Purpose
Adults with traumatic digital amputation (TDA) of the hand may be managed with replantation or revision amputation. To date, there is no systematic review evaluating patient reported outcomes (PROs) comparing replantation versus revision amputation.
Methods
Three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed) were systematically searched in duplicate from inception until June 13, 2019 using Covidence software. Studies comparing replantation versus revision amputation outcomes were considered for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using Methodologic Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Data were pooled in a random‐effects meta‐analysis model using Revman software. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE).
Results
Of 4350 studies identified, 12 retrospective cohort studies met inclusion criteria and compared TDA outcomes for replantation (n = 717; 82.9% male; mean age 40.3) versus revision amputation (n = 1046; 79.8% male; mean age 41.7). The overall replantation survival rate was 85.3%. The average MINORS score was 57% (13.75/24). Replantation of the thumb had a superior Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) score (+11.88, 95% CI [7.78–15.99], I2 = 21%) compared with revision amputation. Replantation of single non‐thumb digits had a superior MHQ score (+5.31, 95% CI [3.10–7.51], I2 = 67%) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score (−5.16, 95% CI [−8.27 to −2.06], I2 = 0%) compared with revision amputation. Most patients in the meta‐analysis were from Asian populations (87.9%).
Conclusion
There is low‐quality evidence that thumb replantation achieves superior PROs compared with revision amputation, which may be clinically important. Replantation of single non‐thumb digits also yielded superior PROs, which is likely not clinically important and based on very low‐quality evidence. Future studies with populations outside Asia are required to determine if PROs vary based on cultural differences toward digital amputation.
Background: In healthcare, interpersonal skills such as teamwork and communication are essential for safe, high-quality, person-centered care. Methods: Four reference databases were searched using relevant keyword combinations in order to examine how the visual and performing arts have been used to facilitate the development of teamwork and communication skills among health professionals and what the outcomes were. Reference list checking was also conducted in order to identify other relevant articles not captured in the initial search strategy. Results: Many of the studies that we reviewed revealed that after participation in the arts, participants felt positively about the experience, had a greater awareness of the importance of teamwork and communication skills in their professional practice, and reported general improvements in these skills. Conclusions: While the initial results of this review seem promising, a concerted effort to conduct more methodologically sound studies on various art forms and their effect on the development of health professionals' interpersonal skills is required.
A number of tools exist to assess a range of plastic surgery skills, in both clinical and simulated settings. There is a need to determine the transferability of simulated assessments to clinical practice, as most available tools are simulation-based. Although additional psychometric testing of current assessment tools is required, particularly in the nontechnical domain, this review provides a base on which to build assessment frameworks that will support plastic surgery's transition to competency-based medical education.
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