Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2021
ReviewA proposed system for standardization of colour-coding stages of escalating criticality in clinical incidents.
This article proposes a standardized framework for colour-coding states of criticality in clinical situations and their respective escalated responses. ⋯ A standardized colour-coding system for assessing and responding to escalating levels of criticality has implications for clinical practice and adverse event reporting systems.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2021
ReviewPutting patients first: ambulatory surgery facilitates patient-centered care.
Ambulatory surgery is associated with improved patient experience while reducing overall costs without compromising patient safety. Patient-centered care is crucial for further expansion and success of ambulatory surgery because it is associated with superior patient experience and improved patient satisfaction. This article discusses the approach to improving patient-centered care and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). ⋯ Delivery of patient-centered care will require modification of the current approach to perioperative care. It is imperative to measure PROs by implementing a comprehensive continuous quality improvement program.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2021
ReviewScrambler therapy for noncancer neuropathic pain: a focused review.
Therapeutic methods for neuropathic are limited; available drugs can be inadequate or have adverse effects that compromise quality of life. Interest has grown in alternatives to pharmacologic therapy for neuropathic pain. We present a focused review of the literature about the relatively novel noninvasive, nonpharmacologic electrocutaneous nerve stimulation technique called scrambler therapy for treating noncancer neuropathic pain. ⋯ We present the historical perspective, mechanism of action and trial outcomes of scrambler therapy, representing an avenue for managing neuropathic pain without drugs. Well designed phase II/III clinical trials must be conducted to confirm the positive findings reported using scrambler therapy technology. If validated, scrambler therapy could be a game changer.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2021
ReviewDemystifying α-gal syndrome: identification and risk management in the perioperative setting.
α-Gal syndrome is among a vexing perioperative consideration for anesthesiologists. Commonly referred to as 'red meat allergy', α-Gal syndrome is precipitated by a lone star tick bite resulting in the formation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against the tick salivary glycoproteins and noncatarrhine mammalian tissue. ⋯ With the increasing prevalence and identification of α-Gal syndrome, a safe and tailored perioperative process is needed to integrate a pathway that involves multidisciplinary communication, robust information sharing platform, and a structured peri-procedure management.