British journal of anaesthesia
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Observational Study
Emergency cricothyroidotomy: an observational study to estimate optimal incision position and length.
A vertical incision is recommended for cricothyroidotomy when the anatomy is impalpable, but no evidence-based guideline exists regarding optimum site or length. The Difficult Airway Society guidelines, which are based on expert opinion, recommend an 80-100 mm vertical caudad to cephalad incision in the extended neck position. However, the guidelines do not advise the incision commencement point. We sought to determine the minimum incision length and commencement point above the suprasternal notch required to ensure that the cricothyroid membrane would be accessible within its margins. ⋯ An 80 mm incision commencing 30 mm above the suprasternal notch would include all cricothyroid membrane locations in the extended position in patients without airway pathology, which is in keeping with the Difficult Airway Society guidelines recommended incision length.
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The STOP-BANG questionnaire screens for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in surgical patients. In prior research, the association of STOP-BANG scores with comorbidities and outcomes was inconsistent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of the STOP-BANG score. ⋯ The STOP-BANG questionnaire has modest construct validity but did not predict postoperative mortality, hospital length-of-stay, or cardiac complications.
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Review Meta Analysis
Challenging authority and speaking up in the operating room environment: a narrative synthesis.
Multidisciplinary care teams exist throughout healthcare systems. In the operating room (OR), effective communication between teams is essential, especially during crisis situations where patient safety can be in acute danger. An often-neglected skillset in educational curriculums is challenging authority. ⋯ Hierarchy, organisational culture and education are the most frequently observed and tested themes. Simulation research has been successful in eliciting and confirming the role of specific barriers to speaking up. Barriers and enablers are largely modifiable within institutions however, education regarding the importance of speaking up will need to accompany these modifications for any significant changes to occur.