Emergency department use and hospital admission in children following ambulatory surgery: a retrospective population-based cohort study.

Introduction: Paediatric ambulatory surgery (same day surgery and planned same day discharge) is more frequently being performed more in Canada and around the world; however, after surgery children may return to hospital, either through the emergency department (ED) or through a hospital admission (HA). The aim of this study was to determine the patient characteristics associated with ED visits and HA in the 3 days following paediatric ambulatory surgery. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study used de-identified health administrative database housed at ICES and included residents of Ontario, younger than 18 years of age, who underwent ambulatory surgery between 2014 and 2018. Patients were not involved in the design of this study. The proportion of ED visit and HA were calculated for the total cohort, and the type of surgery. The ORs and 95% CIs were calculated for each outcome using logistic regression. Results: 83 468 children underwent select ambulatory surgeries. 2588 (3.1%) had an ED visit and 608 (0.7%) had a HA in the 3 days following surgery. The most common reasons for ED visits included pain (17.2%) and haemorrhage (10.5%). Reasons for HA included haemorrhage (24.8%), dehydration (21.9%), and pain (9.1%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that pain, bleeding and dehydration symptoms are associated with a return visit to the hospital. Implementing approaches to prevent, identify and manage these symptoms may be helpful in reducing ED visits or hospital admissions.

Risk Factors Associated with Skin Tear Development in the Canadian Long-term Care Population.

BACKGROUND: Skin tears (STs) are prevalent wounds found in aging populations and in particular among those living in long-term care (LTC) settings. They are often misunderstood as expected outcomes of aging and as a result are frequently underrecognized and undertreated. Although many factors have been associated with ST development, there is little evidence to corroborate their roles as ST risks. OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk factors associated with ST development in the Ontario LTC population. METHODS: A prospective study design was used to explore the risk factors associated with ST development. A total of 380 individuals 65 years or older from four LTC facilities in Ontario were examined for STs at the beginning of the study and at week 4 to determine if STs had occurred. RESULTS: The study found an ST prevalence of 20.8% and an incidence of 18.9%. History of an ST at baseline (relative ratio [RR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-2.70; P = .002); the presence of skin changes associated with aging, ecchymosis, and hematomas (RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.43-1.79; P < .001); chronic disease (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03-1.32; P = .018); requiring assistance with activities of daily living (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.18; P < .001); and displaying aggressive behavior (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10; P = .001) were key risk factors associated with ST development. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide much needed Ontario data on the risk factors associated with ST development and can be used to support prevention programs mitigating ST risk.

Pain and haemorrhage are the most common reasons for emergency department use and hospital admission in adults following ambulatory surgery: results of a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Advances in healthcare delivery have allowed for the increase in the number of ambulatory surgery procedures performed in Canada. Despite these advances, patients return to hospital following discharge. However, the reason for unplanned healthcare use after ambulatory surgery in Canada is not well understood. AIMS: To examine unplanned healthcare use, specifically emergency department visit and hospital admissions, in the 3 days after ambulatory surgery in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: This population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using de-identified administrative databases. Participants were residents in the province of Ontario, Canada; 18 years and older; and underwent common ambulatory surgical procedures between 2014 and 2018. The outcomes included emergency department (ED) visit and hospital admission. Incidence rates were calculated for the total cohort, for each patient characteristic and for surgical category. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each outcome using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: 484,670 adults underwent select common surgical procedures during the study period. Patients had healthcare use in the first 3 days after surgery, with 14,950 (3.1%) ED visits and 14,236 (2.9%) admissions. The incidence of ED use was highest after tonsillectomy (8.1%), cholecystectomy (4.2%) and appendectomy (4.0%). Incidence of admissions was highest after appendectomy (21%). Acute pain (19.7%) and haemorrhage (14.2%) were the most frequent reasons for an ED visit and "convalescence following surgery" (49.2%) followed by acute pain (6.2%) and haemorrhage (4.5%) were the main reasons for admission. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can assist clinicians in identifying and intervening with patients at risk of healthcare use after ambulatory surgery. Pain management strategies that can be tailored to the patient, and earlier follow-up for some patients may be required. In addition, administrative decision-makers could use the results to estimate the impact of specific ambulatory procedures on hospital resources for planning and allocation of resources.

