Specialized emergency nurses treating ankle and foot injuries: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To cope with emergency departments (EDs) being progressively overcrowded, the concept of specialized emergency nurses (SENs) was conceived. In this study, the ability of SENs to treat ankle/foot injuries was assessed. METHODS: Regular emergency nurses were trained in a 2-day session that addressed all aspects of ankle/foot injuries. A randomized controlled trial was set up in which the diagnostic accuracy of SENs was compared with that of house officers (HOs). Secondary outcome parameter was patient satisfaction measured by a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 512 consecutive patients were included. The sensitivity of SENs was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-0.99) compared with 0.78 (95% CI, 0.57-0.91) of HOs. Specificity was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.97) for SENs compared with 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91-0.98) for HOs. The delivered care by SENs was found to be significantly better and the median waiting time at the ED was significantly reduced (21 minutes for SENs vs 32 minutes for HOs). CONCLUSIONS: Specialized emergency nurses are capable of assessing and treating ankle/foot injuries accurately with excellent patient satisfaction and with a reduction of waiting times. Other injury-specific courses are now developed for this approach.     

Diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility in the interpretation of Ottawa ankle and foot rules by specialized emergency nurses

OBJECTIVES: The ED is often confronted with long waiting periods. Because of the progressive shortage in general practitioners, further growth is expected in the number of patients visiting the ED without consulting a general practitioner first. These patients mainly present with minor injuries suitable for a standardized diagnostic protocol. The question was raised whether these injuries can be treated by trained ED nurses (specialized emergency nurses [SENs]). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility of SENs in assessing ankle sprains by applying the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR) and Ottawa Foot Rules (OFR). METHODS: In a prospective study, all ankle sprains presented in the ED from April to July 2004 were assessed by both a SEN and a junior doctor (house officer [HO]) randomized for first observer. Before the study, SENs were trained in applying OAR and OFR. In all patients, radiography was performed (gold standard). The diagnostic accuracy for the application of OAR and OFR was calculated for both groups and was compared using z statistics. Furthermore, from the paired results, reproducibility was calculated using kappa statistics. RESULTS: In total, 106 injuries were assessed in pairs, of which 14 were ultimately found to concern acute fractures (prevalence, 13%). The sensitivity for the SEN group was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-1.00) compared with 0.93 (95% CI, 0.64-1.00) for the HO group (no significance [ns]). The specificity of the nurses was 0.49 (95% CI, 0.38-0.60) compared with 0.39 (95% CI, 0.29-0.50) for the doctors (ns). The positive predictive value for the SEN group was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.13-0.35) compared with 0.19 (95% CI, 0.11-0.31) for the HO group (ns). The negative predictive value for the nurses was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.87-1.00) compared with 0.97 (95% CI, 0.84-1.00) for the doctors (ns). The interobserver agreement for the OAR and OFR subsets was kappa = 0.38 for the lateral malleolus; kappa = 0.30, medial malleolus; kappa = 0.50, navicular; kappa = 0.45, metatarsal V base; and kappa = 0.43, weight-bearing. The overall interobserver agreement for the OAR was kappa = 0.41 and kappa = 0.77 for the OFR. CONCLUSION: Specialized emergency nurses are able to assess ankle and foot injuries in an accurate manner with regard to the detection of acute fractures after a short, inexpensive course.     

Can accident and emergency nurse practitioners interpret radiographs? A multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of nurse practitioners in accident and emergency (A&E) to interpret distal limb radiographs, by comparison with senior house officers. DESIGN: Nurse practitioners and senior house officers in 13 A&E departments or minor injury units were shown 20 radiographs of distal limbs, with brief history and examination findings, and asked to record their interpretation. OUTCOME MEASURE: A total score for each subject was calculated by comparing answers against agreed correct responses. RESULTS: Nurse practitioners in general compared favourably with senior house officers. Those nurse practitioners who interpret radiographs as part of their role in minor injury units performed as well as the experienced senior house officer group. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse practitioners in A&E are able to interpret radiographs to a standard equal to senior house officers with three to five months' experience. Those nurse practitioners actively interpreting radiographs as part of their role in minor injury units are able to interpret radiographs to the same standard as senior house officers with more than five months' experience.     

