International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press

Authors: Dunkley, Arthur

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: A few ideas that deserve to see the light of day. I wrote this essay on 23/3/2020. I have started updating in the form of post scripts. Please relate the information to the date on which it was written.

Keywords: COVID-19, virus, lockdown, humans, planet earth, commentary

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-201007

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2020

Authors: Russom, Mulugeta | Tesfai, Dawit | Solomon Ghebernegus, Amon | Debesai, Merhawi | Kifle, Habtom | Bahta, Iyassu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ranitidine injection is not well-known to cause cardiac arrest except in few published case reports. The Eritrean Pharmacovigilance Centre received four cases of cardiac arrest associated with ranitidine injection. AIM: To assess the causal relationship between cardiac arrest and ranitidine, and to identify possible risk factors. METHODS: This is a descriptive case series assessment of cardiac arrest associated with ranitidine and data was mined to supplement the cases from the WHO global database of individual case safety reports. RESULTS: In all cases, ranitidine injection was administered fast IV bolus without proper dilution and …the outcome was fatal in three. All patients encountered cardiac arrest within 20 minutes of intravenous use. Causality was found to be probable in two cases and possible in the other two. Cardiac arrest could have been prevented in all cases. On top of this, from the WHO global database, 185 cases of cardiac arrest and cardio-pulmonary arrest associated with ranitidine were retrieved and 49.7% were fatal. In 40% of the cases, ranitidine was reported as a single suspect. In 36 cases, cardiac arrest resolved following withdrawal of ranitidine and reaction recurred in one case after re-introduction of the product. CONCLUSION: There appears a causal link between ranitidine and cardiac arrest, possibly related to medication errors that warrants immediate attention from healthcare professionals. Show more

Keywords: Intravenous ranitidine, administration error, cardiac arrest, WHO global database, healthcare, risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-200015

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-7, 2020

Authors: Cranfield, Alistair | Deen, Betsy | Vreede, Eric

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Improving the safety of surgical care is an area of growing interest in Sierra Leona, a low resource setting where health outcomes remain poor. One tool shown to improve outcomes is the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. We report an approach for optimising adherence in a public referral hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone. METHODS: A multi-faceted series of interventions was proposed. Planning involved service evaluation, discussion with key stakeholders and formation of a working group to develop tailored interventions. Implementation involved reformatting the local checklist, formal classroom and simulation training and introduction of protocols and visual …aids. Analysis of impact was performed by prospective observation of safety processes both pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Following the intervention, there was a significant increase in the total number of intraoperative safety processes performed (38.1% pre vs 73.0% post, p < 0.001). A significant improvement was noted in the performance of airway evaluation, correct administration of antibiotics, marking of the surgical site and preoperative team briefing. CONCLUSION: This project describes a series of interventions taken to improve the performance of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in a low resource setting. We highlight the importance of local partnership working and stakeholder engagement in implementing successful change. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-200064

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2020

Authors: Kilinçarslan, Mehmet Göktuğ | Şahi̇n, Erkan Melih

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inappropriate repeat testing is an objectively measurable type of health service overutilization which may harm patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate both the frequency and cost of inappropriate repeat testing in a tertiary hospital in terms of specialties. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Laboratory results of 26 tests ordered between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Test that were repeated earlier than the minimum re-test interval were accepted as inappropriate repeat testing. After analyzing the descriptive statistics, the cluster analysis method was used to determine whether groups were …formed within specialties. RESULTS: Specialties form two clusters were found: the first cluster included specialties mostly from surgical science and the second cluster included specialties mostly from medical science. It was found that the cluster that includes mostly surgical specialties repeats laboratory tests at a higher rate but causes a waste of less resources, whereas the cluster that includes mostly medical specialties repeats laboratory tests at a lower rate but causes a waste of more resources due to a higher volume of test orders. CONCLUSION: Due to the high rates of inappropriate repeat testing, surgical specialties seem to be the first target of intervention strategies, but medical specialties, which account for a higher volume of inappropriate repeat testing and higher unnecessary cost, should be the primary target of intervention strategies. Show more

Keywords: Patient safety, overutilization of health services, cost, tertiary care, medical specialties, inappropriate repeat testing