Skin tear prevalence and incidence in the long-term care population: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The World Health Organization estimates that between 2015 and 2050 the proportion of the world's population over 60 years old will nearly double from 12% to 22%. An often overlooked byproduct of ageing is the skin changes associated with it, which heighten the risk of developing skin tears. Despite this presumed increased risk, the true impact of skin tears across age groups and care settings is poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to establish the prevalence and incidence of skin tears in the Ontario long-term care population. METHOD: A prospective study design was used to explore the prevalence and incidence of skin tears. Individuals from four long-term care facilities in Ontario were followed over four weeks. The participants were examined for skin tears at the beginning of the study and at week four to determine whether skin tears had occurred and to record the skin tear type and location. RESULTS: A total of 380 individuals, aged 65 years and over, took part. The study found a skin tear prevalence of 20.8% and an incidence of 18.9% within four weeks. These results provide much needed data on the burden of skin tears in the long-term care population. Conclusion: The present study is an important first step towards developing a prevention programme targeting individuals at risk for skin tears in long-term care.

Ten-year risk of complication and mortality after total hip arthroplasty in morbidly obese patients: a population study

Background: The relationship between morbid obesity and long-term patient outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been understudied. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between morbid obesity and 10-year complications (revision surgery, reoperation, dislocation) and mortality in patients undergoing primary THA. Methods: We conducted a population-based cohort study of patients aged 45­74 years who underwent primary THA for osteoarthritis between 2002 and 2007 using Ontario administrative health care databases. Patients were followed for 10 years. We estimated risk ratios (RRs) of mortality, reoperation, revision and dislocation in patients with body mass index (BMI) greater than 45 kg/m2 (morbidly obese patients) compared with patients with a BMI of 45 kg/m2 or less (nonmorbidly obese patients). Results: There were 22 251 patients in the study cohort, of whom 726 (3.3%) were morbidly obese. Morbid obesity was associated with higher 10-year risk of death (RR 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18­1.62). Risks of revision (RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.96­2.13) and dislocation (RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.38­4.10) were higher in morbidly obese men than in nonmorbidly obese men; there were no associations between obesity and revision or dislocation in women. Risk of reoperation was higher in morbidly obese women than in nonmorbidly obese women (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.05­2.40); there was no association between obesity and reoperation in men. Conclusion: Morbidly obese patients undergoing primary THA are at higher risk of long-term mortality and complications. There were differences in complication risk by sex. The results of this study should inform perioperative counselling of patients considering THA.

Contexte: Le lien entre l'obésité morbide et les issues à long terme des patients ayant subi une arthroplastie totale primaire de la hanche (ATH) est sous-étudié. Cette étude visait à caractériser l'association entre l'obésité morbide et les complications (chirurgie de révision, réintervention, dislocation) et la mortalité sur 10 ans chez les patients ayant subi une ATH. Méthodes: Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte basée sur la population auprès de patients de 45 à 74 ans atteints d'arthrose ayant subi une ATH primaire entre 2002 et 2007 en utilisant les bases de données administratives en santé de l'Ontario. Les patients ont été suivis pour une période de 10 ans. Nous avons estimé des rapports de risque (RR) pour la mortalité, la réintervention, la chirurgie de révision et la dislocation chez les patients ayant un indice de masse corporelle (IMC) de plus de 45 kg/m2 (obésité morbide) en comparaison avec les patients ayant un IMC de 45 kg/m2 ou moins. Résultats: L'étude de cohorte comptait 22 251 patients, dont 726 (3,3 %) étaient atteints d'obésité morbide. L'obésité morbide a été associée à un risque de mortalité sur 10 ans accru (RR 1,38; intervalle de confiance [IC] de 95 % 1,18­1,62). Le risque de chirurgie de révision (RR 1,43; IC de 95 % 0,96­2,13) et de dislocation (RR 2,38; IC de 95 % 1,38­4,10) était plus élevé chez les hommes atteints d'obésité morbide que chez les autres hommes; aucune association n'a été observée entre l'obésité et la chirurgie de révision ou la dislocation chez les femmes. Par contre, le risque de réintervention était accru chez les femmes atteintes d'obésité morbide (RR 1,59; IC de 95 % 1,05­2,40), mais aucune association n'a été établie entre l'obésité et la réintervention chez les hommes. Conclusion: Les patients atteints d'obésité morbide qui subissent une ATH primaire courent un risque plus élevé de complications et de mortalité à long terme. Des différences ont été observées dans les risques de complications selon le sexe. Les résultats de cette étude devraient guider l'offre de conseils aux patients qui envisagent l'ATH.

Leading Indicators in Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems in Healthcare: A Quasi-Experimental Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of implementing interventions guided by six leading indicators, and the effectiveness of these interventions on improving employee's perception of their organization's health and safety climate. METHOD: A quasi-experimental longitudinal design was used in two hospitals. Occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) were assessed using the Leading Indicator Assessment Tool. To address the gaps identified in the assessment, tailored interventions were developed, pilot tested, and evaluated. Data were collected pre- and post-interventions. RESULTS: Interventions were developed to improve three leading indicators: senior management commitment, employee involvement, and communication. Overall, both sites supported using leading indicators to guide proactive interventions. Employees' perceptions of the health and safety climate improved at one site only. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the utilization of leading indicators to assess an organization's current OHSMS, identify areas for improvement, and implement tailored interventions is feasible to support a culture of safety in healthcare.

A population-based study of prescribing trends in a potentially vulnerable paediatric population from 1999 to 2012.

OBJECTIVES: There is a limited understanding of paediatric medication prescribing trends and patterns, thus poorly positioning decision-makers to identify quality and safety concerns related to medication use. The objective of this study was to determine overall medication prescribing trends and patterns among children receiving Ontario Drug Benefits over a thirteen-year period in the province of Ontario, Canada. METHODS: Administrative health databases housed within the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Ontario, Canada, were used to identify outpatient prescriptions dispensed from 1999 to 2012 through a publicly funded programme to children ≤18 years of age. Medications were classified according to the American Hospital Formulary Service Pharmacologic-Therapeutic Classification system. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize prescribing patterns. KEY FINDINGS: This study identified 457 037 children who were dispensed a new prescription between 1999 and 2012. About 56% received their first prescription before 6.5 years of age, and 85% of the children in this study were from families who received social assistance. The most commonly prescribed drugs were antiinfectives (56.1%). Prescriptions for several central nervous system agents, including antipsychotics and agents for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, increased across the study period. Changes in prescribing patterns within opioids, hormones and autonomic agents were noted. The results suggest that historically, prescribing trends have shifted with public policy, pharmaceutical marketing and diagnostic patterns, thus identifying them as a possible tool to measure the impact of policydriven practice changes. Anti-infective prescribing increased markedly with the global H1N1 pandemic. Pharmaceutical marketing, formulary decisions and diagnostic trends may affect the prescribing of ADHD medications globally. The prescribing of codeine-containing products and medroxyprogesterone appeared to fluctuate in response to important publications in the medical literature, and the use of epinephrine syringes increased after public policy changes in the province of Ontario. The steady rise in the use of medications whose long-term effects in children are unknown, such as antipsychotics and proton pump inhibitors, identifies areas in need of future research. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the first overview of Canadian prescribing trends for children, the majority of which are of low socioeconomic status and represent a potentially vulnerable population. Our analysis suggests that future research is required to determine whether prescribing trends could be used as indicators of policy effectiveness, pharmacovigilance and diagnostic trends.

Knowledge and Attitudes about Pain Management among Canadian Nursing Students.

BACKGROUND: Poorly managed pain is a problem that affects individuals, entire health care systems, and societies worldwide. Nurses are involved in pain management, yet little is known about the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine preregistration nursing students' knowledge and attitudes about the assessment and management of pain. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey. SETTINGS: Four education sites from two post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: A convenience sample of 336 final year Bachelor of Science in Nursing and practical nursing students. METHODS: Participants were recruited in the classroom setting to complete the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain. A score of eighty percent is considered a pass. RESULTS: Ninety percent of students who were in class on the day of the survey agreed to participate (n = 336/373). Fifteen (4.5%) participants passed the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain, and the mean score was 66.7% (standard deviation 9.1). English as primary language, institution attended, and prior experience caring for someone with pain were independently associated with higher scores (p < .05). Students were found to have major gaps in knowledge and attitudes related to understanding the risk of respiratory depression after opioid therapy, calculating medication dosages, administrating medication, and understanding pharmacology. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of nursing students in this sample did not have adequate knowledge and positive attitudes about pain assessment and management.

