Providers

The Monthly Pulse – Providers (Feb. 2022)

The Monthly Pulse

Industry News

The Shadow Pandemic: COVID-19’s Impact on Healthcare Workers’ Mental Health

The Story

Healthcare workers experienced a host of mental health challenges following the pandemic, including anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and mood changes. Psychologists are referring to this effect as “the shadow pandemic” and predicting that it will continue to affect providers for years to come, especially if left unaddressed.

What You Should Know

Symptoms similar to PTSD have been reported among many healthcare providers across the globe following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. From intense working conditions to restrictions on seeing loved ones, these professionals have endured a burden that has prompted nearly 1 in 5 to quit their jobs. Experts predict absenteeism, reduced productivity, and staffing shortages will persist. Yet, they also say that healthcare leaders can play a role in fostering mental health among their workforce with strategies to combat burnout, anxiety, and depression, such as incorporating structural moments of self-care into shifts.

Leadless Pacing Systems: Risk of Major Complications Related to Cardiac Perforation During Implantation - Letter to Health Care Providers

The Story

The Medtronic Micra Transcatheter Pacing System is the only system that does not require wired leads. According to the FDA, these pacemakers are more likely to be associated with serious complications, including cardiac tamponade or death, than traditional pacemakers.

What You Should Know

Cardiac perforations are a rare but important risk of any pacemaker implantation, and can also occur days, weeks, or even months after the procedure. While risks of the leadless pacing system are still rare, the higher incidence of complications associated with them has prompted the FDA to monitor data and encourage providers to report any adverse events to their MedWatch program. Additionally, providers should consider the benefit-risk profile of leadless pacing systems, follow the instructions for use carefully, and prepare to emergently manage perforations during pacemaker implantation.

Safe and Effective Protocol for Discharge 3 Days After Cardiac Surgery

The Story

Despite advancements in technology, the length of hospital stays has remained the same following cardiac surgery—especially in underdeveloped countries. To reduce risks of complications, increased bed turnover, and decrease consumption of hospital resources, researchers tested an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol to determine the safety and effectiveness of a shorter, three-day stay following cardiac surgeries in Brazil.

What You Should Know

The typical length of postoperative hospital stays after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is 8.5 days in the region studied. The ERAS protocol aimed for a discharge that was nearly three times faster. Several processes were implemented, including the abbreviation of fasting, elimination of preoperative sedatives, and a decreased reliance on postoperative opioids. Ultimately, the protocol was shown to be safe and effective for a three-day discharge.

Leadership Reflections

Connection
These past two years have been brutal. Throughout the pandemic and increased political and social unrest, we’ve had to navigate completely new ways of living, both personally and professionally.

Brené Brown writes in her book, Atlas of the Heart: “Over and over, participants talked about their concern that the only thing that binds us together now is shared fear and disdain, not common humanity, shared trust, respect, or love.” She also writes: “Current neuroscience research shows that the pain and feelings of disconnection are often as real as physical pain.”

I have felt a palpable sense of loss around what Brené describes above. One of my goals for 2022 is to work at rebuilding connections among our team. Some of my strategies include: