Bernice Coleman

Biventricular support in patients with profound cardiogenic shock: A single center experience

Options for managing heart failure patients with cardiogenic shock refractory to inotropic and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy are limited. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) can bridge these patients to heart transplantation. However, controversy exists over whether extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) before VAD placement is beneficial. We report our use of biventricular assist devices (BiVADs) as a direct bridge to transplant. Since July 1999, 19 Thoratec BiVADs were implanted for heart failure unresponsive to medical therapy. Patient ages ranged from 20 to 67 years. Causes of heart failure included idiopathic 32%, ischemic 26%, postcardiotomy 21%, and other 21%. All patients were in cardiogenic shock, and three were receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before implant. Preimplant conditions included IABP 89%, mechanical ventilation 68%, three or more inotropes 84%, hyperbilirubinemia 59%, acute renal failure 63%, and hemodialysis 16%. Fifty-nine percent of patients bridged successfully to transplantation, with 90% posttransplant survival. Duration of BiVAD support ranged from 0 to 91 days, with two patients currently on support awaiting transplantation. Complications included bleeding requiring reoperation 26%, stroke 11%, infection (any positive culture) 68%, and cannula site infection 5%. The Thoratec BiVAD can successfully be used as a direct bridge to transplantation in heart failure patients with cardiogenic shock.

Medication Errors in Acute Cardiac Care An American Heart Association Scientific Statement From the Council on Clinical Cardiology Subcommittee on Acute Cardiac Care, Council on Cardiopulmonary and Critical Care, Council on Cardiovascular Nursing, and Council on Stroke

Medical errors occur commonly among hospitalized patients, with adverse events occurring in an estimated 3.7% to 16.6% of hospital admissions.1 Extrapolation of this information has led to an estimate of at least 44 000 deaths in US hospitals due to medical errors that are also commonly associated with complex or urgent care and prolonged hospital stays.2 In addition, preventable adverse medical events are more frequent among elderly patients, with an incidence of 5.3% compared with 2.8% in patients <65 years of age.3 This difference is attributed to the increased clinical complexity of care in the elderly, rather than to age bias, which highlights the contribution of multiple medication use to adverse outcome.2,3 Supporting the complexity hypothesis is a 1992 study of the prevalence and types of adverse events in Utah and Colorado, which showed that adverse drug events were the leading cause (19.3%) of all nonoperative adverse events.4 The importance of medical errors as a major contribution to adverse events has been the recent focus of several reviews and initiatives. Medication errors have recently been evaluated by the Institute for Safe Medical Practices (ISMP), and the British Medical Journal devoted a special issue to the subject of medical errors (March 18, 2000). The US Institute of Medicine (IOM) also published an extensive report examining the prevalence and reviewing potential causes of medical mistakes.5 The IOM’s report stated: “The problem is not bad people; the problem is that the system [of medical care] needs to be made safer.”5 The definition of a medication error as approved by The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error and Prevention is “. . .any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm, while the medication is in the control of the health …

Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for acute fulminant inflammatory cardiomyopathy: Series of six patients and review of literature

BACKGROUND Although an autoimmune mechanism has been postulated for myocarditis and acute-onset inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), immunomodulatory treatment strategies are still under investigation. METHODS AND RESULTS The clinical data of six patients with acute inflammatory DCM referred for evaluation for possible heart transplantation were reviewed. All patients were admitted with acute congestive heart failure and severely impaired left ventricular (LV) function and were treated with high-dose (2 g/kg) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The diagnosis of acute inflammatory DCM was based on recent onset of congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association functional class III or IV) with severely depressed LV ejection fraction ([LVEF] 30% or lower) occurring shortly after viral-like illness. All patients had inflammation on endomyocardial biopsy or elevated cardiac enzymes, as well as a normal coronary angiogram. All patients were in New York Heart Association class I or II at the time of hospital discharge. The mean LVEF improved from 21.7+/-7.5% at baseline to 50.3+/-8.6% at discharge (P=0.005). Four patients had complete recovery (LVEF 50% or higher) and two patients had partial LV recovery. Patients were followed for a median 13.2 months (range two to 24 months) and had a mean LVEF of 53+/-6% (P not significant versus LVEF at discharge). CONCLUSIONS Therapy with intravenous high-dose IVIG may be a potentially useful treatment in selected patients if given early in the course of acute fulminant inflammatory DCM. A randomized, prospective trial is warranted to prove the real benefit of IVIG in this patient population.

