Surviving the COVID-19 Pandemic: Surge Capacity Planning for Nonemergent Surgery.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has confronted the U.S. health care system with unprecedented challenges amidst a tenuous economic environment. As inpatient hospitals across the country prepare for an overwhelming influx of highly contagious COVID-19 cases, many nonemergent procedures have been cancelled or indefinitely postponed without guidance regarding eventual safe accommodation of these procedures in the future. Given the potentially prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care use, it is imperative for plastic surgeons to collaborate with other medical and surgical specialties to develop surge capacity protocols that allow continuation of safe, high-quality, nonemergent procedures. The purpose of this article is to provide necessary and timely public health information relevant to plastic surgery and also share a conceptual framework to guide surge capacity protocols for nonemergent surgery.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Wait Times for Bariatric Surgery in a Publicly Funded, Regionalized Bariatric Care System.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is proven to be the most effective strategy for management of obesity and its related comorbidities. However, in Canada, patients awaiting bariatric surgery can be subjected to prolonged wait times, thereby subjecting them to increased morbidity and mortality, as well as decreased psychosocial well-being. OBJECTIVE: To assess the factors associated with prolonged wait times for bariatric surgery within a publicly funded, provincial bariatric network. METHODS: This was a retrospective population-based study of all patients aged > 18 years who were referred for bariatric surgery from April 2009 to May 2015 using linked administrative databases to capture patient demographic data, socioeconomic variables, healthcare utilization, and institutional factors. The main outcome of interest was a wait time greater than 18 months. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A total of 18,854 patients underwent bariatric surgery from April 2009 to December 2016, of which 2407 patients experienced wait times of > 18 months. On average, yearly wait times have increased for patients receiving surgery with wait times of 10.98 months (SD 5.48) in 2010 and 13.09 (SD 6.69) in 2016 (p < 0.001). Increasing age (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.19, p = 0.0004), BMI (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.11, p < 0.001), and male gender (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.28-1.70, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased bariatric surgery wait times. Additionally, smoking status (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.09-1.97, p = 0.0118) and obesity-related comorbidities particularly diabetes (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14-1.44, p < 0.001) and heart failure (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.43-2.07, p < 0.001) were correlated with prolonged wait times for surgery. Socioeconomic variables including disability (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.38-1.92, p < 0.001) and immigration status (OR 1.35, 95% 1.11-1.64, p = 0.003) were correlated with increased odds of longer wait times, as were regions with regionalized assessment and treatment centres (RATC) when referenced against centers of excellence (COEs) in number of days added with 20.45 (95% CI 13.20-27.70, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Wait times for bariatric surgery in a publicly funded, regionalized bariatric program are influenced by certain patient characteristics, socioeconomic variables, and institutional factors. This warrants further intervention and study to help improve these inequities when encountering potentially vulnerable populations awaiting bariatric surgery.

Regionalização em saúde em Minas Gerais: uma análise da percepção dos representantes de Comissões Intergestores Regionais / Health Regionalization in Minas Gerais: An Analysis of the Perception of Representatives of Regional Inter-managerial Commissions

