Appropriateness of behavioural scales in the monitoring of pain in the critically ill patient unable to self-report.

Appropriateness is a dimension of quality that evaluates the effective use of technologies, resources or interventions in specific situations or populations, assessing whether our interventions do more benefit than harm. The evidence regarding pain monitoring in the critically ill patient points to the periodic assessment of pain using appropriate tools, with the aim of improving pain management and more efficient use of analgesics in the intensive care unit. The first step would be to assess the patient's ability to communicate or self-report and, based on this, to select the most appropriate pain assessment tool. In patients who are unable to self-report, behavioural pain assessment tools are recommended. When we talk about the suitability of behavioural scales for pain monitoring in critically ill patients unable to self-report, we refer to their use with a clear clinical benefit, i.e. using the right tool for pain assessment to be effective, efficient and consistent with bioethical principles. To our knowledge, there are no published data on the suitability of pain assessment tools in unable to self-report critically ill patients, so, in the framework of continuous quality improvement in pain care, new research should incorporate this approach by integrating the best scientific evidence with current clinical practice.

Pain Behaviors Analyzed by Videorecording in Brain-Injured Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

AIM: To describe and classify pain behaviors (facial and body) in brain-injured patients with a low level of consciousness before, during, and after the performance of painful and non-painful care procedures. METHODS: Facial behaviors and body movements in brain-injured patients were videotaped at rest, during the application of three care procedures (two painful and one non-painful), and 15 minutes after completion of these procedures. Each video recording was evaluated by expert evaluators blinded to each other. For each of the behaviors observed, all possible combinations between the three procedures and/or time were compared using the McNemar test. Effect size was measured by the difference in proportions using the Wilson score 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included. The mean (standard deviation) Glasgow Coma Score was 5.4 (1.9). A total of 33 behaviors (29 active, four neutral) were registered. Expression of behaviors was more common during the painful procedures compared with the other time points (non-painful procedures, baseline, and final evaluation). Inter-evaluator agreement was substantial (Kappa index >0.7) in more than 50% of the observed behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: In this study involving brain-injured patients with a low level of consciousness, facial, body, and ventilation-related behaviors were more common during painful procedures. Agreement between evaluators to detect the presence or absence of these behaviors was substantial. These findings underscore the need to develop pain assessment measures specific to this patient population.

Application of the Behavioural Indicators of Pain Scale in patients with traumatic brain injury.

AIM: To develop and psychometrically test the Behavioural Indicators of Pain Scale (ESCID) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: A prospective observational study to test the psychometric properties of the Behavioural Indicators of Pain Scale in patients with TBI. METHOD: A convenience sample of patients with TBI, who were non-communicative and using invasive mechanical ventilation was selected. Pain was evaluated by two observers who were blinded from each other. Assessments were performed at baseline via the performance of a painful procedure (aspiration of secretions) and a non-painful procedure (rubbing with a gauze). Assessments were repeated after application of procedures on days 1 and 6 of hospitalization in an intensive care unit. Data were collected between January-December 2016. RESULTS: About 134 patients were included in the study. Of these, 76.1% were men. The mean age of participants was 45.2 (SD 17.5) years. The pain score significantly increased during the painful procedure when compared with the baseline measure and non-painful procedure (p < .001). Patients displayed a greater number of pain-indicating behaviours during the painful procedure on day 6, compared with day 1 (p < .05). This finding coincided with a reduced level of sedation and a greater level of consciousness. CONCLUSION: The ESCID scale detects pain behaviours and discriminates among the different types of stimulation in patients with brain injury, who are uncommunicative and with mechanical ventilation, with good reliability. The ability for patients with brain injury to express behaviours is limited because of the low level of consciousness and the deep level of sedation. IMPACT: This research will have an impact on the practice of pain assessment in patients with brain injury, representing a first step to adapt the content of the ESCID.

Valoración de la analgesia, sedación, contenciones y delirio en los pacientes ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos españolas. Proyecto ASCyD / Assessment of analgesia, sedation, physical restraint and delirium in patients admitted to Spanish intensive care units. Proyecto ASCyD

