Achenbach syndrome as a rare cause of painful, blue finger

Paroxysmal finger hematoma, also known as Achenbach syndrome, is an underdiagnosed condition that causes apprehension in patients owing to the alarming appearance. It usually presents as a blue-purple discoloration of the volar aspect of one or more digits and can be associated with pain and paresthesia. This condition is benign and is usually self-limiting

Feasibility of an Opioid Sparing Discharge Protocol Following Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND: Opioids are commonly prescribed after laparoscopic bariatric surgery but have untoward effects including dependence and diversion. Prior investigation revealed that over three-fourths of discharge opioids prescribed to our patients went unused. OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of an opioid sparing discharge protocol following laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: A total of 212 opioid-naïve patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery were examined and divided into two groups; 106 prior to (Cohort A) and 106 after implementation of an opioid sparing discharge protocol (Cohort B). Opioids were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and post-operative consumption was examined. Data was described as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: No patients in Cohort B and 54.7% (58) in Cohort A received an opioid discharge prescription (37.5 MME). Of the 154 patients that remained, only 1.3% (2) received one after discharge. Cohort A took greater amounts of opioids than Cohort B after discharge (4.74 ± 11 vs. 0.21 ± 2 MME; p \u3c 0.001). During hospitalization, Cohort A took greater amounts of opioids (6.92 ± 11 vs. 2.74 ± 5 MME; p \u3c 0.001) but lower amounts of methocarbamol (759 ± 590 vs. 966 ± 585 mg; p = 0.011). No patient requested an opioid prescription refill or presented to the emergency room secondary to pain. CONCLUSION: Following laparoscopic bariatric surgery, an opioid sparing discharge protocol is feasible with \u3c 2% of patients receiving opioids after discharge and no increase in emergency room visits. Education regarding these protocols may impact the amount of opioids taken during hospitalization

Increasing confidence and changing behaviors in primary care providers engaged in genetic counselling.

BackgroundScreening and counseling for genetic conditions is an increasingly important part of primary care practice, particularly given the paucity of genetic counselors in the United States. However, primary care physicians (PCPs) often have an inadequate understanding of evidence-based screening; communication approaches that encourage shared decision-making; ethical, legal, and social implication (ELSI) issues related to screening for genetic mutations; and the basics of clinical genetics. This study explored whether an interactive, web-based genetics curriculum directed at PCPs in non-academic primary care settings was superior at changing practice knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors when compared to a traditional educational approach, particularly when discussing common genetic conditions.MethodsOne hundred twenty one PCPs in California and Pennsylvania physician practices were randomized to either an Intervention Group (IG) or Control Group (CG). IG physicians completed a 6 h interactive web-based curriculum covering communication skills, basics of genetic testing, risk assessment, ELSI issues and practice behaviors. CG physicians were provided with a traditional approach to Continuing Medical Education (CME) (clinical review articles) offering equivalent information.ResultsPCPs in the Intervention Group showed greater increases in knowledge compared to the Control Group. Intervention PCPs were also more satisfied with the educational materials, and more confident in their genetics knowledge and skills compared to those receiving traditional CME materials. Intervention PCPs felt that the web-based curriculum covered medical management, genetics, and ELSI issues significantly better than did the Control Group, and in comparison with traditional curricula. The Intervention Group felt the online tools offered several advantages, and engaged in better shared decision making with standardized patients, however, there was no difference in behavior change between groups with regard to increases in ELSI discussions between PCPs and patients.ConclusionWhile our intervention was deemed more enjoyable, demonstrated significant factual learning and retention, and increased shared decision making practices, there were few differences in behavior changes around ELSI discussions. Unfortunately, barriers to implementing behavior change in clinical genetics is not unique to our intervention. Perhaps the missing element is that busy physicians need systems-level support to engage in meaningful discussions around genetics issues. The next step in promoting active engagement between doctors and patients may be to put into place the tools needed for PCPs to easily access the materials they need at the point-of-care to engage in joint discussions around clinical genetics

Feasibility of an Opioid Sparing Discharge Protocol Following Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND: Opioids are commonly prescribed after laparoscopic bariatric surgery but have untoward effects including dependence and diversion. Prior investigation revealed that over three-fourths of discharge opioids prescribed to our patients went unused. OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of an opioid sparing discharge protocol following laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: A total of 212 opioid-naïve patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery were examined and divided into two groups; 106 prior to (Cohort A) and 106 after implementation of an opioid sparing discharge protocol (Cohort B). Opioids were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and post-operative consumption was examined. Data was described as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: No patients in Cohort B and 54.7% (58) in Cohort A received an opioid discharge prescription (37.5 MME). Of the 154 patients that remained, only 1.3% (2) received one after discharge. Cohort A took greater amounts of opioids than Cohort B after discharge (4.74 ± 11 vs. 0.21 ± 2 MME; p \u3c 0.001). During hospitalization, Cohort A took greater amounts of opioids (6.92 ± 11 vs. 2.74 ± 5 MME; p \u3c 0.001) but lower amounts of methocarbamol (759 ± 590 vs. 966 ± 585 mg; p = 0.011). No patient requested an opioid prescription refill or presented to the emergency room secondary to pain. CONCLUSION: Following laparoscopic bariatric surgery, an opioid sparing discharge protocol is feasible with \u3c 2% of patients receiving opioids after discharge and no increase in emergency room visits. Education regarding these protocols may impact the amount of opioids taken during hospitalization

Caldwell-Dennis House Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study

Professor JP Halls ARCH 607- Historic Preservation Studio course created an adaptive reuse plan to examine the feasibility of rehabilitating the historic Caldwell-Dennis residence into transitional housing for women reentering society