Resumo Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a percepção de representantes de Comissões Intergestores Regionais (CIRs) sobre o processo de regionalização em saúde no Estado de Minas Gerais. Foram realizadas entrevistas com representantes de dez regiões de saúde do estado. Os dados, analisados por meio do software IRAMUTEQ, geraram um dendograma com dois eixos temáticos. O primeiro eixo, denominado "O papel das CIRs e dos principais atores no processo de governança regional", subdividiu-se nas classes 4, 3 e 2, que abordaram, respectivamente, o protagonismo dos apoiadores do Conselho de Secretarias Municipais de Saúde (COSEMS) nas CIRs; a CIR como espaço de pactuação das ações regionais; atores envolvidos na governança da região de saúde. O segundo, denominado "Organização da assistência nas redes de atenção", subdividiu-se nas classes 5, 1 e 6, que descreveram, respectivamente, vazios assistenciais nas regiões de saúde; fragilidades e potencialidades do processo de regionalização; dificuldades de provisão de serviços de média e alta complexidade. A regionalização em saúde em Minas Gerais, apesar de estratégias bem-sucedidas, apresenta grandes desafios. O financiamento insuficiente do SUS, em um cenário de disputas políticas, e fragmentação de recursos prejudica a provisão da atenção nas regiões de saúde. Trata-se, portanto, de um processo em construção.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the perception of representatives of Regional Inter-managerial Commissions on the process of health regionalization in the State of Minas Gerais. Interviews were conducted with representatives of 10 state health regions. The data, analyzed through IRAMUTEQ software, generated a dendogram with two thematic axes. The first axis, called "The role of CIR and key actors in the regional governance process", was subdivided into classes 4, 3 and 2, which addressed, respectively, the role of the Council of Municipal Health Secretaries supporters in the Commissions; the Commissions as a space for agreement on regional actions; the actors involved in the governance of the health region. The second, called "Organization of assistance in the care networks" was subdivided into classes 5, 1 and 6, which described, respectively, care gaps in the health regions; weaknesses and potentialities of the regionalization process; difficulties in providing medium and high complexity services. Health regionalization in Minas Gerais, despite successful strategies, brings great challenges. Insufficient financing of the SUS in a scenario of political disputes and resource fragmentation undermines the provision of care in health regions. It is a process still under construction.

A ação coletiva e a cooperação no Sistema Único de Saúde / Collective action and cooperation in the Unified Health System

Resumo Embora o princípio de regionalização dos serviços de saúde conste em documentos oficiais e norteie a organização atual do Sistema Único de Saúde, esse processo depende em certa medida da ação coletiva e da cooperação entre os entes federados. Consideram-se a ação coletiva e a cooperação como elementos de políticas federativas e como comportamento social. Nesta perspectiva, buscou-se analisar como a ação coletiva e a cooperação são abordadas nos documentos oficiais de regulamentação e organização das políticas de saúde que tratam da regionalização. Trata-se de uma análise documental de 16 normas oficiais, publicadas entre 1988 e 2018, e discussão do tema, apoiado sobretudo nos referenciais de coletividade e institucionalidade política. Para a análise dos documentos oficiais, utilizou-se a técnica de análise do conteúdo. Os resultados apontam que a ação coletiva e a cooperação são abordadas em documentos oficiais, especialmente pelos vocábulos "solidariedade" e "cogestão", e que as políticas de regionalização possuem caráter altamente normativo. Sua implementação dependerá de mecanismos de coordenação, coerção e recompensa, além de aspectos relacionados à gestão dos serviços, como equilíbrio entre os interesses coletivos e individuais, e a construção de identidades sociais entre gestores com vistas à cogestão.

Abstract Although the principle of regionalization of health services is contained in official documents and guides the current organization of the Unified Health System, this process depends to a certain extent on collective action and cooperation between federated entities. Collective action and cooperation are considered elements of federal policies and social behavior. In this perspective, we sought to analyze how collective action and cooperation are addressed in the official documents of regulation and organization of health policies that deal with regionalization. It is a documentary analysis of 16 official norms, published between 1988 and 2018, and discussion of the theme, supported mainly by the collective and political institutional frameworks. For the analysis of official documents, the technique of content analysis was used. The results show that collective action and cooperation are addressed in official documents, especially by the words "solidarity" and "co-management", and that regionalization policies have a highly normative character. Its implementation will depend on coordination, coercion, and reward mechanisms, as well as aspects related to the management of services, such as balance between collective and individual interests, and the construction of social identities between managers with a view to co-management.

The impact of patient preferences and costs on the appropriateness of spinal manipulation and mobilization for chronic low back pain and chronic neck pain.