Objetivos: Objetivo principal: Conocer qué unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) españolas valoran y registran, de forma normalizada, niveles de dolor, sedación/agitación, delirio y uso de contenciones mecánicas (CM). Objetivos secundarios: Determinar la utilización de herramientas validadas de valoración y explorar los niveles de dolor y sedación/agitación de los pacientes, la prevalencia de deliro y el uso de CM. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, prospectivo y multicéntrico mediante una encuesta ad hoc con acceso on line, de 2 bloques: bloque1, enfocado a preguntas sobre características de las unidades y práctica habitual, y bloque 2, sobre aspectos de asistencia directa y evaluaciones directas de pacientes ingresados en unidades participantes. Resultados: Participaron 158 unidades y 1.574 pacientes. La valoración normalizada y el registro del dolor de pacientes comunicativos (PC) se realizaba en 109 unidades (69%), el dolor de pacientes no comunicativos (PNC) en 84 (53%), la sedación/agitación en 111 (70%), el delirio en 39 unidades (25%). Registrado el uso de CM en 39 unidades (25%). Se utilizaban escalas validadas para valorar el dolor en PC en 139 unidades (88%), en PNC en 102 (65%), sedación/agitación en 145 (92%), delirio en 53 unidades (34%). En 33 unidades (21%) se valoraba dolor a PC y PNC, sedación/agitación y delirio, y en 8 de estas unidades existía protocolo específico de CM y registro. Entre los pacientes que pudieron ser evaluados, se reportó ausencia de dolor en el 57%, dolor moderado en el 27%; tranquilos y colaboradores el 48%, y el 10% agitados; tenían CM el 21% y delirio el 12,6% de los pacientes. Conclusiones: La valoración del dolor, sedación y delirio está acreditada, obteniéndose bajos porcentajes de pacientes con agitación y delirio. Observamos un elevado porcentaje de pacientes con dolor y moderado uso de la CM. Hay que generalizar el uso de protocolos para valorar, prevenir y tratar el dolor y el delirio mediante un adecuado manejo de la analgesia, de la sedación y un uso individual y reflexivo de las CM. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03773874)

Aims: Main aim: To determine the Spanish intensive care units (ICU) that assess and record pain levels, sedation/agitation, delirium and the use of physical restraint (PR) as standard practice. Secondary aims: To determine the use of validated assessment tools and to explore patients’ levels of pain and sedation/agitation, the prevalence of delirium, and the use of PR. Method: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective and multicentre study using an ad hoc survey with online access that consisted of 2 blocks. Block I: with questions on the unit's characteristics and routine practice; Block II: aspects of direct care and direct assessments of patients admitted to participating units. Results: One hundred and fifty-eight units and 1574 patients participated. The pain of communicative patients (CP) was assessed and recorded as standard in 109 units (69%), the pain of non-communicative patients (NCP) in 84 (53%), sedation/agitation in 111 (70%), and delirium in 39 units (25%). There was recorded use of PR in 39 units (25%). Validated scales were used to assess the pain of CP in 139 units (88%), of NCP in 102 (65%), sedation/agitation in 145 (92%), delirium in 53 units (34%). In 33 units (21%) pain, sedation/agitation and delirium of PC and NPC was assessed, and in 8 of these units there was a specific PR protocol and register. Among the patients who could be assessed, an absence of pain was reported in 57%, moderate pain in 27%; 48% were calm and collaborative, and 10% agitated; 21% had PR, and 12.6% of the patients had delirium. Conclusions: The assessment of pain, sedation and delirium is demonstrated, and low percentages of agitation and delirium achieved. We observed a high percentage of patients with pain, and moderate use of PC. We should generalise the use of protocols to assess, prevent and treat pain and delirium by appropriately managing analgesia, sedation, and individual and well-considered use of PC. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03773874)

Assessment of analgesia, sedation, physical restraint and delirium in patients admitted to Spanish intensive care units. Proyecto ASCyD. / Valoración de la analgesia, sedación, contenciones y delirio en los pacientes ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos españolas. Proyecto ASCyD.

AIMS: Main aim: To determine the Spanish intensive care units (ICU) that assess and record pain levels, sedation/agitation, delirium and the use of physical restraint (PR) as standard practice. Secondary aims: To determine the use of validated assessment tools and to explore patients' levels of pain and sedation/agitation, the prevalence of delirium, and the use of PR. METHOD: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective and multicentre study using an ad hoc survey with online access that consisted of 2 blocks. Block I: with questions on the unit's characteristics and routine practice; Block II: aspects of direct care and direct assessments of patients admitted to participating units. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-eight units and 1574 patients participated. The pain of communicative patients (CP) was assessed and recorded as standard in 109 units (69%), the pain of non-communicative patients (NCP) in 84 (53%), sedation/agitation in 111 (70%), and delirium in 39 units (25%). There was recorded use of PR in 39 units (25%). Validated scales were used to assess the pain of CP in 139 units (88%), of NCP in 102 (65%), sedation/agitation in 145 (92%), delirium in 53 units (34%). In 33 units (21%) pain, sedation/agitation and delirium of PC and NPC was assessed, and in 8 of these units there was a specific PR protocol and register. Among the patients who could be assessed, an absence of pain was reported in 57%, moderate pain in 27%; 48% were calm and collaborative, and 10% agitated; 21% had PR, and 12.6% of the patients had delirium. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of pain, sedation and delirium is demonstrated, and low percentages of agitation and delirium achieved. We observed a high percentage of patients with pain, and moderate use of PC. We should generalise the use of protocols to assess, prevent and treat pain and delirium by appropriately managing analgesia, sedation, and individual and well-considered use of PC. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03773874).

