Showing papers by "Russell L. Gruen published in 2011"

Non-clinical interventions for reducing unnecessary caesarean section

Abstract: Background Caesarean section rates are steadily increasing globally. The factors contributing to these observed increases are complex. Non-clinical interventions, those applied independent of patient care in a clinical encounter, may have a role in reducing unnecessary caesarean sections. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of non-clinical interventions for reducing unnecessary caesarean sections. Search methods We searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group Specialised Register (29 March 2010), the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Specialised Register (29 March 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 2); MEDLINE (1950 to March 2010); EMBASE (1947 to March 2010) and CINAHL (1982 to March 2010). Selection criteria We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies, controlled clinical trials (CCTs), controlled before and after studies (CBAs) with at least two intervention and control sites, and interrupted time series analyses (ITS) where the intervention time was clearly defined and there were at least three data points before and three after the intervention. Studies evaluated non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarean section rates. Participants included pregnant women and their families, healthcare providers who work with expectant mothers, communities and advocacy groups. Data collection and analysis Three review authors independently assessed the quality and abstracted data of all eligible studies using a standardised data extraction form, modified from the Cochrane EPOC checklists. We contacted study authors for additional information. Main results We included 16 studies in this review. Six studies specifically targeted pregnant women. Two RCTs were shown to be effective in reducing caesarean section rates: a nurse-led relaxation training programme for women with a fear or anxiety of childbirth and birth preparation sessions. However, both RCTs were small in size and targeted younger mothers with their first pregnancies. There is insufficient evidence that prenatal education and support programmes, computer patient decision-aids, decision-aid booklets and intensive group therapy are effective. Ten studies targeted health professionals. Three of these studies were effective in reducing caesarean section rates. A cluster-RCT of guideline implementation with mandatory second opinion resulted in a small, statistically significant reduction in total caesarean section rates (adjusted risk difference (RD) -1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.8 to -0.1); this reduction was predominately in intrapartum sections. An ITS study of mandatory second opinion and peer review feedback at department meetings found statistically significant results at 48 months for reducing repeat caesarean section rates (change in level was -6.4%; 95% CI -9.7% to -3.1% and change in slope -1.14%; 95% CI -1.9% to -0.3%) but not for total caesarean section rates. A cluster-RCT of guideline implementation with support from local opinion leaders increased the proportion of women with a previous caesarean section being offered a trial of labour (absolute difference 16.8%) and the number who had a vaginal birth (VBAC rates) (absolute difference 13.5%). The P values are, however, not reported due to unit of analysis errors. There was insufficient evidence that audit and feedback, training of public health nurses, insurance reform, external peer review and legislative changes are effective. Authors' conclusions Implementation of guidelines with mandatory second opinion can lead to a small reduction in caesarean section rates, predominately in intrapartum sections. Peer review, including pre-caesarean consultation, mandatory secondary opinion and postcaesarean surveillance can lead to a reduction in repeat caesarean section rates. Guidelines disseminated with endorsement and support from local opinion leaders may increase the proportion of women with previous caesarean sections being offered a trial of labour in certain settings. Nurse-led relaxation classes and birth preparation classes may reduce caesarean section rates in low-risk pregnancies.

The Global Evidence Mapping Initiative: Scoping research in broad topic areas

Abstract: Evidence mapping describes the quantity, design and characteristics of research in broad topic areas, in contrast to systematic reviews, which usually address narrowly-focused research questions. The breadth of evidence mapping helps to identify evidence gaps, and may guide future research efforts. The Global Evidence Mapping (GEM) Initiative was established in 2007 to create evidence maps providing an overview of existing research in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The GEM evidence mapping method involved three core tasks: 1. Setting the boundaries and context of the map: Definitions for the fields of TBI and SCI were clarified, the prehospital, acute inhospital and rehabilitation phases of care were delineated and relevant stakeholders (patients, carers, clinicians, researchers and policymakers) who could contribute to the mapping were identified. Researchable clinical questions were developed through consultation with key stakeholders and a broad literature search. 2. Searching for and selection of relevant studies: Evidence search and selection involved development of specific search strategies, development of inclusion and exclusion criteria, searching of relevant databases and independent screening and selection by two researchers. 3. Reporting on yield and study characteristics: Data extraction was performed at two levels - 'interventions and study design' and 'detailed study characteristics'. The evidence map and commentary reflected the depth of data extraction. One hundred and twenty-nine researchable clinical questions in TBI and SCI were identified. These questions were then prioritised into high (n = 60) and low (n = 69) importance by the stakeholders involved in question development. Since 2007, 58 263 abstracts have been screened, 3 731 full text articles have been reviewed and 1 644 relevant neurotrauma publications have been mapped, covering fifty-three high priority questions. GEM Initiative evidence maps have a broad range of potential end-users including funding agencies, researchers and clinicians. Evidence mapping is at least as resource-intensive as systematic reviewing. The GEM Initiative has made advancements in evidence mapping, most notably in the area of question development and prioritisation. Evidence mapping complements other review methods for describing existing research, informing future research efforts, and addressing evidence gaps.

