S. V. Mahadevan

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

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.06.027

View details for Web of Science ID 000306729100023

View details for PubMedID 20832964

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

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

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

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

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

View details for Web of Science ID 000168133100018

View details for PubMedID 11282680

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

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