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-200065

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2020

Authors: Paludan-Müller, Asger Sand | Sharma, Tarang | Rasmussen, Kristine | Gøtzsche, Peter C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Selective reporting of trial results is common. OBJECTIVE: To study selective reporting in clinical study reports, company trial registers and publications of quality of life in placebo-controlled trials of antidepressants. METHODS: We compared clinical study reports of four antidepressants (fluoxetine, duloxetine, paroxetine and sertraline) obtained from two European drug regulators, data from online company registers, and publications received or retrieved from Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline. Pfizer was also contacted but did not provide any publications. RESULTS: We included 15 trials (19,015 pages) and 4717 patients. Six trials had used SF-36, seven EQ-5D and …two both instruments. Nine of the 15 CSRs (60%) displayed selective reporting. In the companies’ online registers, there was selective reporting for all 15 trials (100%). We received 20 publications from Eli Lilly and retrieved six from the GlaxoSmithKline register. There was selective reporting in 24 of the 26 publications (92%). Despite extensive selective reporting, we found only small differences between placebo and active drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Access to the full raw data from clinical trials and to case report forms for all patients are needed to evaluate the effect of antidepressants on quality of life. Regulatory agencies should refuse to approve drugs or new indications based on incomplete reporting. Show more

Keywords: Quality of life, SF-36, EQ-5D, clinical study reports, antidepressants, publication bias, selective reporting, placebo

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-200051

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-13, 2020

Authors: Siregar, Alyya Siddiqa | Werdhani, Retno Asti | Ascobat, Purwantyastuti | Nafrialdi, N. | Syam, Ari Fahrial | Hidayat, Rudy | Wangge, Grace

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) adverse reactions should start from the primary health center (PHC), as the first gatekeeper in community health services. However, there is no specific module available for health care professionals (HCPs) in Indonesia for the prevention of adverse drug reactions (ADR) at PHCs. NSAID is commonly used for the elderly treated at PHC in Indonesia, even though the ADR risk is well-known. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop a module to be used in PHC for preventing NSAID-associated upper gastrointestinal (GI) ADRs in elderly patients treated for musculoskeletal diseases. METHODS: …The module was developed based on inputs from focus group discussions (FGD) among government health officers, PHC representatives, clinical pharmacologists, internal medicine and community medicine clinicians, pharmacovigilance experts, and professional organizations. A pilot implementation was conducted to test its feasibility and its effect on the HCPs’ knowledge. RESULTS: Capacity building of HCPs, development of intra-HCP cooperation, as well as standard operating procedure (SOP) for the prescription of NSAID constituted important components of the module. A pilot study of the module in two PHCs showed that it was applicable with some recommendations for improvement in duration, number of participants, room space, presentation, and use of credit points as compliments. The HCPs’ knowledge was improved after following the module. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the module is feasible in PHC in Indonesia and useful in improving knowledge of HPC. Show more

Keywords: NSAIDs, primary health center, health care professional, elderly, adverse drug reactions, Indonesia

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-200008

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-13, 2020

Authors: Breggin, Peter R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The vaccine/autism controversy has caused vast scientific and public confusion, and it has set back research and education into genuine vaccine-induced neurological disorders. The great strawman of autism has been so emphasized by the vaccine industry that it, and it alone, often appears in authoritative discussions of adverse effects of the MMR and other vaccines. By dismissing the chimerical vaccine/autism controversy, vaccine defenders often dismiss all genuinely neurological aftereffects of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and other vaccines, including well-documented events, such as relatively rare cases of encephalopathy and encephalitis. OBJECTIVE: This report explains that …autism is not a physical or neurological disorder. It is not caused by injury or disease of the brain. It is a developmental disorder that has no physical origins and no physical symptoms. It is extremely unlikely that vaccines are causing autism; but it is extremely likely that they are causing more neurological damage than currently appreciated, some of it resulting in psychosocial disabilities that can be confused with autism and other psychosocial disorders. This confusion between a developmental, psychosocial disorder and a physical neurological disease has played into the hands of interest groups who want to deny that vaccines have any neurological and associated neuropsychiatric effects. METHODS: A review of the scientific literature, textbooks, and related media commentary is integrated with basic clinical knowledge. RESULTS: This report shows how scientific sources have used the vaccine/autism controversy to avoid dealing with genuine neurological risks associated with vaccines and summarizes evidence that vaccines, including the MMR, can cause serious neurological disorders. Manufacturers have been allowed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to gain vaccine approval without placebo-controlled clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: The misleading vaccine autism controversy must be set aside in favor of examining actual neurological harms associated with vaccines, including building on existing research that has been ignored. Manufacturers of vaccines must be required to conduct placebo-controlled clinical studies for existing vaccines and for government approval of new vaccines. Many probable or confirmed neurological adverse events occur within a few days or weeks after immunization and could be detected if the trials were sufficiently large. Contrary to current opinion, large, long-term placebo-controlled trials of existing and new vaccines would be relatively easy and safe to conduct. Show more

