Individual and community experiences of posttraumatic growth after disaster: 10 years after the Australian Black Saturday bushfires.

OBJECTIVE: To understand longer-term posttraumatic growth (PTG) and how this is associated with individual and community bushfire experiences. METHOD: Survey data (n = 391) from the Beyond Bushfires and the 10-year Beyond Bushfires studies were analyzed. Multilevel modeling examined relationships between basic individual demographics, bushfire exposure, and community-level variables at 3-4 years after the fires, and PTG at 10 years using the short form of the PTG Inventory. RESULTS: Ten years after these Australian bushfires, being female, experiencing higher degrees of property loss, and stronger individual sense of community were the factors associated with PTG. Approximately 12% of the variance observed in PTG scores was attributable to differences in PTG across communities. Individuals from medium and high bushfire-affected communities reported significantly higher PTG relative to those in low bushfire-affected communities. While there was evidence of community differences in PTG, and individuals' own sense of community was positively and significantly associated with increased PTG, community-level cohesion scores were not found to be significantly related to PTG (although the trend was in the expected direction). CONCLUSIONS: PTG is evident in longer-term disaster recovery. While PTG appears to vary across communities, the findings suggest that it is an individual's own sense of community (rather than community-level cohesion) that is most closely related to this longer-term growth following a bushfire event. While PTG is currently understood as an outcome of individual-level perceptions, community-level experiences shape the potential for positive transformations to occur after disasters and warrant further investigation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Fibrin Glue and Conduit Form a Composite Structure in Digital Nerve Repair.

Repair of severed nerves without autograft or allograft has included suture, suture with glue alone, suture with conduit and suture with glue augmentation to conduit, where use of conduit is considered for separation of the nerve ends from 5 mm to 3 cm. Repairs must not only serve acutely to provide apposition of nerve ends but must enable the healing of the nerve. Using biological conduit can place suture at the ends of the conduit while fibrin glue alone eliminates suture but with limited strength. The combination of conduit and glue offers the growth guidance of conduit with sufficient strength from the glue to maintain the nerve within the conduit. The role of fibrin glue in the integrity of the repair remains an open question, however. We sought to determine the factors in the strength of a glue-conduit-nerve construct and include consideration of standard suture repair. Fresh-frozen cadaveric digital nerves were repaired with suture alone, with glue alone or with suture and glue together and then loaded to failure. Previously tested specimens with conduit, suture and glue were considered for comparison. The suture alone (2.02 N) and suture with glue (2.24 N) were not statistically different from each other but were statistically stronger than glue alone (0.15 N). When compared to the earlier results of the strength of conduit with glue (0.65 N), these simple results show that the glue and conduit act together. The increased area over which the glue adheres to the nerve and conduit creates a composite structure stronger than either alone.

2017 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review the literature for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) to ensure the National Standards for DSMES (Standards) align with current evidence-based practices and utilization trends. METHODS: The 10 Standards were divided among 20 interdisciplinary workgroup members. Members searched the current research for diabetes education and support, behavioral health, clinical, health care environment, technical, reimbursement, and business practice for the strongest evidence that guided the Standards revision. RESULTS: Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support facilitates the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care as well as activities that assist a person in implementing and sustaining the behaviors needed to manage their condition on an ongoing basis. The evidence indicates that health care providers and people affected by diabetes are embracing technology, and this is having a positive impact of DSMES access, utilization, and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Quality DSMES continues to be a critical element of care for all people with diabetes. The DSMES services must be individualized and guided by the concerns, preferences, and needs of the person affected by diabetes. Even with the abundance of evidence supporting the benefits of DSMES, it continues to be underutilized, but as with other health care services, technology is changing the way DSMES is delivered and utilized with positive outcomes.

Overpromised and Underdelivered: Solid Wins for Hospitals Under the Affordable Care Act Overshadowed by What Could Have Been.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has resulted in benefits for North Carolina hospitals and the patients they serve. The impact of the ACA is not as great as it might have been due to lack of Medicaid expansion and exigent challenges at the state and local level.

2017 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review the literature for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) to ensure the National Standards for DSMES (Standards) align with current evidence-based practices and utilization trends. METHODS: The 10 Standards were divided among 20 interdisciplinary workgroup members. Members searched the current research for diabetes education and support, behavioral health, clinical, health care environment, technical, reimbursement, and business practice for the strongest evidence that guided the Standards revision. RESULTS: Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support facilitates the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care as well as activities that assist a person in implementing and sustaining the behaviors needed to manage their condition on an ongoing basis. The evidence indicates that health care providers and people affected by diabetes are embracing technology, and this is having a positive impact of DSMES access, utilization, and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Quality DSMES continues to be a critical element of care for all people with diabetes. The DSMES services must be individualized and guided by the concerns, preferences, and needs of the person affected by diabetes. Even with the abundance of evidence supporting the benefits of DSMES, it continues to be underutilized, but as with other health care services, technology is changing the way DSMES is delivered and utilized with positive outcomes.