Indicators of the quality of trauma care and the performance of trauma systems

Abstract: Background: Valid and reliable measures of trauma system performance are needed to guide improvement activities, benchmarking and public reporting, future investment and research. Traditional measures of in-hospital mortality fail to take into account prehospital and posthospital care, recovery after discharge, and the nature and costs of long-term disability. Methods: Drawing on recent systematic reviews, an overview was conducted of existing and emerging trauma care performance indicators. Changes in the nature and purpose of indicators were assessed. Results: Among a large number of existing, mostly locally developed performance indicators, only peer review of deaths has evidence of validity or reliability. The usefulness of the traditional performance measure of in-hospital mortality has been challenged. There is an emerging shift in focus from mortality to non-mortality outcomes, from hospital-based to long-term community-based outcome assessment, and from single measures of trauma centre performance to measures better suited to monitoring the performance of systems of care spanning the entire patient journey. As a result, a new generation of indicators is emerging that are both feasible and potentially more useful for commissioners and payers of population-based services. Conclusion: A global endeavour is now under way to agree on a set of standardized performance indicators that are meaningful to patients, carers, clinicians, managers and service funders, are likely to contribute to desired outcomes, and are valid, reliable and have a strong evidence base. Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Screening for Presence or Absence of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Meta-analysis

Abstract: Objectives To examine how mydriasis and the medical qualifications of photographers who take retinal photographs influence the accuracy of screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods Our meta-analysis included studies that measured the sensitivity and specificity of tests designed to detect any DR, sight-threatening DR, or macular edema. Using random-effects logistic regression, we examined the effect of variations in mydriatic status and in medical qualifications of photographers on sensitivity and specificity. Results Only the category of "any DR" had sufficient consistency in definition, number of studies (n = 20), and number of assessments (n = 40) for meta-analysis. Variations in mydriatic status did not significantly influence sensitivity (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56-1.41; P = .61) or specificity (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.57-1.54; P = .80). Variations in medical qualifications of photographers did not significantly influence sensitivity (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.31-5.12; P = .75). Specificity of detection of any DR was significantly higher for screening methods that use a photographer with specialist medical or eye qualifications (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.78-8.37; P = .001). Conclusion Outreach screening is an effective alternative to on-site specialist examination. It has potential to increase screening coverage of high-risk patients with DR in remote and resource-poor settings without the risk of missing DR and the opportunity to prevent vision loss. Our analysis was confined to the presence or absence of DR. Future studies should use consistent DR classification schemes to facilitate further analysis.

The definition of massive transfusion in trauma: a critical variable in examining evidence for resuscitation.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: 'Massive' transfusion is a poorly defined inclusion criteria for studies examining the blood and blood product that are used during trauma resuscitation. We aimed to compare the traditional definition of massive transfusion (≥10 units in 24 h) to a more acute definition of at least 5 units in 4 h. METHODS: Multitrauma patients were subgrouped according to the traditional definition and compared with the acute definition. Demographics, presenting vital signs and blood results, management including transfusion practice and outcomes were retrospectively studied. Associations of transfused fresh frozen plasma:packed red blood cells (PRBC) ratios with mortality were studied. RESULTS: There were 927 patients who received PRBCs in the first 24 h, with 314 patients identified using the traditional definition and 303 patients using the acute definition. The patients identified using the traditional definition received 18 (12-29) units of PRBC in 24 h, significantly higher than those identified using the acute definition [15 (9-29) units, P<0.001]. The traditional definition excluded a significant proportion of patients who died in the emergency department. By using the acute definition to select a study sample, there seems to be an increase in mortality with fresh frozen plasma:PRBC ratio of 1 : 1 ratio compared with a 1 : 2 ratio. CONCLUSION: The traditional 'massive' transfusion definition not only 'dilutes' the potential study samples with a less acute group of patients, but also further excludes patients who die early. This latter group is most likely to be benefitted from any change to resuscitation practice. An acute definition of massive transfusion should be adopted when examining clinical practice during initial trauma resuscitation.

