Randomized Clinical Trial of Lidocaine Analgesia for Transurethral Bladder Catheterization Delivered via Blunt Tipped Applicator in Young Children.

OBJECTIVE: Transurethral bladder catheterization (TUBC) is a painful, frequently performed procedure for collecting sterile urine. We sought to determine if administration of intraurethral lidocaine before TUBC using a blunt tipped syringe decreases procedural pain in young children in the pediatric emergency department. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial of children 0 to 36 months old requiring TUBC for collection of urine in a pediatric emergency department was performed. Patients received intraurethral 2% lidocaine jelly or usual care (no analgesia). Randomization was stratified by sex. Intraurethral lidocaine jelly was administered via Uro-Jet, 5 minutes before TUBC. Baseline child state, lidocaine application, TUBC, and child state 1 minute post-TUBC were videotaped. Neither providers nor parents were blinded to study arm. Videos were scored by a trained, independent, blinded reviewer using the Faces, Legs, Arms, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) and Modified Behavioral Pain Score scales. Pain scores were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Our primary outcome was difference in FLACC scores between groups. RESULTS: Eighty children were enrolled in the study, and 73 had analyzable data. No differences were detected in pain by mean FLACC score between intervention (8; 95% confidence interval, 7-9) and control (9; 95% confidence interval, 8-10) groups. There were no differences between groups in mean FLACC score when stratified by age or sex or in mean Modified Behavioral Pain Score. CONCLUSIONS: Intraurethral lidocaine for TUBC for urine collection using a blunt tipped applicator did not improve procedural pain scores. Pain scores were high across groups. Further study should be performed to improve analgesia for this highly painful procedure.

Trauma training course: innovative teaching models and methods for training health workers in active conflict zones of Eastern Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Myanmar has struggled through decades of internal conflict, which has negatively impacted the country's health outcomes. Recent government changes have brought hope and reduced conflict. The ethnic minority groups have suffered the brunt of the health consequences and reside in regions that lack health infrastructure, resources, and providers. Due to the chronic lack of healthcare providers within conflict areas, health workers (HWs) have been trained in an effort to fill the void. Research has shown that these non-physician clinicians positively impact health outcomes in developing countries. These HWs are supported by community-based organizations in collaboration with foreign non-governmental organizations. Started in 2000, the trauma training course was developed to meet the educational needs of these HWs. METHODS: Essential procedures for HWs in conflict zones were identified, and teaching methods were adapted to develop models that were simple, reproducible, cost effective, and able to facilitate effective learning within the limitations of these challenging environments. This paper presents simulation models developed to teach trauma injury evaluation and management in resource-limited settings to HWs. RESULTS: Material and construction of the models described include breathing, chest, cricothyroidotomy, circulation, wound repair, fracture/dislocation, splinting, fasciotomy/amputation, and an animal model. In 2013, a pre/post test and post-training evaluation were completed, which demonstrated an increase in understanding of the material and satisfaction with the training. CONCLUSIONS: The simulation models described engage the HWs in clinical skills practice specific to injury management, which builds upon the HWs existing knowledge and facilitates an increased understanding of life-saving procedures. Through observation of the HW performance and HW feedback, these simulation models have increased the understanding of trauma management. Limitations include lack of a graduated learning system for the HWs, logistics, and time constraints. Despite the barriers faced, we feel that this is a necessary program that has reduced morbidity and mortality due to traumatic injury in the geographic areas that the HWs serve. With the changing political environment in Myanmar and the development of peace agreements between the government and the ethnic minority groups, these HWs can be integrated into Myanmar's evolving health system.