BACKGROUND: Although the delivery of appropriate healthcare is an important goal, the definition of what constitutes appropriate care is not always agreed upon. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method is one of the most well-known and used approaches to define care appropriateness from the clinical perspective-i.e., that the expected effectiveness of a treatment exceeds its expected risks. However, patient preferences (the patient perspective) and costs (the healthcare system perspective) are also important determinants of appropriateness and should be considered. METHODS: We examined the impact of including information on patient preferences and cost on expert panel ratings of clinical appropriateness for spinal mobilization and manipulation for chronic low back pain and chronic neck pain. RESULTS: The majority of panelists thought patient preferences were important to consider in determining appropriateness and that their inclusion could change ratings, and half thought the same about cost. However, few actually changed their appropriateness ratings based on the information presented on patient preferences regarding the use of these therapies and their costs. This could be because the panel received information on average patient preferences for spinal mobilization and manipulation whereas some panelists commented that appropriateness should be determined based on the preferences of individual patients. Also, because these therapies are not expensive, their ratings may not be cost sensitive. The panelists also generally agreed that preferences and costs would only impact their ratings if the therapies were considered clinically appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the information presented on patient preferences and costs for spinal mobilization and manipulation had little impact on the rated appropriateness of these therapies for chronic low back pain and chronic neck pain. Although it was generally agreed that patient preferences and costs were important to the appropriateness of M/M for CLBP and CNP, it seems that what would be most important were the preferences of the individual patient, not patients in general, and large cost differentials.

Practical implementation of the Endocarditis Team in 'functional' reference centres: the Italian hospital network experience and recommendations of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging.

: The 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis recommend the use of a multidisciplinary team in the care of patients with infective endocarditis. A standardized collaborative approach should be implemented in centres with immediate access to different imaging techniques, cardiac surgery and health professionals from several specialties. This position paper has been produced by the Task Force for Management of Infective Endocarditis of Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) with the aim of providing recommendations for the implementation of the Endocarditis Team within the Italian hospital network. On the basis of the Italian hospital network with many cardiology facilities encompassing a total of 405 intensive cardiac care units (ICCUs) across the country, 224 (3.68 per million inhabitants) of which have on-site 24-h PCI capability, but with relatively few centres equipped with cardiac surgery and nuclear medicine, in the present article, the SIECVI Task Force for Management of Infective Endocarditis develops the idea of a network where 'functional' reference centres act as a link with the periphery and with 'structural' reference centres. A number of minimum characteristics are provided for these 'functional' reference centres. Outcome and cost analysis of implementing an Endocarditis Team with functional referral is expected to be derived from ongoing Italian and European registries.

Multiple chronic conditions: the need for integrated secondary care.

Current hospital-level care is "mostly disease-specific and monodisciplinary-oriented". These three case reports show different journeys that patients with multiple chronic conditions experienced in Dutch secondary outpatient care, and aim to demonstrate why an integrated care approach might be beneficial for this group of patients.

Levels of Maternal Care: Obstetric Care Consensus No, 9 Summary.

Maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, particularly among women of color, have increased in the United States. The leading medical causes of maternal mortality include cardiovascular disease, infection, and common obstetric complications such as hemorrhage, and vary by timing relative to the end of pregnancy. Although specific modifications in the clinical management of some of these conditions have been instituted, more can be done to improve the system of care for high-risk women at facility and population levels. The goal of levels of maternal care is to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, including existing disparities, by encouraging the growth and maturation of systems for the provision of risk-appropriate care specific to maternal health needs. To standardize a complete and integrated system of perinatal regionalization and risk-appropriate maternal care, this classification system establishes levels of maternal care that pertain to basic care (level I), specialty care (level II), subspecialty care (level III), and regional perinatal health care centers (level IV). The determination of the appropriate level of care to be provided by a given facility should be guided by regional and state health care entities, national accreditation and professional organization guidelines, identified regional perinatal health care service needs, and regional resources. State and regional authorities should work together with the multiple institutions within a region, and with the input from their obstetric care providers, to determine the appropriate coordinated system of care and to implement policies that promote and support a regionalized system of care. These relationships enhance the ability of women to give birth safely in their communities while providing support for circumstances when higher level resources are needed. This document is a revision of the original 2015 Levels of Maternal Care Obstetric Care Consensus, which has been revised primarily to clarify terminology and to include more recent data based on published literature and feedback from levels of maternal care implementation.