Quality and consistency of guidelines for the management of mild traumatic brain injury in the emergency department

Abstract: ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:880–889 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: The objective was to provide an overview of the recommendations and quality of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the emergency management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with a view to informing best practice and improving the consistency of recommendations. Methods: Electronic searches of health databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO), CPG clearinghouse websites, CPG developer websites, and Internet search engines up to January 2010 were conducted. CPGs were included if 1) they were published in English and freely accessible, 2) their scope included the management of mTBI in the emergency department (ED), 3) the date of last search was within the past 10 years (2000 onward), 4) systematic methods were used to search for evidence, and 5) there was an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence. Four authors independently assessed the quality of the included CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE) Instrument. The authors extracted and categorized recommendations according to initial clinical assessment, imaging, management, observation, discharge planning, and patient information and follow-up. Results: The search identified 18 potential CPGs, of which six met the inclusion criteria. The included CPGs varied in scope, target population, size, and guideline development processes. Four CPGs were assessed as “strongly recommended.” The majority of CPGs did not provide information about the level of stakeholder involvement (mean AGREE standardized domain score = 57%, range = 25% to 81%), nor did they address the organizational/cost implications of applying the recommendations or provide criteria for monitoring and review of recommendations in practice (mean AGREE standardized domain score = 46.6%, range = 19% to 94%). Recommendations were mostly consistent in terms of the use of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (adult and pediatric) to assess the level of consciousness, initial assessment criteria, the use of computed tomography (CT) scanning as imaging investigation of choice, and the provision of patient information. The CPGs defined mTBI in a variety of ways and described different rules to determine the need for CT scanning and therefore used different criteria to identify high-risk patients. Conclusions: Higher-quality CPGs for mTBI are consistent in their recommendations about assessment, imaging, and provision of patient information. There is not, however, an agreed definition of mTBI, and the quality of future CPGs could be improved with better reporting of stakeholder involvement, procedures for updating, and greater consideration of the applicability of the recommendations (cost implications, monitoring procedures). Nevertheless, guideline developers may benefit from adapting existing CPGs to their local context rather than investing in developing CPGs de novo.

When informed consent goes poorly: a descriptive study of medical negligence claims and patient complaints.

Abstract: Objective To describe the frequency, characteristics, and outcomes of medicolegal disputes over informed consent. Design and setting Retrospective review and analysis of negligence claims against doctors insured by Avant Mutual Group Limited and complaints lodged with the Office of the Health Services Commissioner of Victoria that alleged failures in the informed consent process and were adjudicated between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2008. Main outcome measures Case frequency (by medical specialty), type of allegation, type of treatment. Results A total of 481 cases alleged deficiencies in the informed consent process (218 of 1898 conciliated complaints [11.5%]; 263 of 7846 negligence claims [3.4%]). 57% of these cases were against surgeons. Plastic surgeons experienced dispute rates that were more than twice those of any other specialty or subspecialty group. 92% of cases (442/481) involved surgical procedures and 16% (77/481) involved cosmetic procedures. The primary allegation in 71% of cases was that the clinician failed to mention or properly explain risks of complications. Five treatment types - procedures on reproductive organs (12% of cases), procedures on facial features excluding eyes (12%), prescription medications (8%), eye surgery (7%) and breast surgery (7%) - accounted for 46% of all cases. Conclusions The typical dispute over informed consent involves an operation, often cosmetic, and allegations that a particular complication was not properly disclosed. With Australian courts now looking to patient preferences in setting legal standards of care for risk disclosure, medicolegal disputes provide valuable insights for targeting both quality improvement efforts and risk management activities.

Lower Urinary Tract Injuries Following Blunt Trauma: A Review of Contemporary Management

Abstract: Lower urinary tract trauma, although relatively uncommon in blunt trauma, can lead to significant morbidity when diagnosed late or left untreated; urologists may only encounter a handful of these injuries in their career. This article reviews the literature and reports on the management of these injuries, highlighting the issues facing clinicians in this subspecialty. Also presented is a structured review detailing the mechanisms, classification, diagnosis, management, and complications of blunt trauma to the bladder and urethra. The prognosis for bladder rupture is excellent when treated. Significant intraperitoneal rupture or involvement of the bladder neck mandates surgical repair, whereas smaller extraperitoneal lacerations may be managed with catheterization alone. With the push for management of trauma patients in larger centers, urologists in these hospitals are seeing increasing numbers of lower urinary tract injuries. Prospective analysis may be achieved in these centers to address the current lack of Level 1 evidence.