多排螺旋CT血管造影对颈动脉狭窄诊断价值的Meta分析

目的 对以数字减影血管造影(DSA)为金标准,研究多排螺旋CT血管造影(MSCTA)诊断颈动脉狭窄的文献进行Meta汇总分析,评价MSCTA对颈动脉狭窄的临床诊断价值.方法 检索Cochrane图书馆、PubMed、OVID循证医学数据库、中国期刊网中的英文和中文文献,按照Cochrane协作网推荐的诊断试验的纳入标准筛选文献,并对纳入文献进行质量评估,提取纳入研究的特征信息.数据分析采用Meta-DiSc1.4软件,检验异质性,并根据异质性结果选择相应的效应模型.对所有研究进行加权定量合并,按临床狭窄程度分组计算灵敏度、特异度及其95%可信区间.绘制汇总受试者工作特征曲线(SROC),并计算曲线下面积.结果 共纳入7篇文献,均存在异质性.按照随机效应模型计算MSCTA诊断颈动脉狭窄率O~49%组的汇总灵敏度、汇总特异度及95%可信区间分别为0.87(0.82~O.91)、0.97(O.94~0.99);50%～69%组的汇总灵敏度、汇总特异度及95%可信区间分别为0.77(0.67~0.86)、0.95(O.92~0.97);70%~99%组的汇总灵敏度、汇总特异度及95%可信区间分别为0.92(0.86～O.96)、0.93(0.89~0.95).MSCTA诊断颈动脉狭窄率0～49%组、50%~69%组、70%~99%组的SROC曲线下面积分别为:98.36%、90.01%、98.47%.结论 汇总目前关于MSCTA诊断颈动脉狭窄的研究显示,MSCTA是一种灵敏度和特异度较高的无创性检查方法,值得临床推广.     

The San Francisco Syncope Rule vs physician judgment and decision making

OBJECTIVE: To compare a clinical decision rule (San Francisco Syncope Rule [SFSR]) and physician decision making when predicting serious outcomes in patients with syncope. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, physicians evaluated patients presenting with syncope and predicted the chance (0%-100%) of the patient developing a predefined serious outcome. They were then observed to determine their decision to admit the patient. All patients were followed up to determine whether they had a serious outcome within 7 days of their emergency department visit. Analyses included sensitivity and specificity to predict serious outcomes for low-risk patients and comparison of areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the decision rule, physician judgment, and admission decisions. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 684 visits for syncope with 79 visits resulting in serious outcomes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.95) for the SFSR compared with physician judgment 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85-0.93) and physician decision making 0.83 (95% CI, 0.81-0.87). Physicians admitted 28% of patients in a low-risk group, with a median length of stay of 1 day (interquartile range, 1-2.5 days). The SFSR had the potential to absolutely decrease admissions by 10% in this low-risk group and still predict all serious outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Physician judgment is good when predicting which patients with syncope will develop serious outcomes, but contrary to their judgment, physicians still admit a large number of low-risk patients. The SFSR performs better than current physician performance and has great potential to aid physician decision making.     

To lead or not to lead? Prospective controlled study of emergency nurses' provision of advanced life support team leadership

Background and objectives: In many emergency departments advanced life support (ALS) trained nurses do not assume a lead role in advanced resuscitation. This study investigated whether emergency nurses with previous ALS training provided good team leadership in a simulated cardiac arrest situation. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at five emergency departments and one nurses'' association meeting. All participants went through the same scenario. Details recorded included baseline blood pressure and pulse rate, time in post, time of ALS training, and subjective stress score (1 = hardly stressed; 10 = extremely stressed). Scoring took into account scenario understanding, rhythm recognition, time to defibrillation, appropriateness of interventions, and theoretical knowledge. Results: Of 57 participants, 20 were ALS trained nurses, 19 were ALS trained emergency senior house officers (SHOs), and 18 were emergency SHOs without formal ALS training. The overall mean score for doctors without ALS training was 69.5%, compared with 72.3% for ALS trained doctors and 73.7% for ALS trained nurses. Nurses found the experience less stressful (subjective stress score 5.78/10) compared with doctors without ALS training (6.5/10). The mean time taken to defibrillate from the appearance of a shockable rhythm on the monitor by the nurses and those SHOs without ALS training was 42 and 40.8 seconds, respectively. Conclusion: ALS trained nurses performed as well as ALS trained and non ALS trained emergency SHOs in a simulated cardiac arrest situation and had greater awareness of the potentially reversible causes of cardiac arrest. Thus if a senior or middle grade doctor is not available to lead the resuscitation team, it may be appropriate for experienced nursing staff with ALS training to act as ALS team leaders rather than SHOs.     

核极限学习机诊断乳腺良恶性肿块样病变

目的 采用核极限学习机（KELM）方法对乳腺良恶性肿块样病变进行分类,并评估其鉴别诊断效能。方法 对93例患者103个经术后病理或长期随访确诊的乳腺肿块样病变行MR检查。由1名低年资和1名高年资乳腺影像学诊断医师参照乳腺影像报告和数据系统（BI-RADS）第2版,选取12个MRI特征及临床特征,分别独立及采用KELM方法对乳腺病变进行良恶性分类,并计算诊断效能。结果 低年资和高年资医师使用KELM方法鉴别诊断乳腺良恶性病变的敏感度、特异度、准确率分别为0.88、0.89、0.91和0.93、0.91、0.92,AUC分别为0.84和0.89。低年资和高年资医师独立诊断的敏感度、特异度、准确率分别为0.91、0.74、0.86和0.90、0.85、0.92,AUC分别为0.83和0.90。结论 基于影像学特征及临床资料特征的KELM方法可辅助临床鉴别诊断乳腺肿块样良恶性病变,具有较理想的敏感度、特异度和准确率。     

Should relatives be allowed in the resuscitation room?

OBJECTIVE: To assess doctors' and nurses' views on the presence of relatives in the resuscitation room during cardiac arrest or major trauma. DESIGN: Questionnaires were sent to accident and emergency (A&E) nurses and doctors of all disciplines in a London teaching hospital. Recipients were asked if they would favour the presence of selected relatives in the resuscitation room and to give comments. RESULTS: 103 questionnaires were distributed and 81 returned, a response rate of 78.6%; 33% were senior house officers, 29% consultants, 16% senior registrars/registrars, 12% A&E nurses, and 10% house officers. Of the respondents, 63% were not in favour of relatives being present, and 37% were in favour. The likelihood of being in favour of allowing relatives to be present was high among A&E nurses; among doctors it increased with rising seniority. Most respondents felt that more resuscitation training would be necessary, in addition to counselling for staff and relatives. CONCLUSIONS: Staff with the least experience in dealing with resuscitations and distressed relatives were likely to be opposed to relatives being present in the resuscitation room. As there is evidence that the bereavement process is eased if a partner/relative witnesses the resuscitation, relatives should be offered the opportunity to witness resuscitation if staff training is geared towards the presence of relatives. ALS/ATLS training for all hospital doctors and nurses should include the management of distressed relatives observing a resuscitation.     

Turbidimetric D-dimer test in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: a metaanalysis

BACKGROUND: Clinicians in outpatient clinics and emergency departments desire an accurate quantitative D-dimer assay. The study objective was to evaluate the diagnostic performance characteristics of the latex turbidimetric D-dimer test in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department population. METHODS: We conducted a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and bibliographies of previous systematic reviews with no language restriction. Experts in the field of PE research were contacted to identify unpublished studies. Prospective investigations involving predominately outpatient populations with suspected PE that used a turbidimetric D-dimer test were included. Two authors extracted data independently and assessed study quality based on the composition of the patient spectrum and the reference standard used. Consensus was reached by conference. The analysis was based on a summary ROC curve and combining sensitivity and specificity independently across studies using a random-effects model. RESULTS: The search yielded 264 publications and 2 unpublished studies. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and provided a sample of 1901 individuals. Eight of the nine studies were homogeneous in terms of both sensitivity and specificity. One study had similar sensitivity but higher specificity. Combining the studies yielded an overall sensitivity of 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.96) and an overall specificity of 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.59). CONCLUSIONS: The turbidimetric D-dimer test is sensitive but nonspecific for the detection of PE in the emergency department setting. D-Dimer tests using latex turbidimetric methods appear to have test characteristics comparable to those for ELISA methods.     

Communication skills training for emergency department senior house officers--a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE: To identify common weaknesses in senior house officer-patient consultation skills, and evaluate direct observation with feedback and negotiation of educational contracts, as a teaching tool in an emergency department setting. METHOD: Common weaknesses were identified through review of feedback charts by three trained observers. Alteration in clinical and learning behaviour, as well as senior house officer and observer perceptions of the teaching were evaluated qualitatively by a combination of semistructured interviews and focus groups. RESULTS: Several common weaknesses were identified, notably the use of closed questions, and poor negotiation and explanation of treatment plan and follow up. The senior house officers perceived improvement in their clinical practice, welcomed feedback, and subsequently set, though did not complete educational contracts. While comfortable with this style of teaching, the observers felt that it did not make efficient use of teaching time. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies common weaknesses in the consultation skills of emergency department senior house officers and confirms the need for training in this area. Direct observation is effective in changing behaviour to this end, though self directed learning is not necessarily stimulated. Video recorded consultations with group feedback may be a more effective teaching tool.     

超声造影与增强CT对肾脏肿瘤诊断价值的Meta分析

目的系统评价超声造影与增强CT在肾脏肿瘤良恶性鉴别诊断中的临床价值。方法系统检索中国知网、万方、PubMed、Embase、Cochrane图书馆等数据库,检索时间为建库至2018年12月,收集有关超声造影与增强CT技术鉴别诊断同一组肾脏肿瘤良恶性的相关文献,严格按照纳入、排除标准进行文献筛查、数据提取及方法学质量评价。采用Stata 14.0软件计算两种检查方法诊断恶性肾脏肿瘤的敏感性、特异性、阳性似然比、阴性似然比、诊断比值比;绘制汇总受试者工作特征(SROC)曲线,计算曲线下面积,并探讨异质性的程度和潜在来源。结果共纳入了10项对照研究,共1290个病灶,超声造影与增强CT检测肾脏肿瘤的合并敏感性和合并特异性分别为0.95[95%可信区间(CI):0.93~0.96]和0.90(95%CI:0.85~0.93),0.75(95%CI:0.66~0.83)和0.72(95%CI:0.63~0.80),诊断比值比分别为59(95%CI:35~100)和27(95%CI:19~40),SROC曲线下面积分别为0.95(95%CI:0.93~0.97)和0.89(95%CI:0.86~0.91);两种检查方法仅诊断比值比比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。超声造影与增强CT对≤4 cm的肾脏小肿瘤合并敏感性、特异性、诊断比值比分别为0.95(95%CI:0.92~0.97)和0.87(95%CI:0.82~0.92),0.76(95%CI:0.65~0.86)和0.75(95%CI:0.65~0.86),63(95%CI:34~116)和21(95%CI:10~46),SROC曲线下面积分别为0.95(95%CI:0.93~0.97)和0.90(95%CI:0.87~0.92),二者的敏感性、诊断比值比比较差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论超声造影在肾脏肿瘤的诊断中,具有与增强CT相当的高敏感性和中等特异性;对于直径≤4 cm肾脏肿瘤,超声造影较增强CT的诊断敏感性更高。     

CT三维重建对孤立性肺结节良恶性诊断价值的Meta分析

目的：通过使用Meta分析法，综合评价CT 三维重建对孤立性肺结节（SPN）良恶性的诊断价值。方法：系统搜索万方医学网、CNKI、PubMed、Medline、VIP等数据库,检索使用CT三维重建技术对孤立性肺结节诊断的相关中外文献，检索时间截至2019年10月，严格遵从Cochrane 协作网推荐的与诊断试验相关的纳入标准以筛选相关文献,提取纳入研究文献的特征信息。Meta分析采用Stata15.1SE软件进行，文献评价采用诊断实验质量评价量表QUQDAS-2。结果:共纳入9篇研究文献[1-9],共计681例患者。汇总并计算灵敏度、特异度、诊断比值比、阳性似然比及阴性似然比，同时绘制汇总受试者工作特征(SROC)曲线并计算曲线下面积(AUC)，以及95%可信区间。得到的值分别为：0.97（0.92,0.99）、0.93（0.87,0.96）、431（96,1936）、14.0（7.4,26.7）、0.03（0.01,0.09）;0.98（0.97-0.99）。结论：CT三维重建应用于孤立性肺结节良恶性的诊断，具有较高的灵敏度、特异度及准确率，是诊断孤立性肺结节良恶性一项重要的影像学方法，具有较高的诊断效能及诊断价值。     

The ability of A&E personnel to demonstrate inhaler technique.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of accident and emergency (A&E) personnel to demonstrate metered dose inhaler technique. METHODS: 25 senior house officers and 25 nurses working in A&E were individually interviewed and assessed on their knowledge of inhaler technique and competence in demonstrating the correct use of a metered dose inhaler. RESULTS: Demonstration of inhaler technique was generally poor by the staff assessed. Although 22 (88%) of the senior house officers were aware of the British Thoracic Society guidelines, only 10 (40%) routinely checked inhaler technique when discharging asthmatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The A&E department offers an important opportunity for patient assessment and reinforcement of metered dose inhaler technique. Staff should be made aware of the British Thoracic Society guidelines and be competent at assessing and teaching inhaler technique.     

Ultrasound-assisted triage of ankle trauma can decrease the need for radiographic imaging

BackgroundAn ankle sprain is a common injury, and patients are usually examined with plain radiographs to rule out a fracture despite the fact that only a small minority actually have one.PurposeTo investigate if ultrasound (US)-guided triage can decrease the need for radiographic imaging in patients with ankle trauma.HypothesisOrthopedic surgeons can use point-of-care US with limited training to triage ankle trauma that requires standard radiographs.MethodsSeven junior orthopedic surgeons underwent a 30-minute standardized training session using a basic US musculoskeletal examination designed to exclude ankle fractures.One-hundred twenty-two patients with ankle trauma were included at the emergency department and underwent clinical investigation, including examination according to the Ottawa ankle rules as well as US and standard ankle radiographs. In this study group, radiographs identified 23 significant fractures. Ultrasound-guided triage could not exclude a fracture in 37 patients. All of the 23 fractures seen on radiographs were among the 37 patients where US could not rule out a fracture. Ottawa ankle rules managed to exclude the need for radiographs in 28 of the 122 patients, whereas 85 who underwent the US-guided triage could have avoided a radiograph. Avulsion fractures at the tip of the fibula were not considered significant.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that with limited standardized training a junior, an orthopedic surgeon is able to use US-guided triage during the primary examination at the emergency department to exclude at least significant ankle fractures. This practice could decrease the need for radiographic imaging, avoiding a mandatory radiographic investigation in many patients with ankle trauma. It would also make it possible to treat many patients with ankle trauma more rapidly and to reduce costs and radiation exposure.     

Mentoring senior house officers. Is there a role for middle grade doctors?

Objectives—To determine whether the mentoring scheme currently used has an impact on the training of senior house officers and also determine if they are willing to accept middle grade mentors.

Methods—A questionnaire comprising 10 questions was sent to all the senior house officers employed in the emergency departments of two large inner city teaching hospitals and three large district hospitals. Most of the questions required a simple yes/no response.

Results—Most of the senior house officers had mentors allocated to them but felt the scheme was not satisfactory probably because they had low expectations. Most were happy to have middle grade doctors as mentors.

Conclusions—Senior house officers have a low expectation of the present system and seem willing to accept middle grade doctors as mentors.

     

Interpreting trauma radiographs

BACKGROUND: Many accident and emergency clinicians regard the radiographic image as an extension of the clinical examination, as a provisional diagnosis, based on clinical signs and symptoms, can be confirmed or refuted by inspection of X-rays. However, the value of radiography in this context is not determined by the actual presence of trauma or pathology on the radiograph, but is dependent on the ability of a clinician to identify any trauma or pathology present. Traditionally, the responsibility for interpreting radiographic images within the accident and emergency environment in the United Kingdom (UK) has been with medical clinicians. However, expansion of the nursing role has begun to change the boundaries of professional practice and now many nurses are both requesting and interpreting trauma radiographs. AIM: To ascertain the ability of accident and emergency doctors and nurses to interpret trauma radiographs, and identify whether there is a consistent standard of interpretive accuracy that could be used as a measure of competence. METHODS: A literature review was conducted using the Cochrane Library, Medline and CINAHL databases and the keywords radiographic interpretation, radiographic reporting, accident and emergency and emergency/nurse practitioner. FINDINGS: The ability of accident and nursing doctors and nurses to interpret trauma radiographs accurately varies markedly, and no identified published study has established an appropriate level of accuracy that should be achieved in order to demonstrate satisfactory competence in the interpretation of radiographic images. CONCLUSIONS: Determining a measure of interpretive accuracy that can be used to assess ability to interpret radiographic trauma images is fraught with difficulties. Consequently, nurses may attempt to prove their skills by directly comparing their abilities to those of their medical colleagues. However, as a result of marked variation in the ability of senior house officers to interpret trauma radiographs, a similar ability does not automatically imply that a satisfactory level of ability has been achieved.     

Use of the Ottawa ankle rules by nurse practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of nurse practitioners to use the Ottawa ankle rules by comparing their requests for radiography with those of senior house officers (SHOs). METHOD: 1365 patients were assessed by a nurse trained in the use of the Ottawa ankle rules. Where indicated the nurse sent the patient for radiography. 700 patients in the same period were seen by SHOs who had not received training in these rules. After three months the SHOs were similarly trained in the use of the rules and a further 700 patients were seen. RESULTS: Nurse practitioners assessed 1365 patients; 72.6% had radiography. 1398 patients were seen only by an SHO. Before their use of the Ottawa ankle rules SHOs requested radiography in 91.0% (p = 0.001); using the rules this fell to 74.2% (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Nurse practitioners trained to use the Ottawa ankle rules are as effective as SHOs in the implementation of the rules. Moreover the sensitivity and specificity of the Ottawa ankle rules was similar to that seen in other studies.     

Assessment of the value of technician reporting of electrocardiographs in an accident and emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of a cardiac technicians' report on electrocardiographs (ECGs) in reducing serious errors of interpretation by senior house officers. METHODS: A parallel study of interpretation of ECGs by senior house officers from 238 cases seen in an accident and emergency (A&E) department in a teaching hospital. 129 ECGs were reported by a cardiac technician at the time of recording and before the senior house officer wrote a report, and 109 were reported only by the senior house officers. Misinterpretations by doctors and technicians were graded by a consultant cardiologist on a four point scale and compared in the two groups. Serious errors (grade 4) were defined as those which potentially affected immediate management. RESULTS: The number of grade 4 errors of interpretation of ECGs by A&E senior house officers was reduced by 59% when there was a prior technical report (mean (SD), 18(17)% v 6 (7%); Fisher's exact test P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When cardiac technicians provide a report on an ECG at the time of its recording, serious errors of interpretation by senior house officers are reduced.     

Nurse-led paediatric pre operative assessment: an equivalence study

AIM: to explore whether nurses can undertake the pre operative assessment of children prior to day case surgery as safely as senior house officers. DESIGN: a randomised controlled trial involving 595 children, using an equivalence methodology (a method which looks for similarity rather than a significant difference). Pre-operative assessment prior to day case surgery was randomised to either a nurse (experimental group) or a junior doctor (control group). Blinded expert verification of nurse/junior doctor performance was ascertained by an experienced anaesthetist (the 'gold standard'). RESULTS: there was equivalence between nurses and senior house officers in their ability to detect clinically significant abnormalities within the sample population. Subgroup analysis also demonstrated equivalence in respect of history taking abilities. The smaller number of clinically significant physical findings within the sample meant that equivalence in respect of physical examination remains uncertain. Although the study was limited to a single setting, the results demonstrate nurses' equivalence with junior doctors in a discrete paediatric context.     

Value of Assessment of Different Neoplasias in the Adnexa in the Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Ovarian Tumor and Benign Ovarian Tumor: A Meta-analysis

To evaluate the accuracy of the assessment of different neoplasias in the adnexa (ADNEX) model in the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign ovarian tumors, the optimal cutoff value and the accuracy in diagnosing ovarian tumors at different stages, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were retrieved to search literature with per-patient analysis until publication of the last study in November 2021. STATA 14.1, Meta-Disc 1.4 and Revman software 5.3 were used in the performance of meta-analysis. To explore sources of heterogeneity, a subgroup analysis was conducted for the ADNEX model. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, positive likelihood, negative likelihood ratio and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89–0.93), 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80–0.88), 55.55 (95% CI: 40.47–76.26), 5.71 (95% CI: 4.49–7.26), 0.10 (95% CI: 0.08–0.13) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92–0.96) in differentiating benign and malignant ovarian tumors, respectively. The area under the curve in identifying benign, borderline, stage I and stages II–IV were 0.93, 0.73, 0.27 and 0.92. The ADNEX model had high diagnostic performance was influential in the diagnosis of benign and stage II–IV ovarian tumors.