A population profile of older adults with prescription encounters with nurse practitioners and family physicians in Ontario: a descriptive retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Compared with patients in family physician practices, there is a poor understanding at a population level of patients in nurse practitioner practices. The study aim was to use Ontario administrative databases to identify the sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities of patients aged 65 years and older who were prescribed medications by nurse practitioners and family physicians between 2000 and 2015. METHODS: This population-based descriptive retrospective cohort study included patients 65 years of age and older with Ontario Health Insurance Plan eligibility and at least 1 prescription encounter with a nurse practitioner or family physician during the study period. Prescription identification of patients permitted their characterization by age, sex, geographical location, rurality, neighbourhood income and comorbidities. Patients were categorized into 3 provider groups on the basis of the percentage of prescription encounters with nurse practitioners versus family physicians. RESULTS: In 2015, patients in the study cohort with prescriptions by nurse practitioners (n = 25 220) were younger than those with prescriptions by family physicians (40.3% were aged 65-69 yr) and they were more likely to be residents of low-income neighbourhoods (44.0% were in the lowest 2 neighbourhood income quintiles) and to be living outside of central Ontario. In contrast, patients who received prescriptions from family physicians (n = 1 952 904) tended to be older (26.8% were aged ≥ 80 yr), to have higher incomes (21.1% were in the highest neighbourhood income quintile) and to live in urban areas (86.5%). Mean Elixhauser Comorbidity Index scores were consistently lower among patients cared for by nurse practitioners than among those predominantly seen by family physicians (1.30 v. 2.04). The most prevalent conditions were hypertension and diabetes, regardless of provider. INTERPRETATION: The patient characteristic with the highest variability between providers was geographic residence in the province. Elucidating patterns of care is critical for primary care policy and our results provide baseline data for future health care planning.

Help-seeking behavior among community-dwelling adults with chronic pain.

Background: Some individuals with chronic pain do not seek care. This decision may be due to characteristics of the individual, pain, and/or their health professional(s). Aims: This study aimed to identify and compare features of individuals with chronic pain, their pain and general health, and their health care professional between community-dwelling adults who did and did not seek care. Methods: Randomly selected adults were mailed a study questionnaire that screened for chronic pain (pain persisting ≥3 months) and asked about their general well-being (Short Form [SF]-36), pain location (body diagram), pain intensity and characteristics (Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs), experiences with health care professionals (Chronic Illness Resources Survey), and visits made to health professionals over the past year. Respondents were categorized as help-seeking (≥1 visit in the past year) and non-help-seeking (zero visits in the past year). Results: Six percent of respondents (44/696) were non-help-seeking. These respondents differed in individual, pain, and health care professional characteristics when compared to those who did seek care. Specifically, when other variables were controlled, non-help-seeking individuals were less likely to be male (relative risk [RR] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.86), report comorbid conditions (RR = 0.46, 95% CI, 0.22-0.98), report being treated as an equal partner in decision making (RR = 0.40, 95% CI, 0.18-0.93), and rate their health care professional as important to their pain management (RR = 0.39, 95% CI, 0.18-0.85). They were more likely to use over-the-counter medication to manage their pain (RR = 2.52, 95% CI, 1.14-5.58). Conclusions: Experiences with health professionals play a role in determining whether an individual manages his or her pain independently. Future research should explore the safety of those who do not seek care.

Contexte: Certaines personnes souffrant de douleur chronique ne se font pas soigner. Cette décision peut être attribuable aux caractéristiques des individus, de leur douleur ou de leur(s) professionel(s) de la santé.But: Cette étude avait pour but de répertorier et de comparer les caractéristiques de personnes souffrant de douleur chronique, de leur douleur et de leur état de santé général, ainsi que de leur professionnel de la santé, chez des adultes vivant dans la collectivité qui se sont fait soigner et ne se sont pas fait soigner.Méthodes: Un questionnaire d'étude a été expédié par la poste à des adultes sélectionnés de manière aléatoire. Ce questionnaire cherchait à dépister la douleur chronique (douleur persistant ≥ 3 mois) et comprenait des questions sur leur bien-être général (SF-36), sur l'emplacement de leur douleur (diagramme du corps, intensité et caractéristiques de la douleur (Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs) sur leurs expériences passées avec des professionnls de la santé (Chronic Illness Resources Survey), et sur leurs consultations auprès de professionnels de la santé au cours de la denière année. Les répondants ont été classés en deux groupes : ceux qui se faisaient soigner (une visite au cours de la dernière année) et ceux qui ne se faisaient pas soigner (aucune consultation au cours de la dernière année).Résultats: Six pour cent des répondants (44/696) ne se faisaient pas soigner. Ces répondants étaient différents de ceux qui se faisaient soigner en ce qui concerne leurs caractéristiques individuelles, ainsi que les caractéristiques de leur douleur et de leur professionnel de la santé. Plus précisément, lorsque les autres variables étaient contrôlées, les personnes qui ne se faisaient pas soigner étaient moins susceptibles d'être des hommes (RR = 0,39, IC 95% = 0,18 ­ 0,86), de faire état de comorbidités (RR = 0,46, IC 95% = 0,2 ­ 0,98), de mentionner avoir êté traité comme un partenaire égal dans la prise de décision (RR = 0,40, IC 95% = 0,18 ­ 0,93) et de considérer que leur professionnel de la santé était important pour la prise en charge de leur douleur (RR = 0,39, IC 95% = 0,18 ­ 0,85). Ils étaient plus susceptibles d'utiliser des médicaments sans ordonnance pour prendre en charge leur douleur (RR = 2,52, IC 95% = 1,14 ­ 5.58).Conclusions: Les expériences passées avec des professionnels de la santé jouent un rôle dans le choix d'un individu de prendre en charge sa douleur par lui-même. D'autres études devraient se pencher sur la sécurité de ceux qui ne se font pas soigner.