Levels of Maternal Care: Obstetric Care Consensus No, 9.

Maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, particularly among women of color, have increased in the United States. The leading medical causes of maternal mortality include cardiovascular disease, infection, and common obstetric complications such as hemorrhage, and vary by timing relative to the end of pregnancy. Although specific modifications in the clinical management of some of these conditions have been instituted, more can be done to improve the system of care for high-risk women at facility and population levels. The goal of levels of maternal care is to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, including existing disparities, by encouraging the growth and maturation of systems for the provision of risk-appropriate care specific to maternal health needs. To standardize a complete and integrated system of perinatal regionalization and risk-appropriate maternal care, this classification system establishes levels of maternal care that pertain to basic care (level I), specialty care (level II), subspecialty care (level III), and regional perinatal health care centers (level IV). The determination of the appropriate level of care to be provided by a given facility should be guided by regional and state health care entities, national accreditation and professional organization guidelines, identified regional perinatal health care service needs, and regional resources. State and regional authorities should work together with the multiple institutions within a region, and with the input from their obstetric care providers, to determine the appropriate coordinated system of care and to implement policies that promote and support a regionalized system of care. These relationships enhance the ability of women to give birth safely in their communities while providing support for circumstances when higher level resources are needed. This document is a revision of the original 2015 Levels of Maternal Care Obstetric Care Consensus, which has been revised primarily to clarify terminology and to include more recent data based on published literature and feedback from levels of maternal care implementation.

PD-L1 expression on routine samples of non-small cell lung cancer: results and critical issues from a 1-year experience of a centralised laboratory.

AIMS: Our laboratory is a centralised centre receiving routine non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples for programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation. Since literature data are not concordant here we review our clinical records to assess the rate of PD-L1 positive and negative NSCLC cases in real-world practice. METHODS: PD-L1 expression was evaluated by a validated 22C3 IHC laboratory developed test on 211 prospectively collected routine NSCLC samples, received from 10 outside institutions. PD-L1 expression was assessed by the tumour proportion score (TPS) and reported by using a three cut-point system: TPS<1, TPS 1%-49% and TPS≥50%. RESULTS: Overall, 193 out of 211 samples (91.5%) meet the criteria for adequacy (more than 100 viable neoplastic cells). In 62.7% (121/193) of samples TPS was <1%; 17.6% of samples (34/193) expressed PD-L1 with a TPS of 1%-49% and 19.7% (38/193) with a TPS of >50%. There was no significant difference in PD-L1 expression rates between different histotypes and site of sampling. Instead, a statistically significant difference was associated to the type of samples: in fact, cytological samples were more frequently negative for PD-L1 expression (TPS<1%) and less often displayed PD-L1 expression at high levels (TPS>50%) than surgical resections and biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: We present a referral laboratory experience on IHC PD-L1 expression of prospectively collected routine NSCLC samples. Data from the real-world practice can better clarify the percentage of PD-L1 positive and negative cases, to establish benchmarks for good practice standards.

Unintended consequences of changes to lung allocation policy.

Organ allocation for transplantation aims to balance the principles of justice and medical utility to optimally utilize a scarce resource. To address practical considerations, the United States is divided into 58 donor service areas (DSA), each constituting the first unit of allocation. In November 2017, in response to a lawsuit in New York, an emergency action change to lung allocation policy replaced the DSA level of allocation for donor lungs with a 250 nautical mile circle around the donor hospital. Similar policy changes are being implemented for other organs including heart and liver. Findings from a recent US Department of Health and Human Services report, supplemented with data from our institution, suggest that the emergency policy has not resulted in a change in the type of patients undergoing lung transplantation (LT) or early postoperative outcomes. However, there has been a significant decline in local LT, where donor and recipient are in the same DSA. With procurement teams having to travel greater distances, organ ischemic time has increased and median organ cost has more than doubled. We propose potential solutions for consideration at this critical juncture in the field of transplantation. Policymakers should choose equitable and sustainable access for this lifesaving discipline.

