 12.9 [95% CI, 3.4-22.5], P = .008 for expert versus intervention). Substantial agreement of the quantification and interpretation ratings of basic TEEs by the intervention (86.7% for quantification and 97.1% for interpretation) or expert group (93.2% for quantification and 98.4% for interpretation) with blinded assessors was detected. The control groups TEEs agreed less (75.6% for quantification and 91.8% for interpretation).
Conclusions: Simulation-based TEE training improves the ability of novice operators to perform a focused critical care TEE in comparison to lecture-based education only. After 8 hours of simulator and lecture-based training, the majority of TEEs of novices are of sufficient quality for clinical use. Furthermore, a substantial skill level in correct quantification and interpretation of imaging is achieved.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000002351 | DOI Listing |
Imaging Sci Dent
December 2024
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
Purpose: This study was performed to introduce, evaluate, and compare various novel assessment protocols designed for straightforward, reliable, and reproducible measurement of alveolar bone levels. These protocols are intended for standardized periodontal assessment and follow-up, utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and manipulation of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer software.
Materials And Methods: Two experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists developed 5 distinct radiographic measurement protocols.
Top Stroke Rehabil
January 2025
Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.
Background: The core is important in providing local strength and balance and is central to almost all kinetic chains of daily activities.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of additional Core Stability Exercises (CSE) to conventional physiotherapy (CP) versus CP alone to improve dynamic sitting balance, coordination, trunk function, and stepping (gait) as a primary outcome and functional sitting balance, postural control, standing balance and fall risk, lower limb spasticity, activities of daily living, degree of disability, and quality of life for early subacute stroke recovery.
Methods: A multicentre parallel, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial was conducted.
BMJ Open
December 2024
The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
Introduction: Prone positioning with head rotation can influence cerebral haemodynamics, potentially affecting cerebral perfusion and oxygenation. Elderly patients with impaired brain perfusion and oxygenation are at an increased risk of developing postoperative delirium (POD). Despite this, few studies have explored whether head orientation during prone positioning contributes to POD in older adults, an aspect often overlooked by clinicians.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ Open
December 2024
Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Introduction: Sciatica is a debilitating condition that often becomes chronic, and for which there are few effective treatment options. Treatments such as the anti-depressant duloxetine have shown promise, but the evidence is inconclusive. We are describing a high quality, definitive trial to investigate the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of duloxetine in chronic sciatica.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!