S. V. Mahadevan, MD

All Publications

• Timely access to care for patients with critical burns in India: a prehospital prospective observational study. Emergency medicine journal : EMJ Newberry, J. A., Bills, C. B., Pirrotta, E. A., Barry, M., Ramana Rao, G. V., Mahadevan, S. V., Strehlow, M. C. 2019

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Low/middle-income countries carry a disproportionate burden of the morbidity and mortality from thermal burns. Nearly 70% of burn deaths worldwide are from thermal burns in India. Delays to medical care are commonplace and an important predictor of outcomes. We sought to understand the role of emergency medical services (EMS) as part of the healthcare infrastructure for thermal burns in India.METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of patients using EMS for thermal burns across five Indian states from May to August 2015. Our primary outcome was mortality at 2, 7 and 30 days. We compared observed mortality with expected mortality using the revised Baux score. We used Chi2 analysis for categorical variables and Wilcoxon two-sample test for continuous variables. ORs and 95% CIs are reported for all modelled predictor variables.RESULTS: We enrolled 439 patients. The 30-day follow-up rate was 85.9% (n=377). The median age was 30 years; 56.7% (n=249) lived in poverty; and 65.6% (n=288) were women. EMS transported 94.3% of patients (n=399) to the hospital within 2hours of their call. Median total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 60% overall, and 80% in non-accidental burns. Sixty-eight per cent of patients had revised Baux scores greater than 80. Overall 30-day mortality was 64.5%, and highest (90.2%) in women with non-accidental burns. Predictors of mortality by multivariate regression were TBSA (OR 7.9), inhalation injury (OR 5.5), intentionality (OR 4.7) and gender (OR 2.2).DISCUSSION: Although EMS rapidly connects critically burned patients to care in India, mortality remains high, with women disproportionally suffering self-inflicted burns. To combat the burn epidemic in India, efforts must focus on rapid medical care and critical care services, and on a burn prevention strategy that includes mental health and gender-based violence support services.

  View details for DOI 10.1136/emermed-2018-207900

  View details for PubMedID 30635272

• Epidemiology of patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department in Karachi, Pakistan. BMC emergency medicine Ijaz, N., Strehlow, M., Ewen Wang, N., Pirrotta, E., Tariq, A., Mahmood, N., Mahadevan, S. 2018; 18 (1): 22

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: There is little data describing pediatric emergencies in resource-poor countries, such as Pakistan. We studied the demographics, management, and outcomes of patients presenting to the highest-volume, public, pediatric emergency department (ED) in Karachi, Pakistan.METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, we approached all patients presenting to the 50-bed ED during 28 12-h study periods over four consecutive weeks (July 2013). Participants' chief complaints and medical care were documented. Patients were followed-up at 48-h and 14-days via telephone.RESULTS: Of 3115 participants, 1846 were triaged to the outpatient department and 1269 to the ED. Patients triaged to the ED had a median age of 2.0years (IQR 0.5-4.0); 30% were neonates (<28days). Top chief complaints were fever (45.5%), diarrhea/vomiting (32.3%), respiratory (23.1%), abdominal (7.5%), and otolaryngological problems (5.8%). Temperature, pulse and respiratory rate, and blood glucose were documented for 66, 42, and 1.5% of patients, respectively. Interventions included medications (92%), IV fluids (83%), oxygen (35%), and advanced airway management (5%). Forty-five percent of patients were admitted; 11 % left against medical advice. Outcome data was available at time of ED disposition, 48-h, and 14days for 83, 62, and 54% of patients, respectively. Of participants followed-up, 4.3% died in the ED, 11.5% within 48h, and 19.6% within 14days.CONCLUSIONS: This first epidemiological study at Pakistan's largest pediatric ED reveals dramatically high mortality, particularly among neonates. Future research in developing countries should focus on characterizing reasons for high mortality through pre-ED arrival tracking, ED care quality assessment, and post-ED follow-up.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12873-018-0175-4

  View details for PubMedID 30075749

• Comparing Teaching Methods in Resource-Limited Countries. AEM education and training Mahadevan, S. V., Walker, R., Kalanzi, J., Stone, L. T., Bills, C., Acker, P., Apfeld, J. C., Newberry, J., Becker, J., Mantha, A., Tecklenburg Strehlow, A. N., Strehlow, M. C. 2018; 2 (3): 238

  View details for DOI 10.1002/aet2.10100

  View details for PubMedID 30051096

• Characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients presenting at Cambodian referral hospitals without appointments: an observational study INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE Yore, M. A., Strehlow, M. C., Yan, L. D., Pirrotta, E. A., Woods, J. L., Somontha, K., Sovannra, Y., Auerbach, L., Backer, R., Grundmann, C., Mahadevan, S. V. 2018; 11: 17