2017 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review the literature for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) to ensure the National Standards for DSMES (Standards) align with current evidence-based practices and utilization trends. METHODS: The 10 Standards were divided among 20 interdisciplinary workgroup members. Members searched the current research for diabetes education and support, behavioral health, clinical, health care environment, technical, reimbursement, and business practice for the strongest evidence that guided the Standards revision. RESULTS: Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support facilitates the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care as well as activities that assist a person in implementing and sustaining the behaviors needed to manage their condition on an ongoing basis. The evidence indicates that health care providers and people affected by diabetes are embracing technology, and this is having a positive impact of DSMES access, utilization, and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Quality DSMES continues to be a critical element of care for all people with diabetes. The DSMES services must be individualized and guided by the concerns, preferences, and needs of the person affected by diabetes. Even with the abundance of evidence supporting the benefits of DSMES, it continues to be underutilized, but as with other health care services, technology is changing the way DSMES is delivered and utilized with positive outcomes.

2017 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review the literature for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) to ensure the National Standards for DSMES (Standards) align with current evidence-based practices and utilization trends. Methods The 10 Standards were divided among 20 interdisciplinary workgroup members. Members searched the current research for diabetes education and support, behavioral health, clinical, health care environment, technical, reimbursement, and business practice for the strongest evidence that guided the Standards revision. Results Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support facilitates the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care as well as activities that assist a person in implementing and sustaining the behaviors needed to manage their condition on an ongoing basis. The evidence indicates that health care providers and people affected by diabetes are embracing technology, and this is having a positive impact of DSMES access, utilization, and outcomes. Conclusion Quality DSMES continues to be a critical element of care for all people with diabetes. The DSMES services must be individualized and guided by the concerns, preferences, and needs of the person affected by diabetes. Even with the abundance of evidence supporting the benefits of DSMES, it continues to be underutilized, but as with other health care services, technology is changing the way DSMES is delivered and utilized with positive outcomes.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Distal Radius Fractures.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) after distal radius fractures can present in 3 forms: acute, transient, and delayed. Acute CTS requires an emergent carpal tunnel release. Many patients with transient CTS after distal radius fracture do not require surgical release of the carpal tunnel once the fracture is repaired. Prophylactic carpal tunnel release in the absence of signs and symptoms of CTS after a distal radius fracture is not indicated. For patients with delayed CTS after a distal radius fracture, all possible causes of nerve compression should be considered and addressed in standard fashion.

2017 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.

This article was copublished in Diabetes Care 2017;40:1409-1419 and The Diabetes Educator 2017;43:449-464 and is reprinted with permission. The previous version of this article, also copublished in Diabetes Care and The Diabetes Educator, can be found at Diabetes Care 2012;35:2393-2401 (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc12-1707).

2017 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review the literature for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) to ensure the National Standards for DSMES (Standards) align with current evidence-based practices and utilization trends. Methods The 10 Standards were divided among 20 interdisciplinary workgroup members. Members searched the current research for diabetes education and support, behavioral health, clinical, health care environment, technical, reimbursement, and business practice for the strongest evidence that guided the Standards revision. Results Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support facilitates the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care as well as activities that assist a person in implementing and sustaining the behaviors needed to manage their condition on an ongoing basis. The evidence indicates that health care providers and people affected by diabetes are embracing technology, and this is having a positive impact of DSMES access, utilization, and outcomes. Conclusion Quality DSMES continues to be a critical element of care for all people with diabetes. The DSMES services must be individualized and guided by the concerns, preferences, and needs of the person affected by diabetes. Even with the abundance of evidence supporting the benefits of DSMES, it continues to be underutilized, but as with other health care services, technology is changing the way DSMES is delivered and utilized with positive outcomes.

Mixed neuropathy presenting clinically as an anterior interosseous nerve palsy following shoulder arthroscopy: a report of four cases.

