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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) will be used for initial certification by the American Board of Pediatrics by 2028. Less than half of pediatric fellowships currently use EPAs for assessment, yet all will need to adopt them. Our objectives were to identify facilitators and barriers to the implementation of EPAs to assess pediatric fellows and to determine fellowship program directors' (FPD) perceptions of EPAs and Milestones. METHODS: We conducted a survey of FPDs from 15 pediatric subspecialties. EPA users were asked about their implementation of EPAs, barriers encountered, and perceptions of EPAs. Nonusers were queried about deterrents to using EPAs. Both groups were asked about potential facilitators of implementation and their perceptions of Milestones. RESULTS: The response ratewas 65% (575/883). Of these, 344 (59.8%)were EPA users and 231 (40.2%)were nonusers. Both groups indicatedwork burden as a barrier to implementation. Nonusers reportedmore barriers than users (mean [SD]: 7 [3.8] vs 5.8 [3.4], P< .001). Both groups identified training materials and premade assessment forms as facilitators to implementation. Users felt that EPAs were easier to understand than Milestones (89%) and better reflected what it meant to be a practicing subspecialty physician (90%). In contrast, nonusers felt thatMilestoneswere easy to understand (57%) and reflectedwhat itmeant to be a practicing subspecialist (58%). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing EPA-based assessment will require a substantial investment by FPDs, facilitated by guidance and easily accessible resources provided by multiple organizations. Perceived barriers to be addressed include FPD time constraints, a need for additional assessment tools, and outcomes data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are wide variations in the gender makeup of speakers at national pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) conferences with no significant change in recent years. Objective: Gender disparities exist among national speakers and award recipients. PEM represents the intersection of pediatrics, a female‐dominated specialty with approximately 58% women, and emergency medicine, a male‐dominated specialty. We describe the proportion of women speakers and award recipients at two national PEM conferences, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Emergency Medicine (SOEM) and the Advanced PEM Assembly (APEMA), to the AAP National Conference & Exhibition (NCE), a national pediatric conference. Methods: Data from SOEM and APEMA, obtained from 2016 to 2021 were compared to the 2021 NCE. Invited speakers, abstract presenters, and award recipients were identified. Gender was determined by searching each individual's name for self‐identification. Gender proportions were compared across conferences, speaker type, and year. Results: Compared to the NCE, a significantly smaller proportion of women were invited speakers at APEMA (NCE 59.9% vs. APEMA 38.8%, p < 0.001), but similar proportions of women were invited speakers (53.9%, p = 0.178) and awardees at SOEM (50% vs. 50%, p = 1.0). A larger number of women were SOEM abstract presenters than invited speakers (63.3% vs. 53.9%, p = 0.041). Between 2016 and 2021, the proportion of women invited speakers (SOEM, p = 0.744; APEMA, p = 0.947) or abstract presenters (SOEM, p = 0.632) did not significantly change. Conclusions: Compared to NCE, women are underrepresented as speakers at APEMA, but not at SOEM. Abstract presenters are more likely to be women compared to invited speakers. While awards appear equally distributed, recipients do not mirror the proportion of women in PEM. Conference organizers and leaders in PEM should ensure gender equity in national recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the composition and processes of Clinical Competency Committees (CCCs) assigning entrustable professional activity (EPA) levels of supervision for pediatric subspecialty fellows and to examine fellowship program director (FPD) perspectives about using EPAs to determine fellows' graduation readiness. A qualitative study was performed using one-on-one interviews with a purposeful sample of pediatric subspecialty FPDs to yield a thematic analysis. Semi-structured interview guides were used for participants who self-identified as EPA users or non-users. Inductive analysis and coding were performed on transcripts until theoretical sufficiency was attained. Twenty-eight FPDs were interviewed. There was significant variability in the composition and processes of CCCs across subspecialties. FPDs felt that CCCs intuitively understand what entrustment means, allowing for ease of application of level of supervision (LOS) scales and consensus. FPDs perceived that EPAs provided a global assessment of fellows and are one tool to determine graduation readiness. Although there was variability in the makeup and processes of CCCs across subspecialties, FPDs believe EPAs are intuitive and relatively easy to implement. Consensus can be reached easily using EPA-specific LOS scales focusing on entrustment. FPDs desire a better understanding of how EPAs should be used for graduation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Ghosted" discusses the experience of being "ghosted" by a trainee after mentoring them on a research project. The author reflects on the initial excitement and success of the project, but then describes how the trainee gradually became unresponsive and eventually disappeared. The author expresses frustration and disappointment, but also acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties of mentorship relationships. Ultimately, the author takes responsibility for completing the project and submitting the paper themselves. The article emphasizes the importance of clear communication and expectations in research relationships, and acknowledges that not all relationships will end well, but that there is always something to learn from each experience. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on disparities for women in pediatrics and emergency medicine in the U.S. Topics discussed include proposed actions toward resolving gender disparities in academic medicine, the gender distribution of physicians in the medical subspecialties and the rate of change of women in leadership positions.