  Abstract

  Emergency medicine is a young specialty in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although many patients seeking emergency or acute care are children, little information is available about the needs and current treatment of this group in LMICs. In this observational study, we sought to describe characteristics, chief complaints, management, and outcomes of children presenting for unscheduled visits to two Cambodian public hospitals.Children enrolled in the study presented without appointment for treatment at one of two Cambodian public referral hospitals during a 4-week period in 2012. Researchers used standardized questionnaires and hospital records to collect demographic and clinical data. Patients were followed up at 48 h and 14 days after initial presentation. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with hospital admission.This study included 867 unscheduled visits. Mean patient age was 5.7 years (standard deviation 4.8 years). Of the 35 different presenting complaints, fever (63%), respiratory problems (25%), and skin complaints (24%) were most common. The majority of patients were admitted (51%), while 1% were transferred to another facility. Seven patients (1%) died within 14 days. Follow-up rates were 83% at 48 h and 75% at 14 days. Predictors of admission included transfer or referral from another health provider, seeking prior care for the presenting problem, low socioeconomic status, onset of symptoms within 24 h of seeking care, abnormal vital signs or temperature, and chief complaint of abdominal pain or fever.While the admission rate in this study was high, mortality was low. More effective identification and management of children who can be treated and released may free up scarce inpatient resources for children who warrant admission.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12245-018-0172-0

  View details for Web of Science ID 000427630600001

  View details for PubMedID 29536212

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5849596

• Comparison of online and classroom-based formats for teaching emergency medicine to medical students in Uganda AEM Education and Training Mahadevan, S., Walker, R., Kalanzi, J., Luggya, T., Bills, C., Acker, P., et al 2018; 2 (1)

  View details for DOI 10.1002/aet2.10066

• Preparing for International Travel and Global Medical Care EMERGENCY MEDICINE CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA Mahadevan, S. V., Strehlow, M. C. 2017; 35 (2): 465-?

  Abstract

  Thorough pretravel preparation and medical consultation can mitigate avoidable health and safety risks. A comprehensive pretravel medical consultation should include an individualized risk assessment, immunization review, and discussion of arthropod protective measures, malaria prophylaxis, traveler's diarrhea, and injury prevention. Travel with children and jet lag reduction require additional planning and prevention strategies; travel and evacuation insurance may prove essential when traveling to less resourced countries. Consideration should also be given to other high-risk travel scenarios, including the provision of health care overseas, adventure and extreme sports, water environments and diving, high altitude, and terrorism/unstable political situations.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.emc.2017.01.006

  View details for Web of Science ID 000401397800015

  View details for PubMedID 28411937

• Adaptive leadership curriculum for Indian paramedic trainees. International journal of emergency medicine Mantha, A., Coggins, N. L., Mahadevan, A., Strehlow, R. N., Strehlow, M. C., Mahadevan, S. V. 2016; 9 (1): 9-?

  Abstract

  Paramedic trainees in developing countries face complex and chaotic clinical environments that demand effective leadership, communication, and teamwork. Providers must rely on non-technical skills (NTS) to manage bystanders and attendees, collaborate with other emergency professionals, and safely and appropriately treat patients. The authors designed a NTS curriculum for paramedic trainees focused on adaptive leadership, teamwork, and communication skills critical to the Indian prehospital environment.Forty paramedic trainees in the first academic year of the 2-year Advanced Post-Graduate Degree in Emergency Care (EMT-paramedic equivalent) program at the GVK-Emergency Management and Research Institute campus in Hyderabad, India, participated in the 6-day leadership course. Trainees completed self-assessments and delivered two brief video-recorded presentations before and after completion of the curriculum.Independent blinded observers scored the pre- and post-intervention presentations delivered by 10 randomly selected paramedic trainees. The third-party judges reported significant improvement in both confidence (25 %, p < 0.01) and body language of paramedic trainees (13 %, p < 0.04). Self-reported competency surveys indicated significant increases in leadership (2.6 vs. 4.6, p < 0.001, d = 1.8), public speaking (2.9 vs. 4.6, p < 0.001, d = 1.4), self-reflection (2.7 vs. 4.6, p < 0.001, d = 1.6), and self-confidence (3.0 vs. 4.8, p < 0.001, d = 1.5).Participants in a 1-week leadership curriculum for prehospital providers demonstrated significant improvement in self-reported NTS commonly required of paramedics in the field. The authors recommend integrating focused NTS development curriculum into Indian paramedic education and further evaluation of the long term impacts of this adaptive leadership training.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12245-016-0103-x

  View details for PubMedID 26897379

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4761349

• One-two-triage: validation and reliability of a novel triage system for low-resource settings. Emergency medicine journal Khan, A., Mahadevan, S. V., Dreyfuss, A., Quinn, J., Woods, J., Somontha, K., Strehlow, M. 2016; 33 (10): 709-715

  Abstract

  To validate and assess reliability of a novel triage system, one-two-triage (OTT), that can be applied by inexperienced providers in low-resource settings.This study was a two-phase prospective, comparative study conducted at three hospitals. Phase I assessed criterion validity of OTT on all patients arriving at an American university hospital by comparing agreement among three methods of triage: OTT, Emergency Severity Index (ESI) and physician-defined acuity (the gold standard). Agreement was reported in normalised and raw-weighted Cohen κ using two different scales for weighting, Expert-weighted and triage-weighted κ. Phase II tested reliability, reported in Fleiss κ, of OTT using standardised cases among three groups of providers at an urban and rural Cambodian hospital and the American university hospital.Normalised for prevalence of patients in each category, OTT and ESI performed similarly well for expert-weighted κ (OTT κ=0.58, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.65; ESI κ=0.47, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.53) and triage-weighted κ (κ=0.54, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.61; ESI κ=0.57, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.64). Without normalising, agreement with gold standard was less for both systems but performance of OTT and ESI remained similar, expert-weighted (OTT κ=0.57, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.62; ESI κ=0.6, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.66) and triage-weighted (OTT κ=0.31, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.38; ESI κ=0.41, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.4). In the reliability phase, all triagers showed fair inter-rater agreement, Fleiss κ (κ=0.308).OTT can be reliably applied and performs as well as ESI compared with gold standard, but requires fewer resources and less experience.