Measures of movement and mobility used in clinical practice and research: a scoping review protocol.

REVIEW QUESTION: The first objective of this scoping review is to identify all tools designed to measure movement or mobility in adults. The second objective is to compare the tools to the conceptual definitions of movement and mobility by mapping them against the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).The specific questions that will be answered for each tool by the mapping are.

A study of leading indicators for occupational health and safety management systems in healthcare.

BACKGROUND: In Ontario, Canada, approximately $2.5 billion is spent yearly on occupational injuries in the healthcare sector. The healthcare sector has been ranked second highest for lost-time injury rates among 16 Ontario sectors since 2009 with female healthcare workers ranked the highest among all occupations for lost-time claims. There is a great deal of focus in Ontario's occupational health and safety system on compliance and fines, however despite this increased focus, the injury statistics are not significantly improving. One of the keys to changing this trend is the development of a culture of healthy and safe workplaces including the effective utilization of leading indicators within Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMSs). In contrast to lagging indicators, which focus on outcomes retrospectively, a leading indicator is associated with proactive activities and consists of selected OHSMSs program elements. Using leading indicators to measure health and safety has been common practice in high-risk industries; however, this shift has not occurred in healthcare. The aim of this project is to conduct a longitudinal study implementing six elements of the Ontario Safety Association for Community and Healthcare (OSACH) system identified as leading indicators and evaluating the effectiveness of this intervention on improving selected health and safety workplace indicators. METHODS: A quasi-experimental longitudinal research design will be used within two Ontario acute care hospitals. The first phase of the study will focus on assessing current OHSMSs using the leading indicators, determining potential facilitators and barriers to changing current OHSMSs, and identifying the leading indicators that could be added or changed to the existing OHSMS in place. Phase I will conclude with the development of an intervention designed to support optimizing current OHSMSs in participating hospitals based on identified gaps. Phase II will pilot test and evaluate the tailored intervention. DISCUSSION: By implementing specific elements to test leading indicators, this project will examine a novel approach to strengthening the occupational health and safety system. Results will guide healthcare organizations in setting priorities for their OHSMSs and thereby improve health and safety outcomes.

Team composition and chronic disease management within primary healthcare practices in eastern Ontario: an application of the Measuring Organizational Attributes of Primary Health Care Survey.

BACKGROUND: Various organizational-level attributes are being implemented in primary healthcare to improve healthcare delivery. There is a need to describe the distribution and nature of these attributes and explore differences across practices.AimThe aim of this study was to better understand organizational attributes of primary care teams, focusing specifically on team composition, nursing roles, and strategies that support chronic disease management. METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional survey design. Team composition, nursing roles, availability of health services, and chronic disease management activities were described using the 'Measuring Organizational Attributes of Primary Health Care Survey.'FindingsA total of 76% (n=26 out of 34) of practice locations completed the survey, including family health teams (FHT; n=21) and community health centers (CHC; n=4). Nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered nurses (RNs) were the most common non-physician providers, and CHCs had a greater proportion of non-physician providers than FHTs. There was overlap in roles performed by NPs and RNs, and registered practical nurses engaged in fewer roles compared with NPs and RNs. A greater proportion of FHTs had systematic chronic disease management services for hypertension, depression and Alzheimer's disease compared with CHC practices. The 'Measuring Organizational Attributes of Primary Health Care Survey' was a useful tool to highlight variability in organizational attributes across PHC practices. Nurses are prominent within PHC practices, engaging in a wide range of roles related to chronic disease management, suggesting a need to better understand their contributions to patient care to optimize their roles.