Adaptación de la escala ESCID para medir el dolor en pacientes críticos con daño cerebral / Adaptation of the ESCID scale to measure pain in critical patients with brain damage

OBJETIVO: evaluar la validez de constructo y la fiabilidadde la adaptación de la escala de conductas indicadoras de dolor (ESCID), para valorar el dolor en pacientes críticos con daño cerebral, no comunicativos y sometidos a ventilación mecánica. MÉTODO: sujetos: estudio multicéntrico, observacional. Se llevará a cabo en pacientes críticos con lesión cerebral adquirida, mayores de edad, sometidos a ventilación mecánica invasiva y sin capacidad de comunicación, ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos de cuatro hospitales universitarios de tercer nivel de la Comunidad de Madrid. En todos los sujetos se evaluará el dolor con dos instrumentos simultáneamente (ESCID-DC y videograbación). La evaluación del dolor con ESCID-DC se realizará por dos observadores independientes con resultado ciego entre ellos, ante la aplicación de dos procedimientos dolorosos (aspiración de secreciones traqueales y presión en lecho ungueal), y un procedimiento no doloroso. La medición se efectuará únicamente una vez por cada paciente y procedimiento. La medición del dolor se hará en tres momentos: cinco minutos antes, durante y 15 minutos después de cada procedimiento. Cinco minutos antes de iniciar los procedimientos y hasta diez minutos después, dos videocámaras (una enfoca el cuerpo completo, otra solo la cara) captarán imágenes y audio, para posteriormente analizar los cambios gestuales y corporales del sujeto en cada momento, y poder correlacionarlos con los ocho indicadores conductuales de la escala ESCID-DC. CONCLUSIONES: contar con una escala de este tipo con buenas propiedades psicométricas mejorará el manejo del dolor de los pacientes con daño cerebral y, por tanto, la eficacia del tratamiento

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the validity of the concept and the reliability of the adaptation of the Scale of Behavior Indicators of Pain (ESCID) in order to assess pain in critical patients with brain damage, who are non-communicative and undergoing mechanical ventilation. METHOD: subjects: a multicenter observational study. It will be conducted on critical patients with acquired brain damage, of age, undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation, and unable to communicate, who have been admitted to intensive care units from four 3rd level University Hospitals from the Community of Madrid. Pain will be evaluated in all subjects with two instruments simultaneously (ESCID-DC and video recording). Pain evaluation through ESCID-DC will be conducted by two independent observers with blind results between them, with the application of two painful procedures (aspiration of tracheal secretions and pressure on the nail bed) and a non-painful procedure. Measurement will only be conducted once per patient and procedure. Pain measurement will be conducted at three time points: fiveminutes before, during, and fifteenminutes after each procedure. Five minutes before initiating the procedure and up to ten minutes afterwards, two video cameras will capture images and audio (one will focus on the entire body, the other one only on the face), in order to capture and subsequently analyze the gestural and body changes of the subject at each moment, and to be able to correlate them with the eight behavior indicators of the ESCID-DC scale. CONCLUSIONS: the availability of this type of scale, with good psychometric properties, will improve pain management for patients with brain damage and, therefore, treatment efficacy

The early diagnosis and management of mixed delirium in a patient placed on ECMO and with difficult sedation: A case report.

Delirium represents a serious problem that impacts the physical and cognitive prognosis of patients admitted to intensive care units and requires prompt diagnosis and management. This article describes the case and progress of a patient placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation with difficult sedation criteria and an early diagnosis of mixed delirium. During the case report, we reflect on the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies employed to cope with delirium paying special attention to the non-use of physical restraint measures in order to preserve vital support devices (endotracheal tube or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation cannula). The multimodal and multidisciplinary approach, focused on nursing interventions, strict Pain/Agitation/Delirium monitoring and pharmacological measures, as well as the implementation of measures according to the eCASH (early Comfort using Analgesia, minimal Sedatives and maximal Human Care) concept, were effective, resulting in a relatively short admission considering the severity of the patient's condition and the associated complications. Early independent ambulation was achieved prior to transfer to a hospitalisation unit.

Efecto de un algoritmo de manejo del dolor sobre la ventilación, la estancia y la valoración del dolor en pacientes de cuidados intensivos / The impact of a pain management algorithm on ventilation, length of stay, and pain assessment in intensive care patients

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue medir el impacto de la implementación de un algoritmo de manejo de dolor en pacientes adultos ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) capaces de expresar dolor. Ningún estudio controlado ha evaluado previamente el impacto de un algoritmo de manejo del dolor tanto en reposo como durante los procedimientos, incluyendo tanto a pacientes capaces de comunicar su dolor como a pacientes que lo expresan mediante conductas, intubados y no intubados, a lo largo de su estancia en la UCI. Material y método: El algoritmo se implementó en tres unidades y sirvió para instruir a las enfermeras en la valoración del dolor y también como guía en el tratamiento del dolor. Después del periodo de tiempo en el que se implementó el algoritmo (grupo intervención) se comparó con un período de tiempo del año anterior (grupo control) en las variables de resultado: valoraciones del dolor, duración de la ventilación, duración de la estancia en la UCI, duración de la estancia hospitalaria, uso de analgésicos y sedantes y la incidencia de eventos de agitación. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 650 pacientes. El número de valoraciones de evaluaciones del dolor fue mayor en el grupo intervención en comparación con el grupo control. La duración de la ventilación y la duración de la estancia en la UCI disminuyeron significativamente en el grupo intervención en comparación con el grupo control. Esta diferencia siguió siendo significativa después de ajustar las características de los pacientes. Conclusión: Se mejoraron significativamente varias variables de resultado después de la implementación del algoritmo en comparación con el grupo de control