  View details for DOI 10.1136/emermed-2015-205430

  View details for PubMedID 27466347

• Ambulance Service Associated With Reduced Probabilities Of Neonatal And Infant Mortality In Two Indian States. Health affairs Babiarz, K. S., Mahadevan, S. V., Divi, N., Miller, G. 2016; 35 (10): 1774-1782

  Abstract

  India had no large-scale, centralized emergency medical system or ambulance service until 2005. Since then, the GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute (GVK EMRI) has emerged as India's largest ambulance service provider, covering more than 630 million people. This study provides the first quantitative evidence of GVK EMRI's early impact on population-level infant and maternal health outcomes in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, two Indian states with a combined population of about 145 million people. We found that GVK EMRI coverage is associated with reductions in the probability of neonatal and infant mortality as well as delivery complications (statewide in Andhra Pradesh and in high-mortality districts in Gujarat). However, we found little change in the probability of institutional delivery or skilled birth attendance. Taken together, our findings suggest that population-level health gains were achieved through improvements in the quality (rather than quantity) of maternal and neonatal health services-an interpretation consistent with qualitative reports. More research on this topic is needed.

  View details for PubMedID 27702948

• Using an emergency response infrastructure to help women who experience gender-based violence in Gujarat India BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION Newberry, J. A., Mahadevan, S., Gohil, N., Jamshed, R., Prajapati, J., Rao, G. V., Strehlow, M. 2016; 94 (5): 388-392

  Abstract

  Many women who experience gender-based violence may never seek any formal help because they do not feel safe or confident that they will receive help if they try.A public-private-academic partnership in Gujarat, India, established a toll-free telephone helpline - called 181 Abhayam - for women experiencing gender-based violence. The partnership used existing emergency response service infrastructure to link women to phone counselling, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and government programmes.In India, the lifetime prevalence of gender-based violence is 37.2%, but less than 1% of women will ever seek help beyond their family or friends. Before implementation of the helpline, there were no toll-free helplines or centralized coordinating systems for government programmes, NGOs and emergency response services.In February 2014, the helpline was launched across Gujarat. In the first 10 months, the helpline assisted 9767 individuals, of which 8654 identified themselves as women. Of all calls, 79% (7694) required an intervention by phone or in person on the day they called and 43% (4190) of calls were by or for women experiencing violence.Despite previous data that showed women experiencing gender-based violence rarely sought help from formal sources, women in Gujarat did use the helpline for concerns across the spectrum of gender-based violence. However, for evaluating the impact of the helpline, the operational definitions of concern categories need to be further clarified. The initial triage system for incoming calls was advantageous for handling high call volumes, but may have contributed to dropped calls.

  View details for DOI 10.2471/BLT.15.163741

  View details for Web of Science ID 000376472800024

  View details for PubMedID 27147769

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4850532

• Characteristics and outcomes of women using emergency medical services for third-trimester pregnancy-related problems in India: a prospective observational study. BMJ open Strehlow, M. C., Newberry, J. A., Bills, C. B., Min, H. E., Evensen, A. E., Leeman, L., Pirrotta, E. A., Rao, G. V., Mahadevan, S. V. 2016; 6 (7): e011459

  Abstract

  Characterise the demographics, management and outcomes of obstetric patients transported by emergency medical services (EMS).Prospective observational study.Five Indian states using a centralised EMS agency that transported 3.1 million pregnant women in 2014.This study enrolled a convenience sample of 1684 women in third trimester of pregnancy calling with a 'pregnancy-related' problem for free-of-charge ambulance transport. Calls were deemed 'pregnancy related' if categorised by EMS dispatchers as 'pregnancy', 'childbirth', 'miscarriage' or 'labour pains'. Interfacility transfers, patients absent on ambulance arrival and patients refusing care were excluded.Emergency medical technician (EMT) interventions, method of delivery and death.The median age enrolled was 23 years (IQR 21-25). Women were primarily from rural or tribal areas (1550/1684 (92.0%)) and lower economic strata (1177/1684 (69.9%)). Time from initial call to hospital arrival was longer for rural/tribal compared with urban patients (66 min (IQR 51-84) vs 56 min (IQR 42-73), respectively, p<0.0001). EMTs assisted delivery in 44 women, delivering the placenta in 33/44 (75%), performing transabdominal uterine massage in 29/33 (87.9%) and administering oxytocin in none (0%). There were 1411 recorded deliveries. Most women delivered at a hospital (1212/1411 (85.9%)), however 126/1411 (8.9%) delivered at home following hospital discharge. Follow-up rates at 48 hours, 7 days and 42 days were 95.0%, 94.4% and 94.1%, respectively. Four women died, all within 48 hours. The caesarean section rate was 8.2% (116/1411). On multivariate regression analysis, women transported to private hospitals versus government primary health centres were less likely to deliver by caesarean section (OR 0.14 (0.05-0.43)) CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women from vulnerable Indian populations use free-of-charge EMS for impending delivery, making it integral to the healthcare system. Future research and health system planning should focus on strengthening and expanding EMS as a component of emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC).

  View details for DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011459

  View details for PubMedID 27449891

• Epidemiology of Shortness of Breath in Prehospital Patients in Andhra Pradesh, India. journal of emergency medicine Mercer, M. P., Mahadevan, S. V., Pirrotta, E., Ramana Rao, G. V., Sistla, S., Nampelly, B., Danthala, R., Strehlow, A. N., Strehlow, M. C. 2015; 49 (4): 448-454

  Abstract

  Shortness of breath is a frequent reason for patients to request prehospital emergency medical services and is a symptom of many life-threatening conditions. To date, there is limited information on the epidemiology of, and outcomes of patients seeking emergency medical services for, shortness of breath in India.This study describes the characteristics and outcomes of patients with a chief complaint of shortness of breath transported by a public ambulance service in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.This prospective, observational study enrolled patients with a chief complaint of shortness of breath during twenty-eight, 12-h periods. Demographic and clinical data were collected from emergency medical technicians using a standardized questionnaire. Follow-up information was collected at 48-72 h and 30 days.Six hundred and fifty patients were enrolled during the study period. The majority of patients were male (63%), from rural communities (66%), and of lower socioeconomic status (78%). Prehospital interventions utilized included oxygen (76%), physician consultation (40%), i.v. placement (15%), nebulized medications (13%), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (5%), and bag-mask ventilation (4%). Mortality ratios before hospital arrival, at 48-72 h, and 30 days were 12%, 27%, and 35%, respectively. Forty-six percent of patients were confirmed to have survived to 30 days. Predictors of death before hospital arrival were symptoms of chest pain (16% vs. 12%; p < 0.05) recent symptoms of upper respiratory infection (7.5% vs. 4%; p < 0.05), history of heart disease (14% vs. 7%; p < 0.05), and prehospital hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg (6.3% vs. 3.7%; p < 0.05).Among individuals seeking prehospital emergency medical services in India, the chief complaint of shortness of breath is associated with a substantial early and late mortality, which may be in part due to the underutilization of prehospital interventions.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jemermed.2015.02.041

  View details for PubMedID 26014761

• An observational study of adults seeking emergency care in Cambodia BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION Yan, L. D., Mahadevan, S. V., Yore, M., Pirrotta, E. A., Woods, J., Somontha, K., Sovannra, Y., Raman, M., Cornell, E., Grundmann, C., Strehlow, M. C. 2015; 93 (2): 84-92

  Abstract

  To describe the characteristics and chief complaints of adults seeking emergency care at two Cambodian provincial referral hospitals.Adults aged 18 years or older who presented without an appointment at two public referral hospitals were enrolled in an observational study. Clinical and demographic data were collected and factors associated with hospital admission were identified. Patients were followed up 48 hours and 14 days after presentation.In total, 1295 hospital presentations were documented. We were able to follow up 85% (1098) of patients at 48 hours and 77% (993) at 14 days. The patients' mean age was 42 years and 64% (823) were females. Most arrived by motorbike (722) or taxi or tuk-tuk (312). Most common chief complaints were abdominal pain (36%; 468), respiratory problems (15%; 196) and headache (13%; 174). Of the 1050 patients with recorded vital signs, 280 had abnormal values, excluding temperature, on arrival. Performed diagnostic tests were recorded for 539 patients: 1.2% (15) of patients had electrocardiography and 14% (175) had diagnostic imaging. Subsequently, 783 (60%) patients were admitted and 166 of these underwent surgery. Significant predictors of admission included symptom onset within 3 days before presentation, abnormal vital signs and fever. By 14-day follow-up, 3.9% (39/993) of patients had died and 19% (192/993) remained functionally impaired.In emergency admissions in two public hospitals in Cambodia, there is high admission-to-death ratio and limited application of diagnostic techniques. We identified ways to improve procedures, including better documentation of vital signs and increased use of diagnostic techniques.

  View details for DOI 10.2471/BLT.14.143917

  View details for Web of Science ID 000350538200011

  View details for PubMedID 25883401

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4339966

• Implementing an emergency medical services system in kathmandu, Nepal: a model for "white coat diplomacy". Wilderness & environmental medicine Walker, R., Auerbach, P. S., Kelley, B. V., Gongal, R., Amsalem, D., Mahadevan, S. 2014; 25 (3): 311-318

  Abstract

  Wilderness medicine providers often visit foreign lands, where they come in contact with medical situations that are representative of the prevailing healthcare issues in the host countries. The standards of care for matters of acute and chronic care, public health, and crisis intervention are often below those we consider to be modern and essential. Emergency medical services (EMS) is an essential public medical service that is often found to be underdeveloped. We describe our efforts to support development of an EMS system in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, including training the first-ever class of emergency medical technicians in that country. The purpose of this description is to assist others who might attempt similar efforts in other countries and to support the notion that an effective approach to improving foreign relations is assistance such as this, which may be considered a form of "white coat diplomacy."

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.wem.2014.04.006

  View details for PubMedID 24954196

• PHYSICIAN IDENTIFICATION AND PATIENT SATISFACTION IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: ARE THEY RELATED? JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE Mercer, M. P., Hernandez-Boussard, T., Mahadevan, S. V., Strehlow, M. C. 2014; 46 (5): 711-718

  Abstract

  Patient satisfaction has become a quality indicator tracked closely by hospitals and emergency departments (EDs). Unfortunately, the primary factors driving patient satisfaction remain poorly studied. It has been suggested that correct physician identification impacts patient satisfaction in hospitalized patients, however, the limited studies that exist have demonstrated mixed results.In this study, we sought to identify factors associated with improved satisfaction among ED patients, and specifically, to test whether improving physician identification by patients would lead to increased satisfaction.We performed a pre- and postintervention, survey-based study of patients at the end of their ED visits. We compared patient satisfaction scores as well as patients' abilities to correctly identify their physicians over two separate 1-week periods: prior to and after introducing a multimedia presentation of the attending physicians into the waiting room.A total of 486 patients (25% of all ED visits) were enrolled in the study. In the combined study population, overall patient satisfaction was higher among patients who correctly identified their physicians than among those who could not identify their physicians (combined mean satisfaction score of 8.1 vs. 7.2; odds ratio [OR] 1.07). Overall satisfaction was also higher among parents or guardians of pediatric patients than among adult patients (satisfaction score of 8.4 vs. 7.4; OR 1.07), and among patients who experienced a shorter door-to-doctor time (satisfaction score of 8.2 for shorter waiting time vs. 5.6 for longer waiting time; OR 1.15). Ambulance patients showed decreased satisfaction over some satisfaction parameters, including physician courtesy and knowledge. No direct relationship was demonstrated between the study intervention (multimedia presentation) and improved patient satisfaction or physician identification.Improved patient satisfaction was found to be positively correlated with correct physician identification, shorter waiting times, and among the pediatric patient population. Further studies are needed to determine interventions that improve patients' abilities to identify their physicians and lower waiting times.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.08.036

  View details for Web of Science ID 000334791000028

  View details for PubMedID 24462030

• Setting the Agenda in Emergency Medicine in the Southern African Region: Conference Assumptions and Recommendations, Emergency Medicine Conference 2014: Gaborone, Botswana. African Journal of Emergency Medicine Christopher, L., Naidoo, N., de Waal, B., Mampane, T., Kgosibodiba, K., Chepete, K., Mahadevan, S. 2014; 4 (3)
• INDIAN AND UNITED STATES PARAMEDIC STUDENTS: COMPARISON OF EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE FOR THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR LIFE SUPPORT (ACLS) TRAINING JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE Goodwin, T., Delasobera, B. E., Strehlow, M., Camacho, J., Koskovich, M., D'Souza, P., Gilbert, G., Mahadevan, S. V. 2012; 43 (2): 298-302

  Abstract

  The American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course is taught worldwide. The ACLS course is designed for consistency, regardless of location; to our knowledge, no previous study has compared the cognitive performance of international ACLS students to those in the United States (US).As international health educational initiatives continue to expand, an assessment of their efficacy is essential. This study assesses the AHA ACLS curriculum in an international setting by comparing performance of a cohort of US and Indian paramedic students.First-year paramedic students at the Emergency Management and Research Institute, Hyderabad, India, and a cohort of first-year paramedic students from the United States comprised the study population. All study participants had successfully completed the standard 2-day ACLS course, taught in English. Each student was given a 40-question standardized AHA multiple-choice examination. Examination performance was calculated and compared for statistical significance.There were 117 Indian paramedic students and 43 US paramedic students enrolled in the study. The average score was 86% (± 11%) for the Indian students and 87% (± 6%) for the US students. The difference between the average examination scores was not statistically significant in an independent means t-test (p=0.508) and a Wilcoxon test (p=0.242).Indian paramedic students demonstrated excellent ACLS cognitive comprehension and performed at a level equivalent to their US counterparts on an AHA ACLS written examination. Based on the study results, the AHA ACLS course proved effective in an international setting despite being taught in a non-native language.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.05.096

  View details for Web of Science ID 000307920500016

  View details for PubMedID 22244286

• PENETRATING CARDIAC INJURY FROM A WOODEN KNITTING NEEDLE JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE Hsia, R. Y., Mahadevan, S. V., Brundage, S. I. 2012; 43 (1): 116-119

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.06.027

  View details for Web of Science ID 000306729100023

  View details for PubMedID 20832964

• Airway Management In Mahadevan S (Editor) & Garmel G (Co-editor): An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine (2nd edition) Mahadevan S, Sovndal S 2012
• Ear pain In Mahadevan S (Editor) & Garmel G (Co-editor): An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine (2nd edition) Gilbert G, Mahadevan S 2012
• An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine (2nd Edition) Mahadevan SV, Garmel GM 2012
• Abdominal Pain In Mahadevan S (Editor) & Garmel G (Co-editor): An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine (2nd edition) Mahadevan S 2012
• Low Back Pain In Mahadevan S (Editor) & Garmel G (Co-editor): An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine (2nd edition) Herbert M, Lanctot-Herbert M, Mahadevan S 2012
• Pediatric Cervical Spine Tutorial In Wang NE (Editor): Handbook of Pediatric Emergencies Mahadevan S 2011
• Pediatric Cervical Spine Injuries In Wang NE (Editor): Handbook of Pediatric Emergencies Mewaldt K, Mahadevan S 2011
• Emergency Airway Management In Auerbach PS (Editor): Wilderness Medicine (6th Edition) Mahadevan S 2011
• Evaluating the efficacy of simulators and multimedia for refreshing ACLS skills in India RESUSCITATION Delasobera, B. E., Goodwin, T. L., Strehlow, M., Gilbert, G., D'Souza, P., Alok, A., Raje, P., Mahadevan, S. V. 2010; 81 (2): 217-223

  Abstract

  Data on the efficacy of the simulation and multimedia teaching modalities is limited, particularly in developing nations. This study evaluates the effectiveness of simulator and multimedia educational tools in India.Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified paramedic students in India were randomized to either Simulation, Multimedia, or Reading for a 3-h ACLS refresher course. Simulation students received a lecture and 10 simulator cases. The Multimedia group viewed the American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS video and played a computer game. The Reading group independently read with an instructor present. Students were tested prior to (pre-test), immediately after (post-test), and 3 weeks after (short-term retention test), their intervention. During each testing stage subjects completed a cognitive, multiple-choice test and two cardiac arrest scenarios. Changes in exam performance were analyzed for significance. A survey was conducted asking students' perceptions of their assigned modality.One hundred and seventeen students were randomized to Simulation (n=39), Multimedia (n=38), and Reading (n=40). Simulation demonstrated greater improvement managing cardiac arrest scenarios compared to both Multimedia and Reading on the post-test (9% versus 5% and 2%, respectively, p<0.05) and Reading on the short-term retention test (6% versus -1%, p<0.05). Multimedia showed significant improvement on cognitive, short-term retention testing compared to Simulation and Reading (5% versus 0% and 0%, respectively, p<0.05). On the survey, 95% of Simulation and 84% of Multimedia indicated they enjoyed their modality.Simulation and multimedia educational tools were effective and may provide significant additive benefit compared to reading alone. Indian students enjoyed learning via these modalities.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2009.10.013

  View details for Web of Science ID 000274982500014

  View details for PubMedID 19926385

• Maxillofacial and Neck Injury In Savitsky ES (editor): Combat Casualty Care: Lessons Learned in OEF & OIF Hale RG, Hayes DK, Orloff G, Peterson J, Powers D, Mahadevan S 2010
• Development of a Self-Sustaining Paramedic Educational Program in India: The Stanford-GVK EMRI Partnership EMS India Mahadevan S, Strehlow M 2010
• Cervical Spine Fractures In Wolfson AB (Editor): Harwood Nuss? Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (5th edition) Mower W, Hoffman JR, Mahadevan S 2009
• Eye Medications In Wolfson AB (Editor): Harwood Nuss? Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (5th edition) Schertzer K, Mahadevan S 2009
• Discordance rates between preliminary and final radiology reports on cross-sectional imaging studies at a level 1 trauma center ACADEMIC RADIOLOGY Stevens, K. J., Griffiths, K. L., Rosenberg, J., Mahadevan, S., Zatz, L. M., Leung, A. N. 2008; 15 (10): 1217-1226

  Abstract

  The goal was to determine discordance rates between preliminary radiology reports provided by on-call radiology house staff and final reports from attending radiologists on cross-sectional imaging studies requested by emergency department staff after hours.A triplicate carbon copy reporting form was developed to provide permanent records of preliminary radiology reports and to facilitate communication of discrepant results to the emergency department. Data were collected over 21 weeks to determine the number of discordant readings. Patients' medical records were reviewed to show whether discrepancies were significant or insignificant and to assess their impact on subsequent management and patient outcome.The emergency department requested 2830 cross-sectional imaging studies after hours and 2311 (82%) had a copy of the triplicate form stored in radiology archives. Discrepancies between the preliminary and final report were recorded in 47 (2.0%), with 37 (1.6%) considered significant: 14 patients needed no change, 13 needed a minor change, and 10 needed a major change in subsequent management. Ten (0.43%) of the discordant scans were considered insignificant. A random sample of 104 (20%) of the 519 scans without a paper triplicate form was examined. Seventy-one (68%) did have a scanned copy of the triplicate form in the electronic record, with a discrepancy recorded in 3 (4.2%), which was not statistically different from the main cohort (P = .18).Our study suggests a high level of concordance between preliminary reports from on-call radiology house staff and final reports by attending subspecialty radiologists on cross-sectional imaging studies requested by the emergency department.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.acra.2008.03.017

  View details for Web of Science ID 000259742400002

  View details for PubMedID 18790392

• Internationalizing the Broselow tape: How reliable is weight estimation in Indian children Conference of the Western-Society-for-Academic-Emergency-Medicine Ramarajan, N., Krishnamoorthi, R., Strehlow, M., Quinn, J., Mahadevan, S. V. WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC. 2008: 431–36

  Abstract

  The Broselow pediatric emergency weight estimation tape is an accurate method of estimating children's weights based on height-weight correlations and determining standardized medication dosages and equipment sizes using color-coded zones. The study objective was to determine the accuracy of the Broselow tape in the Indian pediatric population.The authors conducted a 6-week prospective cross-sectional study of 548 children at a government pediatric hospital in Chennai, India, in three weight-based groups: < 10 kg (n = 175), 10-18 kg (n = 197), and > 18 kg (n = 176). Measured weight was compared to Broselow-predicted weight, and the percentage difference was calculated. Accuracy was defined as agreement on Broselow color-coded zones, as well as agreement within 10% between the measured and Broselow-predicted weights. A cross-validated correction factor was also derived.The mean percentage differences were -2.4, -11.3, and -12.9% for each weight-based group. The Broselow color-coded zone agreement was 70.8% in children weighing less than 10 kg, but only 56.3% in the 10- to 18-kg group and 37.5% in the > 18-kg group. Agreement within 10% was 52.6% for the < 10-kg group, but only 44.7% for the 10- to 18-kg group and 33.5% for the > 18-kg group. Application of a 10% weight-correction factor improved the percentages to 77.1% for the 10- to 18-kg group and 63.0% for the >18-kg group.The Broselow tape overestimates weight by more than 10% in Indian children > 10 kg. Weight overestimation increases the risk of medical errors due to incorrect dosing or equipment selection. Applying a 10% weight-correction factor may be advisable.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2008.00081.x

