Smart device use and burnout among health science educators.

PURPOSE: This study examines the perceived level of stress and burnout among health science educators related to smart device use. METHODS: An interdisciplinary health science research team was created to perform a literature review and design a survey and assessment instrument to investigate the level of stress and burnout among health science educators as a result of excessive connectivity to the workplace through smart device use. A total of 977 assessments were completed through distribution by program directors in athletic training, nursing, radiologic sciences, and respiratory care. RESULTS: Participants in the study, who represented program directors and educators in the allied health sciences, reported 70% of their smart device use taking place between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm, followed by 30% between 6 pm and 12 am. Slightly more than 60% of participants reported feeling connected to the workplace at all hours of the day. Emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment scores for participants were stronger than the norm as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. DISCUSSION: There appears to be a strong feeling of connectedness to the workplace caused by the use of smart devices (60.7%). Some surveyed educators appear to manage their smart device use better than others because 55% of participants indicated they sometimes ignore work-related items after hours. Although several participants demonstrated physical signs of stress and burnout, a causal relationship between use of smart devices or work connectedness could not be established. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, the null hypothesis was rejected. Significant levels of emotional exhaustion were seen in a subset of study participants. Our findings indicate that emotional exhaustion occurs when healthy boundaries are not maintained for smart device use for work purposes after hours.

Free flap failure secondary to dual thrombophilia.

Much has been learned over the past several decades regarding thrombophilic conditions. Thrombotic complications, such as deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, myocardial infarction, and stroke, are sometimes attributed to a diagnosable thrombophilia. Less has been written with regard to their effect on reconstructive outcomes. Fortunately, it is rare to encounter a notable intraoperative thrombophilia while performing reconstructive microsurgery. When this does occur, salvage can be difficult and outcome can be compromised. It is imperative that microsurgeons be knowledgeable of both major and minor thrombogenic conditions to optimize intraoperative outcome and postoperative care. We present a case of a failed free flap for lower extremity reconstruction associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in conjunction with markedly elevated Factor VIII levels.

Multicentre research: lessons from the field.

Multicentre research can be used to explore and generate significant data in aspects of care that affect small numbers of children. This article describes the problems and benefits encountered by a group of nurses from 11 hospitals undertaking a multicentre study of pressure ulcers in children and young people in England and Wales. Multicentre research can generate a large amount of useful data contributing to high quality evidence-based care and can provide nurses with a valuable learning and networking experience.