Ten-Year Mortality and Revision After Total Knee Arthroplasty in Morbidly Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: Although morbid obesity has been associated with early surgical complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), evidence of long-term outcomes is limited. We conducted a population-based study to determine the association between morbid obesity and 10-year survival and revision surgery in patients undergoing primary TKA. METHODS: A cohort study of 9817 patients aged 18-60 years treated with primary TKA from April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2007 was conducted using Ontario administrative health-care databases of universal health-care coverage. Patients were followed up for 10 years after TKA. Risk ratios (RRs) of mortality and TKA revision surgery in patients with body mass index > 45 kg/m2 (morbidly obese patients) compared with body mass index ≤45 kg/m2 (nonmorbidly obese) were estimated adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities. RESULTS: About 10.2% (1001) of the cohort was morbidly obese. Morbidly obese patients were more likely to be female than nonmorbidly obese patients (82.5% vs 63.7%, P < .001) but otherwise similar in characteristics. Morbidly obese patients had higher 10-year risk of death than nonmorbidly obese patients (adjusted RR 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.22-1.85). About 8.5% (832) of the patients had at least 1 revision procedure in the 10 years after TKA; revision rates did not differ by obesity (adjusted RR 1.09, 95% confidence interval 0.88-1.34). CONCLUSION: Morbidly obese patients ≤60 years had a 50% higher 10-year risk of death but no difference in the risk of revision surgery. Results of this population-based study inform evidence-based perioperative counseling of morbidly obese patients considering TKA.

A Canadian Survey of Self-Management Strategies and Satisfaction with Ability to Control Pain: Comparison of Community Dwelling Adults with Neuropathic Pain versus Adults with Non-neuropathic Chronic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics (CPNC) describe a different pain experience compared with those with chronic pain without neuropathic characteristics (CP). AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe and compare pain, self-management strategies, and satisfaction with ability to control pain between adults with CPNC versus CP. PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred and ten community-dwelling adults with chronic pain participated in a cross-sectional survey. METHODS: CPNC was defined as a score ≥12 on the Self-Report Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale. Self-management and pain control was compared between participants with CPNC and CP using frequency, percent, relative risk (RR), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Participants with CPNC (188/710) reported lower socioeconomic status, poorer general health, and more intense, frequent, and widespread pain. They were more likely to use prescription medications to manage pain (adjusted OR = 2.25, CI = 1.47-3.42). They were more likely to use potentially negative strategies to ease the emotional burden of living with chronic pain, including substance use (adjusted OR = 1.58, CI = 1.06-2.35), denial (adjusted OR = 2.21, CI = 1.49-3.28), and behavioral disengagement (adjusted OR = 1.68, CI = 1.16-2.45), and they were more likely to be completely dissatisfied with their ability to control pain (RR = 1.77, CI = 1.21-2.58). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with CPNC have distinct pain and self-management experiences compared with those with CP that may lead to negative coping strategies and dissatisfaction with ability to control pain. Therefore, self-management assessment and support should be tailored by pain condition.

Sensitivity of the DN4 in Screening for Neuropathic Pain Syndromes.

OBJECTIVES: Several tools have been developed to screen for neuropathic pain. This study examined the sensitivity of the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4) in screening for various neuropathic pain syndromes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in 7 Canadian academic pain centers between April 2008 and December 2011. All newly admitted patients (n=2199) were approached and 789 eligible participants form the sample for this analysis. Baseline data included demographics, disability, health-related quality of life, and pain characteristics. Diagnosis of probable or definite neuropathic pain was on the basis of history, neurological examination, and ancillary diagnostic tests. RESULTS: The mean age of study participants was 53.5 years and 54.7% were female; 83% (n=652/789) screened positive on the DN4 (≥4/10). The sensitivity was highest for central neuropathic pain (92.5%, n=74/80) and generalized polyneuropathies (92.1%, n=139/151), and lowest for trigeminal neuralgia (69.2%, n=36/52). After controlling for confounders, the sensitivity of the DN4 remained significantly higher for individuals with generalized polyneuropathies (odds ratio [OR]=4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.15, 8.81), central neuropathic pain (OR=3.76; 95% CI: 1.56, 9.07), and multifocal polyneuropathies (OR=1.72; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.85) compared with focal neuropathies. DISCUSSION: The DN4 performed well; however, sensitivity varied by syndrome and the lowest sensitivity was found for trigeminal neuralgia. A positive DN4 was associated with greater pain catastrophizing, disability and anxiety/depression, which may be because of disease severity, and/or these scales may reflect magnification of sensory symptoms and findings. Future research should examine how the DN4 could be refined to improve its sensitivity for specific neuropathic pain conditions.