  View details for Web of Science ID 000255285200005

  View details for PubMedID 18439198

• Internationalizing the broselow tape: How reliable is weight estimation in Indian children? 12th International Conference on Emergency Medicine Ramaralan, N., Krishnamoorthi, R., Strehlow, M., Quinn, J., Mahadevan, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2008: 512–13

  View details for Web of Science ID 000254648000160

• Expedition Orthopedics In Bledsoe GH (Editor): Expedition Medicine Gianotti A, Mahadevan S 2008
• Issues and Solutions in Introducing Western Systems to Prehospital Care Systems in Japan. WestJEM Suzuki T, Nishida M, Suzuki Y, Kobayashi K, Mahadevan S. 2008; 9: 166-170
• Spine Trauma and Spinal Cord Injury In Adams J (Editor): Emergency Medicine: Expert Consult: Online and Print Lin M, Mahadevan S 2008
• Effects of implementing a rapid admission policy in the ED AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE Quinn, J. V., Mahadevan, S. V., Eggers, G., Ouyang, H., Norris, R. 2007; 25 (5): 559-563

  Abstract

  The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of a new rapid admission policy (RAP) on emergency department (ED) length of stay (EDLOS) and time spent on ambulance diversion (AD).The RAP, instituted in January 2005, allows attending emergency physicians to send stable patients, requiring admission to the general medicine service, directly to available inpatient beds. The RAP thereby eliminates 2 conventional preadmission practices: having admitting physicians evaluate the patient in the ED and requiring all diagnostic testing to be complete before admission. We compared patient characteristics, percentage of patients leaving without being seen, EDLOS for admitted patients, time on AD, and total adjusted facility charge for a 3-month period after the RAP implementation to the same period of the prior year.There was a 1.1% increase in census with no difference in patient demographics, acuity, or disposition categories for the 2 periods. The EDLOS decreased on average by 10.1 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-17.0 minutes), resulting in an average of 4.2 hours of extra bed availability per day. Weekly minutes of AD decreased 169 minutes (95% CI, 29-310 minutes). There was also a 3.2% increase (95% CI, 3.1%-3.3%) in adjusted facility charge between these periods in 2005 compared with 2004.The RAP resulted in a small decrease in the EDLOS, which likely decreased AD time. The resulting small increase in ED volume and higher acuity ambulance patients significantly improved ED revenue. Wider implementation of the policy and more uniform use among emergency physicians may further improve these measures.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajem.2006.11.034

  View details for Web of Science ID 000247298800012

  View details for PubMedID 17543661

• Annotated Bibliography of Blast Injury. Blast Injury Educational Curriculum for Healthcare providers in Egypt. Strehlow M, Mahadevan S, Savitsky E 2007
• Clinical Assessment of Hypovolemia. Emergency Medicine Practice?s The 2007Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (LLSA) Study Guide. Strehlow M, Mahadevan S 2007
• Emergency Airway Management In Auerbach PS (Editor): Wilderness Medicine (5th Edition) Mahadevan S 2007
• Adolescent Violence, Sikh Religion and Hate Crimes Case Based Cultural Competency Curriculum in Emergency Medicine. Mahadevan S 2006
• Ultrasound-Guided Procedural Training Using Emerging Technologies Acad Emerg Med Savitsky E, Mahadevan S 2006; 25: 559-63
• Importance, Advances and Impact of an International Emergency Trauma Care Education Program. Indian Emergency Journal. Indian Emergency Journal Mahadevan S 2005; 1 (1)
• Importance, Advances and Impact of an International Emergency Trauma Care Education Program. Indian Emergency Journal Mahadevan SV 2005; 1 (1): 12-15
• Cervical Spine Fractures Harwood Nuss? Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (4th edition). Mower W, Hoffman JR, Mahadevan S: 2005
• Ear pain In Mahadevan S (Editor) & Garmel G (Co-editor): An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine Gilbert G, Mahadevan SV 2005
• Airway Management In Mahadevan S (Editor) & Garmel G (Co-editor): An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine Mahadevan SV, Sovndal S 2005
• Abdominal Pain In Mahadevan S (Editor) & Garmel G (Co-editor): An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine Mahadevan SV 2005
• An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine: Guide for Practitioners in the Emergency Department (First Edition) Mahadevan SV, Garmel GM 2005
• Emergency department orientation utilizing web-based streaming video ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE Mahadevan, S. V., Gisondi, M. A., Sovndal, S. S., Gilbert, G. H. 2004; 11 (8): 848-852

  Abstract

  To assure a smooth transition to their new work environment, rotating students and housestaff require detailed orientations to the physical layout and operations of the emergency department. Although such orientations are useful for new staff members, they represent a significant time commitment for the faculty members charged with this task. To address this issue, the authors developed a series of short instructional videos that provide a comprehensive and consistent method of emergency department orientation. The videos are viewed through Web-based streaming technology that allows learners to complete the orientation process from any computer with Internet access before their first shift. This report describes the stepwise process used to produce these videos and discusses the potential benefits of converting to an Internet-based orientation system.

