Model helps predict pain, functional outcomes after lumbar spine surgery

Editor's Note

In this study, researchers used patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores from 15 hospitals in Washington to create a clinical prediction model for spine surgery patients that explains most of the variability in pain reduction and functional improvement after surgery.

The researchers found that after lumbar fusion surgery:

• 58.0% had improvement in disability
• 68.5% had improvement in back pain
• 76.5% had improvement in leg pain.

 These data were then used to create the model, which demonstrated good predictive performance.

 This model may be used when discussing surgical interventions with patients and their chances of achieving meaningful improvement and/or complications, the researchers say.

Question Which patients are most likely to have improvement in function, back pain, and leg pain after lumbar fusion surgery? Findings Using statewide prospective data from 15 hospitals and 1965 adult surgical candidates, 3 prediction tools were generated to predict the likelihood of improvements in function, back pain, and leg pain after lumbar fusion surgery.

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When: Wednesday, November 5 | 1:00PM-2:00PM ET

This session introduces clinical nurses to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence in healthcare, with a focus on building AI literacy. We’ll explore essential terminology, real-world examples of generative AI, and ethical frameworks such as the HIMSS “5 Rights of AI.” Participants will gain awareness of emerging technologies, from robotics to AI prompting, and how these tools are influencing clinical workflows, communication, and decision-making.

Agenda:

• Describe key AI concepts and their application in clinical workflows, communication, and decision-making.
• Analyze the ethical considerations of AI in healthcare using frameworks like the “5 Rights of AI in Healthcare.”
• Identify resources and professional development opportunities to cultivate AI literacy and stay current with emerging technologies.

Meet the speaker:

Olga Kagan, PhD, RN, FHIMSS, FAAAAI, NYAM Fellow, is a nurse scientist and educator whose work bridges informatics, innovation, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. Her research and private practice focus on food allergy management and policy through a tech-forward lens. As founder of the Food Allergy Nursing Association (FANA), she advances education and networking for nurses in this emerging subspecialty.

Dr. Kagan teaches graduate nursing informatics and leads initiatives at HIMSS, where she co-developed the “5 Rights of AI for Healthcare” and expanded the AI & Innovation Toolkit. She co-chairs the mHealth & Innovation HITE subcommittee at AAAAI and has served as HIMSS NYS Chapter board member and nursing committee chair, launching its annual Nursing Informatics Symposium in 2021. Currently President-Elect of SONSIEL, she founded its research committee and drives innovation through hackathons and pitch-a-thons globally. At NYAM, she chairs the Nursing Section, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Kagan holds degrees from Hunter-Bellevue and Molloy University and has earned multiple awards for leadership, research, and mentorship. Her thought leadership has been featured on HIMSS TV, several podcasts and in print.

 

When: Tuesday, November 18 at 12:00 PM ET

Objectives:

• Understand the risk of bi-directional pathogen transfer.
  • Gain awareness of how pathogens can move through OR table drapes and the potential implications for patient and staff safety.
• Recognize the value of evidence-based practices.
  • Learn why reviewing the latest scientific research on drape performance is critical for informed decision-making in the OR.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen infection prevention strategies.
  • Discover how selecting and using the right OR table drapes can help reduce infection risks and improve surgical outcomes.

Meet the Speaker: 

Robert Garcia, Infection Prevention Consultant

 

 

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) transformed its perioperative operations by implementing AI-driven staffing solutions to address critical challenges across 53 operating rooms. This initiative replaced manual, reactive processes with data-driven approaches that revolutionized how perioperative teams are deployed.

OHSU faced significant operational challenges, including time-consuming manual processes, limited visibility into staff experience, and difficulty optimizing team compositions. With innovative staffing technology, OHSU achieved remarkable improvements:

• 25+ hours saved weekly in staffing coordination, redirected to patient care
• 5% improvement in staffed room utilization
• 30% improvement in cross-training opportunities, enhancing care team consistency

Key Takeaways:

• AI-powered solutions transform staffing efficiency and redirect valuable time to patient care
• Data-driven approaches improve team consistency and operational performance
• Predictive analytics enable proactive staffing decisions, reducing last-minute changes
• A single source of truth for staff experience improves assignment accuracy
• Technology supports capacity growth without requiring additional resources

Join us to hear directly from OHSU leadership about their journey, implementation strategies, and the measurable impact on perioperative services. Discover how these solutions can transform your healthcare operations while improving both staff and surgeon satisfaction.

Meet the Speakers:

Dio Sumagaysay, RN, MS, Vice President, Perioperative & Multi-specialty Procedural Services, OHSU

Kristen Lund, RN, Director of OR/MSPU Scheduling & Pre-Operative Medicine Clinic, OHSU

Rayna Tuski, Director of Adult Perioperative Services, OHSU

 

 

 

Shane Stubbs, Senior Manager, Client Success, LeanTaaS

The purpose of this webinar is to show how data can be used for both negotiating with commercial payers and with equipment vendors.  We will have representatives from PayrHealth provide an overview of the reimbursement transparency data reports they have available for providers and how they can be utilized when negotiating with commercial payers.  We will also have staff from the Johnson & Johnson MedTech Sourceview team to showcase their database and how it can be used by providers for negotiating with their MedTech vendors. 

Meet the speakers: 

Eric Walker, Associate Director Health Economics and Market Analysis‬‬, Johnson & Johnson MedTech

 

Scott Dewey, Chief Managed Care Officer, PayrHealth

 

 

Scott Bednarke, Senior Manager, Strategic Account Conversions, Johnson & Johnson

 

 

Jackie Wright, C-Suite Level Leader, Large for-profit National Organization

 

 

Join Phyllis S. Quinlan, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, President/CEO of MFW Consultants to Professionals, as she shares her insights on one of the more pressing challenges for leaders in the 21st Century: managing change in the face of persistent uncertainty. Today’s leaders must adopt an agile, flexible mindset to be prepared to address the ever-changing events in today’s world. Change management is an essential skill for any leader in healthcare. However, how do you support a change-weary staff as they try to respond to the need to adjust their practice and modify systems without creating cynicism and weakening morale? This session will provide a frank discussion and present practical approaches to building staff fortitude in an unpredictable, ever-changing industry.

When: Wednesday, August 27, 12:00pm ET 

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of understanding the effects of persistent uncertainty and its impact on your staff.
• Explain why today’s leader needs to adopt a Pioneer Spirit.
• Construct an outline that features the elements of effective, sustainable Change Management

Meet the Speaker: 

Dr. Phyllis Quinlan, PhD, RN, NPD-BC is President of MFW Consultants & a successful nurse entrepreneur. She is a healthcare consultant and has practiced as a Legal Nurse Consultant specializing in defense since 2004. During her nursing career, Phyllis has held positions in clinical, education & administrative positions in a variety of practice venues.

She is a Certified Professional Coach by the International Coaching Federation and is a Fellow of the Institute of Coaching. Phyllis uses the tools of emotional intelligence, applied positive psychology, and character strength building when working with her clients.