Background: Burnout is a common phenomenon among health care providers known to adversely affect their mental health and clinical acumen. As mindfulness has been shown to diminish burnout with large-scale interventions, our aim was to assess whether smaller, on-shift activities aimed at increasing mindfulness could decrease burnout among staff in a pediatric emergency department (PED). Methods: Prior to the implementation of a series of mindfulness-based activities, a diverse cohort of PED staff including nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, technicians, and administrative personnel completed electronic preintervention surveys about their demographics, personal mindfulness engagement, and individual baseline burnout level using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Trained nurses and physicians served as champions who coordinated on-shift mindfulness activities, and burnout levels were subsequently reassessed using a postintervention survey. Findings: Among 83 eligible staff, 75 completed the preintervention and 69 completed the postintervention survey. For the MBI, the majority of staff had moderate to high burnout levels at baseline. Few staff engaged in personal mindfulness activities outside of work. Although 82% of staff participated in the on-shift interventions, no significant differences were found in scores before and after the intervention for emotional exhaustion (20.1 vs. 20, p =.93), depersonalization (7.6 vs. 7.3, p =.97), and personal accomplishment (36.1 vs. 34.8, p =.11). Conclusion/Application to Practice: While mindfulness effectively combats burnout, few PED providers regularly practice mindfulness activities. Brief, on-shift mindfulness activities were insufficient to significantly reduce burnout levels. Hospital leadership should consider dedicating resources to more intensive mindfulness activities to combat amplified burnout levels among emergency department staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the experience of the author in the pediatric cardiology department. Topics include the specialty of pediatrics concerned with the physical, mental, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood; pediatric care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases by the science.

Background Pulse oximetry does not reliably recognize respiratory depression, particularly in the presence of supplemental oxygen. Capnography frequently detects hypoventilation and apnea among children recovering from anesthesia. Although children are routinely monitored with capnography during anesthesia, reducing the rate of adverse events, it is not routinely used in the postanesthesia care unit ( PACU), where patients remain at risk for respiratory depression. Aim We hypothesized that children monitored with capnography would have more frequent staff interventions and fewer adverse events than children monitored with pulse oximetry alone. Methods Otherwise healthy children of age 1-20 years undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery were eligible for enrollment upon entering the pediatric PACU. Subjects were randomized as to whether PACU staff could view the capnography monitor (intervention group) or not (control group). All children received standard monitoring with pulse oximetry. Vital signs and patient interventions were recorded every 30 s by a portable monitor or a research associate. Results Data from 201 children were analyzed. The rates of hypopneic hypoventilation [5% (95% CI: 2-8%) per minute vs 1% (95% CI: −1% to 3%) per minute, difference 4% (95% CI: 0.2-8%) per minute; P = 0.04] and apnea [11% (95% CI: 8-14%) per minute vs 1.5% (95% CI: −2% to 5%) per minute, difference 9% (5-14%) per minute; P < 0.001] decreased significantly faster in our intervention group as compared to the control group. The rates of bradypnea decreased faster in our control group [5% (95% CI: 2-8%) per minute vs 1% (95% CI: 0-4%) per minute, difference 4% per minute, 95% CI: 0-9%; P = 0.05]. Rates of respiratory events over time between groups were affected by the presence or absence of interventions. There were no differences in rates of hypoxemia between groups over time. Conclusions Children monitored with capnography have different rates of adverse respiratory events over time than children monitored solely with pulse oximetry. The addition of capnography improved the efficacy of staff interventions, however did not impact rates of oxygen desaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children are at risk for respiratory depression while recovering from anesthesia. Currently, monitoring children in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) with pulse oximetry is recommended. However, pulse oximetry does not reliably recognize hypoventilation or apnea, particularly in the presence of supplemental oxygen. Capnography is a sensitive monitor of ventilation that is not often used in the PACU. Aim: To determine the frequency of hypoventilation and apnea as detected by capnography among children in the PACU. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, capnography monitoring was applied to healthy children of age 1-17 years in the PACU of a tertiary care hospital. Staff was blinded to the capnography monitor; alarms were disabled. Staff provided routine care and monitoring with pulse oximetry to all patients. Vital signs, patient interventions, and medication administration were recorded by a research assistant every 30 s until all monitoring was discontinued by staff. Outcome measures included frequency of hypoventilation and apnea as measured by capnography and oxygen desaturations as measured by pulse oximetry, as well as staff interventions for these events. Results: Data from 194 children were analyzed. Capnography detected hypoventilation or apnea in 45.5% (95% CI 38.5%, 52.5%) of patients. Oxygen desaturations occurred in 19% (95% CI 13%, 24%) of patients. Interventions occurred in 9% (95% CI 5%, 13%) of patients. Patients who received narcotic medications were more likely to experience hypoventilation (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.02, 5.3) and apnea (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1, 7). Hypoventilation was seen more often among children who received supplemental oxygen (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1, 12). Conclusions: Hypoventilation and apnea are common among children in the PACU; however, few interventions occur to address these events. Routine monitoring with capnography may improve recognition of respiratory depression and enhance patient safety in the PACU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technologies are not always successfully implemented into practice. This study elicited experiences of acute care providers with the introduction of technology and identified barriers and facilitators in the implementation process. A qualitative study using one-on-one interviews among a purposeful sample of 19 physicians and nurses within 10 emergency departments and intensive care units was performed. Grounded theory, iterative data analysis and the constant comparative method were used to inductively generate ideas and build theories. Five major categories emerged: decision-making factors, the impact on practice, technology's perceived value, facilitators and barriers to implementation. Barriers included negative experiences, age, infrequent use and access difficulties. A positive outlook, sufficient training, support staff and user friendliness were facilitators. This study describes strategies implicated in the successful implementation of newly adopted technology in acute care settings. Improved implementation methods and evaluation of implementation processes are necessary for successful adoption of new technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Data suggest that capnography is a more sensitive measure of ventilation than standard modalities and detects respiratory depression before hypoxemia occurs. We sought to determine if adding capnography to standard monitoring during sedation of children increased the frequency of interventions for hypoventilation, and whether these interventions would decrease the frequency of oxygen desaturations.Methods: We enrolled 154 children receiving procedural sedation in a pediatric emergency department. All subjects received standard monitoring and capnography, but were randomized to whether staff could view the capnography monitor (intervention) or were blinded to it (controls). Primary outcome were the rate of interventions provided by staff for hypoventilation and the rate of oxygen desaturation less than 95%.Results: Seventy-seven children were randomized to each group. Forty-five percent had at least 1 episode of hypoventilation. The rate of hypoventilation per minute was significantly higher among controls (7.1% vs 1.0%, P = .008). There were significantly fewer interventions in the intervention group than in the control group (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.50). Interventions were more likely to occur contemporaneously with hypoventilation in the intervention group (2.26; 95% CI, 1.34-3.81). Interventions not in time with hypoventilation were associated with higher odds of oxygen desaturation less than 95% (odds ratio, 5.31; 95% CI, 2.76-10.22).Conclusion: Hypoventilation is common during sedation of pediatric emergency department patients. This can be difficult to detect by current monitoring methods other than capnography. Providers with access to capnography provided fewer but more timely interventions for hypoventilation. This led to fewer episodes of hypoventilation and of oxygen desaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Adolescents and young adults are frequent users of alcohol. Younger patients may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than their adult counterparts, and toxicity has been known to occur at lower doses. Respiratory depression is a serious adverse effect of alcohol intoxication; however, current monitoring practices may not adequately detect respiratory depression. Objective: Our objective was to determine the frequency of hypoventilation as measured by capnography among adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication. Our secondary objective was to determine if an association exists between alcohol levels and incidence of hypoventilation. Methods: This was a prospective observational pilot study of patients 14–20 years of age with acute alcohol intoxication. Blood or breath alcohol measurements were obtained on arrival. Hourly measurements of vital signs including capnography were recorded. Results: Sixty-five subjects were analyzed. Mean alcohol level was 185 mg/dL. Twenty-eight percent of subjects had episodes of hypoventilation. Episodes occurred in similar proportions on arrival and during the first 5 h of measurements. There was no difference in alcohol levels between subjects who did and did not hypoventilate (185 mg/dL vs. 186 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval −29 to 25). Oxygen desaturations occurred in 14 subjects and were associated with hypoventilation (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Hypoventilation is common among adolescents who are acutely intoxicated with alcohol. It is independent of alcohol level and occurs at a steady rate during the first several hours of intoxication. Capnography should be considered as an additional monitoring device to detect these episodes and enhance patient safety. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]