2 research outputs found
Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study
: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI
Comparison Between Thromboelastography and Conventional Coagulation Test: Should We Abandon Conventional Coagulation Tests in Polytrauma Patients?
INTRODUCTION: TEG provides an in-vivo assessment of viscoelastic clot strength in whole blood compared with CCT, which may not reflect the influence of platelets. The aim of this study was to compare TEG vs. CCT in trauma patients stratified by mechanism of injury (MOI) and pre-existing coagulation status. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study of 230 polytrauma patients admitted to a University Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center, with TEG and CCT on admission stratified by MOI: multiple trauma (MT), isolated traumatic brain injury (TBI) or MT+TBI. Statistical analysis included correlation between TEG and CCT in all groups and a subgroup analysis of anticoagulated patients. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, Spearman and lineal regression when appropriate. Statistical significance was accepted at P\u3c0.05. RESULTS: TEG was normal in 28.7%, hypercoagulable in 68.3%, hypocoagulable in 7%. There was no difference in TEG status among the groups. The coagulation status was not affected by age, ISS or shock. The CCT were abnormal in 63.6% of patients with normal TEG. Normal or hypercoagulable-TEG was found in 21/23 patients on Coumadin who had elevated INR and in 10/11 patients on NOAC. An analysis of the 23 patients on Coumadin stratified by INR showed a normal or hypercoagulable-TEG in 21/23 patients. Only 2 patients had a hypocoagulable-TEG. Mortality was 5.2% (58.3% severe TBI). CONCLUSIONS: TEG is more useful than CCT in polytrauma patients, including patients on anticoagulants. TBI could increase the incidence of hypercoagulability in trauma. CCT are not useful from the standpoint of treatment