Evidence‐based medicine training and implementation in surgery: the role of surgical cultures

Abstract: Purpose This qualitative study identifies cultural factors that influence the effective implementation of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in surgical practice among Australian surgeons. Methods In-depth interviews (n = 22) were conducted with surgeons from a variety of specialties within a large hospital system in Victoria, Australia. The interviews explored the surgeons' understanding of EBM; and challenges to the adoption of EBM. The canons and procedures of the Miles and Huberman's Matrix Analyses approach to qualitative research guided the coding and organization of the data derived from the semi-structured interviews. Results Surgeons had a good understanding of EBM, but viewed it as little more than a system of evidence, which was often divorced from actual clinical practice. The data also suggested that surgical culture(s) and typologies of surgical style were important variables in the implementation of EBM. The results suggest that the ideal method of EBM implementation is workplace instruction led by surgeons, who exhibit scientist and/or clinician styles of surgical practice; EBM training should occur early in the surgeons' careers; and EBM practice should be role modelled in the presence of trainees by surgeons who exhibit either a scientist and/or clinician style of surgical practice. Conclusions The study findings suggest that using pre-existing surgical culture(s) and styles is an important component in the implementation of EBM in surgery. The effective use of the scientist and/or clinician surgeon within the apprenticeship model and the context-specific collegial networks of the surgical profession appear to be key elements in ensuring the successful implementation of EBM in surgery.

Interventions for managing skeletal muscle spasticity following traumatic brain injury

Abstract: Background Skeletal muscle spasticity is a major physical complication resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can lead to muscle contracture, joint stiffness, reduced range of movement, broken skin and pain. Treatments for spasticity include a range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, often used in combination. Management of spasticity following TBI varies from other clinical populations because of the added complexity of behavioural and cognitive issues associated with TBI. Objectives To assess the effects of interventions for managing skeletal muscle spasticity in people with TBI. Search methods In June 2017, we searched key databases including the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid) and others, in addition to clinical trials registries and the reference lists of included studies. Selection criteria We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cross-over RCTs evaluating any intervention for the management of spasticity in TBI. Only studies where at least 50% of participants had a TBI (or for whom separate data for participants with TBI were available) were included. The primary outcomes were spasticity and adverse effects. Secondary outcome measures were classified according to the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health including body functions (sensory, pain, neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions) and activities and participation (general tasks and demands; mobility; self-care; domestic life; major life areas; community, social and civic life). Data collection and analysis We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Data were synthesised narratively; meta-analysis was precluded due to the paucity and heterogeneity of data. Main results We included nine studies in this review which involved 134 participants with TBI. Only five studies reported between-group differences, yielding outcome data for 105 participants with TBI. These five studies assessed the effects of a range of pharmacological (baclofen, botulinum toxin A) and non-pharmacological (casting, physiotherapy, splints, tilt table standing and electrical stimulation) interventions, often in combination. The studies which tested the effect of baclofen and tizanidine did not report their results adequately. Where outcome data were available, spasticity and adverse events were reported, in addition to some secondary outcome measures. Of the five studies with results, three were funded by governments, charities or health services and two were funded by a pharmaceutical or medical technology company. The four studies without useable results were funded by pharmaceutical or medical technology companies. It was difficult to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of these interventions due to poor reporting, small study size and the fact that participants with TBI were usually only a proportion of the overall total. Meta-analysis was not feasible due to the paucity of data and heterogeneity of interventions and comparator groups. Some studies concluded that the intervention they tested had beneficial effects on spasticity, and others found no difference between certain treatments. The most common adverse event was minor skin damage in people who received casting. We believe it would be misleading to provide any further description of study results given the quality of the evidence was very low for all outcomes. Authors' conclusions The very low quality and limited amount of evidence about the management of spasticity in people with TBI means that we are uncertain about the effectiveness or harms of these interventions. Well-designed and adequately powered studies using functional outcome measures to test the interventions used in clinical practice are needed.