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Psychometric validation of the behavioral indicators of pain scale for the assessment of pain in mechanically ventilated and unable to self-report critical care patients / Validación psicométrica de la Escala de Conductas Indicadoras de Dolor para la medición de dolor en pacientes críticos, no comunicativos y sometidos a ventilación mecánica

OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties of the behavioral indicators of pain scale (ESCID) when applied to a wide range of medical and surgical critical patients. DESIGN: A multicentre, prospective observational study was designed to validate a scale measuring instrument. SETTING: Twenty Intensive Care Units of 14 hospitals belonging to the Spanish National Health System. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 286 mechanically ventilated, unable to self-report critically ill medical and surgical adult patients. Procedure: Pain levels were measured by two independent evaluators simultaneously, using two scales: ESCID and the behavioral pain scale (BPS). Pain was observed before, during, and after two painful procedures (turning, tracheal suctioning) and one non-painful procedure. MAIN VARIABLES: ESCID reliability was measured on the basis of internal consistency using the Cronbach-_ coefficient. Inter-rater and intra-rater agreement were measured. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between ESCID and BPS. RESULTS: A total of 4386 observations were made in 286 patients (62% medical and 38% surgical). High correlation was found between ESCID and BPS (r=0.94-0.99; p < 0.001), together with high intra-rater and inter-rater concordance. ESCID was internally reliable, with a Cronbach-_ value of 0.85 (95%CI 0.81-0.88). Cronbach-_ coefficients for ESCID domains were high: facial expression 0.87 (95%CI 0.84-0.89), calmness 0.84 (95%CI 0.81-0.87), muscle tone 0.80 (95%CI 0.75-0.84), compliance with mechanical ventilation 0.70 (95%CI 0.63-0.75) and consolability 0.85 (95%CI 0.81-0.88). CONCLUSION: ESCID is valid and reliable for measuring pain in mechanically ventilated unable to self-report medical and surgical critical care patients

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Conductas Indicadoras de Dolor (ESCID), aplicada a una muestra amplia de pacientes críticos de patología médica y posquirúrgica. DISEÑO: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional, prospectivo de validación de una escala como instrumento de medida. Ámbito: Veinte Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos de 14 hospitales del Sistema Nacional de Salud español. PARTICIPANTES: Doscientos ochenta y seis pacientes críticos adultos, sometidos a ventilación mecánica, sin capacidad de comunicación, de patología médica y posquirúrgica. Intervención: Se midió el nivel de dolor de los pacientes por 2 observadores de manera simultánea y utilizando dos escalas: ESCID y la Behavoiral Pain Scale. El dolor fue medido antes, durante y después de la aplicación de dos procedimientos dolorosos (movilización y aspiración endotraqueal) y un procedimiento no doloroso. Variables de interés: La fiabilidad de ESCID se midió mediante la consistencia interna determinada con el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Se midió la concordancia inter- e intraobservadores. Se determinó la correlación entre las escalas ESCID y Behavoiral Pain Scale mediante el coeficiente de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 4.386 observaciones de dolor en 286 pacientes (62% patología médica y 38% posquirúrgica). Se evidencia una alta correlación entre ESCID y Behavoiral Pain Scale(r = 0,94-0,99; p < 0,001) así como una alta concordancia inter- e intraobservador. La escala ESCID presenta buena consistencia interna, con un valor de α-Cronbach de 0,85 (IC 95% 0,81-0,88). Los 5 dominios de ESCID presentan alta consistencia interna con α-Cronbach: musculatura facial 0,87 (IC 95% 0,84-0,89), tranquilidad 0,84 (IC 95% 0,81-0,87), tono muscular 0,80 (IC 95% 0,75-0,84), adaptación a ventilación mecánica 0,70 (IC 95% 0,63-0,75) y confortabilidad 0,85 (IC 95% 0,81-0,88). CONCLUSIÓN: ESCID es válida y fiable para medir el dolor en pacientes críticos médicos y posquirúrgicos, no comunicativos y sometidos a ventilación mecánica

Programa piloto de formación combinada en ecografía obstétrica y técnicas ecoguiadas basado en simulación / Simulation based obstetric ultrasonography combined with echoguided (ultrasound) techniques training. Pilot program

Introducción: La simulación es un elemento que ya se utiliza de manera profusa en el entrenamiento de obstetras y ginecólogos. Permite entrenarse en situaciones complejas con seguridad para la paciente. Presentamos un programa piloto con la aplicación de distintas técnicas de simulación al entrenamiento en ecografía obstétrica. Sujetos y métodos: Diseñamos un programa con parte presencial y no presencial destinado a 12 médicos internos residentes de ginecología y obstetricia. La parte no presencial consistió en el acceso a unos documentos en una página web. La parte presencial consistió en tres talleres con una duración total de cuatro horas: taller de ecografía en la semana 20 mediante realidad virtual, taller de técnicas invasivas con simuladores de tareas y taller de habilidades comunicativas en dar malas noticias mediante paciente estandarizado. Se les pasó a los alumnos una encuesta de satisfacción anónima (con escala de 1 a 10) al final del programa. Resultados: El resultado de la experiencia de aprendizaje fue muy satisfactorio, como así lo reflejaron los alumnos en la puntuación media global del curso, que fue de 9,1. Conclusión: En este trabajo mostramos que la simulación en el aprendizaje de la ecografía obstétrica ha sido satisfactoria para los residentes

Introduction: Simulation is an useful tool widely used among obstetrician and gynaecologist, as it allows training in complex situations increasing patient’s safety. We are introducing a brand-new simulation program based on obstetric ultrasound. Subjects and methods: It is designed half face-to-face for 12 gynecology and obstetrics residents. The non presence part of the course was online, with access to several documents at a website. The on-site modality consisted of 3 workshops that lasted 4 hours in total: the 20 th week ultrasound workshop implementing virtual reality, the invasive techniques course using mannequin simulation, and the development of bad news communicative skills with standardized patients workshop. All participants were required to fill an anonymous satisfaction survey (scale 1 to 10) at the end of the programme. Results: The learning experience was very satisfactory and the learners gave their inputs in the feedback survey. The final score was 9.1 over 10. Conclusion: In this paper we show that the use of simulation to learn obstetrical ultrasound was rewarding for the residents

Psychometric validation of the behavioral indicators of pain scale for the assessment of pain in mechanically ventilated and unable to self-report critical care patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties of the behavioral indicators of pain scale (ESCID) when applied to a wide range of medical and surgical critical patients. DESIGN: A multicentre, prospective observational study was designed to validate a scale measuring instrument. SETTING: Twenty Intensive Care Units of 14 hospitals belonging to the Spanish National Health System. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 286 mechanically ventilated, unable to self-report critically ill medical and surgical adult patients. PROCEDURE: Pain levels were measured by two independent evaluators simultaneously, using two scales: ESCID and the behavioral pain scale (BPS). Pain was observed before, during, and after two painful procedures (turning, tracheal suctioning) and one non-painful procedure. MAIN VARIABLES: ESCID reliability was measured on the basis of internal consistency using the Cronbach-α coefficient. Inter-rater and intra-rater agreement were measured. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between ESCID and BPS. RESULTS: A total of 4386 observations were made in 286 patients (62% medical and 38% surgical). High correlation was found between ESCID and BPS (r=0.94-0.99; p<0.001), together with high intra-rater and inter-rater concordance. ESCID was internally reliable, with a Cronbach-α value of 0.85 (95%CI 0.81-0.88). Cronbach-α coefficients for ESCID domains were high: facial expression 0.87 (95%CI 0.84-0.89), calmness 0.84 (95%CI 0.81-0.87), muscle tone 0.80 (95%CI 0.75-0.84), compliance with mechanical ventilation 0.70 (95%CI 0.63-0.75) and consolability 0.85 (95%CI 0.81-0.88). CONCLUSION: ESCID is valid and reliable for measuring pain in mechanically ventilated unable to self-report medical and surgical critical care patients. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT01744717.

Validation of the Behavioural Indicators of Pain Scale ESCID for pain assessment in non-communicative and mechanically ventilated critically ill patients: a research protocol.

AIM: To investigate the validity and reliability of the Behavioural Indicators of Pain Scale (ESCID) in medically and surgically non-communicative and mechanically ventilated critical patients. BACKGROUND: Scales based on behavioural indicators of pain are suggested to measure pain in non-communicative critically ill patients. Scales proposed thus far have a range not comparable to those used with patients who can report their pain. A scale with a 0-10 range and more behavioural indicators is proposed to improve the detection and measurement of pain. DESIGN: A multicentre prospective observational design to validate a scale-measuring instrument. METHODS: Three hundred non-communicative and mechanically ventilated critical patients from 20 different intensive care units will be observed for 5 minutes before, during and 15 minutes after three procedures: turning, tracheal suctioning and soft friction with gauze on healthy tissue. Two independent observers will assess the pain of subjects with the Behavioural Pain Scale and the ESCID scale simultaneously. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used. Student's t-test will be used to compare components of the twos scales. Inter-rater and intrarater agreement will be investigated. The reliability scale will be measured using Cronbach's alpha. Approval date for this protocol was January 2012. DISCUSSION: A greater number of behavioural indicators in the ESCID scale than in previously validated scales, with a 0-10 score range, can improve the detection and measurement of pain in non-communicative and mechanically ventilated critical patients. Funding granted in 2011 by the Spanish Health Research Fund (PI 11/00766, Health Ministry). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01744717).

Valoración del dolor durante el postoperatorio inmediato de cirugía cardiaca mediante la Behavioural Pain Scale / Evaluation of immediate post-operative pain in heart surgery using the Behavioural Pain Scale

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los pacientes en el postoperatorio inmediato de cirugía cardiaca tienen la capacidad de comunicación abolida, y por tanto no pueden expresar dolor. El dolor produce importantes efectos adversos que alteran la evolución de los pacientes, por lo que su identificación y control suponen un aumento de la calidad de atención al paciente crítico. OBJETIVO: Medir el grado de dolor en los pacientes en el postoperatorio inmediato de cirugía cardiaca mediante la Behavioural Pain Scale. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y longitudinal. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, sin problemas de comunicación y que se encontraban bajo sedación y sometidos a ventilación mecánica. Se incluyeron en el estudio 20 pacientes. Se utilizó la Behavioural Pain Scale (BPS) durante la realización de 2 procedimientos de la práctica habitual considerados en la literatura como dolorosos: la movilización y/o cambio postural y la aspiración de secreciones. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 27 mediciones de procedimientos considerados como dolorosos. Los resultados obtenidos al aplicar la BPS fueron que el 70,4% de los pacientes tuvieron ausencia de dolor. El 22,2% de los pacientes tuvieron dolor leve-moderado y el 7,4% tuvieron un dolor inaceptable. CONCLUSIÓN: En este estudio se ha identificado que los pacientes sufren dolor durante el postoperatorio inmediato y que de ellos existe un pequeño porcentaje, pero no por eso despreciable, que sufre dolor inaceptable durante este período. Esto es un hallazgo que sirve como inicio de una línea de investigación para mejorar el manejo del dolor durante el postoperatorio inmediato de cirugía cardiaca

INTRODUCTION: Patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery have abolished communication skills and therefore can not express pain. Pain produces significant adverse effects that alter the patients' course. Therefore, identifying and controlling them will lead to increased quality of care for the critical patient. OBJECTIVE: To measure the degree of pain in patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery by scaling Behavioural Pain Scale. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, prospective and longitudinal. Patients over 18 years in the first 24 hours of admission with no communication problems who were under sedation and subjected to mechanical ventilation were included. Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The Behavioural Pain Scale (BPS) was used during two procedures usually considered as a painful practice in the literature, that is, mobilization and/or postural changes and aspiration of secretions. RESULTS: Twenty-seven measurements were made of procedures considered as painful. The results obtained by applying the scale BPS showed that 70.4% of patients had no pain, 22.2%had mild to moderate pain and 7.4% had unacceptable pain. CONCLUSION: This study has identified that the patients suffer pain during the postoperative period. Within these patients, there is a small, but not insignificant number whose pain is unacceptable during this period. This finding serves as a beginning for a line of research to improve the handling of the postoperative pain during immediate post-operative cardiac surgery

[Evaluation of immediate post-operative pain in heart surgery using the Behavioural Pain Scale]. / Valoración del dolor durante el postoperatorio inmediato de cirugía cardiaca mediante la Behavioural Pain Scale.

INTRODUCTION: Patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery have abolished communication skills and therefore can not express pain. Pain produces significant adverse effects that alter the patients' course. Therefore, identifying and controlling them will lead to increased quality of care for the critical patient. OBJECTIVE: To measure the degree of pain in patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery by scaling Behavioural Pain Scale. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, prospective and longitudinal. Patients over 18 years in the first 24 hours of admission with no communication problems who were under sedation and subjected to mechanical ventilation were included. Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The Behavioural Pain Scale (BPS) was used during two procedures usually considered as a painful practice in the literature, that is, mobilization and/or postural changes and aspiration of secretions. RESULTS: Twenty-seven measurements were made of procedures considered as painful. The results obtained by applying the scale BPS showed that 70.4% of patients had no pain, 22.2% had mild to moderate pain and 7.4% had unacceptable pain. CONCLUSION: This study has identified that the patients suffer pain during the postoperative period. Within these patients, there is a small, but not insignificant number whose pain is unacceptable during this period. This finding serves as a beginning for a line of research to improve the handling of the postoperative pain during immediate post-operative cardiac surgery.

Standard retrograde pancreatosplenectomy versus radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy for body and tail pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic surgery remains the only established curative treatment for pancreatic cancer. Radical antegrade pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) is a modification of the standard retrograde pancreatosplenectomy (SRPS) developed to achieve a complete N1 node resection and R0 resection (posterior extent). The aim of this study is to compare the short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes of RAMPS and SRPS. From a database that included 143 consecutive patients who underwent resection for pancreatic carcinoma at the St. Andrea Hospital, University of Rome, 25 patients who underwent pancreatosplenectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Among these 25 patients, eight (32%) underwent RAMPS (Group 1) and 17 (68%) underwent SRPS (Group 2). Clinicopathologic and oncological characteristics of the RAMPS group were compared with those of the SRPS group. RAMPS was longer than SRPS (315 vs 265 minutes, respectively, P < 0.001). No differences were encountered for perioperative outcomes (estimated blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusions, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and hospital stay). The margin status rates were similar: noteworthy, the two patients with positive tangential margins belonged to Group 2. No between-group differences in survival were encountered: the actuarial 5-year overall survival for Groups 1 and 2 were 26 and 29 per cent, respectively (P = 0.6608; hazard ratio, 1.2621; 95% confidence interval, 0.4462 to 3.5699). RAMPS and SRPS did not differ statistically in terms of perioperative outcomes. RAMPS seems to allow better control of tangential margins; however, no difference was found in actuarial survival compared with standard pancreatosplenectomy.

Tumors of ampulla of Vater: A case series and review of chemotherapy options.

Carcinomas of the Ampulla of Vater are rare tumors, accounting for 0.2% of gastrointestinal cancers. Compared with other biliary tract neoplasms, these tumors have a relatively favorable prognosis after surgical resection. Based on their epithelium of origin, two subtypes of ampullary carcinoma have been recently distinguished: intestinal and pancreatobiliary. This study evaluates histopathological features and outcomes of ampullary carcinoma and to compares the survival of these tumors to that of other biliary tract tumors. The chemotherapic options available for ampullary cancer are also reviewed. We analyzed data from 20 consecutive patients with ampullary carcinomas and 26 patients with other biliary tract carcinomas, observed in our Institution. Statistical analysis was performed by using either Fisher's exact test or χ(2) test for categorical variables. Median time of survival was calculated and compared using the Log-Rank test. Similar distribution of demographic characteristics and stage between ampullary and other biliary tract cancers was observed. Patients with ampullary cancer underwent surgery more frequently than other biliary cancers while chemotherapy and radiotherapy were used equally. In accordance with the literature, a longer median survival was observed in the group of ampullary carcinomas.

Programa de educación para la salud dirigidoa mujeres que utilizan anticoncepción de emergencia / Programme of health education aimed at women who use emergency contraception

La anticoncepción de emergencia consiste en la utilización de un fármaco o dispositivo, con el fin de prevenir un embarazo después de una relación coital desprotegida. Su utilización conlleva un potencial problema de salud en el caso de las usuarias que recurren a este método con asiduidad, debido a prácticas sexuales faltas de responsabilidad. Este artículo presenta un programa de salud dirigido a mujeres que utilizan de forma reiterada anticonceptivos de emergencia, con el objetivo de proporcionarles los conocimientos y las habilidades necesarias en materia afectivo-sexual para que no tengan necesidad de volver a recurrir a este método anticonceptivo. Se proponen cinco sesiones con objetivos específicos, metas operativas e indicadores de evaluación (AU)

Emergency contraception is the use of a drug or device to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual relationships. Its use involves a potential health issue in the case of those who use this method very often and frequently in association with irresponsible sexual practices. This article presents a health program aimed at women who use emergency contraception repeatedly, with the aim of providing affective-sexual knowledge and skills which do not require the use of this form of contraception. It involves five sessions with specific objectives, operational goals and indicators for evaluation (AU)

Validación de la Escala de Conductas Indicadoras de Dolor para valorar el dolor en pacientes críticos, no comunicativos y sometidos a ventilación mecánica: resultados del proyecto ESCID / Validation of the Scale of Behavior Indicators of Pain (ESCID) in critically ill, non-communicative patients under mechanical ventilation: results of the ESCID scale

ObjetivoDeterminar la fiabilidad y la validez de la Escala de Conductas Indicadoras de Dolor (ESCID) para valorar el dolor en pacientes críticos, no comunicativos y sometidos a ventilación mecánica (VM).MétodosEstudio observacional de desarrollo y validación de una escala como instrumento de medida en pacientes ingresados en UCI mayores de 18 años, con VM, no comunicativos. Se evaluó el dolor con las escalas Behavioural Pain Scale (BPS) y ESCID, simultáneamente, por dos evaluadores independientes, en aplicación de dos procedimientos dolorosos (PD): movilización y aspiración de secreciones, medidos antes, durante y después del PD. Análisis descriptivo de las características generales de la muestra. La fiabilidad de ESCID se midió a través de la consistencia interna de cada ítem con el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Mediante análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas se midió concordancia interobservador e intraobservador; se compararon los componentes de las dos escalas de dolor para medir el cambio entre los resultados obtenidos en función del tiempo, observador y procedimiento. La correlación entre las dos escalas se midió con la correlación de Pearson.ResultadosCuatrocientas ochenta observaciones en 42 pacientes, 62% varones; edad 57,33 ±16,35. Predomina patología infecciosa (36%) y neurológica (35%). Glasgow Coma Scale 8,45 ± 1,2 y Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale −2,55 ± 1,5. La tensión arterial, frecuencia cardiaca y frecuencia respiratoria se mantuvieron estables. El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para ESCID osciló entre 0,70-0,80. Existe una buena correlación entre ESCID y BPS, en los tres momentos de medición: correlación de Pearson antes 0,97, durante 0,94 y después 0,95.ConclusionesESCID constituye una herramienta útil y válida para valorar el dolor en pacientes críticos, no comunicativos y sometidos a VM (AU)

