The Journal of surgical research
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The purpose of this article was to conduct a gap analysis of important team constructs that may be absent in widely used team assessments. ⋯ Despite continued evidence of validity and reliability, there were several behavioral constructs that were not represented when using the NOTSS and Cannon-Bowers scales. Critical team errors, individual team member contributions, task performance, and overall team performance appear important in our ability to understand teams and teamwork.
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Studies have proposed a neuroprotective role for alcohol (ETOH) in traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that ETOH intoxication is associated with mortality in patients with severe TBI. ⋯ ETOH intoxication is an independent predictor for mortality in patients with severe TBI patients and is associated with higher complication rates. Our results from the National Trauma Data Standards differ from those previously reported. The proposed neuroprotective role of ETOH needs further clarification.
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The University HealthSystem Consortium Clinical Database-Resource Manager (UHC CD-RM) is an administrative database increasingly queried for both research and administrative purposes, but it has not been comprehensively validated. To address this knowledge gap, we compared the UHC CD-RM with an institutional dataset to determine its validity and accuracy. ⋯ Most of the clinically significant patient- and intervention-specific variables within the UHC CD-RM are reliably reported. With recognition of its limitations, the UHC CD-RM is a reliable surrogate for institutional medical records and should be considered a valuable research tool for health service researchers.
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Emphasis on the provision of high quality, cost-effective healthcare has meant increasing efforts at reducing postoperative length of stay while reducing 30-d readmission rates. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with early discharge (ED) and to evaluate the effectof ED on readmission after colorectal resection. ⋯ In the appropriate patient population, ED after colorectal surgery may be implemented without any adverse effect on readmission rates.
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) following cardiac surgery portends higher morbidity and increased health expenditure. Although many anatomic and patient risk factors have been identified, a simple clinical scoring system to identify high-risk patients is lacking. The CHADS2 score is widely used to predict the risk of stroke in patients with AF. We assessed the utility of this scoring algorithm in predicting the development of de novo postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in cardiac surgery patients. ⋯ CHADS2 score is a powerful and convenient predictor of developing POAF. We recommend its utilization in identifying high-risk patients that may benefit from pharmacologic prophylaxis.