Expert opinion on the creating and operating of the regional Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT). Polish PERT Initiative.

Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) is a multidisciplinary team established to stratify risk and choose optimal treatment in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Established for the first time at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2013, PERT is based on a concept combining a Rapid Response Team and a Heart Team. The growing role of PERTs in making individual therapeutic decisions is identified, especially in hemodynamically unstable patients with contraindications to thrombolysis or with co-morbidities, as well as in patients with intermediate-high risk in whom a therapeutic decision may be difficult. The purpose of this document is to define the standards of PERT under Polish conditions, based on the experience of teams already operating in Poland, which formed an agreement called the Polish PERT Initiative. The goals of Polish PERT Initiative are: improving the treatment of patients with PE at local, regional and national levels, gathering, assessing and sharing data on the effectiveness of PE treatment (including various types of catheter-directed therapy), education on optimal treatment of PE, creating expert documents and supporting scientific research, as well as cooperation with other communities and scientific societies.

How many geriatricians should, at minimum, be staffing health regions in Australia?

In any particular region, determining an adequate, quantifiable geriatrician full-time equivalent required to run geriatric medicine services comprehensively - that is spanning both inpatient and outpatient settings - remains an imperfect science. Whilst workforce planning may be addressed through 'demand versus supply' simulations, 'specialist-to-patient ratios' (SPRs) may be a useful additional workforce metric. There has never been a yardstick SPR, which 'defines' a satisfactory level of geriatrician manpower in any particular Australian hospital catchment. Here, a new methodology is proposed (tailored specifically to Australian geriatrics), illustrating how we may begin to transparently deduce such a national benchmark SPR. Allowing for some empiricism, the method presently favours an SPR approximating '0.4 full-time equivalent of geriatrician time per 10 000 head of population' in regions with 'average' population age distribution; this level of manpower may afford specialist assessment of targeted patients (widely capturing geriatric cases from acute to community settings). Further discussion on workforce planning methodologies is warranted.

Improving Regional Stroke Systems of Care.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) care is rapidly evolving. This review discusses current diagnostic, therapeutic, and process models that can expedite stroke treatment to achieve best outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Use of stent retrievers after selection via advanced imaging is safe and effective, and is an important option for AIS patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Significant time delays occur before and during patient transfers, and upon comprehensive stroke center (CSC) arrival, and have deleterious effects on functional outcome. Removing obstacles, enhancing inter-facility communication, and creating acute stroke management processes and protocols are paramount strategies to enhance network efficiency. Inter-departmental CSC collaboration can significantly reduce door-to-treatment times. Streamlined stroke systems of care may result in higher treatment rates and better functional outcomes for AIS patients, simultaneously conserving healthcare dollars. Stroke systems of care should be structured regionally to minimize time to treatment. A proactive approach must be employed; a management plan incorporating stroke team prenotification and parallel processes between departments can save valuable time, maximize brain salvage, and reduce disability from stroke.

Regional and hospital variations in the extent of decline in the proportion of percutaneous coronary interventions performed for nonacute indications - a nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The volume and percentage of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed for nonacute indications have declined in the United States since 2007. However, little is known if similar trends occurred in Taiwan. METHODS: We used data from Taiwan National Health Insurance inpatient claims to examine the regional and hospital variations in the extent of decline in the percentage of nonacute indication PCIs from 2007 to 2012. RESULTS: The volume of total PCIs persistently increased from 29,032 in 2007 to 35,811 in 2010 and 37,426 in 2012. However, the volume of nonacute indication PCIs first increased from 7916 in 2007 to 9143 in 2009 and then decreased to 8666 in 2012. The percentage of nonacute indication PCIs steadily decreased from 27% in 2007 to 26% in 2009 and then to 23% in 2012, a - 15% change. The extent of decline was largest in the North region (from 27% to 21%, a - 22% change) and least in Kaopin region (from 20% to 18%, a - 13% change). Of the 71 hospitals studied, 14 did not show a decreasing trend. Five of the 14 hospitals even showed an increasing trend, with a percentage change >10% between 2007 and 2012. In 2012, 6 hospitals had a nonacute indication PCI percentage >35%. CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwan, four-fifths of the hospitals showed a decline in the percentage of nonacute indication PCIs from 2007 to 2012. It is plausible that Taiwanese cardiologists would have been influenced by the recommendations of crucial US trials and guidelines.