ObjectiveTo determine the reliability and validity of the “Scale of Behavior Indicators of Pain” (Escala de Conductas Indicadoras de Dolor: ESCID) as a tool to assess pain in the critically ill, non-communicative patients with mechanical ventilation.MethodsAn observational study of development and validation of this scale as an instrument for pain measurement in ICU patients over 18 years of age, who are uncommunicative and under mechanical ventilation. Their pain was assessed with the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) and the ESCID simultaneously, by two independent observers, when the painful maneuvers (PM), secretion aspiration and mobilization, were applied. Measurements were obtained before, during and after the PM. A descriptive analysis of the general characteristics of the population was carried out. The reliability of the ESCID was measured through the internal consistency of each item using Cronbach's alpha. Intraobserver and interobserver concordance was measured with the repeated measurements analysis of variance test. The components of the two pain scales were compared to obtain the change between the results obtained based on time, observer and procedure. The correlation between the scales was measured with the Pearson's correlation.ResultsA total of 480 observations were obtained in 42 patients, 62% were males; age 57.33 ± 16.35 years. The most frequent ICU admission was due to infectious disease (36%) and neurological disease (35%). Glasgow Coma Scale 8.45±1.2 and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale −2.55±1.5. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate remained stable. Cronbach's s Alpha Coefficient for ESCID ranged from 0.70-0.80. There is a good correlation between the ESCID and BPS in the three measurement points in time: Pearson's correlation: before 0.97, during 0.94 and after 0.95.ConclusionsESCID is a reliable and valid tool to assess pain in critically ill, non-communicative patients under mechanical ventilation (AU)

[Validation of the Scale of Behavior Indicators of Pain (ESCID) in critically ill, non-communicative patients under mechanical ventilation: results of the ESCID scale]. / Validación de la Escala de Conductas Indicadoras de Dolor para valorar el dolor en pacientes críticos, no comunicativos y sometidos a ventilación mecánica: resultados del proyecto ESCID.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability and validity of the "Scale of Behavior Indicators of Pain" (Escala de Conductas Indicadoras de Dolor: ESCID) as a tool to assess pain in the critically ill, non-communicative patients with mechanical ventilation. METHODS: An observational study of development and validation of this scale as an instrument for pain measurement in ICU patients over 18 years of age, who are uncommunicative and under mechanical ventilation. Their pain was assessed with the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) and the ESCID simultaneously, by two independent observers, when the painful maneuvers (PM), secretion aspiration and mobilization, were applied. Measurements were obtained before, during and after the PM. A descriptive analysis of the general characteristics of the population was carried out. The reliability of the ESCID was measured through the internal consistency of each item using Cronbach's alpha. Intraobserver and interobserver concordance was measured with the repeated measurements analysis of variance test. The components of the two pain scales were compared to obtain the change between the results obtained based on time, observer and procedure. The correlation between the scales was measured with the Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: A total of 480 observations were obtained in 42 patients, 62% were males; age 57.33 ± 16.35 years. The most frequent ICU admission was due to infectious disease (36%) and neurological disease (35%). Glasgow Coma Scale 8.45±1.2 and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale -2.55±1.5. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate remained stable. Cronbach's s Alpha Coefficient for ESCID ranged from 0.70-0.80. There is a good correlation between the ESCID and BPS in the three measurement points in time: Pearson's correlation: before 0.97, during 0.94 and after 0.95. CONCLUSIONS: ESCID is a reliable and valid tool to assess pain in critically ill, non-communicative patients under mechanical ventilation.

[Thoracic drainage]. / Drenaje torácico.

Pleural pathology is a frequent clinical problem. In some cases, treatment includes draining the cavity which can be carried out by thoracentesis evacuators, but on occasions treatment requires maintaining a drainage permanently inside the pleural cavity Pleural drainage consists in inserting a catheter in the pleural sack to drain the presence of air; liquid or blood which causes a variable degree of lung collapse having a clinical consequence in function of the reserve breathing capacity the patient previously had and the degree of collapse. There are various models of thoracic tubes as well as systems to drain the pleural cavity and their spot for insertion depends on the type of pathology being dealt with for the patient under treatment. Nursing is fundamental in this entire process, including in the preparation of the patient for this treatment, the insertion of the catheter and the adequate maintenance so that this procedure succeeds as well as during the removal of the catheter and the subsequent care required. It is fundamental that the nursing professionals know the materials used as well as their maintenance. A good technique to cure the punt/orifice where a catheter is inserted will prevent numerous complications which could be deadly for the patient. The authors create a procedural protocol for nurses to use when treating patients who have thoracic drains; this protocol deals with changing the catheters as well as the entire process related to how to treat patients with a pleural drain. This protocol should serve as reference material and as a guide to a systematic and homogenous working procedure.