No abstract

In our opinion, NIM is a valuable aid for preventing marginal mandibular nerve injuries during neck dissection.

Objectives: Effective professional communication and accurate transfer of relevant clinical information are crucial components of healthcare delivery. National and international health authorities strongly recommend the adoption of effective handover practice. Still, scant evidence is available on the impact of different multiprofessional handover models. Methods:We carried out a systematic review following the Prepared Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines to retrieve, pool, and critically appraise the available evidence on the effectiveness of different physician-to-nurse handover models adopted in inpatient settings. Results:We identified 1.243 citations searching the databases Medline, Embase, and CINAHL. After screening, 10 studies were included in the review reporting results on the effectiveness of 8 different handover models, measured on 44 different outcomes, grouped into: (1) process of care and efficiency outcomes, (2) patients' outcomes, and (3) healthcare professionalsrelated outcomes. Overall, applying structured handover tools improve healthcare practice and selected outcomes; however, not only solid evidence on the effectiveness of different handover models is scant but also global consensus is lacking on which standardized measures and indicators to use to assess their impact. Conclusions:In times of healthcare delivery models of growing complexity, multiprofessional handover is a key component of care paths. Although there is overall consensus on the need for improving the quality and safety of multiprofessional handover, the evidence on the tools available to achieve it and the metrics to measure their impact is heterogeneous. We urge that rigorous studies are conducted to inform the planning, implementation, and monitoring of effective handover, with the ultimate aim of improving quality of care and patient safety.

(1) Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital abnormality present in up to 25% of the general population, and it is a relevant cause of cryptogenic stroke. We applied the hospital-based HTA model (AdHopHTA) to conduct a multidimensional assessment of NobleStitch EL, an innovative suture-mediated PFO closure device. We compared it to Amplatzer PFO Occluder (APO) to provide evidence to inform technologies’ governance in hospital settings. (2) Methods: For each AdHopHTA dimension we: systematically retrieved available evidence from the literature applying the PRISMA guidelines and then analyzed original clinical and cost data of a NobleStitch EL device at San Raffaele research hospital in Milan (Italy). The economic dimension was analyzed through activity-based costing and a cost analysis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with selected healthcare professionals to explore the organizational, legal, social, and ethical impact. (3) Results: A single study was included for the NobleStitch EL, with 10 for APO. Both literature data and original data showed comparable safety. Efficacy data analysis found that the PFO closure was at 89% for NobleStitch EL vs. 89–97% for APO. APO has a better impact on the budget and minor process costs. Consulted experts reported that the organizational impact of NobleStitch EL in the short and the long run as null, albeit a better impact under the social and the ethical aspects. (4) Conclusion: We suggest that there is inadequate evidence to conclude the relative efficacy of NobleStitch EL as compared to APO. Nevertheless, this report shows a good safety profile and higher costs for NobleStitch EL, with no organizational or legal impact. Further studies in selected population are recommended.

Issue National and international health authorities have described Narrative-based medicine (NBM) in clinical practice as a fundamental tool for acquiring, understanding and integrating the different points of view of those involved in the disease and its treatment, promoting more effective and appropriate care. Description of the problem The use of NBM is part of the strategic project to improve patient-engagement in San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. Its implementation started, using the 'DNM-Digital Narrative Medicine' web-based platform, with the pilot prostate cancer path in March 2019. Results A 10-item questionnaire was sent to all 47 patients and 45 doctors involved, to evaluate: benefits perceived by the care team in terms of communication support, personalization of therapy, observation of cognitive elements not otherwise evident; benefits perceived by the patient (support, communication, self-management, identification of emotional, relational, social elements of daily life); patient and medical staff opinions in terms of compliance, accessibility, ease of use. The overall rating was 4.3/5 for doctors and 4.2/5 for patients. Patients valued the most the platform supporting them in the decision on what treatment to undergo (4.8/5), for the doctor the platform has been important in considering unknown aspects of the patient and understanding the patient's point of view (4.4/5). Patients, more than doctors, perceived platform usability positively. 43% of the patients who decided not to participate reported to prefer a direct approach with the doctor. Lessons The oncologic field represents an optimal setting for the implementation of methods aimed at strengthening communication and relationship of care. NBM offers the possibility of exploring elements as adherence to treatment, perception of illness, socio-psychological impact, sometimes missed during the visit, enhancing the conversation between patient and care team and stimulating the co-construction of care. Key messages NBM has proven to be a useful tool and a good communication channel in the oncologic setting. The NBM platform demonstrated good acceptability and ease of use by doctors and patients.