BackgroundTypical hospital lighting is rich in blue-wavelength emission, which can create unwanted circadian disruption in patients when exposed at night. Despite a growing body of evidence regarding the effects of poor sleep on health outcomes, physiologically neutral technologies have not been widely implemented in the US healthcare system.ObjectiveThe authors sought to determine if rechargeable, proximity-sensing, blue-depleted lighting pods that provide wireless task lighting can make overnight hospital care more efficient for providers and less disruptive to patients.DesignNon-randomised, controlled interventional trial in an intermediate-acuity unit at a large urban medical centre.MethodsNight-time healthcare providers abstained from turning on overhead patient room lighting in favour of a physiologically neutral lighting device. 33 nurses caring for patients on that unit were surveyed after each shift. 21 patients were evaluated after two nights with standard-of-care light and after two nights with lighting intervention.ResultsProviders reported a satisfaction score of 8 out of 10, with 82% responding that the lighting pods provided adequate lighting for overnight care tasks. Among patients, a median 2-point improvement on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was reported.Conclusion and relevanceThe authors noted improved caregiver satisfaction and decreased patient anxiety by using a blue-depleted automated task-lighting alternative to overhead room lights. Larger studies are needed to determine the impact of these lighting devices on sleep measures and patient health outcomes like delirium. With the shift to patient-centred financial incentives and emphasis on patient experience, this study points to the feasibility of a physiologically targeted solution for overnight task lighting in healthcare environments.

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INTRODUCTION: Retained rectal foreign bodies are an increasingly common presentation requiring emergent surgery. The object can often be retrieved at bedside. However, in the setting of a retained foreign body, especially one complicated by bleeding, perforation, or peritonitis, open surgery or laparoscopic assisted transanal retrieval is often needed. Careful investigation and a high index of suspicion is required as patients are often reluctant to share the etiology of their presentations. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 55-year-old male presented to the ED with complaints of rectal bleeding. He stated he had placed a glass bottle in his rectum. Upon removal he noticed the top half of the bottle was retained inside his rectum. He developed mild rectal pain and bright red blood per rectum. On exam, there were no peritoneal signs. DRE revealed no perianal lesions, sphincter lacerations, or palpable foreign bodies. Initial labs displayed hemoglobin and hematocrit at 11.7 and 34.1, respectively. CT showed multiple radiopaque foreign bodies in the distal rectosigmoid measuring up to 14 cm in length with presacral edema. Proctoscopy was performed in the OR. Glass which was readily removable via a transanal approach was retrieved, while larger perforating pieces were carefully mobilized proximally and retracted via laparotomy. Sigmoidoscopy confirmed complete removal with multiple deep lacerations and perforations in the rectal wall. On post-op day seven, large volume rectal and mucus fistula bleeding with severe hypotension, tachycardia, change in mental status and a drop in hemoglobin to 5.8 occured. MTP was activated with administration of a total of five units of PRBC and two units of FFP. Colonoscopy was performed in the OR. An ulcer containing a pulsating, protruding, visible vessel was actively bleeding. Two clips were placed over the vessel with no further episodes of bleeding. Three months postoperatively barium enema was performed showing no leaks leading to reversal of colostomy. DISCUSSION: A retained rectal foreign body is not commonly the cause of a surgical emergency. Post-op complications, such as rectal bleeding, are rare and are normally handled by a return to the OR to control the source. Colonoscopy after a perforating rectal injury may be considered to evaluate and stop the source of postoperative bleeding, thus avoiding additional surgery and decreasing recovery time. Additionally, DRE should be cautioned when suspecting sharp hazardous material at an undetermined height in the colorectal tract.