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Objective: Evaluation of surgical quality ensures consistency of care and facilitates improvements in the quality of care delivered. Methods: An overview of surgical quality measurement is presented. A system for monitoring thoracic morbidity and mortality (TM&M) at the Ottawa Hospital is introduced and evaluated. Results of a needs assessment survey on the involvement in thoracic surgical research and quality improvement initiatives are presented. Results: Structure, process, and outcomes reflect different viewpoints on how to evaluate surgical quality. The feasibility of the TM&M system is evaluated using descriptive and univariate statistics, while its inter-rater reliability is assessed amongst the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons. Conclusions: Outcomes have been fundamental in the evaluation of surgical quality. TM&M classification system advocates for a practice of continuous quality improvement and provides standardized and reliable feedback on surgical outcomes. Results of the needs assessment have built a strong foundation of knowledge on prospective ways to enhance the monitoring of surgical quality.

Objective: Evaluation of surgical quality ensures consistency of care and facilitates improvements in the quality of care delivered. Methods: An overview of surgical quality measurement is presented. A system for monitoring thoracic morbidity and mortality (TM&M) at the Ottawa Hospital is introduced and evaluated. Results of a needs assessment survey on the involvement in thoracic surgical research and quality improvement initiatives are presented. Results: Structure, process, and outcomes reflect different viewpoints on how to evaluate surgical quality. The feasibility of the TM&M system is evaluated using descriptive and univariate statistics, while its inter-rater reliability is assessed amongst the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons. Conclusions: Outcomes have been fundamental in the evaluation of surgical quality. TM&M classification system advocates for a practice of continuous quality improvement and provides standardized and reliable feedback on surgical outcomes. Results of the needs assessment have built a strong foundation of knowledge on prospective ways to enhance the monitoring of surgical quality.

Objective: Evaluation of surgical quality ensures consistency of care and facilitates improvements in the quality of care delivered. Methods: An overview of surgical quality measurement is presented. A system for monitoring thoracic morbidity and mortality (TM&M) at the Ottawa Hospital is introduced and evaluated. Results of a needs assessment survey on the involvement in thoracic surgical research and quality improvement initiatives are presented. Results: Structure, process, and outcomes reflect different viewpoints on how to evaluate surgical quality. The feasibility of the TM&M system is evaluated using descriptive and univariate statistics, while its inter-rater reliability is assessed amongst the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons. Conclusions: Outcomes have been fundamental in the evaluation of surgical quality. TM&M classification system advocates for a practice of continuous quality improvement and provides standardized and reliable feedback on surgical outcomes. Results of the needs assessment have built a strong foundation of knowledge on prospective ways to enhance the monitoring of surgical quality.

INTRODUÃÃO - A gripe à uma doenÃa infecciosa aguda de origem viral, de distribuiÃÃo universal, que acomete o trato respiratÃrio. Segundo estatÃsticas da OrganizaÃÃo Mundial da SaÃde (OMS), cerca de 5 a 15% da populaÃÃo mundial se infecta com o vÃrus da influenza anualmente. Em marÃo de 2009, com mudanÃa no padrÃo da ocorrÃncia da influenza no MÃxico, o vÃrus da influenza A (H1N1), um quÃdruplo recombinante nunca antes visto, foi identificado atravÃs da anÃlise de amostras de secreÃÃo de nasofaringe de crianÃas americanas sintomÃticas, confirmando o vÃnculo epidemiolÃgico com os casos no MÃxico (CDC/Atlanta, 2009) e em meses seguintes, com a transmissÃo sustentada de pessoa para pessoa e acometimento de vÃrios paÃses e naÃÃes, foi deflagrada uma nova pandemia. OBJETIVOS - Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever a evoluÃÃo temporal, caracterizar os padrÃes de morbi-mortalidade e identificar os fatores associados à ocorrÃncia de gravidade e Ãbitos nas diferentes fases da pandemia de Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 no CearÃ. MÃTODOS - Trata-se de estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, dos casos notificados e confirmados de influenza pandÃmica (H1N1) 2009, no Estado do CearÃ, nos anos de 2009 e 2010. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO - A pandemia deu-se em trÃs pequenas ondas, uma na fase de contenÃÃo, caracterizada por casos leves, com resoluÃÃo rÃpida. As duas segundas ondas, na fase de mitigaÃÃo, com casos com maior gravidade, maior taxa de hospitalizaÃÃo, a totalidade de pacientes que necessitaram de cuidados intensivos (UTI) e todos os pacientes que evoluÃram para Ãbito. Foram notificados 615 casos, destes 144 foram confirmados. 55,5% eram do sexo feminino, 30% eram pardos, 72,5% dos casos graves possuÃam alguma comorbidade e 40 pacientes necessitaram de hospitalizaÃÃo. A letalidade hospitalar foi de 20% e a letalidade em UTI foi de 66%. Foram significantes para evoluÃÃo para cura ou Ãbito aspectos relacionados à procura por assistÃncia mÃdica, atraso no inÃcio da terapia antiviral, obesidade, ter baixa escolaridade, uso de ventilaÃÃo mecÃnica e ser hospitalizado em hospitais com atendimento especializado. CONCLUSÃO - A anÃlise dos dados do presente estudo permitiu conhecimento aprofundado acerca do padrÃo de morbi-mortalidade causado pela pandemia de influenza A (H1N1) 2009 no Estado do CearÃ. O estudo sugere que a pandemia de influenza A (H1N1) 2009 nesta regiÃo do Brasil teve magnitude menor se comparado a outros estados de outras regiÃes do paÃs, com baixa incidÃncia, porÃm altas taxas de letalidade em pacientes internados em UTI. / NTRODUCTION - Influenza is an acute infectious disease of viral origin, universal distribution, which affects the respiratory tract. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 5-15% of the world population is infected with influenza virus annually. In March 2009, with change in the pattern of occurrence of influenza in Mexico, influenza virus A (H1N1), a quadruple recombinant never seen before, was identified by analyzing samples of nasopharyngeal secretions from symptomatic American children, confirming the epidemiological link with the cases in Mexico (CDC / Atlanta, 2009) and months, with sustained transmission from person to person and involvement of various countries and nations, was sparked a new pandemic. OBJECTIVES - The objectives of this study were to describe the temporal evolution, characterize the patterns of morbidity and mortality in different periods and to identify factors associated with the occurrence and severity of deaths in different phases of pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in CearÃ. METHODS - This study is a descriptive, retrospective study of cases reported and confirmed pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 in the state of CearÃ, in the years 2009 and 2010. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION - The pandemic occurred in three small waves, one at retention phase, characterized by mild, with rapid resolution. The second two waves, the mitigation phase, with more severe cases, higher rates of hospitalization, all patients who required intensive care (ICU) and all patients who died. 615 cases were reported, 144 of these were confirmed. 55.5% were female, 30% were mixed race, 72.5% of the cases had some serious comorbidity and 40 patients required hospitalization. Hospital mortality was 20%, and mortality in the ICU was 66%. Were significant for evolution to cure or death issues related to the demand for medical care, delay in initiation of antiviral therapy, obesity, low education, use of mechanical ventilation and be hospitalized in hospitals with specialized care. CONCLUSION - The data analysis of this study allowed in-depth knowledge about the pattern of morbidity and mortality caused by pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in the state of CearÃ. The study suggests that pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in this region of Brazil was magnitude lower compared to other states in other regions of the country with low incidence but high mortality rates in ICU patients.

Objective: Evaluation of surgical quality ensures consistency of care and facilitates improvements in the quality of care delivered. Methods: An overview of surgical quality measurement is presented. A system for monitoring thoracic morbidity and mortality (TM&M) at the Ottawa Hospital is introduced and evaluated. Results of a needs assessment survey on the involvement in thoracic surgical research and quality improvement initiatives are presented. Results: Structure, process, and outcomes reflect different viewpoints on how to evaluate surgical quality. The feasibility of the TM&M system is evaluated using descriptive and univariate statistics, while its inter-rater reliability is assessed amongst the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons. Conclusions: Outcomes have been fundamental in the evaluation of surgical quality. TM&M classification system advocates for a practice of continuous quality improvement and provides standardized and reliable feedback on surgical outcomes. Results of the needs assessment have built a strong foundation of knowledge on prospective ways to enhance the monitoring of surgical quality.

Hypertension is not consistently associated with postoperative cardiovascular morbidity and therefore not considered a major peri-operative risk factor. However, hypertension may predispose to peri-operative haemodynamic changes known to be associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality, such as intra-operative hypotension and tachycardia. The objective of this study was to determine whether pre-operative hypertension was independently associated with haemodynamic changes known to be associated with adverse peri-operative outcomes. We performed a five-day multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study which included all adult inpatients undergoing elective, noncardiac, non-obstetric surgery. We recruited 343 patients of whom 164 (47.8%) were hypertensive. An intra-operative mean arterial pressure of 100 beats per minute) occurred in 126 (38.9%) patients, of which 61 (48.4%) were hypertensive. Multivariable logistic regression did not show an independent association between the stage of hypertension and either clinically significant hypotension or tachycardia, when controlled for ASA physical status, functional status, major surgery, the duration of surgery or blood transfusion. There was no association between pre-operative hypertension and peri-operative haemodynamic changes known to be associated with major morbidity and mortality. These data therefore support the recommendation of the Joint Guidelines of the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) and the British Hypertension Society to proceed with elective surgery if a patient’s blood pressure is < 180/110 mmHg.

Hip fractures are common injuries with devastating consequences, including high rates of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of my thesis was to lay the foundation for further research which can fully explore: i) the epidemiology of morbidity and mortality following hip fracture; ii) risk factors for poor outcomes following hip fracture; iii) causes and pathways to mortality following hip fracture; iv) secondary prevention of morbidity and mortality following hip fracture; and v) potential interventions to improve outcomes following hip fracture. To this end, I will first detail the design, execution, results, and ‘lessons learned’ of a prospective observational pilot cohort study that recruited 100 consecutive patients aged ≥18 years presenting with a hip fracture to the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre of the Hamilton Health Sciences. The primary aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a larger prospective international cohort study. Second, I will present a systematic review and meta-analysis of a promising intervention that consisted of multi-disciplinary (specifically geriatrician-led) co-management of hip fracture patients. This intervention has previously been shown to reduce mortality and length of stay following hip fracture. The meta-analysis presented will determine the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing the incidence, duration, and severity of delirium—a common condition following hip fracture. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Student Number : 0411802R - MSc (Med) research report - Faculty of Health Sciences / Unintended pregnancy among the youth is a serious public health problem for it exposes the young women and the foetuses to higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Although recognised as a major public health problem, studies on it have been limited and localised in South Africa. Using the 1998 South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) data set, this study examines the distribution of and factors associated with unintended pregnancy among South African youth. The 1998 SADHS was a nationally representative cross-sectional survey with a probability sample of twelve thousand (12 000) women between the ages of 15 and 49. The survey used a structured questionnaire to collect information on fertility issues in general from the respondents. Analysis was based on 1 395 observations which was arrived at after sub setting observations of women aged 15-24 that had pregnancy at the time of and/or three years preceding the survey. Logistic regression model was employed to estimate the effects of identified predictors on unintended pregnancy. The results show a high level of unintended pregnancy with only 29% of the pregnancies wanted. The level of unintended pregnancy varies by region and some socio-economic variables. Respondents from KwaZulu Natal had the highest percentage (81%) of unintended pregnancy while North West had the lowest at 56%. It was also found that the higher the educational level of the respondents, the higher the incidence of unwanted pregnancy. Among the respondents using modern method of contraception, 74% reported having unintended pregnancy while the probability of unintended pregnancy was found to decrease with increase in age at first intercourse. Overall, about 69% of respondents who reported unintended pregnancy had last sexual relation with their regular partners, 21% with marital partners and 10% with casual partners. Using stepwise logistic regression, five critical predictors of unintended pregnancy among South African youth were identified. These are: age group, region, marital status, education and relationship to the last sexual partner. The findings of this study have implications for reproductive health policies and programs in designing appropriate national programs for reducing the incidence of unintended pregnancy among South African youth. The need for further research into this area using triangulated methodology is recommended.

Apesar da considerável queda no índice de necrópsias - dado pelo número de necrópsias sobre o número total de mortes - por diferentes motivos tecnológicos, médicos e sociais, esse ainda é o principal exame para conferência de discrepâncias diagnósticas ante-mortem e post-mortem e elaboração de relatórios sobre morbidade e mortalidade e riscos aos pacientes. Nosso estudo compara e descreve diagnósticos ante-mortem e de necrópsia dos pacientes que faleceram no HC-FMRP/USP nos anos de 2010 e 2014. Foram analisadas 1216 necropsias realizadas no HC-FMRP nos anos de 2010 e 2014, sendo pareados os diagnósticos clínico e de necrópsia e classificados segundo o modelo de Goldman (1983) modificado. O índice médio de necrópsias foi de 49%. O percentual médio de discrepâncias diagnósticas maiores foi de 23,4%, com média de 15% de discrepâncias Grau 1 e de 8,3% Grau 2. A faixa etária com maior predomínio de discrepâncias foi de 80 a 100 anos. O diagnóstico de maior prevalência foi a pneumonia, presente em 40% de todos os casos avaliados, dentre os quais 25% apresentaram discrepâncias maiores. Nossos resultados são comparáveis aos registrados na maioria dos estudos mais recentes, em que a porcentagem de discrepâncias maiores em outros hospitais brasileiros se mantém em torno dos 32- 35%, e abaixo dos resultados de estudos internacionais, nos quais a discrepâncias maiores são em torno de 20%. / Although there is a drop on necropsies rates performed in each hospital, which is the number of necropsies by total of deaths, for a number of medical, technological and social reasons, necropsy remains as the main exam to evaluate the discrepancy of premortem and postmortem diagnoses and to estimate, morbidity and mortality and patient risks. Our study compares and describes the diagnoses of patients who died at the HC-FMRP/USP during the years of 2010 e 2014. We analyzed 1216 necropsies performed at he the HC-FMRP in 2010 and 2014, comparing agreement and disagreement between clinical diagnoses and necropsy reports, by the Goldman (1983) modified classification. The mean necropsy rate was 49%. Major discrepancies were 23.4%, with average of 15% for class 1 and 8.3% for Class 2 discrepancies. We found the most common discrepancies occurred at the ages of 80 to 100 years old. The most prevalent diagnostic was \'pneumonia\', found in 40% of all cases studied, among which 25% showed major discrepancies. Our results are compatible with the main recent studies in the field in Brazilian hospitals, in which the major discrepancies are between 32-35% and under the rates of the studies conducted abroad, in which major discrepancies were around 20%.