British journal of anaesthesia
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Review
Systematic review and narrative synthesis of competency-based medical education in anaesthesia.
Competency-based medical education (CBME) addresses the accountability of postgraduate training programmes to graduate specialists capable of independent practice. ⋯ Evidence on outcomes of CBME was limited to acquisition of specific competencies during training. The large number of unanswered questions and the dearth of studies across the core components of CBME suggest that we need a collaborative approach to create the evidence required to implement CBME wisely and cost effectively, to have positive impacts on patients, trainees, and healthcare systems.
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Comparative Study
Counting train-of-four twitch response: comparison of palpation to mechanomyography, acceleromyography, and electromyography.
Train-of-four twitch monitoring can be performed using palpation of thumb movement, or by the use of a more objective quantitative monitor, such as mechanomyography, acceleromyography, or electromyography. The relative performance of palpation and quantitative monitoring for determination of the train-of-four ratio has been studied extensively, but the relative performance of palpation and quantitative monitors for counting train-of-four twitch responses has not been completely described. ⋯ Acceleromyography with the StimPod frequently underestimated train-of-four count in comparison with electromyography with TwitchView.
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Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) has been associated with worse outcomes in several medical patient populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of increased preoperative RDW and short- and long-term mortality after noncardiac surgery. ⋯ Increased preoperative RDW is associated with increased long-term mortality after noncardiac surgery. RDW could be a composite biomarker of pre-existing chronic inflammation and poor nutritional status. Future studies should clarify if this is a modifiable risk factor for improved surgical outcomes.