[Perceived utility of the inclusion of physician assistants in the surgical process quality and continuing education in Germany : Results of an interprofessional online survey]. / Empfundener Nutzen der Einbindung von Physician Assistants in die chirurgische Prozessqualität und Weiterbildung in Deutschland : Ergebnisse einer interprofessionellen Online-Umfrage.

BACKGROUND: Compared to Anglo-American countries, physician assistants (PA) remain an underrepresented professional group within the German healthcare system. In the surgical disciplines, PAs may relieve the administrative burden of doctors by taking on delegable routine tasks, thus creating time and resources for advanced surgical training. OBJECTIVE: According to interprofessional experts, can the use of PA lead to an optimization of surgical training and a gain in time for surgical qualification in Germany? MATERIAL AND METHODS: After searching for systematic reviews of the current state of knowledge, an online survey was initiated among surgeons and PAs via social networks to determine current and desired clinical areas of activity for PAs in surgery and their future influence on specialist training in Germany. RESULTS: A total of nine systematic reviews were identified, suggesting a beneficial impact of PAs on length of stay, direct costs, and treatment outcomes in surgical scenarios. The online survey included 234 surgeons and 114 PAs. Hospitals with ≥ 90 surgical beds employed PAs far more frequently (65%) than smaller institutions (40%). Although both professional groups are generally highly satisfied with the integration of PAs into clinical workflows, there are gradually different opinions about the preferred spectrum of tasks and duties. DISCUSSION: PAs would like to have greater responsibility in ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, communicating with patients, and working in the operating theater. Surgeons are concerned that PAs could replace surgical interns and residents. PAs may enrich healthcare in Germany on various levels and can also improve surgical training. The voice and needs of all professional groups must be considered and respected during the upcoming health system reform.

Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Tomography and Whole-Body Computed Tomography in Pediatric Polytrauma Diagnostics-A Retrospective Long-Term Two-Center Study.

Although serious accidents remain the leading cause of pediatric mortality, protocols to orient diagnostic procedures towards a certain type of initial imaging are widely needed. Since 2007, we have performed whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMR) and whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) for diagnoses of severely injured children. We retrospectively reviewed 134 WBMR and 158 WBCT in patients younger than 16 years that were performed at two trauma centers between 2007 and 2018. A higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) was found in WBCT vs. WBMR (10.6 vs. 5.8; p = 0.001), but without any significant difference in mortality. The WBMR was significantly preferred at younger ages (9.6 vs. 12.8 years; p < 0.001). The time between patient's arrival until diagnosis was 2.5 times longer for WBCT (92.1 vs. 37.1 min; p < 0.001). More patients in the CT group received analgesic sedation and/or intubation at 37.3% vs. 21.6% in the MRI group. Of these patients, 86.4% (CT) and 27.6% (MRI) were already preclinically sedated (p < 0.001). Correspondingly, 72.4% of the patients were first sedated in-hospital for MRIs. In conclusion, WBMR is an alternative and radiation-free imaging method for high-energy-traumatized children. Although the selected diagnostics seemed appropriate, limitations regarding longer duration or additional analgesic sedation are present, and further studies are needed.

Baseline predictors of in-hospital mortality after acute traumatic spinal cord injury: data from a level I trauma center.

Comorbidity scores are important predictors of in-hospital mortality after traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI), but the impact of specific pre-existing diseases is unknown. This retrospective cohort study aims at identifying relevant comorbidities and explores the influence of end-of-life decisions. In-hospital mortality of all patients admitted to the study center after acute tSCI from 2011 to 2017 was assessed. A conditional inference tree analysis including baseline data, injury characteristics, and Charlson Comorbidity Index items was used to identify crucial predictors. End-of-life decisions were recorded. Three-hundred-twenty-one patients were consecutively enrolled. The median length of stay was 95.7 days (IQR 56.8-156.0). During inpatient care, 20 patients (6.2%) died. These patients were older (median: 79.0 (IQR 74.7-83.2) vs. 55.5 (IQR 41.4-72.3) years) and had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score (median: 4.0 (IQR 1.75-5.50) vs. 0.0 (IQR 0.00-1.00)) compared to survivors. Pre-existing kidney or liver disease were identified as relevant predictors of in-hospital mortality. End-of-life decisions were observed in 14 (70.0%) cases. The identified impairment of kidney and liver, important for drug metabolism and elimination, points to the need of careful decisions on pharmaceutical treatment regimens after tSCI. Appropriate reporting of end-of-life decisions is required for upcoming studies.