Induction Therapy With Thymoglobulin After Heart Transplantation : Impact of Therapy Duration on Lymphocyte Depletion and Recovery, Rejection, and Cytomegalovirus Infection Rates

BACKGROUND This retrospective single-center study compared lymphocyte depletion in 144 heart transplant recipients using 2 different induction protocols with Thymoglobulin (Genzyme Transplant, Cambridge, MA). METHODS Thymoglobulin (1.5 mg/kg) was given to 105 patients for 7 days (Thymo7) and 39 patients for 5 days (Thymo5). RESULTS Patient clinical characteristics were similar except that the Thymo7 group had a higher prevalence of women (33% vs 15%, p = 0.04), gender mismatch (35% vs 19%, p = 0.07), donor African American race (19% vs 2%, p = 0.008), older donor age (35 +/- 13 vs 31 +/- 12, p = 0.08), and higher pre-transplant creatinine (1.43 +/- 0.67 vs 1.25 +/- 0.48 mg/dl, p = 0.095). Seventy-five percent of the Thymo7 group reached target (absolute lymphocyte count <or=200) and 42% at 21 days (p = 0.002). Thymo7 patients had significantly lower rejection rates (>or=1B) within the first year (7% vs 22%, p = 0.02). No humoral rejection occurred. At 1 year, freedom from rejection was 93% in the Thymo7 group vs 80% in the Thymo5 group (p = 0.007), and cytomegalovirus disease (9% and 5%, p = 0.5) and bacterial infection (26% vs 32%, p = 0.5) were similar. One-year actuarial survival was 92% +/- 3% in the Thymo7 and 100% in the Thymo5 group (p = 0.07), and at 3 years, 85 +/- 4% and 90 +/- 6%, respectively (p = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS Both Thymoglobulin regimens were well tolerated. The 7-day treatment led to more efficient and prolonged lymphocyte depletion and significantly less rejection at 1 year, without an increase in cytomegalovirus infection rate.

Advanced nursing practice and research contributions to precision medicine.

BACKGROUND Genomic discoveries in the era of precision medicine hold the promise for tailoring healthcare, symptom management, and research efforts including targeting rare and common diseases through the identification and implementation of genomic-based risk assessment, treatment, and management. However, the translation of these discoveries into tangible benefits for the health of individuals, families, and the public is evolving. PURPOSE In this article, members of the Genetics Expert Panel identify opportunities for action to increase advanced practice nursing and research contributions toward improving genomic health for all individuals and populations. DISCUSSION Identified opportunities are within the areas of: bolstering genomic focused advanced practice registered nurse practice, research and education efforts; deriving new knowledge about disease biology, risk assessment, treatment efficacy, drug safety and self-management; improving resources and systems that combine genomic information with other healthcare data; and advocating for patient and family benefits and equitable access to genomic healthcare resources.

Racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes after heart transplantation: A systematic review of contributing factors and future directions to close the outcomes gap

The demographics of patients undergoing heart transplantation in the United States have shifted over the last 10 years, with an increasing number of racial and ethnic minorities undergoing heart transplant. Multiple studies have shown that survival of African American patients after heart transplantation is lower compared with other ethnic groups. We review the data supporting the presence of this outcome disparity and examine the multiple mechanisms that contribute. With an increasingly diverse population in the United States, knowledge of these disparities, their mechanisms, and ways to improve outcomes is essential.

Health literacy in heart transplantation: Prevalence, correlates and associations with health behaviors—Findings from the international BRIGHT study

BACKGROUND Health literacy (HL) is a major determinant of health outcomes; however, there are few studies exploring the role of HL among heart transplant recipients. The objectives of this study were to: (1) explore and compare the prevalence of inadequate HL among heart transplant recipients internationally; (2) determine the correlates of HL; and (3) assess the relationship between HL and health-related behaviors. METHODS A secondary analysis was conducted using data of the 1,365 adult patients from the BRIGHT study, an international multicenter, cross-sectional study that surveyed heart transplant recipients across 11 countries and 4 continents. Using the Subjective Health Literacy Screener, inadequate HL was operationalized as being confident in filling out medical forms none/a little/some of the time (HL score of 0 to 2). Correlates of HL were determined using backward stepwise logistic regression. The relationship between HL and the health-related behaviors were examined using hierarchical logistic regression. RESULTS Overall, 33.1% of the heart transplant recipients had inadequate HL. Lower education level (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.24, p < 0.001), unemployment (AOR 0.69, p = 0.012) and country (residing in Brazil, AOR 0.25, p < 0.001) were shown to be associated with inadequate HL. Heart transplant recipients with adequate HL had higher odds of engaging in sufficient physical activity (AOR 1.6, p = 0.016). HL was not significantly associated with the other health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should recognize that almost one third of heart transplant participants have inadequate health literacy. Furthermore, they should adopt communication strategies that could mitigate the potential negative impact of inadequate HL.

Implementation science, genomic precision medicine, and improved health: A new path forward?

Implementation of genomic discoveries into health care optimally includes evaluation of outcomes for recipients of care, providers, payers, and health care systems. However, the influence of specific aspects of the implementation process on observed outcomes may be missed if assessment of implementation success is not built into the implementation design. The intersection of implementation science with genomics may provide new insights on how to maximize the benefits of emerging genomic technologies in health care. In this summary, members of the Roundtable on Genomics and Precision Health, formerly the Roundtable on Translating Genomic-Based Research for Health, of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the American Academy of Nursing explore challenges and opportunities for nurses to participate in implementing genomic discoveries into their practice informed by the principles of implementation science. Implementation requires collaboration across disciplines. Nurses can take leadership roles in engaging key stakeholders in health care organizations, assuring that communications regarding implementation are consistent with genomic literacy for each group of stakeholders, and planning for evaluation of data to assess how each component of the implementation process affected the overall outcome for health care.

Adult cardiothoracic transplant nursing: An ISHLT consensus document on the current adult nursing practice in heart and lung transplantation

BACKGROUND The role of nurses in cardiothoracic transplantation has evolved over the last 25 years. Transplant nurses work in a variety of roles in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to manage complex pre- and post-transplantation issues. There is lack of clarity and consistency regarding required qualifications to practice transplant nursing, delineation of roles and adequate levels of staffing. METHODS A consensus conference with workgroup sessions, consisting of 77 nurse participants with clinical experience in cardiothoracic transplantation, was arranged. This was followed by subsequent discussion with the ISHLT Nursing, Health Science and Allied Health Council. Evidence and expert opinions regarding key issues were reviewed. A modified nominal group technique was used to reach consensus. RESULTS Consensus reached included: (1) a minimum of 2 years nursing experience is required for transplant coordinators, nurse managers or advanced practice nurses; (2) a baccalaureate in nursing is the minimum education level required for a transplant coordinator; (3) transplant coordinator-specific certification is recommended; (4) nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and nurse managers should hold at least a masters degree; and (5) strategies to retain transplant nurses include engaging donor call teams, mentoring programs, having flexible hours and offering career advancement support. Future research should focus on the relationships between staffing levels, nurse education and patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Delineation of roles and guidelines for education, certification, licensure and staffing levels of transplant nurses are needed to support all nurses working at the fullest extent of their education and licensure. This consensus document provides such recommendations and draws attention to areas for future research.

Improving Utilization of the Family History in the Electronic Health Record

PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of Family History in the Electronic Health Record and to identify opportunities to advance the contributions of nurses in obtaining, updating and assessing family history in order to improve the health of all individuals and populations. ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT The article presents an overview of the obstacles to charting Family History within the Electronic Health Record and recommendations for using specific Family History tools and core Family History data sets. METHODS Opportunities to advance nursing contributions in obtaining, updating, and assessing family history in order to improve the health of all individuals were identified. These opportunities are focused within the area of promoting the importance of communication within families and between healthcare providers to obtain, document, and update family histories. FINDINGS Nurses can increase awareness of existing resources that can guide collection of a comprehensive and accurate family history and facilitate family discussions. In this paper, opportunities to advance nursing contributions in obtaining, updating, and assessing family history in order to improve the health of all individuals were identified. CONCLUSIONS Aligned with the clinical preparation of nurses, family health should be used routinely by nurses for risk assessment and to help inform patient and family members on screening, health promotion, and disease prevention. The quality of family health information is critical in order to leverage the use of genomic healthcare information and derive new knowledge about disease biology, treatment efficacy, and drug safety. These actionable steps need to be performed in the context of promoting evidence-based applications of family history that will be essential for implementing personalized genomic healthcare approaches and disease prevention efforts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Family health history is one of the most important tools for identifying the risk of developing rare and chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, and represents an integration of disease risk from genetic, environmental, and behavioral/lifestyle factors. In fact, family history has long been recognized as a strong independent risk factor for disease and is the current best practice used in clinical practice to guide risk assessment.Purpose The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of Family History in the Electronic Health Record and to identify opportunities to advance the contributions of nurses in obtaining, updating and assessing family history in order to improve the health of all individuals and populations. Organizing Construct The article presents an overview of the obstacles to charting Family History within the Electronic Health Record and recommendations for using specific Family History tools and core Family History data sets. Methods Opportunities to advance nursing contributions in obtaining, updating, and assessing family history in order to improve the health of all individuals were identified. These opportunities are focused within the area of promoting the importance of communication within families and between healthcare providers to obtain, document, and update family histories. Findings Nurses can increase awareness of existing resources that can guide collection of a comprehensive and accurate family history and facilitate family discussions. In this paper, opportunities to advance nursing contributions in obtaining, updating, and assessing family history in order to improve the health of all individuals were identified. Conclusions Aligned with the clinical preparation of nurses, family health should be used routinely by nurses for risk assessment and to help inform patient and family members on screening, health promotion, and disease prevention. The quality of family health information is critical in order to leverage the use of genomic healthcare information and derive new knowledge about disease biology, treatment efficacy, and drug safety. These actionable steps need to be performed in the context of promoting evidence-based applications of family history that will be essential for implementing personalized genomic healthcare approaches and disease prevention efforts. Clinical Relevance Family health history is one of the most important tools for identifying the risk of developing rare and chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, and represents an integration of disease risk from genetic, environmental, and behavioral/lifestyle factors. In fact, family history has long been recognized as a strong independent risk factor for disease and is the current best practice used in clinical practice to guide risk assessment.