Una educación integral para los médicos de la Universidad de Buenos Aires: las propuestas de José Ramos Mejía y Bernardo Houssay entre 1870 y 1940 / An integral education for the doctors of the Universidad de Buenos Aires: the suggestions of José Ramos Mejía and Bernardo Houssay between 1870 and 1940

Hacia fines del siglo XIX, algunos médicos argentinos que enseñaban en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Buenos Aires entendían que los estudiantes y futuros médicos debían ser formados en un saber integral, que superara las materias clínicas. De este modo, intentaron inculcarles el conocimiento de las letras y el arte, pero también promovieron las ventajas del desarrollo físico, forjado en las prácticas deportivas, necesario para fortalecer a los alumnos ante una carrera de tal magnitud y para acrecentar los sentimientos de confraternidad y camaradería. Hacia la década de 1920, Bernardo Houssay, célebre médico argentino y ganador del premio Nobel (en 1947), volvía a insistir sobre la necesidad de una educación integral del estudiante de medicina y proponía, para su materialización, el proyecto de una ciudad universitaria en Buenos Aires. Este texto analiza, entonces, el modo en que se buscó formar a los alumnos en diversas prácticas y conocimientos, más allá de los estrictamente médicos, e indaga los distintos proyectos (políticos, sociales) vinculados a tales propósitos que tuvieron lugar durante estas décadas en la Argentina (AU)

At the end of nineteenth century, certain Argentinean doctors who taught medicine at the Universidad de Buenos Aires considered that students had to develop an integral knowledge able to outweigh the medicine subjects. Consequently, not only have they tried to inculcate this wide knowledge into the students -which included literature and art concepts- but have also promoted the advantages of the physical activity -derived from sports- as necessary to strengthen the students, allowing them to face such extensive career and, in this way, increase the feelings of friendship and brotherhood. In 1920, Bernardo Houssay, renowned Argentinean doctor and Nobel Prize winner (in 1947), again insisted on the need of an exhaustive education and a harmonious development for the medicine student, for which he suggested building a University campus in Buenos Aires. Therefore, this paper analyzes the attempts of training the students in different practices and widening their knowledge beyond the strictly medical concepts. It also looks into the different projects (political, social) in connection with the purposes above mentioned which were supported during those years in Argentina (AU)

Regional Implementation of a Pediatric Cardiology Syncope Algorithm Using Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPS) Methodology.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric syncope is common. Cardiac causes are rarely found. We describe and assess a pragmatic approach to these patients first seen by a pediatric cardiologist in the New England region, using Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Ambulatory patients aged 7 to 21 years initially seen for syncope at participating New England Congenital Cardiology Association practices over a 2.5-year period were evaluated using a SCAMP. Findings were iteratively analyzed and the care pathway was revised. The vast majority (85%) of the 1254 patients had typical syncope. A minority had exercise-related or more problematic symptoms. Guideline-defined testing identified one patient with cardiac syncope. Syncope Severity Scores correlated well between physician and patient perceived symptoms. Orthostatic vital signs were of limited use. Largely incidental findings were seen in 10% of ECGs and 11% of echocardiograms. The 10% returning for follow-up, by design, reported more significant symptoms, but did not have newly recognized cardiac disease. Iterative analysis helped refine the approach. CONCLUSIONS: SCAMP methodology confirmed that the vast majority of children referred to the outpatient pediatric cardiology setting had typical low-severity neurally mediated syncope that could be effectively evaluated in a single visit using minimal resources. A simple scoring system can help triage patients into treatment categories. Prespecified criteria permitted the effective diagnosis of the single patient with a clear cardiac etiology. Patients with higher syncope scores still have a very low risk of cardiac disease, but may warrant attention.