Remedies sought and obtained in healthcare complaints

Abstract: In the wake of adverse events, injured patients and their families have a complex range of needs and wants. The tort system, even when operating at its best, will inevitably fall far short of addressing them. In Australia and New Zealand, government-run health complaints commissions take a more flexible and expansive approach to providing remedies for patients injured by or disgruntled with care. Unfortunately, survey research has shown that many patients in these systems are dissatisfied with their experience. We hypothesised that an important explanation for this dissatisfaction is an 'expectations gap'; discordance between what complainants want and what they eventually get out of the process. Analysing a sample of complaints relating to informed consent from the Commission in Victoria (Australia's second largest state, with 5.2 million residents), we found evidence of such a gap. One-third (59/189) of complainants who sought restoration received it; 1 in 5 complainants (17/101) who sought correction received assurances that changes had been or would be made to reduce the risk of others suffering a similar harm; and fewer than 1 in 10 (3/37) who sought sanctions saw steps taken to achieve this outcome initiated. We argue that bridging the expectations gap would go far toward improving patient satisfaction with complaints systems, and suggest several ways this might be done.

Review article: Prehospital fluid management in traumatic brain injury

Abstract: The early management of patients who have sustained traumatic brain injury is aimed at preventing secondary brain injury through avoidance of cerebral hypoxia and hypoperfusion. Especially in hypotensive patients, it has been postulated that hypertonic crystalloids and colloids might support mean arterial pressure more effectively by expanding intravascular volume without causing problematic cerebral oedema. We conducted a systematic review to investigate if hypertonic saline or colloids result in better outcomes than isotonic crystalloid solutions, as well as to determine the safety of minimal volume resuscitation, or delayed versus immediate fluid resuscitation during prehospital care for patients with traumatic brain injury. We identified nine randomized controlled trials and one cohort study examined the effects of hypertonic solutions (with or without colloid added) for prehospital fluid resuscitation. None has reported better survival and functional outcomes over the use of isotonic crystalloids. The only trial of restrictive resuscitation strategies was underpowered to demonstrate its safety compared with aggressive early fluid resuscitation in head injured patients, and maintenance of cerebral perfusion remains the top priority.

Effects of an evidence service on health-system policy makers' use of research evidence: A protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Background: Health-system policy makers need timely access to synthesised research evidence to inform the policymaking process. No efforts to address this need have been evaluated using an experimental quantitative design. We developed an evidence service that draws inputs from Health Systems Evidence, which is a database of policy-relevant systematic reviews. The reviews have been (a) categorised by topic and type of review; (b) coded by the last year searches for studies were conducted and by the countries in which included studies were conducted; (c) rated for quality; and (d) linked to available user-friendly summaries, scientific abstracts, and full-text reports. Our goal is to evaluate whether a “full-serve” evidence service increases the use of synthesized research evidence by policy analysts and advisors in the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) as compared to a “self-serve” evidence service. Methods/design: We will conduct a two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT), along with a follow-up qualitative process study in order to explore the findings in greater depth. For the RCT, all policy analysts and policy advisors (n = 168) in a single division of the MOHLTC will be invited to participate. Using a stratified randomized design, participants will be randomized to receive either the “full-serve” evidence service (database access, monthly e-mail alerts, and full-text article availability) or the “self-serve” evidence service (database access only). The trial duration will be ten months (twomonth baseline period, six-month intervention period, and two month cross-over period). The primary outcome will be the mean number of site visits/month/user between baseline and the end of the intervention period. The secondary outcome will be participants’ intention to use research evidence. For the qualitative study, 15 participants from each trial arm (n = 30) will be purposively sampled. One-on-one semi-structured interviews will be conducted by telephone on their views about and their experiences with the evidence service they received, how helpful it was in their work, why it was helpful (or not helpful), what aspects were most and least helpful and why, and recommendations for next steps. Discussion: To our knowledge, this will be the first RCT to evaluate the effects of an evidence service specifically designed to support health-system policy makers in finding and using research evidence. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01307228

Searches for evidence mapping: effective, shorter, cheaper.