Barriers and facilitators to postoperative pain management in Rwanda from the perspective of health care providers: A contextualization of the theory of planned behavior.

AIMS: Identify opportunities to improve knowledge translation for post-operative pain management in Rwanda by exploring clinician and environmental factors affecting this practice. METHODS: The theory of planned behavior (TPB) guided development of a questionnaire to measure intent to assess and treat postoperative pain. Focus groups and individual interviews were used to contextualize the final questionnaire and generate questions related to pain management practice. Health care providers from two Rwandan teaching hospitals involved in postoperative pain management completed the TPB questionnaire in May 2015. TPB subscale scores were analyzed to identify demographic and practice characteristics associated with intention to treat pain. The general linear model was used to test effect of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control on behavioral intent to treat pain. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of participants (N = 131) had training in acute pain management, 56% used a pain protocol, and 74% used pain scales. Tramadol (78%), morphine (79%), and paracetamol (75%) were used most often to treat pain. Drug availability was the most frequently reported barrier to treating pain. Though intention to treat pain was high, only attitudes and perceived control about assessing pain were associated with intention to treat pain. The theme of fear of the adverse effects of pain medications was consistent across focus groups and interviews in both sites. CONCLUSIONS: System and knowledge barriers exist: interventions to address these barriers may lead to improved postoperative pain care. Further validation of the TPB questionnaire is required to address cultural and language factors specific to the Rwandan context.

But: Améliorer le transfert des connaissances en matière de prise en charge de la douleur postopératoire au Rwanda en étudiant les facteurs environnementaux et les facteurs liés aux cliniciens qui affectent cette pratique.Méthodes: La théorie du comportement planifié (TCP) a guidé l'élaboration d'un questionnaire visant à mesurer l'intention d'évaluer et de traiter la douleur postopératoire. Des groupes de discussion et des entrevues individuelles ont été utilisées afin de contextualiser le questionnaire final et formuler des questions portant sur les pratiques en matière de gestion de la douleur. Les prestataires de soins de deux hôpitaux universitaires rwandais impliqués dans la prise en charge de la douleur postopératoire ont répondu au questionnaire fondé sur la TCP en mai 2015. Les scores obtenus pour les sous-échelles ont été analysés afin de cerner les caractérisriques démographiques et les caractéristiques liées aux pratiques qui étaient associées à l'intention de traiter la douleur. Le modèle linéaire général a été utilisé afin de tester l'effet des attitudes, des normes subjectives et du contrôle perçu sur l'intention comportementale de traiter la douleur.Résultats: Quarante-six pour cent des participants (N = 131) avaient une formation en prise en charge de la douleur aigue, 56 % utilisaient un protocole de prise en charge de la douleur et 74 % utilisaient des échelles d'évaluation de la douleur. Le tranadol (78 %), la morphine (79 %) et le paracétamol (75 %) étaient le plus souvent utilisés pour traiter la douleur. La disponibilité des médicaments était la barrière au traitement de la douleur la plus fréquemment citée. Bien que l'intention de traiter la douleur était élevée, seules les attitudes et le contrôle perçu au sujet de l'évaluation de la douleur étaient associés à l'intention de traiter la douleur. Le thème de la peur des effets indésirables des médicaments contre la douleur a été soulevé dans tous les groupes de discussions et les entrevues tenus dans les deux sites.Conclusions: Il existe des barrières systémiques et des barrières liées aux connaissances : des interventions visant à lever ces barrières pourraient mener à l'amélioration des soins postopératoires. Le questionnaire fondé sur la TCP doit être validé davantage afin d'aborder les facteurs liés à la culutre et au langage spécifiques au contexte rwandais.

Medication Knowledge Among Older Adults Admitted to Home Care in Ontario During 2012-2013.

