Proficiency based progression training works for communication skills

15 Jul 2019

Simulation-based training is being increasingly deployed for both technical and non-technical skill acquisition in healthcare with the aim of reducing medical error and patient harm. There is a need for an evidence-based approach to such training to ensure that the resources utilised can reliably deliver a quantifiable improved skill set rather than just an enhanced educational experience. Proficiency-based progression (PBP) training is a form of outcomes-based training that involves training individuals to achieve a proficiency benchmark against a set of clearly defined objective metrics. It has been robustly shown to improve the performance of individuals undertaking technical procedures metrics. PBP methodology has not previously been applied to simulation-based training for non-technical skills yet communication failures are a significant source of medical error and preventable adverse events equal if not greater than errors due to lack of technical skill. This study shows the effect of such training on communication for the Deteriorating Patient. 

Coffee and a Gas

28 Jun 2019

How training doctors with AI could improve patient outcomes

04 Jun 2019

Prof George Shorten presenting at the TechConnect Live exhibition on, 'how training doctors with artificail intelligence (AI) could improve patient outcomes'. AI refers to the capacity of a computer to perform operations analogous to learning and decision making in humans. Machine learning is one advanced application of AI concerned with developing computer programs that automatically improve with experience.

Damp but undaunted in Oysterhaven

04 Jun 2019

In May, eleven brave members of the CUH Anaesthetic Department reported to Oysterhaven for team building activities. We kayaked across the bay, where we were encouraged to stand up in the kayaks. This led to random acts of piracy such as ramming, attempted capsizing and some terrible jokes. We were then challenged to run the length of the very slippery “moonwalk” inflatable. The Consultants were enthusiastic if ungraceful, but youth and agility won out. This was followed by a very competitive race to the shore on two giant paddleboards. Bragging rights were exercised over a well-earned lunch.

Exam Preparation for CAI membership or fellowship

26 Apr 2019

Exam focussed tutorials take place weekly in Cork University Hospital on Tuesday mornings. These are open to all anaesthesiology trainees within the Cork area who are preparing for the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland membership or fellowship examinations. These tutorials comprise of interactive discussions surrounding exam topics and sample exam questions, with advice for exam technique from experienced examiners. These tutorials will be tailored to meet the needs of the exam candidates, in so far as is possible. Exam candidates are advised to contact the Cork University Hospital Anaesthesiology Exam Tutor, Dr Janette Brohan for more details- janette.brohan@hse.ie.  

Prof. Shorten will present on 'Equations that come up in Part 1 MCQ exam' in 1A/1B tutorial room at 7am on Tuesday the 30th.

Promising new collaboration between the Department of Anaesthesiology and APC on the role of the gut micobiome and pain perception

11 Feb 2019

The human gut microbiota consists of trillions of bacteria which have co-evolved with humans to live symbiotically in the gastrointestinal tract. In recent times, the influence of the gut microbiome (collective genome of all mircoorganisms) on the body in health and disease has come to the fore. Studies have revealed how alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota influence normal physiology and contribute to a variety of diseases. Accumulating data, including that from Dr. O’Mahony’s lab, now indicates that central nervous system function and behaviour can be influenced by the gut microbiota.

Proficiency based progression training for epidural catheter placement for labour analgesia

13 Nov 2018

Medical errors account for as many as 250,000 deaths in the US every year. A significant proportion of such errors (44% by one estimate) are related to procedural skills. Although simulation based training methods have been developed to address the deficiencies in training, there is limited evidence to show it reduces procedural errors or that it improves patient outcomes. By employing a tool known as “Pro­fi­ciency-based pro­gres­sion (PBP)” we were able to show improved pa­tient outcomes. Pre­vi­ous in­ves­ti­ga­tions of med­i­cal train­ing using this tool have fo­cused on the per­for­mance of the doc­tor rather than a mean­ing­ful pa­tient out­come.

Cork Academy of Regional Anaesthesia

26 Oct 2018

The Cork Academy of Regional Anaesthesia (CARA) was incorporated in 2015 to provide high quality, contemporary postgraduate training to anaesthetists and allied health professionals in Ireland and across Europe. Since 1999 the regional anaesthesia specialists in Cork University Hospital have held an annual cadaveric peripheral nerve block course in University College Cork. Our aim has always been to produce state-of-the-art educational experiences drawing on the combined resources of an exceptionally well-trained and experienced faculty and world class facilities. Key priorities of CARA are: (1) the translation of novel and contemporaneous training curriculae and assessment tools into deliverable units of education; and (2) the support of ongoing research.

"Machine learning will enhance training of anaesthetists"

19 Oct 2018

“In anaesthesia and critical care, as in medicine in general, use of machine learning makes it possible for every new patient to take direct advantage of the data and experience accumulated by the treatment of a large number of previous patients with a similar condition.” This is the claim made in an editorial in the British Journal of Anaesthesia by Dr Karthik Srinivasan (Tallaght Hospital, Dublin), Dr Ingerid Reinertsen (SINTEF, Norway) and Prof George Shorten (UCC).

Facing Africa

12 Oct 2018

Facing Africa is a British charity which twice a year funds a volunteer team of 3 Anaesthetists, 4 Surgeons and a number of Nurses to go to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia where they perform reconstructive surgery. The disease Noma is an acute, rapidly progressive, necrotising infection of the mouth. It begins as a small, gingival ulcer and results in gangrenous necrosis of the surrounding facial tissues. Survivors of acute Noma usually have severe disfigurement and functional impairment including trismus, oral incontinence, difficulties eating and speech problems. The Facing Africa charity seeks out these patients in very remote, rural areas of Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia and brings them to Addis Ababa for nutritional and medical care prior to performing complex and frequently multi-stage operations (often over several trips and years) before helping to integrate them back into their homes.