Cervical Spine Injuries with Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Spinal Surgery Adverse Events and Their Association with Neurological and Functional Outcome.

STUDY DESIGN: Monocenter case-control study. OBJECTIVE: Effects of spinal surgical adverse events (SSAE) on clinical and functional outcome, length of stay, and treatment costs after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic SCI is a challenge for primary care centers because of the emergency setting and complex injury patterns. SSAE rates of up to 15% are reported for spine fractures without SCI. Little is known about SSAE after traumatic SCI and their outcome relevance. METHODS: Acute traumatic cervical SCI patients were enrolled from 2011 to 2017. Cases with and without SSAE were compared regarding neurological recovery, functional outcome, secondary complications, mortality, length of stay, and treatment costs. Adjusted logistic regression and generalized estimating equation models were calculated for the endpoints ASIA impairment scale (AIS)-conversion and dysphagia. All analyses were run in the total and in a propensity score matched sample. RESULTS: At least one SSAE occurred in 37 of 165 patients (22.4%). Mechanical instability and insufficient spinal decompression were the most frequent SSAE with 13 (7.9%) or 11 (6.7%) cases, respectively. The regression models adjusted for demographic, injury, and surgery characteristics demonstrated a reduced probability for AIS-conversion related to SSAE (OR [95% CI] 0.14 [0.03-0.74]) and additionally to single-sided ventral or dorsal surgical approach (0.12 [0.02-0.69]) in the matched sample. Furthermore, SSAE were associated with higher risk for dysphagia in the matched (4.77 [1.31-17.38]) and the total sample (5.96 [2.07-17.18]). Primary care costs were higher in cases with SSAE (median (interquartile range) 97,300 [78,200-112,300]) EUR compared with cases without SSAE (52,300 [26,700-91,200]) EUR. CONCLUSION: SSAE are an important risk factor after acute traumatic cervical SCI with impact on neurological recovery, functional outcome, and healthcare costs. Reducing SSAE is a viable means to protect the limited intrinsic capacity for recovery from SCI.Level of Evidence: 4.

Association of age with the timing of acute spine surgery-effects on neurological outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of age with delay in spine surgery and the effects on neurological outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Ambispective cohort study (2011-2017) in n = 213 patients consecutively enrolled in a Level I trauma center with SCI care in a metropolitan region in Germany. Age-related differences in the injury to surgery interval and conditions associated with its delay (> 12 h after SCI) were explored using age categories or continuous variables and natural cubic splines. Effects of delayed surgery or age with outcome were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The median age of the study population was 58.8 years (42.0-74.6 IQR). Older age (≥ 75y) was associated with a prolonged injury to surgery interval of 22.8 h (7.2-121.3) compared to 6.6 h (4.4-47.9) in younger patients (≤ 44y). Main reasons for delayed surgery in older individuals were secondary referrals and multimorbidity. Shorter time span to surgery (≤ 12 h) was associated with higher rates of ASIA impairment scale (AIS) conversion (OR 4.22, 95%CI 1.85-9.65), as mirrored by adjusted spline curves (< 20 h 20-25%, 20-60 h 10-20%, > 60 h < 10% probability of AIS conversion). In incomplete SCI, the probability of AIS conversion was lower in older patients [e.g., OR 0.09 (0.02-0.44) for'45-59y' vs.' ≤ 44y'], as confirmed by spline curves (< 40y 20-80%, ≥ 40y 5-20% probability). CONCLUSION: Older patient age complexifies surgical SCI care and research. Tackling secondary referral to Level I trauma centers and delayed spine surgery imposes as tangible opportunity to improve the outcome of older SCI patients.

Full-body MR imaging: a retrospective study on a novel diagnostic approach for children sustaining high-energy trauma.