Abstract: An evidence map is an overview of a broad research field that describes the volume, nature, and characteristics of research in that field [1]. Evidence maps can indicate research links, gaps, and strengths in a broad clinical context, while systematic reviews focus on a single clinical question [2, 3]. Maps complement systematic reviews by engaging stakeholders to identify and prioritize questions that may be informed by research evidence, highlighting the applicability of research evidence to different populations and contexts, and identifying important gaps that can inform further primary research or systematic reviews [3]. Evidence mapping can be a labor-intensive process, as it must provide an overview of the nature and characteristics of all research in any given field (Figure 1, online only). There are many more potentially useful references to review when mapping a topic area than when answering a specific clinical question, as in a systematic review. The searching challenges for evidence mapping are similar to those of a rapid review, which also needs to produce high-quality evidence with reduced resources. In the case of the rapid review, the time needed is limited [4]. The Global Evidence Mapping (GEM) Initiative was funded in 2007 by the Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative (Australia) to map the research addressing important questions about treatments, diagnostic tests, prognosis, and cost effectiveness in the broad clinical areas of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI). The project involved identifying the scope of clinical issues in pre-hospital, acute, and rehabilitation (long-term care) for TBI and SCI; identifying key questions in the area; and developing evidence maps to support strategic allocation of research funds. Although a number of sources, including, but not confined to, electronic databases [5, 6], were routinely checked as part of this project, this paper describes an evaluation of just the electronic database-searching procedures and methodologies that were developed to populate the evidence maps. Pragmatic changes to otherwise rigorous and accepted procedures were done only after consideration of time and benefit. At the end of the project, a newly developed evidence mapping search method was compared with highly sensitive systematic review searches using PubMed MEDLINE as the test searching platform. The evaluation of the effectiveness of these two methods was based on the following parameters: yield, sensitivity, time requirements, and resource use.

Rural surgeons' attitudes towards and usage of evidence-based medicine in rural surgical practice.

Abstract: Introduction Rural and remote surgical practice presents unique barriers to the uptake of the evidence-based medicine (EBM) paradigm. As medical and education institutions around Australia develop practices and support for EBM, there are growing questions about how EBM is situated in the rural and remote context. The Monash University Department of Surgery at Monash Medical Centre implemented a study to explore the current understandings, attitudes and practices of rural surgeons towards the EBM paradigm. Methods Descriptive survey of rural surgeons based in a tertiary care environment. Results The overall results of the survey demonstrate that: (1) rural surgeons have a good understanding of EBM; (2) EBM evidence is somewhat useful but not very important to clinical decision making; and (3) while rural surgeons are relatively confident in most sources listed, they are most confident in their own judgment and clinical practice guidelines, and least confident in telephone contact with colleagues. Rural surgeons’ understanding, usage and confidence in EBM purports that rural surgeons have contradictory, ambivalent and complex views of the EBM paradigm and its place in rural surgical practice. Discussion Professional isolation and context specificity are important to consider when extending the EBM paradigm to rural surgical practice and understanding the EBM uptake in the rural surgery context.

Synoptic Reporting for Spine Trauma

Abstract: TO THE EDITOR: Re: Bono CM, Schoenfeld A, Gupta G, et al. Reliability and reproducibility of subaxial cervical injury description system: A Standardized Nomenclature Schema. Spine 2011;36: E1140–4. We read with interest the recent publication by Bono et al . The article makes an important contribution to the current management of spine trauma. The authors showed in their study that there was only moderate agreement among raters regarding cervical injury nomenclature even in an idealized setting. This result of moderate agreement has also been found in studies performed on the Thoracolumbar Injury Severity Score, Thoracolumbar Injury Classifi cation and Severity Score, and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für steosynthesefragen spine injury classifi cation systems. Other important fi ndings were the fact that not all the injuries were picked up, for instance fractured spinous processes and transverse processes. It is with consensus that spine trauma requires classifi cation systems and standardized set of measuring techniques to assess injury severity with the interpretation of spine trauma imaging being the cornerstone of spine trauma classifi cation systems. Radiologists have been entrusted with the task of radiology imaging interpretation and reporting. However, most, if not all studies to date performed by the spine trauma study group and other pioneers in spine trauma have involved mainly spine surgeons. Synoptic reporting is a method template reporting and of structured data capture. It utilizes standard nomenclature, a set of universally required fi ndings and provides a consistent report structure. This method of data capture and reporting has been utilized to great effect in oncological histopathology reporting. Srigley et al 1 showed improvements in completeness of cancer pathology reporting, using data elements defi ned by the College of American Pathologists for synoptic reporting with Gill et al , 2 doing likewise in pancreatic cancer. This method has raised the benchmark for optimal patient management in terms of cancer surveillance and treatment. Because this method of reporting incorporates discrete and scientifi cally validated data elements, the synoptic data used in spine trauma reporting can be exported to research databases