BACKGROUND: Medication use among Canadian seniors is widespread and increases with the number of comorbidities. Limited evidence exists on medication knowledge among seniors, especially in home care. PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to describe medication knowledge and ability to take medication among seniors admitted to home care in Ontario. RESULTS: Ten percent had little or no knowledge of what medication to take (n = 1,389/14,004) or an understanding of the purpose of their medications (n = 1,396/14,004). Increasing numbers of medications prescribed was associated with decreased knowledge of medications. The strongest predictor of limited knowledge and ability to take medication was dementia (odds ratio > 5.0). DISCUSSION: Among Ontario seniors living at home, knowledge about medications decreases as the number of medications increases. Therefore, this group may be at high risk of medication errors. CONCLUSION: Better systems are required to allow healthcare professionals to review with patients, any medications with patients and caregivers, to assist in addressing the decreased knowledge of medications. Such a system would provide the capacity to target those individuals at high risk for a medication error, as well as the medications and drug-drug interactions that seem most likely to be harmful among older adults.

Combination Analgesic Development for Enhanced Clinical Efficacy (CADENCE Trial): Study Protocol for a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of an Alpha-Lipoic Acid - Pregabalin Combination for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Pain.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a clinical disorder commonly presenting with chronic widespread pain as well as sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. There is an urgent need for treatment strategies that provide better pain relief and fewer adverse effects (AEs). Efforts to develop rational combinations of specific fibromyalgia treatments have demonstrated potential for measurable improvements in pain relief, quality of life, and health care utilization. More than half of fibromyalgia patients receive 2 or more analgesics but current combination use is based on limited evidence. As an early proof-of-concept project from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Strategy on Patient-Oriented Research Chronic Pain Network, this trial protocol is expected to advance the field by rigorously evaluating a new treatment combination for fibromyalgia. OBJECTIVE: We will test the hypothesis that analgesic combinations containing at least one nonsedating agent would be as safe but more effective than either monotherapy because of additive pain relief without increasing overall AEs. Pregabalin (PGB), a sedating anticonvulsant, is proven effective for fibromyalgia, and the antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), one of the only nonsedating systemic agents proven effective for neuropathic pain, is currently being evaluated in fibromyalgia. Thus, we will conduct a clinical trial to compare a PGB+ALA combination to each monotherapy for fibromyalgia. METHODS: Using a double-blind, double-dummy, crossover design, 54 adults with fibromyalgia will be randomly allocated to 1 of 6 sequences of treatment with PGB, ALA, and PGB+ALA combination. During each of 3 different treatment periods, participants will take 2 sets of capsules containing (1) ALA (or placebo) and (2) PGB (or placebo) for 31 days, followed by an 11-day taper/washout period. The primary outcome will be mean daily pain intensity (0 to 10 scale) at maximal tolerated doses (MTDs) during each period. Secondary outcomes, assessed at MTD, will include global improvement, adverse events, mood, and quality of life. RESULTS: This trial attained ethics approval March 6, 2017 (Queen's University Health Sciences and Affiliated Teaching Hospitals Research Ethics Board protocol number ANAE-313-17), and recruitment is set to start in August 2017. CONCLUSIONS: This trial will provide rigorous evidence comparing the efficacy of a PGB-ALA combination to PGB alone and ALA alone in the treatment of fibromyalgia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN14939460; https://www.isrctn.com/ ISRCTN1493946 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6sFqAjxkt).

What Are the Barriers and Facilitators for the Self-Management of Chronic Pain with and without Neuropathic Characteristics?

Chronic pain requires affected individuals to self-manage their health. This study compared barriers and facilitators of self-management in two groups of people with chronic pain: those with and without neuropathic characteristics. A cross-sectional survey study of community-dwelling Canadians was conducted. The sample (n = 710) included randomly selected participants who reported chronic pain. The Self-Report Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs was used to screen for neuropathic characteristics. Barriers and facilitators of self-management included self-efficacy (Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9), social support and relationship with health care provider (Chronic Illness Resources Survey), and pain intensity (numeric rating scale). Participants were asked which factors they felt made pain management easier or harder. Statistical analyses included frequency, percent, relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Self-confidence to manage pain was the most commonly perceived self-management barrier/facilitator by both groups; however, participants with neuropathic characteristics (n = 188) were more likely to report low self-efficacy than those without neuropathic characteristics (n = 522) (RR = 2.1, CI = 1.62-2.72, ref = high self-efficacy). Participants with neuropathic characteristics were also more likely to screen positive for depression (RR = 2.30, CI = 1.73-3.06, ref = no/mild depression). There were no group differences in social support and relationship with health professional, but 40.8% felt they were not involved as equal partners in decision making and goal setting related to their care. Health professionals should consider collaborative decision making when seeking to support self-management abilities. Addressing low self-efficacy and depression may be especially important for supporting self-management by individuals with neuropathic characteristics.