BACKGROUND: Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) palsies can arise spontaneously or be attributed to one of many causes. We present 4 cases, the largest series to date, in which a mixed peripheral neuropathy presented primarily as an AIN palsy following ipsilateral shoulder arthroscopy. In this report, we detail the patient's presenting symptoms, describe our management of the complication, and provide hypotheses for the mechanism behind the complication. METHODS: Four different surgeons performed the initial arthroscopic surgeries, but the senior author in all cases managed follow-up and treatment of the neuropathy. All patients were informed and agreed to have their cases published. RESULTS: All four patients experienced significant recovery, although 2 of 4 required AIN decompression and exploration because of failure to improve with conservative management. CONCLUSION: Whereas variables such as position, index surgical procedure, and use of regional anesthesia varied among our patients, the one constant was the fluid extravasation from the arthroscopy itself, and for this reason we believe that if there is one singular cause to explain all of these neuropathies, it would be increased pressure in the upper arm and forearm from fluid extravasation in patients with at-risk anatomy. Outside of prevention, recognizing this complication and providing appropriate intervention or referral to a surgeon capable of appropriate intervention are important for any surgeon performing shoulder arthroscopies.

Impact of Age, Gender and Anesthesia Modality on Post-Operative Pain in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: Optimizing pain control following total knee arthroplasty is of utmost importance to the immediate post-operative course. Various anesthesia modalities are available, but studies comparing multiple anesthesia modalities, patient age, and sex are limited. QUESTIONS/PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to examine the impact of patient age, gender, and perioperative anesthesia modality on postoperative pain following primary total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: 443 patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty by 14 surgeons with some combination of general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, femoral nerve block, and intrathecal morphine were identified. Anesthesia route and type, length of surgery, post-operative patient-reported pain measures using the Visual Analog Scale, opioid consumption, and length of hospital stay were recorded for each patient and used to compare differences among study groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted between anesthesia groups with regards to postoperative pain or length of hospital stay. Patients receiving spinal anesthesia and femoral nerve block without intrathecal morphine were significantly older than other groups. Patients receiving general anesthesia required significantly more daily intravenous morphine equivalents than patients receiving spinal anesthesia. Patients receiving spinal anesthesia with femoral nerve block and intrathecal morphine consumed the least amount of morphine equivalents. When comparing males and females among all groups, females had significantly higher pain ratings between 24-36 and 24-48 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Although no significant differences were noted on pain scores, patients who received spinal anesthesia with intrathecal morphine and femoral nerve block used less narcotic pain medication than any other group. Females reported significantly higher pain between 24-48 hours post-op compared with males but not significantly greater anesthetic usage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study, (Retrospective Comparative study).

Impact of diabetes on early postoperative outcomes after total elbow arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is known to be associated with poorer perioperative outcomes after hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to examine the association between diabetes and in-hospital complications, length of stay, non-homebound discharge, transfusion risk, and total charges after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). METHODS: By use of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, epidemiologic as well as patient and hospital demographic data for all patients undergoing TEA were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2007 through 2011. We found 13,698 patients who underwent TEA and subsequently separated them into 2 cohorts, those patients with (16.5%) and without (83.5%) diabetes. Specific outcome measures between the diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts were compared through bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Diabetic patients had significantly longer lengths of stay, increased rates of needing a transfusion perioperatively, and higher rates of a number of complications after TEA compared with the nondiabetic group. Significant differences in demographic factors in diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic patients included age, gender, insurance type, and geography. Diabetes was an independent predictor of both prolonged hospital stay and non-homebound discharge after TEA. DISCUSSION: Diabetic patients have significantly higher rates of several perioperative complications, and diabetes is an independent risk factor for prolonged hospital stay, as well as increased risk of non-homebound discharge. Future studies need to further investigate this relationship between diabetes and poorer TEA outcomes.

Maximizing function and outcomes in acetabular reconstruction: segmental bony defects and pelvic discontinuity.

Acetabular reconstruction in revision total hip arthroplasty can be complicated by acetabular bone loss. In patients with severe acetabular bone deficiency with segmental bone defects or pelvic discontinuity, obtaining a stable, well-fixed acetabular component can be challenging. Although porous-coated, uncemented hemispheric cups can be used in most acetabular revisions, as the severity of acetabular deficiency increases, more complex alternatives are needed. Antiprotrusio cages have traditionally been used in the presence of acetabular columnar deficits, but higher failure rates and complications necessitated the development of alternative treatments. More recently, porous-coated acetabular augments have become an attractive alternative to structural allograft and oblong components when segmental bone loss is present. In the setting of severe bone loss or pelvic discontinuity, multiple reconstructive options are available. Depending on individual patient characteristics, plating of the pelvic discontinuity along with structural allografts, custom components, and modular or standard reconstructive cages can be used to obtain a stable acetabular component.