PURPOSE: Severe accidents are the leading cause of long-term impairment and death in children. A common diagnostic procedure for children exposed to high-injury trauma is full-body contrast-enhanced CT (fbCT). However, the number of fbCT without detected injuries is relevant. In 2007, full-body MRI (fbMRI) was implemented as a diagnostic approach for children sustaining high-energy trauma. The aim of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to analyze fbMRI as a diagnostic tool for children after high-energy trauma focusing on feasibility, radiological findings, and limitations. METHODS: Diagnostics using fbMRI (from apex of the head to the pelvis) was performed if a child was stable and suffered a high-energy trauma in a Level I Trauma Center in Germany. 105 fbMRIs in patients exposed to high-energy trauma aged ≤ 16 years were performed between January 2007 and December 2018. Four fbMRIs were excluded as conducted for reasons other than trauma. Time between arrival in the emergency department and fbMRI, additional diagnostic procedures, injuries, and non-trauma related pathologies were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean time between arrival in the emergency department and fbMRI was 71 min (± SD 132 min). Two scans were discontinued and changed to a faster diagnostic procedure. 45% of children had additional X-rays and 11% CT scans. The MRIs showed intracranial abnormalities in 27%, extremities injuries in 26%, spinal injuries in 18%, pelvic, and thoracic injuries in 7% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Overall fbMRI is a diagnostic alternative for hemodynamically stable, conscious children after high-energy trauma with the advantages of a radiation-free technique. However, MRI diagnostics take longer than CT scans. Prospective studies will be needed to identify the limiting factors of fbMRIs as primary diagnostic procedure compared to CT scans. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; DRKS00017015). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, level of evidence V.

[Survey on training in orthopedics/trauma surgery : Is Germany ready for a competence-based training?] / Umfrage zur Weiterbildung Orthopädie/Unfallchirurgie : Ist Deutschland bereit für eine kompetenzbasierte Weiterbildung?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A high-quality advanced training is a key factor for good and safe patient treatment. Germany is currently revising the advanced training curricula and logbooks aiming to change the training into a competence-based training. The aim of this study was to analyze the day to day reality of orthopedic and trauma surgery advanced training in Germany based on the elements of the advanced training. METHODS: In March 2020 an online survey on advanced training was carried out with 44 questions on the topics of advanced training curriculum, logbook, educational resources, evaluation, authorized trainer and distribution of working time . RESULTS: A total of 237 persons completed the survey, of which 208 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The respondents perceived a lack of clear standards in the advanced training curriculum and 25% did not receive structured learning resources in the form of simulations or courses. Mandatory annual process interviews were performed in only 58%. Most respondents valued the expertise of the trainers in orthopedic and trauma surgery, whereas they rated their competence in supervision and giving feedback as below average. Administrative work consumed 220 min of the daily working time and on average 60min remained per day for respondents to learn operative skills. CONCLUSION: The survey revealed inconsistencies in the current advanced training curriculum and a lack of supervision and evaluation. The implementation of competence-based advanced training should therefore not only focus on a change of the curriculum but also on implementing competence-based training at all levels of training (learning resources, training, evaluation).

What it takes to become an orthopaedic surgeon: A comparison of orthopaedic surgical training programmes in 10 countries focusing on structure and fellowship requirements.

BACKGROUND: The quality of surgical training has been highlighted as one of the most important patient safety issues in the future. Training surgeons and supporting them to do their best should be considered integral in providing optimum and safe care for the individual patient and the best possible return on investment in training medical professionals. In 2011, an international consensus statement defined fundamental principles for surgical training. PURPOSE: This study examines orthopaedic surgical training to explore the similarities and differences in the requirements for trainees to obtain board certification in ten countries. METHODS: Countries of the Commonwealth Health Care Comparison: Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland were chosen to be compared. The relevant information was extracted from official information from authorities and administrative bodies. RESULTS: The study revealed significant differences in duration, organisation and assessment of training. So-called "competency-based" training is not featured in every country, and the manner of its implementation is variable. In particular, the numbers in surgical cases required to be accredited varies by country ranging from 1260 (UK) to 340 (Norway). CONCLUSION: Despite the recommendation in 2011 for some degree of uniformity across surgical training in industrialised countries, evidence suggests wide variation in the training programmes which is likely to be a concern in both quality of training as well as present and future patient safety.