Keywords: xx

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-200052

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2020

Authors: Cioffi, Andrea | Rinaldi, Raffaella

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: National Health Systems are facing a very serious health emergency related to COVID-19. In this phase of emergency, it is essential to ensure the care of all affected patients but also to ensure the economic stability of the National Health System. This stability is undermined by the potential exponential increase in claims caused by healthcare-associated infections related to COVID-19. That is why it will be essential to use all means necessary to prevent this economic crisis, which could overlap with the health crisis.

Keywords: COVID-19, Sars-Cov-2, Healthcare associated infections, resident doctors

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-200056

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-2, 2020

Authors: Malekzadeh, Roya | Abedi, Ghasem | Abedini, Ehsan | Haghgoshayie, Elaheh | Hasanpoor, Edris | Ghasemi, Matina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Receiving safe health care services is among the first rights of patients. Ethical predictability is influential to identify the patient safety concerns in hospitals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to ascertain and compare ethical predictability of patient safety in selected hospitals in Mazandaran Province in Iran. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was applied in the current study. By applying the multistage method for sampling, the statistical population consisted of clinical units of selected public, social security, and private hospitals. Out of the 18 public hospitals, five teaching hospitals, nine private and five social security hospitals, one hospital …was randomly selected in Mazandaran Province from each cluster. In total, 938 patients participated in the study. Data entry and analysis was carried out by SPSS version 22 software. RESULTS: The results showed that ethical predictability in social security hospitals was higher than the results in private and public hospitals (p < 0.001). In addition, among the selected dimensions of ethical predictability of patient safety in the selected hospitals, blood management was the highest dimension. Safe drug management, error management, infection control, and safe clinical services were the middle priorities and management and leadership of patient safety had the lowest mean in the ethical predictability of patient safety in the selected hospitals in the province. CONCLUSION: Identifying the factors causing ethical predictability in order to improve patient safety and service quality, is of great help to managers and authorities in the field of health services. Such awareness helps managers to consider these factors in all decision making processes. Show more

Keywords: Ethical predictability, quality of care, patient safety

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-200022

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2020

Authors: Zhu, Lin | Reychav, Iris | McHaney, Roger | Broda, Arik | Tal, Yossi | Manor, Orly

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physicians and nurses are responsible for reporting medical adverse events. Each views these events through a different lens subject to their role-based perceptions and barriers. Physicians typically engage with diagnosis and treatment while nurses primarily care for patients’ daily lives and mental well-being. This results in reporting and describing medical adverse events differently. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare adverse medical event reports generated by physicians and nurses to better understand the differences and similarities in perspective as well as the nature of adverse medical events using social network analysis (SNA) and latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA). …METHODS: The current study examined data from the Maccabi Healthcare Community. Approximately 17,868 records were collected from 2000 to 2017 regarding medical adverse events. Data analysis used SNA and LDA to perform descriptive text analytics and understand underlying phenomenon. RESULTS: A significant difference in harm levels reported by physicians and nurses was discovered. Shared topic keyword lists broken down by physicians and nurses were derived. Overall, communication, lack of attention, and information transfer issues were reported in medical adverse events data. Specialized keywords, more likely to be used by a physician were determined as: repeated prescriptions, diabetes complications, and x-ray examinations. For nurses, the most common special adverse event behavior keywords were vaccine problem, certificates of fitness, death and incapacity, and abnormal dosage. CONCLUSIONS: Communication and inattentiveness appeared most frequently in medical adverse events reports regardless of whether doctors or nurses did the reporting. Findings suggest feedback and information sharing processes could be implemented as a step toward alleviating many issues. Institutional management, healthcare managers and government officials should take actions to decrease medical adverse events, many of which may be preventable. Show more

Keywords: Patient safety, social network analysis (SNA), latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), medical adverse event, medical adverse event reporting system, physician, nurse

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-190031

Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-26, 2020