  View details for DOI 10.1197/j.aem.2003.10.032

  View details for Web of Science ID 000223090900006

  View details for PubMedID 15289191

• Evaluation and Clearance of the Cervical Spine in Adult Trauma Patients: Clinical Concepts, Controversies and Advances: Part 2 Trauma Reports Mahadevan SV, Navarro M 2004; 5 (5)
• Evaluation and Clearance of the Cervical Spine in Adult Trauma Patients: Clinical Concepts, Controversies and Advances: Part 1 Trauma Reports Mahadevan SV, Navarro M 2004; 5 (4)
• Cervical Spine Injury in Blunt Trauma Emergency Medicine Practice?s The 2004 Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (LLSA) Study Guide. Mahadevan SV 2003
• Knee Injuries. Emergency Medicine Practice?s The 2004 Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (LLSA) Study Guide. Garza D, Mahadevan SV 2003
• The outstanding medical student in emergency medicine ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE Mahadevan, S., Garmel, G. M. 2001; 8 (4): 402-403

  View details for Web of Science ID 000168133100018

  View details for PubMedID 11282680

• Ocular Trauma Trauma Reports Mahadevan SV, Savitsky E 2001; 2 (4)
• Traumatic Ocular Injuries and Visual Loss Hospital Physician: Emergency Medicine Board Review Manuak Mahadevan SV 1999; 5 (1)
• Interrater reliability of cervical spine injury criteria in patients with blunt trauma Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Academic-Emergency-Medicine Mahadevan, S., Mower, W. R., Hoffman, J. R., Peeples, N., Goldberg, W., Sonner, R. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 1998: 197–201

  Abstract

  To determine the interrater reliability of previously defined risk criteria for cervical spine injury.Two emergency physicians independently evaluated patients with blunt trauma to determine whether they exhibited any of four risk criteria: (1) altered neurologic function; (2) evidence of intoxication; (3) spinous process or posterior midline cervical tenderness; or (4) distracting painful injury. Each criterion was explicitly described on study data forms. Physician concordance was measured, and the kappa statistic was calculated, for the combined risk criteria (based on the presence of any individual criterion), and for each individual criterion.There were 122 patients evaluated. Physicians agreed on overall classifications for 107 patients (87.7%; kappa, .73; confidence interval [CI], .61 to .86). Agreement for individual criteria were as follows: (1) altered neurologic function--102 patients (83.6%; kappa, .58; CI, .41 to .74); (2) intoxication--118 patients (96.7%; kappa, .86; CI, .72 to .99); (3) posterior midline tenderness--109 patients (89.3%; kappa, .77; CI .65 to .89); (4) distracting injury--112 patients (91.8%; kappa.77; CI, .64 to .91).The combined cervical spine injury criteria have substantial interrater reliability. Individual criteria are slightly less reliable.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000071887900007

  View details for PubMedID 9472180

• Nontraumatic Ocular Emergencies. Hospital Physician: Emergency Medicine Board Review Manuak Mahadevan SV 1998; 4 (3)
• ADENOSINE FOR THE PREHOSPITAL TREATMENT OF PAROXYSMAL SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE Gausche, M., Persse, D. E., SUGARMAN, T., Shea, S. R., PALMER, G. L., Lewis, R. J., BRUESKE, P. J., Mahadevan, S., Melio, F. R., KUWATA, J. H., Niemann, J. T. 1994; 24 (2): 183-189

  Abstract

  To determine the efficacy and feasibility of adenosine for the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in the prehospital setting.Prospective case series.Large, urban, advanced life support emergency medical services system.One hundred twenty-nine adult patients with PSVT, as identified by paramedic personnel. Pregnant patients and those taking carbamazepine or dipyridamole were excluded.Dose of 12 mg adenosine by rapid i.v. push followed by a 5-mL saline flush and a repeat dose of 12 mg adenosine i.v. push if the patient's rhythm remained unchanged.Six-second lead II rhythm strips and vital signs were documented before and 2 minutes after the administration of adenosine. Demographic information, past medical history, medications, number of adenosine doses given, and complications were recorded by the paramedic on a case-report form. One hundred six of 129 (82%) of the case-report forms included the rhythm strips from before and after adenosine administration. Actual initial rhythms were determined by a consensus panel. The initial rhythms were PSVT in 79% (84 of 106) of patients, atrial fibrillation in 12% (13 of 106), sinus tachycardia in 5% (five of 106), atrial flutter in 2% (two of 106), and ventricular tachycardia in 2% (two of 106). Eighty-five percent (71 of 84) of patients in PSVT were successfully converted to sinus rhythms; four (5.6%) of these patients required a second 12-mg dose. One patient in atrial fibrillation spontaneously converted to normal sinus rhythm and one patient in ventricular tachycardia converted after adenosine. All other patients not initially in PSVT remained in their initial rhythm. Complications occurred in 12 of 129 patients and included chest pain (five), flushing (three), shortness of breath (two), nausea (one), anxiety (one), dizziness (one), headache (one), and seizure (one). All complications were transient and required no treatment. Prior history of PSVT was the only variable associated with a higher rate of conversion (P = .029).Paramedics are able to accurately identify PSVT using a single lead. Adenosine is safe and effective treatment for PSVT in the prehospital setting. This series is the largest prehospital study of adenosine use to date.

  View details for Web of Science ID A1994PA15600001

  View details for PubMedID 8037382